Editors Note: We’re pleased to introduce you to dear friends and clients, Shane and Gina Switzer. You’ll be inspired by the retirement they’ve built for themselves out in Gig Harbor, WA – one focused on faith, family, and friends – and one enabled by intentionality, daily routines, and disciplines that enhance their health and well-being. Enjoy learning about this remarkable couple and find aspects of their lives that will help you live your best life!
Matt: What are you enjoying most about retirement so far?
What Gina and I have enjoyed most about retirement is the freedom to use our time intentionally, particularly in ways that allow us to be together more often. One of the greatest blessings of this transition has been relocating closer to family, allowing us to be more present in the lives of our children, grandchildren, and extended family. After our move, we now are able to share not only special occasions but also ordinary, everyday moments. For example, our grandkids come to “Camp Grandma” every summer to spend a few weeks on art projects and outdoor activities in the Pacific Northwest.
Retirement has also provided the opportunity to cultivate a more balanced, active, and fulfilling lifestyle. We have incorporated regular travel, outdoor activities, and consistent exercise into our routine, all of which contribute to both our physical health and overall sense of well-being. Our days start with morning Mass, followed by a resistance or cardio workout. We volunteer at our parish as candle sacristans and OCIA teachers. I substitute teaching mathematics at the parish school and Gina teaches art for a parish homeschool co-op. In many ways, this season of life feels both productive and restorative—a combination that has made retirement especially rewarding.
Matt: What does a great life look like for you two in the years ahead?
Looking ahead, a great life for us is centered on maintaining strong, active, and meaningful relationships with family and friends. We look forward to staying closely connected and involved in their lives, especially as our grandkids hit their high school years. We want to make sure we’re not just there for major milestones but also as a steady presence in their lives so as to build lasting bonds over time. Being available, engaged, and supportive in both large and small ways is something we value deeply and hope to continue for many years.
At the same time, we look forward to continued exploration and shared experiences. We moved to Gig Harbor, WA which is a great destination spot for our friends and relatives to visit and explore great outdoor activities like hiking, whale watching, and boating. While we love hosting our family and friends, travel remains an important priority, particularly returning to Europe, visiting the Holy Land, and reconnecting with friends across the United States. We are drawn to places of beauty, history, and significance, and we hope to experience more of the world together in the years ahead.
Equally important is our commitment to maintaining our health through thoughtful nutrition and regular exercise, so that we can remain active participants in all that life has to offer. For us, a great life is one that balances living our faith, building personal connections, pursuing intellectual curiosity, and the discipline needed to sustain it!
Matt: What advice would you give to others as they step into retirement?
Our primary advice to those entering retirement is to remain engaged and to pursue a clear sense of purpose, both for yourself and for the ones you love. Retirement is not simply a time to slow down, but rather an opportunity to be more deliberate about how you spend each day. We have found it especially helpful to plan our days, weeks, and even the year ahead around the things that matter to us. We both use planners and digital calendars to provide structure without rigidity, helping us make sure that our time reflects our values and priorities while still leaving room for spontaneity.
We would also encourage others to remain mindful of the finite nature of time and to make the most of each day. Memento Mori! Remember your death. It’s not morbid, rather it is living in reality. We’ve discussed our funeral desires including the music, the readings, flowers, etc. We contemplate eternity and pray for a good death.
Simple, consistent habits—such as spending time outdoors, staying physically active, and continuing to learn greatly enhances both enjoyment and fulfillment. Whether it is gardening, walking the dog, or trying something entirely new, these activities bring a sense of purpose and renewal. In our own experience, learning new skills—such as studying Italian for travel, taking up sailing, and exploring nature journaling—has added both richness and enjoyment to this stage of life. Retirement, at its best, is not an ending but a beginning—an opportunity to continue growing, contributing, and fully engaging with the world around you. And the best part about it is doing things together.