Retirement is a time of new beginnings—a chance to finally embrace the passions that might have taken a back seat during years filled with deadlines, responsibilities, and schedules. It’s a season to slow down and connect with others in ways that feel truly fulfilling. But this newfound freedom, while exciting, can sometimes feel overwhelming. After so many years of structure, the sudden openness of each day might leave us wondering, “What now?”
Retirement doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. Some may dive fully into this next chapter, leaving work entirely to travel, spend time with family, or focus on hobbies they’ve long wanted to pursue. Others might opt to keep a hand in the professional world, whether by working part-time, volunteering with local organizations, or even starting a new venture.
For some, retirement is a blend of leisure and purpose—a time to mentor younger generations or contribute to causes they care about. However it unfolds, this season of life is a precious opportunity to shape each day with intention.
For many, creativity offers the perfect path to do just that. Creative pursuits help us find rhythm and purpose, even without the structure of a work schedule. It brings new meaning to each day, encouraging us to focus on the joy of creating rather than the rush of completing tasks. This slower pace allows us to reconnect with ourselves, fostering a sense of fulfillment that can only be found when we are mindful of the way we approach life.
Crafting, in particular, not only helps us slow down but also offers a unique way to honor the life we’ve lived. Through projects like memory books, keepsake albums, or handmade mementos, we capture the essence of who we are and what we hold dear, offering something truly lasting for our loved ones to cherish. In this way, crafting becomes a tribute to our past, a connection to the present, and a gift to the future.
But perhaps the most beautiful gift of crafting is how it connects us with others. When we create, we often seek out those who share that passion, forming bonds that might not have existed otherwise. And by creating for others, we are able to share our love in ways that words alone may not capture. Whether we’re designing a heartfelt card or passing down a keepsake to family, each piece becomes a token of appreciation and a bridge to deeper relationships.
To help make crafting a fulfilling part of your life, here are a few tips that can guide you on your journey:
1. Embrace the Process, Not Perfection:
Let go of the need to make everything “just right.” This might be easier said than done, especially if you’ve spent years in a work environment that demanded perfection. Try to give yourself permission to be free to experiment with your crafting and find beauty in the imperfections. Start by taking a deep breath, letting go of any expectations, and allowing your hands to guide your work with unfiltered creativity.
2. Start a Legacy Project:
Your life is a beautiful collection of memories, experiences, and lessons that deserve to be celebrated. And what better way to preserve these stories than by creating something tangible? I have the privilege of seeing the power of legacy projects through something we call Fan Mail Friday. Each week, crafters send in their handmade cards, sharing a bit about why they create and who they create for. I was particularly struck by Margaret from Washington, who sent us a collection of cards she made for her grandchildren. Each one was thoughtfully crafted to capture a different chapter of her life—her childhood home, her wedding day, and her first garden. She wanted her grandchildren to know where they came from, to understand the moments that shaped her, and to feel connected to the legacy she was passing on. When it comes to your own legacy project, don’t limit yourself—anything from a scrapbook full of photos to a handmade quilt that represents important milestones can serve as a love letter to the ones you cherish most.
3. Find Your Community:
Crafting is about connection, not only with yourself but with others who share the same love for creativity. Imagine gathering with friends or neighbors, each person bringing their own stories and ideas to the table. Crafting together creates a joyful space where inspiration flows freely, laughter fills the room, and friendships bloom over shared creations. In fact, I’ve seen this magic happen at our annual CREATE gatherings, where people from all walks of life come together to learn, share, and support one another. It’s as if crafting becomes like a shared language, a way to find strength in community.
This chapter of life is a gift and a time to create and give in ways that truly matter. Through crafting, you have the power to turn simple moments into cherished memories and to share pieces of your heart with those around you. Each project, no matter how small, becomes an expression of joy, a reminder of the love you bring to the world. In the end, the most lasting impact we can make is found in these shared acts of kindness and the simple, handmade treasures that carry our love forward.
