May 2006

Reading Time: Approximately 4 Minutes

My odyssey to Tanzania came to an end in early April and there are so many stories to be told. 

Top of my list was spending time with the Hadza tribe and getting to understand their culture.  They are still living and working just as their ancient ancestors did on the edge of a primeval baobab tree forest. 

Sitting around the fire at night hearing their stories and mythology was incredible.  Hearing them chant and seeing them dance in the shadows of the fire was very moving.  Understanding that an intimate, time tested activity of hunting and gathering was the key to their survival provided me with a new insight into some of the challenges we now face in our western world.

The Hadza tribe view their elders as vital, invaluable resources – people who can be counted on for guidance, insight, experience and direction.  Isn't it about time we viewed our elders more in this way?

Far from being the standard tourist safari each day was rich in experience.  Our group of 14 men became a melting pot for meaningful conversation. 

I am pleased to give you limited access to our group’s private blog – there you will find resource material, personal commentaries and a tremendous set of photographs.

• http://smabygroup.typepad.com - when prompted to do so, the username is "inventure" and the password is "jambo06" - all in lower case.
• You can also read my stories and poetry at www.lifeplanningmatters.com and click on BLOG.

Is it your turn for an African odyssey?  

Who would not want to travel to Africa? The approximate investment is $5,000 airfare excluded. If you were born before 1957 contact events@lifeplanningmatters.com . There could be a place for you in 2007.

Are you on Purpose in your life?

Take this five minute, mini assessment.  Click on www.lifeplanningmatters.com/purpose

The Flame of Identity

Are you within thinking distance of retirement?  How will your personal identity change when you leave your work for “What is Next” in your life?

Define your identity now – how do people see you?  Perhaps your present identity is driven by your work?  This is why the first question often asked by people meeting you is “what do you do?”

If these questions are a concern, you have a lot of company because they are very typical of individual’s about to leave their primary careers.  Who am I?  Where do I belong?  What is important? 

Part of the solution is to start building a new identity before you leave your primary career to ensure you have a rewarding second half of life.  Check our programs out www.lifeplanningmatters.com/whatwedo.html ... our programs will help you!

Living Large Series

Living with purpose, courage, confidence and an abiding commitment to live the fullest life possible

This is Rick Forchuk’s take on Living his Life Large!

Chronological age:   58
Age I feel:   40

Occupation:
Insurance executive/writer/broadcaster/performer

Purpose in life:
I feel that I'm here to do the best with what I have to offer.  Providing service to the community and to charity is more rewarding than any remuneration or business accolades.

Living large means:
That at this stage in life, there is little to fear - the things that frighten us earlier on matter much less - we're not likely to become thinner, get more hair, or receive that big promotion - those things cease to become issues as getting the most out of life replaces the chase for the dollar and the desire to best someone else.

Living large also means asking the question:
 "what am I doing in my life at this point for the very first time?"  If the answer is "nothing,” that's a very bad thing. 

I learned to ride a motorcycle in my mid-forties, completed an MBA in my early 50s, and I contemplate my first parachute jump in the near future.  Ballroom dancing classes are on the horizon, as is climbing in the Selkirks.  Learning enough Italian to get around Rome was last year's language project, and enjoying each day, each trip, and each new adventure with Betty, my wife, partner, and best friend of nearly 40 years becomes more and more rewarding as each day passes.  Death and dying are real consequences of living and occupy little or no space in my conscious thinking. 

To submit your story, comment or opinion email Nigel@lifeplanningmatters.com

News Release:
The New Cultural Revolution - Retirement

Canadian Boomers Not Prepared
Emotionally to Exit the Workforce

Kelowna, BC, May 1, 2006 -- In Canada, the vanguard of the baby boom generation will be retiring this year as the oldest of the group turn 60. Will boomers, the symbol of social and cultural revolution, be ready for a social and cultural revolution of their own? Nigel Brown, a retirement life planning specialist, doesn't think so.
Click here to read the entire News Release

Inquisitive About Hiring a Coach?

Email Nigel@lifeplanningmatters.com with your questions, and interest or to request a proposal.

Nigel Brown, Principal
Life Planning Matters
"Canada's #1 Retirement Transitions Coach"
Kelowna, BC, Canada
Phone: 250-764-5408
www.LifePlanningMatters.com

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