- New Wave Retirement Newsletter
- Posts
- No Tricks, Just Treats: Thriving Through Change in Retirement
No Tricks, Just Treats: Thriving Through Change in Retirement
Edition #5 - October 2024
Liana
October 24, 2024
When we think of Halloween we instantly think of spooky movies, adorable trick or treaters and sweet snacks. However if we look at the roots of this tradition, we find the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was all about transitions—the shift from summer’s bounty to the challenges of winter, a time when the Celts believed the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred. They used bonfires, costumes, and community gatherings to ease this unsettling shift, reminding us that even the most uncertain times are better faced together.
This concept has surprising relevance for retirees. Like the transition to a new season, retirement marks a shift from one season of life to another, sometimes with unexpected challenges or even a sense of loss. The Celts found peace through rituals, connections, and celebrating change—lessons we can embrace too. Whether it's rekindling relationships, joining new communities, or starting a new family tradition, the secret lies in accepting transitions as new beginnings full of opportunity.
Much like how the ancient Celts adapted to their new environment, retirees thrive by staying engaged and finding joy in fresh opportunities. Volunteering, trying a class, or even mentoring the next generation can create the sense of purpose and belonging that keeps life vibrant—just as lighting a bonfire kept the spirits at bay.
So, this Halloween, as ghosts and goblins (and the local kids) flood the streets, take a moment to think about your own life’s transitions. Instead of avoiding change, try to greet it with the same festive spirit as those who faced uncertainty in the olden days. After all, every new season—whether in nature or life—brings the chance to grow and discover new adventures. 🎃👻
What’s On?
Events / Activities
Description | Date/Time/Place |
|---|---|
This Week: | |
Bundanoon Garden Ramble🌻 Fancy a day trip? Enjoy two days exploring eight beautiful gardens, with stalls and a charming village to explore. Just a couple of hours out of Sydney! | Dates: Sat 26 - Sun 27 Oct Location: Bundanoon Gardens Cost: $5 - $25 |
Brookvale Halloween Festival 🎃 Spooky fun for all ages to raise funds for new classroom furniture at Brookvale Public School. Join to help increase community engagement and raise funds for new furniture in every classroom for Brookvale Public School. | Dates: Sat 26 Oct, 2pm - 7pm Location: Brookvale Public School Cost: $2 |
Open Air Cinema - Ghostbusters 👻 Step into the Halloween spirit with our free Open Air Cinema, returning to Brookvale this October! Featuring the chilling new Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024). | Dates: Sat 26 Oct, 5:30pm Location: Brookvale Oval Cost: Free |
Upcoming/ Ongoing: | |
North Sydney Festival🚊 Toot toot! Celebrate the opening of the new Victoria Cross Station and explore new retail and dining venues in North Sydney. | Dates: Sat 2nd Nov, 11am - 5pm Location: North Sydney CBD Cost: Free! |
World Food Market - Collaroy 🍲 Enjoy global cuisine from food trucks and live entertainment at Collaroy Plateau Park. | Date: Fri 1 & 8 Nov Location: Collaroy Plateau Park Cost: Free |
Northern Beaches Music Festival🎵 Featuring 40 acts across multiple stages, with world music, local artists, and community vibes. | Dates: Sat 2 - Sun 3 Nov, 11am - 7pm Location: Tramshed Community Arts Centre and The Berry Reserve, Narrabeen Cost: Free - $100 |
Wellness Wednesdays - Waverton🧘 Residents can enjoy free classes including Pilates, yoga, meditation, and strength training at the stunning waterfront Coal Loader Platform every Wednesday until 26 March 2025. | Dates: Wednesdays, 7:30am Location: 2 Balls Head Drive, Waverton Cost: Free |
Primavera Exhibition🎨 The MCA’s annual exhibit of work by emerging Australian artists. | Dates: On until Jan 2025 Location: Museum of Contemporary Art Cost: Free |
Titanique A hilarious musical mash-up of James Cameron’s Titanic and Céline Dion’s greatest hits. | Dates: Now until 1 Dec Location: The Grand Electric, Surry Hills Cost: From $75 |
Groups (with a green theme this week!🌳)
Description | Details |
|---|---|
Canopy Keepers🌲 | Canopy keepers is a community group working towards the preservation and regeneration of Pittwater’s canopy Joining fee: Free! |
Curl Curl Lagoon Friends Inc.🌊 | Help rehabilitate Curl Curl Lagoon and its surrounds. Joining fee: Free |
Living Ocean🐋 | Support ocean conservation and coastal ecosystem research. Fee/ Donation: $5 - $40 |
Volunteering
Opportunity | Description | Commitment |
|---|---|---|
Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew🌍 | Join monthly beach clean-ups, held on the last Sunday of every month. Next event: 27 Oct | 1 day. |
History Research Assistant📜 | Help maintain records at the Cutler Research Centre, North Head. | A few hours per week. |
TAFE ESL Tutor📝 | Teach English to migrants as part of the AMEP program. | One hour per week for 6 months. |
As always, I’d love to hear if you tried any of the things I’ve mentioned above, or if you’ve participated in other great activities that the community should know about!
Until next week!
-Liana xx
Reply