Visualizing Your Ideal Life

As a part of the 55 and older set, you’ve reached a point in your life where you likely have more choices. Your exhausting child-rearing days are over, and you may have ended or “dialed back” your career. So what’s next for you and your future? How do you leave behind the things you no longer want to do in favor of pursuing the things you find most appealing? To a large extent, the fullness and vibrancy of your future is dependent on your ability to visualize your ideal life. 

The Importance of Visualizing an Ideal Future 
Writer Richard Bach once said, “To bring anything into your life, imagine that it’s already there.” Although you may think this only applied to your younger self – the one chasing financial freedom, career progression and marriage and children – this applies more than ever to your future as a senior. Visualizing a healthy, exciting and vibrant future will keep you motivated, engaged and ready to tackle the next chapter in your life with enthusiasm. 

Knowing What You Want is Key 
In order to visualize an ideal future for yourself, it’s important to first understand what you want. Talking with like-minded friends or close family members or using journaling exercises may be helpful techniques for crystalizing ideal scenarios in your mind. Next, make lists of those things you’d like more of in your life and those things that you’d less of, or not at all. Here are some examples to get you started:

Things I would like more of in my life

• Socializing with other people of a similar age.
• Taking classes or learning something new. 
• Travel and adventure. 
• Experiencing new things, getting out of the house and finding new hobbies. 
• Getting physical with more exercise.
• Healthy living and feeling good.
• Volunteering or getting more involved in the local community.
• Someone to take care of the mundane tasks of my life (for example, cooking and cleaning).
• Independence and comfort. 

Things I would like less of (or not at all) in my life

• Chores, laundry and housework. 
• Making decisions about home maintenance. 
• Living in a home that is old or outdated. 
• Cooking for myself or for my family. 
• Feelings of boredom or isolation. 
• Lack of independence or mobility. 

Embrace Your Vision 
Once you’ve got your “ideal life” list together, it’s time to vividly imagine that idyllic life in your mind. To do this, it may be helpful to create a vision board about it, describe it to a friend or close your eyes and focus on envisioning the details of your ideal life. Really imagine the sights, emotions, sounds and even tastes of your exciting new future. Try to envision it as if it was real in the present. 

Bring Your Vision to Life 
Once you have a clear vision, the next step is to make your visualized ideal life a reality. This may entail creating a to-do list of items that need to be accomplished and breaking each down into smaller tasks. Alternatively, you may be able to enlist a friend, family member or professional planner for assistance. Regardless of the method you select, planning and patience will both be key to bringing your vision to life. 

The Right Community Can Get You There 
Taking the leap to join a vibrant active adult community can afford you with the independence and lifestyle you’re craving. Echo Lake offers comprehensive healthy living programs, lifestyle options and a strong sense of community. Our residents enjoy all the freedom they expect out of life while embracing all that it has to offer.

Contact us to learn more about our luxury retirement community located in the picturesque Atwater neighborhood of Malvern, Pennsylvania.