DON’T HAVE A HOBBY, GET A PASSION INSTEAD!
When you are in your twenties and thirties, usually you are very busy with work and kids. You barely have time for yourself. Once your house empties out, it is time to check out possible passions. Do it sooner than later. They can involve working with your hands, brain or physical sports or all of the above. Check out your older friends… the ones who laugh a lot rather than complain. Find out what they do.
One way to think about it is to ask yourself “what would I do I if I had the time?” In your 70s, do you want to spend your time on your Lazy Boy watching TV or do something which uses your brain and muscles and keeps both of them sharper. One group of people who seem to have more of a challenge keeping busy after retirement are doctors. They have been so very busy that the day they retire, they feel like they have stepped off a cliff. Some of them are so desperate for something to occupy their days that they end up going back to work part time. Is that you?
Whether it is creative hobbies (woodworking, tax preparation, jewelry design, needlepoint, mountain climbing, sky diving, wind surfing, or painting) projects (like keeping your Model A Ford going, writing a book or getting really involved in local activities) or sports (golf or tennis or sailboat racing) or volunteer (check out the website VolunteerMatch), they will keep a smile on your face and fill up your calendar.
Do not be bored…or you will end up flat as a board (in bed and always grumpy).
Turning Out the Lights with a Smile 