We decided to lock in a day of the week to make sure we do something cool together.  Maybe we’ll do something new, something totally out of the ordinary, maybe something far away, or maybe something small and normal-ish but still together.

Even with so much available time in our LifeInFIRE we still find we get into the same general routine, the same schetchle week after week.  We are planning to break up that routine every week, right in the middle of the common week—remember, every day is Saturday in FIRE—when the pace of the world seems a little slower and easier to manage, or at least slightly less stressful in the “retirement activity window” of 9a-3p.

Our WE-Day concept is not new, Fritz at The Retirement Manifesto has a weekly Cookie Jar activity plan that’s super creative (commandment 5).  Other people maintain bucket lists or ToDo lists—which we also have—but WE-Days are forcing action on the adventures.  …someone’s gotta be in charge, so WE-Day is now the boss with requirements.

Examples:

WE-Day1: we started simple, with an hour hike on the “mountain” by our house.  That was followed up with visits to two local libraries to get updated library cards to fully expand our accessibility to books, magazines, videos, courses, etc. 

WE-Day2: is targeted to tour a museum a couple hours from our home.  This visit is something I’ve wanted to do for YEARS but never locked in a time to head over there.  Next WE-Day we will do it, the WE-Day boss said it was required.

Future WE-Days:  we are quickly pulling together a list of activities we would like to do, or that one of us would like to do and the other will join in because that’s the rule.  So, I’m going to a large car auction that I’ve avoided for decades.  WE-Days sure seem like a routine buster expander.

To be clear, our new idea of WE-Days is not part of our xmas revelations because those tend to be more internal, progressive goals.  (Caring, Calm, Cleaner Eating).  But, WE-Days are about growth, progress, and improvement.

I’d suggest taking at least one day a month and ALWAYS using that day for an adventure.  Live life now, enjoy every day.

*** Nothing in this article is to be construed as financial advice.  I am not a financial planner, nor do I pretend to be.  You should always consult your own professional when seeking advice.