By Dave Smith, The Ultimate Retirement Coach
“Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.” – Desiderata by Max Ehrmann
Retirement isn’t just about stopping work — it’s about starting something new. Yet, amid the noise of financial planning, family opinions, and social expectations, many retirees lose sight of something vital: inner peace.
The truth is, peace doesn’t come from the size of your nest egg or the number of golf rounds you play. It comes from intentionally creating space for silence, reflection, and calm — even when life feels loud.
Take a moment to ask yourself:
“Am I filling my time with distractions instead of peace?”
This could be:
Saying “yes” to things you don’t want to do
Obsessing over markets, news, or social media
Avoiding stillness because you’re unsure who you are without your job
Sometimes, the scariest thing about retirement isn’t boredom — it’s silence. But that’s exactly where the most powerful clarity can emerge.
This week, your mission is simple: create one peaceful moment each day.
Download the free worksheet below to guide your reflections.
Each day, complete the following three steps:
Find Your Quiet
Set aside 10–15 minutes of intentional silence — no phone, no TV, no to-do list. Just sit, walk, or breathe in stillness.
Reflect on the Prompt (varies by day):
Day 1: What does peace mean to me today?
Day 2: What’s one thing I can let go of?
Day 3: Who brings noise into my life — and why do I allow it?
Day 4: When did I last feel deeply calm?
Day 5: What part of my identity do I miss from my career?
Day 6: What do I want more of in this new chapter?
Day 7: What can I do tomorrow to bring more silence into my routine?
Write One Intention for Tomorrow
A simple sentence: “Tomorrow, I will…”
👉 7-Day Peace Practice Worksheet (Fillable PDF)
Retirement isn’t a destination — it’s a transition. And Desiderata reminds us that peace is not something we stumble into. It’s something we create, every day, with care and courage.
You’ve earned this chapter. Fill it not just with activity — but with serenity.
Stay calm. Stay curious. Stay you.
– Dave Smith, The Ultimate Retirement Coach