Over the past few months, I’ve been thinking a great deal about legacy. After losing both of my parents not long ago, I’ve found myself reflecting on what truly endures. Not just accomplishments or milestones, but the quieter things we pass down without fully realizing it. Grief has a way of sharpening that question. Rediscovering … Read more
I had lunch with a dear friend the other day. We live far away from each other but make the effort to meet up a few times a month. I could tell she was stressed about something, and it took some effort before she finally told me why. She felt she had to travel to … Read more
For most of my life, I was rarely alone. I was married for over 30 years and raised three children. My days were full of meals to make and pickups from school and activities. When my kids were young, I often dreamed of just one hour alone. One quiet hour to read, to breathe, to … Read more
What is this thing called happy, my friend?Does it start with a wish—or come near the end?Is it chickens in pots? Or cars shining bright?A Mercedes at dusk with the headlights just right? Is it closets packed with silk, linen, and lace?Or PJs that tug you tight into your space?Is it Levi’s and sweatshirts, cashmere … Read more
Step right up to the Game of Your Life—Not the mild sort, not the lukewarm-lite.No, this is theBIG one,the bold neon swirl,Where you spin the dial and design your whole world. Guess who’s in charge of it all? Surprise! It’s YOU!You’re the boss, the head honcho, the whole kangaroo.You craft the game board, the squares and the … Read more
As this year comes to a close and the festive period is fully upon us, there may be mixed feelings about the 12 months we’re leaving behind. Some people will look back feeling proud, grateful, and full of joy. Others may be carrying heartache, loneliness, overwhelm, or grief. For some, Christmas brings connection and warmth. … Read more
With the rise of all the scary stats among seniors (like Alzheimer’s, loneliness, depression, divorce, and nursing home occupancy), it’s becoming more and more difficult to lead an active, healthy, and engaged retirement lifestyle. The media and our culture push our seniors to believe that normal aging means becoming sedentary and stagnant once you hit … Read more
Last week, I went to my ex-husband’s 85th birthday party at a local tavern. He looked terrific, and I was happy to see the turnout. We bought each other a beer, shared a hug and reminisced about meeting 40 years ago at a very similar pub. When I left the party, I pushed aside a … Read more
We may think we’re familiar with the concept, but what does slow living actually involve? The thinking behind slow living grew from the Slow Food Movement, a philosophy which started in Italy in the late 1980s in opposition to fast food culture. From here came the broader Slow Movement which crept its way into Slow … Read more
Bette Davis famously quipped that “Old age ain’t for sissies,” in a sly reference that age is fraught with difficulties and obstacles. But current research questions that warning. It turns out that the ages of 64- 84 may in fact be some of the happiest years we experience – the happiest time, in fact, after … Read more