How could taking the time to think about retirement, before you actually have to, make a difference? Would it be helpful to have a vision for that time of your life, to research and plan, to have some decisions made? For instance, are you going to try to stay in your home or move to assisted living? Is it possible to create a fabulous retirement; the time of your life? Here are 22 things to think about:

1. Where would you to live?
2. What kind of housing would you prefer?
3. How close to family and adult children?
4. What kind of medical care, physicians and physical therapy are available?
5. What emergency services are available; how quickly could they reach you?
6. What options and services are available should you become disabled or seriously ill?
7. What physical activities would you to participate in?
8. Are there several options for socialization and friendship?
9. What options are available to help you to live independently?
10. What transportation services are if you could no longer drive?
11. What are some hobbies and passions you would to explore and participate in? Where would you find these?
12. What is going to stimulate your mind? How would you do this?
13. How easy will it be to go to the grocery store, the pharmacy, church, the bank, etc.
14. What would your monthly budget be; how would it be different?
15. Who would be available to help you pay your bills, file your taxes, help you with insurance filings and problems?
16. What details need to be put into place; wills, trusts, funeral, burial options?
17.  How easy would it be to get a repair man or contractor to assist you?
18. What options are there for activities with yo...

In order to function at your very best, you need to know how to control and balance your emotions, what Coaches call being in a “charged neutral” state. You’re Charged, meaning that you are in control. You’re Neutral, meaning that your emotions aren’t dragging you around. How do you express anger and hurt, without condemning or blaming others? How do you fit in with others and form good relationships , without loosing yourself along the way? First, you have to figure out what are all of the emotions that are beating you down? Next, how do you deal with them?

Tired, exhausted, no energy = Are you concentrating too much of your energy on one thing? Is it sucking the life out of you? Try balancing the physical output with some real self-care. Adding in rest, fun, doing something just because you enjoy it, will keep you from draining yourself physically and mentally.

Resentful, martyrism = Think of this emotion as secondary to hurt and anger. Resentment is an indication that you need to speak up about something. If someone has done something hurtful or made you angry, check your emotions first – “Is my anger/hurt real and justified?” If so, then, remember, “charged neutral”, speak from your heart and let this person know the way you feel and why. What can be done to change the situation?

Frustration = Are you committing to too much and not taking care of yourself, your needs and wants? Take a hard look at all that you do, only keep those things that have real meaning and are positive for you and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Design the Life you really want, not what you think you “should” have or “should” be doing.

Overwhelmed = Make your list of things you think you “need” to be doing. Look at your list – does this really “need” to be on MY list? Who else could do this or help with it? Does this really need to be done? Will it make a difference ? What can I never put on my list again? Once you’ve edited your list, then st...