There’s almost nobody alive who doesn’t regret something they’ve done. That’s simply a fact of life. Even if the regret stems from something that happened years ago, we tend to hold onto those feelings and wish we could change the past. You can’t travel back in time to change mistakes, but you can learn from mistakes and move forward. One of the best ways to let go of the past…

Let me introduce you to Carl Sandburg’s Kansas Sodbuster: He leaned at the gatepost and studied the horizon and figured what corn might do next year and tried to calculate why God ever made the grasshopper and why two days of hot winds smother the life out of a stand of wheat and why there was such a spread between what he got for grain and the price quoted in…

When most people think about happiness, they assume it’s something that happens to them. They don’t believe they can choose happiness. But it’s a choice you make every single day and moment. You control your thoughts and emotions and choose to be happy. Here’s how:   Decide Where to Focus Your Energy: What you focus on has a significant impact on your happiness. For example, if you focus on the…

Since when did life get so complicated? What happened to the days of running wild and not worrying about anything? Even as we’ve gotten older, it’s still fun to remember the good old days and the simplicity of life (the one-phone household, no cell phones or answering machines, cars with roll-up windows). You can still have that feeling with just a little effort. You can find the balance between joy…

Life is a serious business and can wear you down. We all have so many demands placed on us that it can be difficult to have fun. Getting a bit of a boost now and again is a must. Sometimes, you need to be reminded to step back and enjoy the smaller moments in life. Here are a couple of simple steps you can use now to get you started.…

I have been intrigued by the Butterfly Effect concept since I first heard it 40+ years ago. Here’s the gist of it from a theoretical perspective: The Butterfly Effect is a concept rooted in chaos theory and was first coined by meteorologist Edward Lorenz in the 1960s. It suggests that a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil could set off a tornado in Texas, a metaphor for the sensitive dependence…

It’s that time of year when people make big promises to themselves about what they’re going to change in the new year. I think it’s time to break that habit (unless you’re one of the few for whom that works.) It’s time for a new way of doing things that will get you what you want. Before I say more, though, I want to dispel a commonly-held belief that creating…

As women enter their encore years, reflecting on glimmer feelings – those brief, joyful moments in everyday life – can become a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. This introspective journey can lead to profound insights, increased joy, and a deeper understanding of what brings true fulfillment.   Journaling and Glimmers: One effective way to reflect on glimmer feelings is through journaling. Keeping a daily or weekly journal to…

Recognizing and appreciating glimmer feelings — those brief moments of joy and contentment in everyday life — can be transformative, especially as you navigate the encore years. Cultivating glimmers into lifelong habits lays the foundation for sustained happiness and resilience.   Habit Formation with Glimmers: Consistent practice and mindfulness are the keys to making glimmer recognition a daily habit. It starts with a simple commitment to be more observant of…

Glimmer feelings, those fleeting moments of joy and contentment, have a unique power when shared with others. As a woman navigating through your encore years, these shared moments can create deeper connections, enhance relationships, and foster a sense of community, multiplying the joy they bring.   Glimmers in Relationships: Personal relationships can be significantly enriched by sharing glimmer feelings, whether with family, friends, or even acquaintances. As simple as sharing…

Life’s crossroads, particularly those encountered in your encore years, bring emotions and challenges. During these transitions — be it retirement, a change in living situations, health issues, or even embarking on a new venture — the concept of ‘glimmer feelings’ becomes incredibly important. These tiny sparks of joy can guide and uplift you during times of change.   Identifying Personal Glimmers: During significant life shifts, identifying personal glimmers becomes an…

In this journey called life, especially as you step into your encore years, finding joy in the smallest moments becomes more critical. I teach Does Your Life Pass the Joy Test™; part of that is noticing the glimmers. Glimmers are fleeting instances of positivity and happiness that often go unnoticed but can profoundly impact your overall well-being. Glimmers make you feel joy, happiness, peace, and gratitude.   The Science Behind…

Don’t try to teach a pig to sing — it wastes your time and annoys the pig. ~ Annonymous Do I have your attention? This may bring a smile to your face; however, the message is so much deeper. It goes to the core of some fundamental teachings and philosophies that were certainly prevalent when I was going to school, and I’m pretty sure things haven’t changed. Throughout your life,…

As you approach the stage of life where you may be stepping away from the workforce, the concept of “getting paid” takes on a new and broader meaning. In the context of Ikigai, this final element isn’t solely about monetary reward. It’s about fulfillment, personal satisfaction, and how you can contribute and receive value. We’ve already talked about passion, mission, and vocation, so in this article, we’ll explore the final…

The journey towards retirement or slowing down in business doesn’t have to mean leaving behind what you’ve built over the years. Your talents, skills, and what you’re good at can become the cornerstone of an enriching and fulfilling encore. We’ve already explored passion and mission. This blog post delves into the vocation element — recognizing and embracing what you’re good at. Embracing Your Vocation: Being a seasoned working woman, you’ve…

As a working woman looking towards your encore years, you may reflect on your legacy and how you can continue to make a positive impact. This phase of life offers an opportunity to align with something greater than yourself. In Ikigai, the Japanese concept “what the world needs” provides an inspiring framework for this journey. In my last post, we explored the element of passion. Today we’ll explore the mission…

If you’re a woman aged 59 or older, you might be at a stage in life where you’re considering shifting gears in your career, getting ready for your encore. It’s both an exciting and somewhat daunting time. But there’s a Japanese concept offering a meaningful guide to this transition. It’s called Ikigai and translates to “a reason for being.” Ikigai is about finding joy, fulfillment, and balance in the dimensions…