Transform Fear of Change into Potential for Growth
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- čas přidán 19. 03. 2024
- Change is inevitable, but how we respond to it defines our growth. Join me as I unlock practical tips to transform fear into potential. Discover how to navigate through transitions with confidence, and emerge stronger than ever before. Whether you're facing personal or professional changes, this video can help you harness the power within you to thrive amidst transformation.
#SeniorLiving #RetirementJourney #StrategicLiving #GoldenYears #FulfillingRetirement #WisdomOfAge #PositiveMindset #LifelongLearning #AgingGracefully #PurposefulLiving #EmpowerYourRetirement #ThrivingAfterRetirement #LongGameLife #PositiveAging #SeniorCommunity #MeaningfulGoals #EmbraceWisdom #LiveWithPurpose #CherishEveryMoment #SeniorWisdom #ElderlyEmpowerment #HappyRetirement #MindfulAging #LifeAfterWork #RetirementAdventure #GoldenChapter #YouthfulSeniorYears #RetirementSuccess #OptimisticAging #JoyfulRetirement #sololiving #ThrivingAlone #SelfCareJourney #solo #change #changeisgood #changeisgrowth
I am new to your channel, age 75 and married 56 years in August 2024. I am my husband’s caregiver. Today is June 2 2024
I am also educated and I can answer your questions because I’m older, further on this similar path:
Yes you will continue to push your boundaries. This is who you are already!
Purpose: we are each a soul coming into this human challenge. With whom we meet and interact or choose not to interact determines a change in the path, the flow. This moves the soul forward in their journey. And can possibly stop others cold in their tracks.
Intriguing? Yes. Purpose means to me influence of a myriad of outcomes. We do this daily. Hourly.
Is this all a different approach? Of course.
We have been given 2 things:
1) choice
2) discernment
And many other words/terms I can list here.
Happy to have found this channel today. You are blessed already with your great insight and gift of language. Being quiet is also a priority of mine. No tv, radio, distractions.
I’ll pursue your other videos.
Stalwart is my name here. It is ‘loyality’.
Your video regarding job loss after 22 years of service popped up randomly a few days ago. I watched it and it touched my soul. I am now facing the same issue at my place of employment of over 27 years. I am 51 years old, single and feel lost as to what I am going to do once I am either terminated or forced into resigning. Anxiety and stress have taken over these past few months and the only thing helping me along have been your videos. It's like they are talking TO ME. Thank you, Jen, for sharing your life and wisdom with us. It is making a difference in my life. I feel a little stronger and more confident after watching them.
So sorry... This seems to be happening more and more. Prayers for wisdom!!
Her videos are helpful. She is relatable!
I am sorry to hear this. Hopefully, you can ride it out and let them give you a layoff package and/or unemployment. I hope that you are inspired to find something that feeds your soul and pays your bills.
Please take quiet time to listen to your options you will have at the job termination.
Can you now be applying elsewhere?
If you have a job, you can get a job faster. Once unemployed, it’s harder to get back into the job market. It does happen, but more challenging.
I am age 75, retired.
Please prep food to hav for 2-4 weeks if you are being laid off. This will help your expenses. Fill up car gas now.
If you have a temp hiring service in your town/city, a job with them can help you while you are in transition.
Start looking now before this happens. This puts you ahead of the coming circumstances.
Praying for an easy transition for you. It’s a change only. You can do this. Scary? Yes. But you can do this.
Stalwart
I’m a 62 y.o. fart, and I like your life philosophy girlie. 😁
I took early retirement at 62 instead of allowing the university I worked for to lay-off my younger co-worker. He was last-hired, first-fired but had also just married and was expecting their first child. I had run out of challenges and managed to negotiate a nice separation package. Four months later was covid - if I had waited, I might have just lost my job. Change can be scary but sometimes it's the best choice. I was ready for the new challenge of retirement, ready to travel (2 weeks in Scotland last August, Alaskan cruise coming up!), and I am so glad I embraced the change.
