Many times I’ve spoken about my ever-expanding goals and how checking one item off a list can present one or more additions to the list. For example when I realized I had visited 5 continents over my years of travel, I was motivated to make it a goal to visit Australia and Antarctica so I could check off all seven continents.
This journey began in a quiet way. My wife and I took a trip to the Galapagos Islands 15 – 20 years ago. Occasionally I have a short attention span, so I decided to take photographs of the animal inhabitants. When I returned home and began to sort through the photos, I felt they were OK, but not amazing. This made me want to be a better photographer.
I had met a professional photographer on the trip who lived in California, so I called him to ask if he would give me some time and share his expertise. My trip to his home was the beginning of my education. I got some great tips from him and came home energized.
From there I enrolled in some photography courses, began to upgrade my equipment, and my wife and I made a list of places we could go to see and photograph the wonders of nature.
I continue to work on improving my photography skills. I challenge myself to develop better techniques. And I continually look for new subjects to add to my photo gallery. It all started with a plan to combat potential boredom on a trip by taking pictures of the blue-footed booby.
I am not proposing that travel and photography is the answer for everyone. For me it has kept me engaged and challenged. There are many ways people can do this. I have a friend who has recently taken up pottery-making and now prowls gift shops, décor stores and kitchen stores to get ideas for vessels and glazes.
I challenge you to find something that will provide engagement, education, and personal enjoyment.
You’re invited to explore these retirement issues and more on my bi-weekly podcast, Changing the Rules. Find it on your favorite podcast site or go to Changing The Rules.
To learn more about our courses go here. The mission of Ray Loewe’s Discovery Sessions is to guide you through a process that will equip you with the tools you need to personally design the life of your dreams.
“Take control and plan your own life. If you don’t, someone else will”
by Raymond D. Loewe
