What My Granddaughter Taught Me About Energy in Retirement

Ashley Walker
Oct 2
2 min read

Spending time with my granddaughter, who is almost two and a half, is one of my greatest joys. She’s full of wonder and curiosity — her laughter is contagious, and she has a way of making every small discovery feel magical. And, like any toddler, her energy shifts quickly. One moment she squeals with joy, the next she’s melting down because her toy won’t cooperate.

It struck me how similar this is to the energy we all experience in different phases of life, including retirement. In coaching, we talk about catabolic and anabolic energy. Catabolic energy is draining and contracting — it shows up as frustration, fear, anger, or resistance. Anabolic energy is uplifting and expanding — it shows up as joy, curiosity, and creativity.

In retirement, both types of energy are present. You might feel excitement about freedom one day, and then frustration about uncertainty the next. The key is noticing these shifts and choosing how to respond, so you spend more time in that uplifting, expansive energy.

This awareness is especially important in retirement when transitions can stir up uncertainty. With practice, you can build resilience and consistently return to higher energy levels—so you’re not just reacting to life but intentionally shaping it.

Retirement, like life with a toddler, comes with natural energy shifts. Recognizing and managing them helps you stay aligned with purpose and joy. If you would like to learn more about how to do this, comment Learn More below or schedule a call with me at Free Consultation Call and I will introduce you to one of the most powerful tools I use with clients.

Reflection Question: What kind of energy will you bring into your retirement journey — and how might you shift it toward curiosity, creativity, and joy?