Are you using the energy of self-actualization?
Self actualization: that time to relate to our inner world and
operationalize those latent gifts and talents. We express our
uniqueness in any variety of ways: writing, working or helping
others, painting, community projects, new careers or business
ventures.
It is entirely appropriate to look at retirement as a time for
self-actualization. If we accept that we were created to make a
unique contribution, then self actualization is making that
contribution.
Abraham Maslow, a psychologist, described self actualization as
a need that begs to be fulfilled when we meet the more basic
physical, safety, love and acceptance needs. Maslow felt that we
grow our entire lives and that we each have something unique to
express. When we reach retirement age, we usually have our more
basic needs met; now we are in position, in fact, encouraged by
our inner direction to be self-expressive.
Usually, we have had habitual masters that we have served: our
job, schedule and commitments. In retirement those external
voices are no longer there, and we have the opportunity to
express our inner desires. Ask yourself, what do I want to
express? The answer will come, sometimes we have turned the
volume so low that it will take some time to hear it, but it
will get louder. We allow others to enjoy our inner being
without worry of acceptance, without the need to satisfy others,
merely from the joy of self-expression. It is a natural
progression if we allow it.
The rewards can astound us: a feeling that nothing is left
wanting, a sense of freedom and liberation, a sense of total
involvement, of self harmony, a sense of satisfaction that we
are an integral part of all that surrounds us. We feel we are
fulfilling our true individual purpose so that others can
benefit.