My life turned upside down for me 2 years ago. I am now 78 and living alone for the first time in my entire life. It has challenges, but I feel like I am doing well. I am thankful for my 9 kids who have helped me so much. ❤
Good for you, Eileen! I can imagine that would be a big and sometimes wobbly feeling step to be encountering the solo journey for the first time. I imagine that one of my parents will experience this when the other dies (my dad is the eldest of 9 and my mom of 3 and neither has ever lived alone for all of their 80 years). As someone who has lived exclusively alone for 25 of my 50 years, I know that it takes just as much courage and creativity as living successfully with others requires, but just quite a different set of skills. To be building those new skills and discovering new things about yourself at 78, even though it was unexpected and perhaps unwelcome, is a really stirring thing. I am cheering you for navigating it!
WOW! It is so refreshing to see and listen to an intelligent, thoughtful, and inspiring woman describe her way through life's many turns and challenges. It reminds me of a newspaper article I read many years ago. To paraphrase, getting fired is an opportunity to get a better job.
Hey Jen pre-retired Baby Boomer here. I'm turning 65 Oct 2024 and can retire form my state job Nov 2024. There is no phasing out of workers going on or letting people go, but it is a very difficult and toxic environment to work in. I have battled cancer and was out of work 8 months. Once I returned to work, I knew I did not have the stamina or desire to continue to work there. I also did not want the risk of the cancer returning. I decided to take control of my future. My goal is retirement. Once I leave my current job, I will still have to work part time. Nothing lined up right now but I have been volunteering on weekends providing compassionate care to sick & dying patients since last year. It has been amazing and it may provide a new path. I have always felt "change is good." I'm terrified but I am also ready as I take one step at a time. So excited to continue my journey.
I’m 52 single, never married, no kids. I am the first born with a younger brother and a 16 years younger brother. I have always been unafraid of adventure and trying new ways of doing things and stepping outside of the box. My next adventure is to become a nomad for 6 months. I rent and don’t own which makes it easier to do. This time next year I will be preparing to explore.
Love your content, I definitely relate to a lot of it. 😊
Loved this. Thank you. I recently saw a slew of information, for some reason, showing that women who stay active, not just in the body but in the mind live longer. Challenging yourself, embracing change even when hard is very much stimulating the brain. Even if we don't always like it. I am 59, just bought a restoration project wee house in France in a village where I know no one, and my language ability although decent is not yet conversational. And yet, I am so glad that I did do it. It challenges, stimulates and tests me every day. And although there is sometimes fear, I am stronger for facing that fear.
Oh, wow! That is a real adventure! Do you have a CZcams channel documenting it? If you do, I'd certainly watch it! I renovated a 1950's 1000 sq ft home then sold that and moved into a yurt off grid-ish (I have internet) 3.5 years ago just to try it out and reduce my living costs for a bit. It requires a lot of ingenuity as nothing is "typical", but it certainly woke up my mind, body, and spirit in many ways. I can only image that your adventure is a bit like some combo of those two with the addition of a new language and culture... brava for taking that chance.
👍😎🇨🇦 I love being retired! I'm more in tune with myself and have set my own, natural pace. That is a very satisfying change!
This is such a valuable reminder of what most of us know. Which is - we got this. I travel by myself, but I have always planned my route, reservations, checked my health beforehand, etc. This preplanning carries into the other aspects of my life, which has led me to you, as we are the same age and at the same point in life. I'm happy to have you there to journey through these years.
An old Chinese saying...........'Without change, there is no life'. Thank you Jen, another wonderful, inspiring video. Helen
Love your videos! You are an excellent teacher! You should have been a College Professor!!
My dad was stationed at a hospital in Japan during the Korean War and my mom took a ship with my oldest sibling then a year old across the ocean to be with him... She was one brave lady...!
you've designed a very nice life ... good for you! change is good! I've always been a risk taker responding to whatever life threw at me ... at 77 I'm living my life in my dreams ... have a cabin on a creek with a farm, rabbits, friendly bears etc ... I actually do the daily farming ... works for me!
I have been living in the same house for 36 years (with my husband, who recently moved to assisted living). I am now getting ready to downsize and move into a small condo. I have never bought a house before (my husband owned it before I moved in, and I always rented before). Living alone has not been as hard as I was afraid it would be -- I enjoy it, actually. But moving and buying a new home is a big change. I appreciate hearing about your experiences, and I feel strong knowing that I am managing this step in my life -- no one else. Thanks for your encouragement.
GURL you inspired me! I've been thinking of creating a channel for years & I did it this morning!!!! You are AWESOME keep up your amazingness!!
