Decide now. React now. Do it now! There’s a lot of pressure to respond immediately when faced with anything from a simple social invitation to a more important broken fridge. When a disagreement happens, or a problem with the car appears, I feel an urgency to tackle it right away. The teacher in me always… Continue reading Making Decisions I’m Happier With
Author: Caroline@retiredandnowwhat.ca
I'm a life coach discovering the opportunities and growth in midlife and beyond.
Older And Progressive
There are many ageist beliefs that I’ve seen at work, but the idea that older teachers are more conservative in their methods than the younger ones is a pet peeve of mine. Perhaps you’ve seen it in your job, where the younger employees assume that the older ones are out of touch and backwards? They’ll… Continue reading Older And Progressive
Sizing-Up Clothing
Most people I know have a complex relationship with clothing sizes. I have clothes in my closet that used to fit properly but now don’t. It’s a constant struggle as each new season starts, trying on clothes from last year to realize that they no longer fit. For years I used to beat myself up… Continue reading Sizing-Up Clothing
Oversharing: Rambling On To Others
It can be embarrassing. I’ve been standing at the counter paying for a book and suddenly I’m sharing all about why I love this book and what this author means to me. The salesperson usually smiles politely as they hand me my receipt and I walk away sheepishly, realizing I’ve overshared…again. Self-Awareness I was lucky… Continue reading Oversharing: Rambling On To Others
When/Then Thinking
“When it’s a special occasion, then I will use my mother’s china dishes.” This is an example of when/then thinking. I don’t use the dishes until there’s a holiday. It’s remarkable how much this mindset has reduced the joy I let myself experience as an adult! “When my body looks a certain way, then I’ll… Continue reading When/Then Thinking
Learning The Truth and Reconciling
I’ve lived in Canada all of my adult life and worked in the education system for decades, but I wasn’t aware of the history and issues impacting Indigenous People until very recently. I am grateful for the patience of an Indigenous student teacher who began my education 7 years ago. She taught me about land… Continue reading Learning The Truth and Reconciling
Texting Back
There have been times where I’ve written a lovely response to someone’s text, only to realize days later that I never pressed “send.” There were also times when I read a text or email as soon as it came in, got distracted and never replied to it. Communication with a smartphone is not as easy… Continue reading Texting Back
Growing From A Caretaker To A Listener
I’ve recently become aware of the caretaker role and how much I have invested in being a caretaker for family and friends. I thought it was a good thing, but now I’m seeing it differently and realizing that caretaking has a harmful side that I never intended. As Maya Angelou said, “Do the best you… Continue reading Growing From A Caretaker To A Listener
Adjusting To Seasonal Changes
There’s comfort in knowing that the seasons will change in a predictable way. The daylight is shrinking but knowing that this will not last and that it’s part of a well-worn cycle brings me peace. Even when our climate and society are in chaos, the natural world will prepare for winter, just like it always… Continue reading Adjusting To Seasonal Changes
Should I Google That?
In the information age, where the answers to every question are available with a quick search on my phone, what information is actually important enough to remember? I don’t think I value the answers to my questions as much any more. I’ll watch a show and wonder what other programmes the lead actor was in,… Continue reading Should I Google That?
Retired, And Now What? 