Bittersweet has to be one of the most painful emotions that I’ve experienced. Moments that brought it on included my retirement, my daughter leaving for university, and when we moved homes. These are major life events that change things forever, but have at their core both joy and grief. Feeling The Confusion Of Bittersweet… Continue reading Processing Bittersweet Times
Category: Retirement Tools
Find Your Passion In How Things Work
I have no idea how most of the things that I rely on everyday work. It’s a mystery to me how my electric kettle boils my tea and how my phone sends texts. I know how to operate these items, but I couldn’t build one. I find I am increasingly accepting of the fact that… Continue reading Find Your Passion In How Things Work
Adding Metaphors To Your Self-Discovery Toolbox
I love a metaphor! They make life more colourful and easier to understand. My grandmother spoke in colourful colloquialism that fascinated me as a child. She lived in England and most of her “sayings” were completely foreign to Canadian culture. “What’s for dinner Gran?” was answered with, “Three jumps at the cupboard door.” Translated, this… Continue reading Adding Metaphors To Your Self-Discovery Toolbox
A Passion Project Is For You
Why do we feel we need to justify our passion projects? “I’m writing this memoir for the grandkids.” “I’m making these quilts as a legacy for my children.” Did we ask them? Probably not. A passion project is for you. Creating anything is primarily for the creator’s benefit: to express themselves, to develop their skills,… Continue reading A Passion Project Is For You
Why Bother With AI
Technology has a way of creating things that we don’t feel we need but suddenly can’t do without. It also has a way of moving ahead at a speed that we’re often not comfortable with. Technological advances happen whether we like them or not. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes more and more intertwined with everyday… Continue reading Why Bother With AI
The Midlife Struggle Bus
The value is in the struggle. I often hear, “It’s all about the journey,” but that makes midlife sound like a wonderful vacation that we’re all on with beautiful views and delightful meals. It’s more of a struggle than a journey; one of constant adaption to changes. One minute things are lovely and the next… Continue reading The Midlife Struggle Bus
The Pitfalls Of Taking Another Qualification
As I continue to develop my path after retiring in midlife, I was surprised to catch myself falling into an all too familiar pitfall. I’d seen it happen to others in my situation when they were trying to decide what their next steps should be. I’ve also seen others stay stuck in this place for… Continue reading The Pitfalls Of Taking Another Qualification
Dream Big!
Do you have big dreams? For some, retiring in midlife means learning to adapt to a different rhythm of life, developing new social connections, and finding a hobby or two that they’re passionate about. It’s about spending time with family, and that may include grandchildren. There’s nothing wrong with this version of life. It sounds… Continue reading Dream Big!
Give Yourself The Gift Of A Gap Year
Did you ever take a gap year after high school or university? Traditionally it’s a year to “find yourself” through travel and new experiences. It’s a way to learn which path aligns with the things that you value, and hopefully, this leads to a job that you find fulfilling. As a young person with limited… Continue reading Give Yourself The Gift Of A Gap Year
Clarifying Your Values To Guide You
I’m a big believer in getting clear about your values* to help build the life that you want. It’s foundational. But, it’s often a step that we fly over in our eagerness to start new opportunities. I’ve found that flying over my values in an attempt to move more quickly onto the next step in… Continue reading Clarifying Your Values To Guide You
Retired, And Now What? 