avatarDan Pfeifer

Summary

Dan Pfeifer's article discusses the importance of making Sundays special during retirement, suggesting activities like attending religious services, family gatherings, personal hobbies, and day trips to enhance enjoyment and maintain a routine.

Abstract

In "There’s Something Special About Sunday-Embracing Retirement," Dan Pfeifer emphasizes the significance of Sundays in retirement, advocating for a routine that includes meaningful activities. He encourages retirees to consider attending religious services to foster community and spiritual growth, inviting family for dinners to strengthen bonds, and engaging in personal hobbies such as writing on Medium for mental well-being. Pfeifer also recommends taking day trips to explore and enjoy leisure time, especially as more events are scheduled on weekends. He concludes by reassuring readers that these suggestions aim to help them adjust to and fully enjoy their retirement, with upcoming articles set to delve into his hobbies and their role in a fulfilling retirement.

Opinions

  • The author believes that Sundays retain a special significance even in retirement, contributing to a more enjoyable retirement experience.
  • Pfeifer suggests that establishing a routine, starting with Sunday activities, is crucial for a fulfilling retirement.
  • He posits that engaging in religious services can provide a sense of community and purpose, regardless of past attendance.
  • Family gatherings, particularly Sunday dinners, are seen as vital for maintaining strong family connections.
  • The author values personal hobbies, especially writing, as a means to relax, express thoughts, and provide enjoyment for others.
  • Pfeifer advocates for the benefits of taking day trips, highlighting the variety of activities available, particularly on weekends.
  • He expresses that adjusting to retirement can be challenging, but small steps like those he suggests can lead to a more relaxed and enjoyable retirement.
  • The author emphasizes the importance of hobbies in retirement for occupying time, increasing enjoyment, and boosting self-esteem.

There’s Something Special About Sunday-Embracing Retirement

Volume 3-There’s Nothing Like a Sunday, Make it Special

Photo by John Forson on Unsplash

Welcome back to my ongoing series regarding retirement. I appreciate all of you reading my previous articles as this seems like a popular topic. After all, since the pandemic began, the number of retirees is increasing like never before. My goal is for everyone to get the most enjoyment out of their retirement. We all deserve it! After all, we have worked all of our lives to get to this point.

Even though being retired means that our normal routines have changed, including the 5 day work week and the weekend, I still find that Sunday has a special feel to it. I’m not sure why. There is just nothing like a Sunday! It is even sweeter during retirement.

Make Sunday Special

Previously I wrote about how important it is to have a routine in retirement.

One way to work towards this goal of a routine is to start small. Baby steps. Focus on one day a week. How about Sunday? Following are some suggestions of things to do on a Sunday.

  • Attend Religious Services

I’m sure many of you already do this, however if you don’t perhaps give it a try. Has it been years since you attended Sunday services, or maybe you never have? Either way it is a great way to get out of the house, meet people and strengthen your faith.

Photo by Joshua Eckstein on Unsplash
  • Invite Family For a Dinner or Get-Together

Again many of us already do this and since more of us have been vaccinated against Covid 19, it is now possible once again in person. Growing up, Sunday dinner was a special event as it was one of the days my parents took it a little easier and had family over for dinner. If you don’t do this, start the tradition. Keep in touch with your loved ones who are local, make it a regular or semi-regular event. You will be glad you did. It will good for your kids, also, to build strong family ties.

Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash
  • Make Time For Yourself — Writing on Medium is a Great Hobby!

This is important also as I have stated before. Developing a hobby, whatever it is, will help you mentally and physically. I personally have many hobbies, perhaps too many including gardening, birdwatching, biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, collecting baseball cards, writing, music and more.

Since you are reading this article on Medium, then reading and writing is most likely already a hobby for you. Why not focus on writing more often and expressing your thoughts and feelings? Take it up a notch!

I find writing very relaxing and calming. I’m not sure why; it just is. I always feel better after writing. Perhaps it is a way to “download” my thoughts. It is a win-win since you are also providing enjoyment for your readers.

Photo by Dan Counsell on Unsplash
  • Take a Day Trip

This is also a good option for a Sunday. Does it have to be a Sunday if you’re retired? No. However, many special events occur on the weekend to accommodate working people. Take a ride, go shopping, visit a winery or brewery, go to a fair, attend a barbecue, go on a hike, ride a bike; the list is endless, especially in the summer. The important thing is to get out and about. It does you good!

Photo by Mark Stosberg on Unsplash

Conclusion

I hope this helps you to ultimately enjoy your retirement. That is the goal. It is a shame that some have trouble adjusting to retirement. If you are having trouble, take small steps. Hopefully my suggestions will provide an avenue for allowing you to relax and enjoy.

Upcoming Articles

In the near future I will highlight some of my hobbies. I believe that hobbies are crucial to having a successful retirement as it helps to occupy your time, and increases your enjoyment and self esteem. Stay tuned for more stories.

Retirement
Hobbies And Interests
Relaxation
Self Esteem
Mental Health Awareness
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