If you’ve ever reflected on how much time you really have in your life, you may have come across the book Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman. The title is a sobering reminder of the typical number of weeks in a lifetime—about 4,000 if you live to 77. But if you’re approaching or have reached retirement age, that number dwindles quickly. For someone retiring at 65, there are only about 620 weeks left (about 12 years) —620 Saturdays to spend however you choose.

For many, this realization can feel daunting, even overwhelming. How do you make the most of the time that remains?

Adjusting to Life Without a Schedule

In retirement, the shift from structure to freedom can be disorienting. One retiree shared how, at first, the absence of early-morning meetings and endless to-do lists left her feeling untethered. But in the quiet, she found clarity. She began to reprioritize her time, rediscovering what truly mattered.

For some, the advice to “have a plan” for retirement seems wise—filling your days with commitments, hobbies, or goals to stave off boredom. Yet others, like the retiree above, find solace in allowing themselves the space to just be.

She welcomed “no plan” days and leaned into the slower pace. It took her two years to feel ready for new commitments, including part-time work. But those two years weren’t idle—they were restorative, offering her the chance to embrace freedom and rediscover a healthier, more peaceful lifestyle.

Gratitude and the Gift of Time

Retirement doesn’t just free up your schedule; it offers a fresh perspective. Nights once spent stressing over deadlines or responsibilities become opportunities to reflect on gratitude—gratefulness for health, for time, and for the chance to live at your own pace.

This phase of life is a unique gift: time to reconnect with yourself, with loved ones, and doing or discovering the things you genuinely enjoy. Whether you embrace retirement with a carefully thought-out plan or choose to let the days unfold organically, the important thing is to honor this chapter as a time for renewal, reflection, and freedom.

A Gentle Reminder

620 weeks may seem like a sobering countdown, but it’s also an invitation to make the most of every moment. Whether that means filling your days with new adventures, spending time with loved ones, or simply savoring the quiet, retirement is your chance to live intentionally and with gratitude.

So, embrace the freedom. Find joy in the small things. And remember, even in the stillness, life has a way of revealing what matters most.