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Why I’m Building a New Fort Instead of Retiring At 63
It’s about curiosity, creativity, purpose, meaning, and connection
When I was a kid growing up in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, there was nothing better than building forts in the woods. My brother and I would venture into the trees behind our house, searching for the perfect hideaway.
Armed with sticks, stones, and wood scraps, we created something magical — our little world. It was pure play, including imaginary sword fights with sticks.
Curiosity drove us, creativity shaped our vision, and teamwork brought it all to life. The forts weren’t just physical structures but reflections of who we were — bold, imaginative, and endlessly curious.
That sense of wonder stayed with me for a long time. One day, it began to fade under layers of new responsibilities.
I didn’t lose my childlike curiosity all at once. It happened gradually. I married at 24 with the emotional maturity of a boy who still thought about climbing trees. However, the dream of marrying my college girlfriend became a reality because of my curious, creative nature.
It seems that’s true for most of us. Life is a blur, and many of us reach the finish line with boatloads of regrets, such as, “I wish I had taken a chance to be…
