Every stage of life has its challenges. In our third stage of life, we can approach these challenges with wisdom. We can decide what is most important in life, make good decisions, develop a life plan and manage any stress we experience.

The VMNC will publish four articles over the next five months to address these topics:

1. Three important things
2. How to make good decisions
3. Life plan
4. Mindfulness and stress management

These articles were prepared by Wally Lazaruk, Ph.D., a retired educator, a Certified Professional Coach and a member of the VMNC since October 2015.

Creating a life plan will help you in all stages of life but becomes more important as you think about life after active work. A life plan presents an opportunity to write your own script and create your future.

What could your life plan contain?

Such a plan could address your preferred future, core values, attitudes, life purpose, roles and activities in life, managing decline, closing years, legacy, learning agenda and action plan:

1. Preferred future: What are your expectations and goals for next five years? (e.g., stay healthy, enjoy family, travel more, spend more time with grandchildren, move to different accommodations, and manage your financial resources…)
2. Core values:  What’s most important in life for you during the next five years? (e.g., good health, spiritual development, work, relationships, creativity, financial stability, contribution)
3. Attitudes: What attitudes do you want to practice during the next five years? (e.g.,acceptance, appreciation, gratitude, letting go, flexibility, optimism, forgiveness).
4. Life purpose: What will be your life purpose during the next five years? (e.g., to help others by modeling good health and generosity).
5. Roles and activities in life: What will be your major roles and activities in the next chapter? How much time will you spend in these roles and activities? (e.g., personal, couple or partner, family, friends, work, leisure, learning and community).
6. Managing decline:  How will you manage decline in life? (e.g., cherishing body, learning, letting go, adapting and living arrangements).
7. Closing years:  How do you get ready for the closing years?  (e.g., legal preparation, living fully, dealing with unfinished business, planning for death).
8. Legacy: What are your major achievements in life? How have you contributed to making this a better world?
9. Learning agenda: What do you need to learn to realize your preferred future?
10. Action plan: What is your plan to get from where you are today to five years from now? Ten years from now?  What are your goals, strategies, action steps and timelines? What will be your living accommodations?