Finding New Purpose, Prioritizing Sleep, and Optimizing Your Family Wealth Transfer

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Retirement isn’t an ending — it’s a shift. After years of structure and routine, the sudden quiet can feel both freeing and uncertain. Many people discover that what they miss most isn’t the job itself, but the sense of direction it gave their days. The good news is that purpose doesn’t retire — it just changes shape.

Purpose doesn’t have to mean a big mission or a packed schedule. It can be as simple as having something that gets you up in the morning and makes you feel useful or connected. For some, that’s volunteering — mentoring, tutoring, or helping at a food pantry. For others, it’s creative work, exploring a long-delayed hobby, or diving into community projects.

You might also think about what you’ve always been drawn to — the subjects you read about, the causes that stir you, the people who leave you feeling energized. Write a short list and look for themes. Often, the threads of purpose are already there; they just need attention and intention.

It’s also natural for purpose to evolve. What matters at 65 may not be what matters at 75. The key is staying curious and open to what feels meaningful now — and giving yourself permission to explore.

If you’d like to talk through your goals and uncover what gives you a renewed sense of direction, reply “life coaching” for a free introductory call focused on life after retirement.

💌 If you found these ideas helpful, forward this newsletter to a friend — rediscovering purpose is something worth sharing.

“The Music Box”
From the life overview of Claudia J., 79, Louisville, KY. Shared with permission.

The music box sat on the dresser in my childhood bedroom. The object was small and wooden, with a delicate brass key. I would wind it carefully, listening as the gears clicked while the tiny ballerina twirled in perfect circles. The tune was simple, almost fragile, but it carried me across oceans of imagination—dancing in grand ballrooms, twirling under chandeliers I’d never seen.

One rainy afternoon, decades later, I found the music box again, tucked in a drawer of my own dresser. The wood was faded, the brass slightly tarnished, but when I wound it, the melody sprang to life just as I remembered. The notes seemed to echo the soft patter of rain on the roof, mingling with the smell of polished wood and the faint scent of lavender sachets.

As I sat on the edge of my bed, watching the ballerina spin, I remembered my mother humming along, her voice low and comforting. The room was quiet except for the music, and I felt the presence of all those who had loved me, past and present, gathered in a single, fleeting moment.

Now, the music box has its own place on my nightstand. Each time I wind it, I hear not only the melody but also the years that have passed, the hands that held mine, and the quiet continuity of memory. Life, as I came to realize, is often best preserved in small, spinning moments that carry the heart through time.

***

NOAA Ocean Explorer
NOAA’s Ocean Explorer offers articles, maps, and dive footage that explain ocean science in clear language. It’s an easy way to learn about marine life, ecosystems, and recent expeditions without needing any technical background.

National Weather Service: Educational Resources
This collection explains how weather systems work, from clouds and storms to seasonal patterns, using simple diagrams and short articles. It’s useful if you’ve ever wondered why certain forecasts behave the way they do or want a clearer sense of how to read weather information.

Harvard Health Publishing: Mind & Mood
This section brings together current research on sleep, memory, stress, and emotional resilience in an easy-to-understand format. It’s a steady source of practical information for anyone interested in maintaining mental well-being as part of everyday life.

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Podcasts are like on-demand radio shows—you can listen anytime, pause whenever you need to, and explore topics ranging from history to health to storytelling. They’re free, easy to use, and a great way to stay informed or entertained. Here’s how to get started, whether you’re brand new to podcasts or ready to explore more advanced options.

If you use an iPhone, the easiest option is the built-in Apple Podcasts app. Open it, tap “Search,” and type in a topic or show name. When you see something you like, tap play. No account is required to listen.

If you use Android, the simplest option now is YouTube Music. Download it from the Google Play Store if it’s not already on your phone. Open the app, tap “Podcasts,” browse or search, and press play. It works very similarly to radio stations but with on-demand episodes.

For listening on a computer, open podcasts.apple.com (works on any browser) or go to music.youtube.com and click the “Podcasts” tab. Both let you listen instantly without installing anything.

If you want more features—like organizing shows, building custom playlists, or syncing your listening between devices—dedicated podcast apps offer more flexibility.

Spotify is one of the most widely used options. It works on phones, tablets, computers, and smart speakers. You can download it from the App Store or Google Play. Once installed, search “Podcasts & Shows.” Spotify also lets you adjust playback speed and set sleep timers.

Pocket Casts, is excellent for people who want a clean interface, strong organization tools, and easy switching between phone and computer. It’s especially good if you listen to many different shows.

Most apps—Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, and Pocket Casts—allow you to download episodes for offline listening, adjust speed, and mark your favorites for quick access.

Once you find a podcast app that feels comfortable, you can treat it like your own personal radio station—always ready with news, stories, advice, or company. A little setup today opens the door to thousands of hours of free, enjoyable listening.

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Unscramble the letters to find a famous person, event, or object! Be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a free gift in the mail.

Today’s clue: Hard rock band known for heavy riffs and mystical lyrics.

DEL PPZINLEE

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