What If You Were Brave--Now?

Written by Steve Sandoval, Ph.D.

Founder, The Flourishing Retiree

Not when you were 25 and thought you were invincible...

A joyous retired couple shares a lively celebration with family, with sparklers and laughter lighting up the night.

… and not when you had a job title, a packed calendar, and juuuuuusst enough money to feel trapped. I’m talking about now—in retirement or when you’re on the cusp of retirement. When the decisions become quieter but the stakes are higher. When no one’s telling you what to do—but time is.

This Is the Chapter That Really Counts

Let’s say the quiet part out loud: these next years? They’re probably your most important. You have experience. Perspective. Fewer filters and, quite honestly, fewer f****s to give. You’ve also got more control over your time than ever before—and less of it to waste.

So… what if you were brave now? Not swimming with the sharks brave (unless that’s your thing).

I mean real-life brave:

• Downsizing from a house that no longer fits the life you want

• Calling your adult kid and telling them you love them

• Saying no to busy work and yes to time with people who mean a lot to you

• Eating more salad with your meals (or, frightfully, as your meal some days)

• Admitting you don’t want to live the next 20 years the same way as the last 20

As you've heard from me ad nauseum, retirement shouldn't be a slow fade, but an excuse to rest.

A Little Backstory (Because This Is Personal)

I officially retired in my mid-fifties—though I do run this part-time side venture (The Flourishing Retiree) to stay engaged while my wife, who’s 10 years my junior, continues to work full-time. I retired earlier than most not because I was done with life—but because I was finally ready to live it on my terms.

My twin brother’s cancer diagnosis (thankfully, he’s in remission and living well), the passing of a favorite uncle, my aging parents, and a moment of real clarity all pushed me to think differently about time. And let’s be honest: I’ve got maybe 10,000 days left, give or take, barring any major illnesses or accidents I’m not aware of yet. And those days aren’t all created equal, as my eyes and joints can begin to attest.

So, I decided: enough saving, planning, and deferring joy. I’ve saved enough according to our trusted financial advisors. I’ve worked enough and feel I made lasting contributions in roles I truly liked. Now it’s time to be enough—and on purpose.

Money Is Important--But It's Not Everything

Let’s clear something up. When it comes my work at The Flourishing Retiree, I’m not anti-financial planning. You’ve absolutely got to have your ducks in a row in what I call Bucket 1 (your finances). But that’s not where the real living happens, at least for almost all people. And let’s be candid, you can’t take your money with you when you’re dead.

My focus with clients (and with myself)—and the heart of The Flourishing Retiree—is on Bucket 2, the existential stuff. The stuff that truly matters, especially during these last many years (hopefully):

• Active Health – staying mobile, strong, and connected to your body

• Relational Health – being present and intentional in your relationships

• Spiritual Health – digging into meaning, purpose, and what grounds you

• Restful Health – not just sleep or being lazy, but true restoration, leisure and breathing room

These four areas don’t just keep you busy—they keep you whole, and they go hand in hand!

Time Is the Real Budget

Retirees love to talk about their financial budgets. Fair enough—I’ve done the same after watching what feels like a thousand YouTube videos on the topic over the past several years. But here’s the truth: time is your real budget now. You can always make more money (yes, even in retirement). You can’t make more time—though taking care of your health mentioned above can certainly help stretch it.

So, let me ask you this: What would you adjust if you treated your time as precious as your 401(k)?

Being brave now might mean saying no more often. It might mean trying something new, even if it flops. It might mean being honest with yourself about what’s working for you—and what’s not. It’s not too late. It’s right on time.

A Nudge, Not a Lecture

If you’ve already retired—newly or not—and you’re feeling… well, off, I get it. I experienced the same after about week three. It’s natural. Most people prep for the financial side of retirement, but not the YOU side.

That’s where I come in—not to preach, but to nudge. To ask better questions using tools and techniques I’ve refined over time. To challenge the idea that your best days are behind you. (Spoiler alert: it’s not.) And, most importantly, to help plan your next steps toward flourishing in retirement.

So—what if you were brave now? Not reckless. Not dramatic. Just honest and purposeful.

You’ve got time—or soon will. You’ve got freedom—or soon will. Now all you need is courage—and maybe a little support to get started.

If you would like to learn more, please log into www.theflourishingretiree.net or reach out to me at theflourishingretiree@gmail.com. Would love to talk more about how I can help.