Just watched your video ‘Transform Fear of Change into Potential for Growth’. I have 2 friends of nigh-on 40yrs, who have ‘settled’, meaning no more change or learning new things. We range in age from 66yo to 70yo, and now conversation has become limited, restricted to past experience, family news, current news issues. If ever a reason to continue exploring life, learning and growing. I enjoy your videos, Jan, thank you for sharing your life with us.
You are one of the most inspiring women I have ever watched on CZcams. You speak to my soul and I resinate with your thoughts and values. You are amazing and I just wish such woman as you to my mentor.
I'm cheering for you Jenn 🎉We are all vulnerable in this life. You are doing well thank you for sharing! ❤😊
Being newly widowed at 73, living on the west coast with all my family back east my big decision will be where I’ll continue to live. I’m now in the process of downsizing years of accumulations. There are times I wish my husband was here to help me decide what’s best, but I’m now the one in the driver seat. I’m pretty independent so that helps but saying it’s not scary is an understatement. Either way it will probably involve a move to a different house. I’m blessed with friends and family that care about me. Your videos and information are about the best I’ve listened to. I’m visiting my son in Florida next month and I’ll be checking out his area while continuing my solo life in Oregon and keeping open to all possibilities.
I just take one day at a time and enjoy all adventures and opportunities that are presented to me … change is ongoing. It can be scary … and … I may fail. But, remember FAIL … first attempt at learning … about the upcoming change ❤
Thank you for this video and its content. I am divorced 12 years and had a young child to raise. I decided to retire by age 59, as I wanted to be physically able to do things and travel. The anxiety of being responsible for the house upkeep, and control fear of failing at all you discussed, was beginning to overwhelm me. Hearing you talk about it, and also watching the home journal video, has helped more than I can say. Thank you for all you do.
I'm also the oldest in my family (both siblings and cousins), which doesn't mesh well with someone who is averse to new experiences and challenges. Lately, I have gravitated toward YT channels of late-50s Gen X-ers as kinds of "older sisters" to help with midlife transitions and the road to retirement. Thanks for your perspective.
Yes! It is so helpful to see how others are approaching it. Do you have recommendations for other channels that you like that are along the lines of Silver and Solo?
@@kbc1883 Not for these specific issues. I found Kari Ann Wright for menopause "education". She isn't a doctor, but has done more research than many actual doctors.
I’m so glad I found you. Love these kind of topics. Kudos 😊
I just found your channel. You are giving me hope 🙏🏻 I’m almost 50, with elderly parents who suffer from Alzheimer’s, I have no siblings, recently divorced from my autistic and abusive husband of 20 years and I have no skills or capabilities to have a job to be able to pay rent and buy food. I live with my parents. I feel as though when they die, I will die too. They are all I have 😢 I chose not to bring children into a strained and abusive marriage. I am terrified of any change.
I feel for your situation. Would it work for you to start taking an on line degree of some sort so then you will have some skills to get a job? Some jobs also train you on the spot. Do you have a day program where you can take your parents while you work? Just trying to think of things to help.
Look here on CZcams for ideas. You have knowledge and skills of your life situation to share and make money from EG Alzheimer's carer, abusive relationship/marriage, Autumism, video blogs similar to what Jen is doing
I love your philosophy. It is how I tackle fear as well.
Plan for retirement, but also be willing to let it evolve. I had a plan developing after I turned 60, and then the pandemic changed things.
In my 50s I traveled often and did activities that emotionally and mentally took my away from my peer group. They were all retired at 55 while I still worked and traveled and I eventually realized how out of step I was. As much as I am my best company, it was one of the few times I felt lonely...that this group of women I socialized with were walking a different path and leaving me on an outcrop somewhere. So I worked at getting back on the same path as they and felt that comfort and inclusion in my life.
I thought 3 months away to avoid winter would be in my retirement plan, but after a 6 week trip, I learned pretty quickly that I was being relegated to that outcrop again. I know that that social group (or similar) will outlive my physical and mental ability to travel, so I need to spend time sustaining the at home relationships and activities while not wasting the youth of my retirement.
Part of that early retirement is exploration and risk that you can't undertake until you are retired 'full time'. Do you want to volunteer? Is a regularly scheduled weekly or monthly schedule what works, or short volunteer contributions? You may need to try it out a year or so to know?
