I resist a routine at the same time as really craving one. It’s a paradox that became glaringly obvious when I left the schedule of full-time work. When I retired, I both loved the flexibility of doing whatever I liked with a day, while at the same time feeling lost when I drifted without focus.… Continue reading A Cat, A Dog, And Routines That Stick
Author: Caroline@retiredandnowwhat.ca
I'm a life coach discovering the opportunities and growth in midlife and beyond.
Teaching Partners: Turning Good Intentions Into Actions
Every February, there was a literary convention in town, Reading For The Love Of It.* It was a highlight on the calendar that was sorely needed when we were in the months of snowsuits, puddles of wet slush, lost mittens, and damp socks. It re-energized me to see all the newly published books, get some… Continue reading Teaching Partners: Turning Good Intentions Into Actions
Who Are You?
NOTE: Written below are the raw reactions that I had years ago, when I was newly retired from teaching. If you’ve recently retired, perhaps you can relate. Originally published January, 2023. Suddenly I’m not me anymore and it’s jarring. All my adult life I’ve been a teacher. It’s who I was. But what is a… Continue reading Who Are You?
The Thrill Of Learning A New Skill
What’s a skill that you were thrilled to learn last year? I am delighted to have just finished knitting my second pair of socks. I really surprised myself with how much satisfaction I got from this, and how proud I am for creating a fun, wearable, item. It Happened “Out Of The Blue” Last year,… Continue reading The Thrill Of Learning A New Skill
Looking Back On 2025
Thank you to those who read and subscribed to Retired And Now What, to those of you who have come to the group workshops, and to my one-on-one clients. I’m delighted to be able to work with this amazing community of people who strive to thrive in midlife. Wishing you all a relaxing holiday and… Continue reading Looking Back On 2025
Reclaiming My Holiday Spirit
My holiday spirit is slowly returning after an all-time low several years ago. I was resentful of all the obligations of the season. I was burnt out from teaching during a pandemic. I was numb. It’s taken years of intentional changes to get here. But this December, I don’t feel panicked and overwhelmed for the… Continue reading Reclaiming My Holiday Spirit
The Caring Entrepreneur Isn’t An Oxymoron
As a solo entrepreneur, I work in a different space. It’s unfamiliar to most people who travel along the corporate hallways of business. It moves at a different pace, it has different objectives, and it needs different communities of support. It’s not the space of power points, HR, and team-building exercises. Communities where those tools… Continue reading The Caring Entrepreneur Isn’t An Oxymoron
Brain Foggy November
Lately, the fog seems to roll in mid-afternoon and stay for the rest of the day. My will to focus and plan clouds over, and I settle for doing repetitive tasks that take little concentration. I want to expand my window of energy, or at least, re-charge it when it flags. I have things to… Continue reading Brain Foggy November
Getting Things Done
Tricking my brain into doing some work often involves creating a time-limited game, of sorts. In the morning, emptying the dishwasher becomes a race to complete before the kettle boils for my tea. Doing some writing in an hour-long co-working zoom, focuses me and tricks my brain into starting and continuing to write. How much… Continue reading Getting Things Done
Personal Long Range Plans/Vision Board
At the beginning of 2025, I created a Personal Long Range Plan for the year. Some might call it a Vision Board. It was my first time making one. When I messed about with collage and paints to create it during the quiet days before New Years’, I didn’t realize how helpful it would be.… Continue reading Personal Long Range Plans/Vision Board
Retired, And Now What? 