In past posts, I’ve talked about the importance of playing the “What If?” game like your life depends on it — which it does, which is why we should all be playing it fervently as we move into our geri-years. In this game, players are challenged to talk about how they will handle crazy, out-of-the-blue, previously unconsidered, often scary scenarios that may manifest during the sunset stroll — emergencies like, say, you have a stroke and you become immobile, and you’re still living in your three-story mansion with all your pretty, heavy, unmarketable things and you need 24-7 care stat and how will you pay for this and what will you do? Seriously, what will you do if that happens? What happens if you’ve had one too many fender benders and the doctor, or your concerned and irritated children, say “nope, no more driving for you.” What if you have to give up the keys? There are no rules or strategies to “What If?” but you win if you’re willing to flex your contingency planning strengths. You win when your brain is better prepared for the unknowns and surprises that are ALWAYS lurking on that path to Golden Years greatness.

But if you’re bored with (or scared by!) that game, here’s another one for you. It’s called “Ask Yourself, Honestly.” It’s for one or more players. You can play when you wake up at 3 a.m. cursing the clock, or when you’re two glasses into a nice chard at the Thanksgiving dinner table. It’s an anybody, anywhere, all welcome, anything goes kind of contest. Sure to please! This is arguably a much easier game to play because the right answers are at the tip of your tongue and are easily accessible in the fat, healthy parts of your temporal lobe. If you know yourself, you’ll be a BIG WINNER in this game. “Ask Yourself, Honestly,” has one objective: to build a healthy “I know myself” attitude that will help inform long-term planning.

I’ll play and you’ll catch on quick, promise. I’m guaranteed to win, and so are you.

Question: Are you an introvert or extrovert?

Me/Answer: I am an introvert.

Question: Do you enjoy gardening and mowing the lawn?

Me/Answer: No I do not. I hate it, in fact.

Question: Do you enjoy seeing people and being included in casual events?

Me/Answer: Yes I do. Who wouldn’t.

Question: What is your vision of residential living in Northeast Florida?

Me/Answer: To live somewhere with a view of the water.

Question: Do you really like living in Northeast Florida? Is this your long-term town?

Me/Answer: Actually, it is. My friends, family and community are here and I love being part of it.

Question: Are you likely to call a friend or family member if you are sick, sad or otherwise needing a little human interaction/sympathy.

Me/Answer: No, I am not. I am happy to blog about it, but will likely keep my gd needs to myself sulking about it and mirror-talking to myself over it all the while.

Question: Does hosting your children and family make you happy?

Me/Answer: Yes it does, dur.

Ding! Ding! Ding! I am a winner! A big most winningest winner! I am my own reigning champ of “Ask Yourself, Honestly.” And here’s what my most honest most championship level answers reveal about my best planning practices for geri-living: I will be happiest, safest and most content in a three-bedroom, St. Johns riverfront condominium community, where I can accommodate visiting family, be close to family and friends and live near people who can check on me and inquire about me and invite me to play fun games like Mahjong. Oh, and I won’t have to pull weeds and complain about how gross and rooty our yard looks. This vision makes me happy, which is a good sign about the success and staying power of this long term strategy.

The best part of ‘Ask Yourself, Honestly” is you can play for years and enrich your outcomes greatly. Plus, there’s the added wisdom of playing with friends and family, so they can remind you of your answers when it’s time to put the deposit down on that riverfront condo, the one with the sweeping views of the river and downtown Jacksonville, the one that is just an elevator ride away from Mahjong.

Good luck with your game. I hope you win!