Celebrating Together – Community and Connection
- Ashley Walker
- Nov 24, 2025
- 1 min read
Our second weekend in Italy, I found myself swept up in the sights and sounds of a medieval festival in San Gemini’s, the very quaint village where we stayed. The narrow streets were alive with music, colorful costumes, laughter, and the smell of delicious food. Everywhere I looked, people were gathering—friends, families, and strangers alike—all coming together to celebrate a tradition that has lasted for centuries.
As I wandered through the festival, I couldn’t help but think about how much joy we find in community. Festivals like this remind us that life is meant to be shared.
And the same is true in retirement. One of the greatest challenges I see retirees face is loneliness and disconnection.
When the structure of work and the built-in social network it provides disappear, it can leave an empty space. When we are intentional about building and nurturing connections—through friendships, family, volunteer work, clubs, new ventures, or even new communities—we create joy, belonging, and purpose.
The San Gemini festival has survived for centuries not just because of tradition, but because of people. People keep it alive. And in retirement, our own sense of vibrancy works the same way.
Here is something to think about:
Who will you celebrate with in retirement?
How will you nurture your connections to make sure this chapter is filled with laughter, love, and shared experiences?
Just like San Gemini, life feels richer when we create connection and community.
Lori Candela, M.Ed., ACC, CPC, CPRC
Certified Professional Retirement Coach
Retiring on Purpose, LLC
Retire with Clarity, Live with Intention!
(203)556-0254
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