What are your social options in the neighborhood that meet in the daytime? This is where pandemic really changed things up. I used to have a group in the area that met for everything from Euchre games to talks about art and museums to twice a week walks. I could hardly wait to join...then pandemic closed it, the building where they met was sold and unavailable, and the active members my age seemed to move on so it is now a shadow of itself...and a generation younger. I haven't found a replacement yet, but I still feel that is a void that needs filling.
But back to this fear and planning....as you spoke, I heard the voice of women who want to travel but are afraid...or ask 'is it safe?' All that you talk about for risks and change apply to embarking on solo travel as well. Research and self education is empowering and prepares you for retirement, menopause, or that first arrival in an unknown city. Thank you for sharing that message.
I’m turning 83 in a few months. I made the choice to r retire at 81. Challenges don’t stop- not even by degrees! But I was able to retire, still living the simple life I prefer, and enjoying the absolute Freedom I get to relish and immerse myself in today - and the rest of my tomorrows. Life is pureGift… at each stage.
“Change is possibility”. I love this so much and I know this to the depth of my being. Even though it’s scary, it’s worth it.
I’m a fairly new subscriber. I just wanted to say, I love your content.
Change is only good if you're truly ready for it and you feel like you're ready to make a change
Change is bad if others are pressuring you when you're not ready to change If you're not ready to change and people are harassing you to change something, anything at all whether it be big or small, that's when you need to push back hard, dig in your heels and firmly stand your ground without budging an inch dor ANY reason. Don't make changes you're not ready for, especially when others are pressuring you, nagging you and harassing you. If others start bothering you, firmly stand your ground and don't budge an inch. Get help and backup if it's absolutely needed. Speak up and make others aware of what's going on. Tell everything you absolutely know and just raise awareness
Jen, please keep producing videos. You are extremely relatable. I am experiencing job loss after 25+ years of service and I'm mid-late 50s. Please keep doing what you do!
I laughed when you said the change about your hair during COVID. I did the same thing. Big change for me but oh am I every saving money. It was about $100.00+ to get a color in our area. Saved that every month and also cut the cable cord by only having Antenna TV, another almost $200.00 per month. Love your video's. I look forward to hearing you speak because you have a very calm and soothing voice. Have a great week.
Awesome! Well done! Isn't the freedom from the salon great? I started growing out my silver the Feb before Covid started, so it was just getting to a noticeable "skunk stripe" when work sent us to work from home for good. It was such a silver lining (pun totally intended) to get to do the awkward stages hidden away during lockdowns. I don't miss the time or cost or constant annoyance of it never looking great except for the 1 week after coloring.
I am enjoying your videos and wish we could be neighbors!
So I retired 7 years ago by my choice. I had been working 40+ years and was done. It was the right time and place for me.
I found the early days of retirement unsettling in that I was taught to work and save.
As an accountant I worked with my husband to buy and pay off our dream home, our cars are paid for - this last purchase we bought the car and paid Cash, we pay off our credit card in full every month, and owe no one
.
Over the years we managed to pay for an advanced degree for my husband, an undergraduate degree for myself and our sons - all without going into debt. What a tremendous feeling of financial freedom!
Now, in retirement, there’s little emphasis on saving. I had to change. I’m finding joy and significance in giving to charities.
I had no training in how to live in retirement and am finding my way. Your videos are an encouragement.
How about a video discussing what you have on your bookshelf? I’m really curious.
I always want to explore those bookcases behind speakers. I hope she does talk about them
Excellent video with Excellent advise. I am also going through change at work. Where I once was the Expert I am now having to learn a whole new job in which I’m at the bottom. I have 5 years till retirement. In my private life I am caregiver to my 94 aged mom and I have two children that need assistance due to health issues. I’ve accepted my lot in life and instead of resentment I am taking control of the situation and it all started with making a plan and caring for my health and taking breaks. I enjoy your videos immensely.
