Tips for Getting Started and Finding Your Fit
Feeling inspired but not sure where to begin? That’s perfectly normal. The key is to explore without pressure. Here are a few practical tips to help you on your journey:
- Start Small. You don’t have to commit to a five-day-a-week volunteer gig right away. Try a one-time event first. Take a single-session pottery class before signing up for a full semester. Ease into new activities to see what genuinely resonates with you.
- “Date” Your Interests. Think of this phase as dating. You’re trying things out to find a good match. If you try a book club and find the selections aren’t for you, it’s okay to move on. Don’t be afraid to say, “This isn’t for me,” and try something else. The goal is to find joy, not another obligation.
- Reflect on Your Past. What did you love to do as a child or a young adult, before your career and family responsibilities took center stage? Often, our earliest passions hold the key to our current-day happiness. Dust off that old guitar, pick up a sketchbook, or revisit that love for history.
- Talk to People. Visit your local senior center, library, or community recreation department. See what programs they offer. Talk to friends and neighbors about what they do to stay active and engaged. You might hear about a hiking club or a volunteer opportunity you never would have found on your own. For lifestyle and community resources, AARP offers extensive articles and local chapters.
