It is the perfect day when I look at it objectively: a slower pace with space to create, and gentle surroundings. If I had imagined a perfect day in the future as I was retiring from teaching, this would be it. But humming through me, there’s a disturbing feeling of dissatisfaction that surprises me. No… Continue reading Seeking Contentment
Tag: retired
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!
Are You As Old As You Feel?
Society may feel that you are older. It was a rude awakening to have my bank automatically change the name of my account to “seniors’,” the month that I turned 60. Suddenly my age meant that I was being perceived as a senior by a major institution. I thought I’d have at least 5 more… Continue reading Are You As Old As You Feel?
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
Just Start Imperfectly
There’s a time to let go of a project and accept that it’s good enough for now. Since I retired and moved onto other things, there have been lots of firsts. Creating a website, writing a blog post, opening a coaching business, and creating a brand, are just some of the big firsts. With each… Continue reading Just Start Imperfectly
Getting A Tattoo?
For me, part of starting down a new path has been embracing a new version of me. The new me has tattoos. It took me a while to overcome the barriers that I’d acquired, for me to get my first tattoo three years ago. When I reflected on these obstacles I realized something surprising. Those… Continue reading Getting A Tattoo?
The Capsule Wardrobe Dream
I’ve long been an admirer of the capsule wardrobe. It seems like a great goal for me. A capsule wardrobe is the simplicity of having a few, well-suited items to wear that coordinate with each other.* Being able to effortlessly get dressed each day without wasting time finding something that looks alright together, feels like… Continue reading The Capsule Wardrobe Dream
Hold It Lightly
Midlife is a time for trying new things and with new experiences come many challenges and obstacles to work around. That’s part of the fun and frustration of learning. Generally, I love learning new skills and ideas. In the process of learning, there are obstacles that seem very important to master in order to make… Continue reading Hold It Lightly
“Let’s Go Girls!”
“Let’s Go Girls!” is the empowering call from Shania Twain’s 1997 hit, Man, I Feel Like A Woman. Just by listening to it today, I feel like I can do anything. It’s a powerful rally cry coming from Shania. However, being addressed repeatedly as “girls” recently, felt like the complete opposite of this: demeaning, and… Continue reading “Let’s Go Girls!”
“What Day Is It?” Phenomena
“What day is it?” is a common question during the space between Christmas and New Year’s. Our routines are completely altered and most of those normal signposts of the week disappear in the busyness of getting together with family and friends. This week, when I was walking the dog and suddenly saw the garbage bins… Continue reading “What Day Is It?” Phenomena
Retired, And Now What? 