I think you're pretty comfortable with yourself, and that makes you cool in my eyes. Your message comes across clear and not preachy which works. Hope your podcast goes well. I retired early at 62 and love it. I went back and forth thinking do I have enough but I have enough if I live modestly which includes some fun and travel. It's wonderful not having a boss.😊
Incredible insight. I'm very very glad I found your videos. 2 videos in, I subscribed & now I'm binge watching lol. Inspiring workmanship and encouragement😊
I have just stumbled across your videos tonight and binged a fair chunk of them. You are an excellent speaker and storey teller! I will be 50 next month so I am a little way off retirement unless I have a big windfall. I dream of retiring every single day. I am done with work and having to be some where at a certain time. People say the transition to retirement is hard. People tell me I will be bored ! I don't get bored easily and enjoy my own company. Work is something I have to do but it is in the way and won't be missed. I am so looking forward to retirement!! I wish you much success with this CZcams adventure. =)
You are so inspiring. Thank you for sharing such an interesting topic. ❤
That preparatory work that allows "stepping into" rather than "falling into" changes is so important!
I'm also a first-born.
You'd love the book "Atomic Habits" by James Clear.
I am in the figuring out mode of my future, my hubby passed 6 months ago and I am 51. I am just getting used to the idea that the future just includes me and whatever I want….hoping it comes to me. I really appreciate your videos!🙏🏼
I love you practicality but unique and engaging way you look at life and handle life. You give me hope that i will make in this next extremely scary and vulnerable time of life. I lost my husband of 46 years and i was extremely dependent on him. He handled everything. Now im faced, at almost 65 yrs old, with starting life all over while in the depths and pain of grief. Its scary as hell. My safty next is gone. Id like to look at it as a new and exciting chapter in my life but i am not there yet. You are right though because the things in my life that were the scarest and hardest, were where i grew the most and learned the most. Its just that this time, im faced with being older with some challenges physically, and without my safety net. Its like free falling out of an airplane without a parachute and all the while feeling like half a person. Your videos give me hope. I just wanted to thank you for that.❤
I just starting following you, well call it divine intervention. I’m facing an enormous change at nearly 65. I’m moving back to my home state (across the US) with or without my husband. Yes, it’s a new beginning and I’m beyond frightened. I’ve never lived alone, though my daughter, her family and other relatives will be near. You’ve given me encouragement and I thank you!
Jen: Love your videos. You are so honest it is compelling to watch. Keep it up my dear. I try to embrace change because for me, it has always been a constant! I too am the eldest, so I was always the first one in my family to experience things. I guess I am addicted to the rush! I am now retired, which is a new adventure. Thanks for the advice to break new experiences down into smaller pieces. You are a gem!
Thank you so much!
I like your communication style it's easy listening. I am a man of 65 and I have related to your mindset to getting older and losing your job. Keep going think it's resignating with lots of people 😊
I appreciate that
Learning to live alone is a struggle. I need guidance and comfort in this new season of my life. Right now, I live to work. I need to expand. I'm wasting years, I know that.
So I have decided to move to Thailand. I am nervous; I am excited. Your video has helped me get more excited than nervous! I love your videos!
I love your videos.
Love this video! Thank You my friend! ❤❤❤
You are so welcome!
Hi 👋 new subscriber here 😊just found your channel. I’m 57 and been divorced for sixteen years, my three children are grown and looking forward to life on my own.
Retirement is just so awesome and it was something I feared but it's so wonderful. I feared not having enough money and lived MAJORLY frugally the first year until I figured out how much I could actually spend. I'm adjusting yearly but I'm very comfortable and I am able to do ...full-time...the things that gave me joy when I was working. Quilting, gardening, trying out new recipes. I actually wish I had retired sooner as the last year really took a toll on my health so now my part-time job is getting back in shape.LOL
Love your videos Jen. ❤️
Another great video! The truth is that there is no safe place. Change is inevitable, but still frightening. I struggle with it as I stand at the start of retirement, especially after gray divorce after 25 years of marriage. Thanks for the pep talk!
Your channel has been my favorite for the past few weeks. I appreciate your point of view and how you present it in a way that is clear and understandable. Your musings reflect my views about my future and how I would like to live the rest of my years, however many that may be. I'm a little older, already retired and live in the US, but the sentiment is the same. Thank you for putting into words how I feel and giving validity to those of us who are facing similar circumstances.
This is an excellent, inspiring video!
Thanks so much!
