#477 - Widowed in Retirement: Navigating Life Changes

Even though it is difficult to think about it, at some point, those of us who are married will have to think about one of you transitioning from two to one.

This week we’re exploring the nonfinancial impacts of this transition with someone who has walked this journey. Rock Retirement Club member, Mark Trautman shares his personal journey through his life-changing experience.

Mark shares the challenges and the tools that have helped him get through this heartbreaking part of his life so that he can move forward and rock retirement on his own.

After the main segment, you’ll hear our listener questions and then we’ll Bring It On with Dr. Bobby Dubois. Dr. Bobby will help us understand why sleep is so important and what we can do to improve the quality of our sleep. Don’t miss out on this important episode.

Mark is learning to reshape his life after loss

Mark Trautman and his wife moved to Colorado in 2008 to be closer to the activities that they loved. Shortly after he retired, his wife was diagnosed with Sarcoma. For two years she battled the disease, but unfortunately, she lost.

After 40 years together, Mark didn’t think in terms of “I”, only "we." Now he had to rewrite his future in terms of “I.” Mark felt like half of himself was cut out of his life. His whole life was shaken to the core.

Mark had to reshape his friendship base, reinvent himself, and learn how to pursue their once-shared goals alone. Listen in to hear how Mark made it through the pain to find a process that helped him move forward.

Be on the lookout for the next 6-Shot Saturday newsletter. This one will include our annual listener survey. Share your thoughts with us so that we can improve the show for you.