Whether you're recently moved into the Grand Villa assisted living community in Grand Junction, CO, or you've already spent several years enjoying an active lifestyle here, you might have new hobbies and tricks up your sleeve waiting to be explored. Now is a great time to explore those inclinations. Retirement doesn't mean you have to be inactive — in fact, it provides you with time to spend on the things you're really interested in.
National Novel Writing Month
November is National Writing Month, also referred to as NaNoWriMo. During November each year, authors from around the globe — both aspiring and already published — work to pen 50,000 words on a novel in just 30 days. That's just 1,667 words a day, which is both easier and harder than it sounds.
The goal of NaNoWriMo isn't to get polished words on paper or a computer screen. It's to push ahead with your manuscript without self-editing or self-doubting. Since experts say it takes around 21 days to form a habit, writing every day for 30 days should help aspiring authors get into the habit of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).
If you've always wanted to write a book — for fun or as a publishing endeavor — NaNoWriMo is a great time to start. You can make the month even more fun by asking around the assisted living community to find out if anyone else has a story in them. Make weekly (or even daily) appointments to write together in common areas or each other's apartments. It's known as a write-in in the NaNoWriMo community, and when you throw in some fun snacks and conversation, it can be a fun way to add socialization to November.
Other New Things to Start in November
Not interested in writing a novel or even a short story? That doesn't mean you can't find a fun new hobby in November or reach out to others in the Grand Villa community to create social opportunities around shared interests. Some things you might consider getting involved with or starting in November include:
Throughout October and into November, the leaves are changing and falling, and autumn is slowly becoming more like winter. This time of year is often associated with endings, but it can also be a time of great beginnings. Embrace the concept of NaNoWrimo this entire season, and even if you aren't interested in writing fiction, try something new.
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