Older women who are living their lives authentically without a worry about cultural norms or fashions, are inspiring to me. They are folks who have designed their life to suit them, not their partners or children or society. Some start businesses, some sell their homes and travel, some learn new skills, and others continue to… Continue reading Who Inspires You?
Category: Reframe Your Thinking
Your Ship Has Not Sailed
I was guilty of this too. I thought that because I was retired there were certain ships that had left my harbour forever: boats that I would never travel on, and places I would never explore. This year, I’ve learned a lot, but the biggest ah-ha moment came when I realized that this thinking was… Continue reading Your Ship Has Not Sailed
Affirming the Positive
Recently, I heard someone say that positive self-talk was “food for the brain.” I have some affirmation cards that a good friend gave me and I review them from time to time, and choose a new one to put next to my desk. I thought I was doing well to have them visible. However, if… Continue reading Affirming the Positive
Time Flies, But Can It Walk?
It’s garbage day again! Is it my imagination or is time speeding up? Suddenly another week has gone by and I can’t recall what I did for the last seven days. It’s a blur. Time passed too quickly. What is affecting my perception of time and is there anything I can do to slow it… Continue reading Time Flies, But Can It Walk?
Buy Nothing
Out of control spending seems to come to a peak around the holiday season. But I’ve realized that it isn’t even the need to purchase gifts that spurs this spree. It’s the sales. The opportunity to get a good deal on something drives hoards of people to the stores and to on-line shopping for Black… Continue reading Buy Nothing
Find The Joy; Spread The Joy
The gloomy nature of the world and the weather made me realize that I have been living without joy for a while. I haven’t been looking for the glimmers. My focus has been on other things that seem more pressing. It’s not that I can’t feel joy. I’ve just forgotten to actively look for it… Continue reading Find The Joy; Spread The Joy
“How Are You Doing?”
We all need the words. With accurate words we can clearly communicate our experiences to others, find others who share our experience, and have others understand what we’re going through. Rarely has, “I’m fine,” in response to, “How are you doing?” transmitted any useful information. Is it time to banish these banal responses? Word Jail.… Continue reading “How Are You Doing?”
“Common” Knowledge: Ok Boomer
It’s embarrassing to admit it, but for a long time I struggled with opening jars, and taps, and anything that involved turning to open. It wasn’t that the jars were too tightly closed (although that can happen these days). It was the direction I needed to turn the lid. It was so useful when I… Continue reading “Common” Knowledge: Ok Boomer
Invisible Woman Syndrome And The Right To Be Seen
At a certain point in my thirties, I think it was around the time I became a parent, I also discovered I was becoming invisible. It started when I ceased being referred to by my name and became someone’s mom. Then over time, store clerks stopped noticing that I was the next one in line.… Continue reading Invisible Woman Syndrome And The Right To Be Seen
Getting Familiar With Discomfort
I didn’t realize how important discomfort would be during my journey from retired teacher to something else. I knew there would be challenges and change but I didn’t understand how essential it would be to accept not feeling comfortable, to realize that it’s a good thing. The Familiar Is Comfortable. My automatic reaction to discomfort… Continue reading Getting Familiar With Discomfort
Retired, And Now What? 