Hello everyone, My name is Martin Stow and I am joining from Victoria, Australia. Originally from Yorkshire in the UK, I served for 15 years as a police officer with West Yorkshire Police before emigrating to Australia in 1988. Since then I have worked in training, emergency management, community projects and volunteer organisations. I am also living with Primary Progressive MS, which has taught me a great deal about resilience, adapting to change, and finding purpose when life doesn't always go to plan. Over the years I have been involved with Rotary, community support projects, drought relief for farmers, Neighbourhood Watch, and more recently I have created the Caring and Sharing community, which focuses on kindness, connection and supporting people through life's transitions, particularly retirement and major life changes. I joined The Resilience Lab because I believe resilience is not something we build alone. We grow stronger through connection, shared experiences and helping one another. I'm looking forward to learning from others, sharing what I've learned along the way, and contributing wherever I can. Thank you for having me. Martin

All that freedom, and none of it feels like yours. Here's why retirement days drift, and the simple shift that turns it around. https://www.theretirementmentor.net/blog/b/why-your-days-feel-empty Or if you prefer to watch it instead

The four things you actually lost when you retired, and the reframing that helps you put it all back together, with some suggested first steps. This is the first of a three-part series that also links to a short YouTube video on the same subject. https://www.theretirementmentor.net/blog/b/why-retirement-feels-wrong

"I help men aged 55-68 who are approaching or in early retirement to navigate the identity, purpose, and financial uncertainty of the transition, so they can build a retirement they are genuinely proud of. I know how important this is, because I have been exactly where they are."

My latest blog is now up on the website and is worth a read! https://www.theretirementmentor.net/blog/b/harvard-happiness-study-retirement-purpose