Self actualization: that time to relate to our inner world and operationalize those latent gifts and talents. We express our uniqueness in any variety of ways: writing, working or helping others, painting, community projects, new careers or business ventures.

It is entirely appropriate to look at retirement as a time for self-actualization. If we accept that we were created to make a unique contribution, then self actualization is making that contribution.

Abraham Maslow, a psychologist, described self actualization as a need that begs to be fulfilled when we meet the more basic physical, safety, love and acceptance needs. Maslow felt that we grow our entire lives and that we each have something unique to express. When we reach retirement age, we usually have our more basic needs met; now we are in position, in fact, encouraged by our inner direction to be self-expressive.

Usually, we have had habitual masters that we have served: our job, schedule and commitments. In retirement those external voices are no longer there, and we have the opportunity to express our inner desires. Ask yourself, what do I want to express? The answer will come, sometimes we have turned the volume so low that it will take some time to hear it, but it will get louder. We allow others to enjoy our inner being without worry of acceptance, without the need to satisfy others, merely from the joy of self-expression. It is a natural progression if we allow it.

The rewards can astound us: a feeling that nothing is left wanting, a sense of freedom and liberation, a sense of total involvement, of self harmony, a sense of satisfaction that we are an integral part of all that surrounds us. We feel we are fulfilling our true individual purpose so that others can benefit.