Transition and Challenges in Retirement

Since my last posting my life has taken a few twists and turns which is normal after losing someone close. Its been a challenge because in losing my mum and having looked after my Dad for most of the summer, I needed to know what to do to recuperate my life?

I had a number of challenges re my business and up to the present I have a number of clients I follow and who have kept me on top of things during a difficult period. Also, I kept up with my newsletter for my www.too-active-to-retire.com programme.

I went to Spain for a week in the warm sunshine which is something I desperately needed after a very dull and miserable August in the UK. We have spent quite a bit of time in our apt. in Spain but this particular week meant much more. I realised how powerful the sea air and the sunshine is for one's general wellbeing. As the autumn approached my husband announced he wanted to spend 6 months in Spain during the winter months. This was not my idea of what I wanted to do but I went in November and we had the most beautiful month of sunshine when we were out walking and visiting different places each week. We heard about the freezing temps. and snow in France!

I returned to France for a week and then another week in the UK for Christmas. By the time December came and after having looked at a few properties, we decided that it would give me a better quality of life if I settled in Spain and returned to France from time to time. So this is what we've decided to do and we're in the process of organising a move for the end of April. Once the decision is made there's no going back and I am excited about how my new life will develop in the years ahead.

The message for retirees in all of this is when you want to change something radical in your life, especially a move, spend at least a year in the area renting before you decide to move to another country. There are many situations you have to consider and make sure you know about all the laws re buying a place as your main residence. For instance in Spain you cannot sell your residence, ie if its your principal residence, until you've lived in it for 4 years. Make sure you understand what it means to you personally and your family before making the final move, especially when you move to a different country with different cultures and laws.

The kids and grandkids are delighted as they will have a new place to visit on holiday soon. We are looking forward to the warmth of the sun after experiencing even just 1 month of the winter here - snowy and freezing!

The daffodils and crocuses are peeping up now, so Spring is just around the corner. We have a beautiful sunny day today. As we leap into Spring, the questions to ask my be:

Now the sunshine is back, how can I use my energy to the best cause in the coming months?

What is it I've been putting off and need to do to free my mind and move forward?

What can I do today and the coming weeks to give to friends, family and society?

Do I have sufficient support in my local community? If not, what can I change to develop that support?

Have fun with all of this and laugh and be happy! 

This picture is very simple and the qualities it has gives a strong message for my programme www.too-active-to-retire.com, that the rest of your life has so much to look forward to.

- Escapism - getting those imaginative juices working

- An activity in a peaceful place that you love

- Absorbing the wonders of your beautiful environment

The above is a strong vision for anyone who is challenged to want to take part in my programme.

I have been extremely challenged this summer in the UK. My dear mum passed away on 19 July and my Dad who is alone and has no family members in the UK, fell and broke his hip while pulling out his mower from the garage! I am exhausted and returned to Divonne on Thursday after just over 5 weeks in the cloud and rain!

However, I have such a strong vision for my programme that I am now looking forward to drafting my new book - watch this space!

What is your biggest challenge? I'm looking to develop another book that includes different personal stories of life into retirement. If you would like to write a few pages of your life I will be publishing some of them and you will receive a free book and of course your name will be mentioned under your story in my book. Go to http://www.too-active-to-retire.com to learn about my programme and if you need help with your story email me on carole@too-active-to-retire.com. Wishing you all a great day. With love,

Carole

Carole Barnérias
For inspiration and motivation in retirement
carole@too-active-to-retire.com
Skype: lifeintransition

"Design Your Retirement" - Create your Inspiring Personal Retirement Plan
with Carole Barnérias, the Too-active-to-retire Coach!

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How to Beat the Doldrums on a rainy day in summer

This is the view from my apartment in Cumbre del Sol, Moraira, Costa Blanca, Spain. I need to talk about a sunny climate today as the rain is pouring down in this normally beautiful part of France. We live near Geneva and we've had more rain and storms than I wish to remember. Its been the same in most of this part of Europe where we've had little summer so far.

So, what does one do to get out of the doldrums in this terrible weather in summer?

5 Tips for giving yourself an uplift:

• Think of that beautiful area where you know the sun shines regularly


• Go to a spa to give yourself a beauty treatment or hamham and sauna


• Hit the Sales and buy something bright and cheerful


• Read an uplifting book


• What about that future holiday in the sun and book well in advance

If Spain may be on your agenda then take a look at my apartment on http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/24231.

I have also developed a new coaching programme called http://www.too-active-to-retire.com/ have a look and contact me if you are interested in knowing more.

God Bless. Carole

What does life balance mean to you?
I can imagine what is going through your mind - how can I achieve life balance when I am having to spend twelve or more hours at work? This scenario is for men and women alike. These days with an uncertain economic climate, many of you are probably having to take on even more duties. You are tired, unmotivated and know that the bottom line is that the mortgage and school fees have to be paid. Mums are also warn out with having to look after the children, run a household and many also go out to work, while their spouse is away travelling on business.

So, in this rather grim climate what can one do? Look at the following tips to see if they will help you get started in learning to balance your life so you learn to live the life you enjoy.

• Prioritize: Look at where you are spending your time
• Write it down: Don't think I know what I have to do today - write down the most important tasks and break them down even further
• Have a goal for each week and take at least 30 minutes a day to work on your goal
• Get a plan of action written up for the next week and eventually monthly
• Make sure you have fun. Take the kids out for a picnic. Play with them. Have time out for yourselves.

We cannot control what life sends our way, but we can control how we lead our lives.

Let me know how you are getting on. With love, Carole

I just love heart to heart talks which is at the very heart of my life coaching business.

Last week I was visiting my parents in one of the most beautiful areas of the UK called Corfe Castle in Dorset. The countryside is so beautiful that it touches me to the very core of my soul to look at the wonders of nature. The thatched rooves of the village give it that special atmosphere of a village that has not changed for many years. The rolling hills and dales just next to some breathtaking views high up straight down to the cliffs and sea below. Most of the area is controlled by the National Trust which means that people cannot build what they want on the land. In fact most of the land cannot be built on, hence the beauty of the countryside.

I will be sharing more of what I do re my coaching support in my next posting. Enjoy every minute of each day and tomorrow will look after itself. With love, Carole