I’m a retired research associate professor of Social Work at the University of North Carolina who was forced abruptly into retirement in 2008 when all my project funding dried up. Since then, I retrained as a life coach, allowing me to pursue my passions: studying leading edges in psychology, and helping smart, creative people get inspired and in action to craft rewarding lives. There are many paths into retirement. Here are some things my clients have done. Some have stopped all work-related activities and simply relaxed, enjoying having time to spend with their families, or traveling. Many have returned to old hobbies or explore new ones. Others have volunteered with organizations working to address critical world problems, such as climate change, refugee crises, or homelessness. After learning to manage stress discovered there were still things they like about their jobs and chose to continue working. Others have entrepreneured new, different careers. Happily, choosing one path does not prevent you from choosing another later on—or even devoting time to several paths. Which of these possibilities appeal to you the most?How does Flourish! Retirement Coaching Work? In my coaching, I use a unique combination of two leading-edge, evidence-based approaches: energy psychology and positive psychology. I tailor my techniques to your individual values and needs. My aim as a coach is to make our sessions productive, energizing--and fun!Energy psychology addresses the mind-body causes of distress caused by pandemic and other life losses, and the predictable stresses of major life transitions. In your coaching sessions, you how to calm your nervous system and restore it to a positive emotional equilibrium. Positive psychology focuses on finding life purpose and deep satisfaction, not just on fleeting happiness. In your coaching sessions, we focus on identifying and deploying your psychological strengths, skills, and resources. I help you identify meaningful goals that are aligned with your values and stage of retirement. Together, we develop strategies for achieving them. You also learn about the appropriate mindsets that are the foundation for your personal development at this life stage. Your strengths make you resilient as your work toward your goals. As you start implementing your plans, I serve as an accountability partner If you are feeling trapped, wanting to stop working but dreading a future without joy, intellectual stimulation and meaning, coaching can help you envision and create a brighter future. Let's talk!