Senior management. Senior partner. Put the word “senior” in front of “judge” or “senator” and it conjures up an image of extensive experience, vast knowledge, and confident leadership. Now, place the word “senior” in front of domestic labels: senior care, senior portion and senior home. The image is one of fragility. Gone is the impact… Continue reading Senior People
Tag: retired
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
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?
Re-thinking Recycling
The state of recycling makes me sad and frustrated. Recently, while eating breakfast at a chain hotel, I watched as an employee emptied the recycling and garbage into the same bags. It happens all the time in hotels, the community and at work: recycling gets tossed out with the garbage after the consumer has dutifully… Continue reading Re-thinking Recycling
Your Home Serves You
What if your home’s purpose is to be a space where you can function? If it’s a place that serves me and my family, and what we want to do in the space, then I’ve been thinking about my home the wrong way for years. Assumed The Room’s Function. When the real estate agent described… Continue reading Your Home Serves You
Trusting The Blueberry
I just don’t trust nature. I see people eating vegetables that they’ve grown. I saw a couple harvesting apples from a tree in the neighbourhood. I’m fascinated by a YouTuber who makes cleaning products from natural items. But, I can’t do it. I can’t even pop a wild blueberry into my mouth. I wish I… Continue reading Trusting The Blueberry
Imperfect But Done
I keep completing things imperfectly. I get them done and then I do it again. Imperfect each time. I’ve noticed that when I keep going something special happens. Learn As You Go When I was teaching and I changed assignments to a different grade, it took several years in that new grade before I felt… Continue reading Imperfect But Done
Retired, And Now What? 