This was very inspiring, thank you for this video! 🌱🌷
I think I didn't know anything or even think I did when I was a teen. I was the shyest, most closed down person you could meet. Now?? At 64?? I might be getting feet under me? Ugh. Life is definitely wonderful and tough. Things seem to repeat. Love seeing your memories and journey.
Thanks!
Thank you so much!
True, change is a very difficult thing to deal with @ later stages of life. I am going thru such a change for the past 1 year and still not able to feel normal. Not sure how long god wants me in this stage. Praying and hoping everyday for normalcy to return soon.
I'm 52. I had no plans to retire fully ever. Life changes and spins curve balls. I retired from full time work in February 2020. I still worked pretty hard but that is reducing now and in fact I have time and energy to devote to a side hustle which is more profitable than my employment was. But life is much more on my terms now.
Hello, Jen. I am silver but not solo, and I love your videos. I love finding sliver sisters online. Sisters who are discussing topics that are specific to those of us in this season of life.
I used to jump into change, and I really trusted that the universe would "have my back". However, I think that it's not as easy to quit a job, travel, and believe that I can easily find a new job now because there is ageism and sexism that I didn't see when I was 35. Also, I think that office environments have become increasingly saturated with the hustle mentality and more toxic.
Your voice is very calming.
You have done a great job carefully planning for your retirement and removed anxiety from it. The shift isn't easy; but easier if you have plans in place--few or many--been there, done that. Regarding life's big questions; they do reach a negotiation in your mind, and the questions somewhat settle as you get older and enjoy new experiences after retirement. In the mean time, keep searching, learning, exploring, questioning and inspiring even us older viewers. The next 15 years of your life is very precious time.
Thank you Jen! I enjoy hearing your inspiring perspective on life.
I am so grateful that I came across your channel. It is a gift. I am literally in the exact same situation of asking myself these big life questions including trying to figure out how I can retire on my terms and when. I am 59 recently chose to leave my marriage and I am behind in my retirement. Thank you for sharing your stories. They really help!!
I know a lot of people enjoy being and living alone ... what about those of us who don't ... I'm 71 and for the first time in my life I'm alone ... not by choice as my husband passed away in Dec this past year ... I'm ashamed to say it but I hate it ... can't find my place in this world ... my husband didn't like people so we never developed any friendships ... just feel so lonely and lost ... I don't want to spend the rest of my life like this but have no idea which way to go.
Same… But different circumstances. 61 years old, divorced for seven years after 34 years of marriage. I don’t like being alone. I wish I was one of these people that can say how happy I am to be alone but I can’t, I am lonely. I don’t have a close circle of friends, I wish I did. I wish I had a life partner, but I don’t. I’m involving myself in different groups in my church and community and just doing the best that I can.
I do not know how it feels to be alone without your mate, but I do know that being 77 and my husband who is 79 going on 80, I feel could be in my near future. What I would do is find people in the same situation. I know there are groups for widows which I feel would be helpful. Volunteering at a animal shelter or at a soup kitchen, or with hospice, single parents, helping in any small way that I can. I actually like being by myself more than with people but I do not know how I will feel if I didn’t have my love to share the daily activities or news or just to experience bad storms alone. That I feel would be scary for me because I always depend on him to fix and make everything ok. So I hope I helped in a small way, to know that I feel your pain and hope that you find some comfort knowing there are many many people alone in life that make there own little piece of hope and happiness. I haven’t worked outside my home for 47 years and never felt bored. Love my home and my private lot and enjoy nature.
I love watching u tubers and hearing their different stories. You can learn helpful ideas on living alone by watching u tubers who are living like that. I really enjoy watching the people who are older and have their cute little cozy little homes in remote areas, and look very happy and content. you can google anything and it is out there to watch and learn, from, and last but not least I always ask God to guide and give me strength to Indore, and He is always helps.🙏🏼💕 God bless my friend and stay strong and know you will be fine.
@@margaretfinney6546 With God you will always have someone and the best friend you’ll ever find besides my dogs.
Oh Linda, I can relate! I'm in my early 60's and my husband passed away 18 months ago. He was more of a loner and I am more of an introvert. We weren't social people and now I regret that in a big way. I miss him every minute of every day. He was a highly intelligent and capable man who was the center of my world. I realize that in order to not just survive but thrive, I have to rebuild my life and become more social. It is hard! Like you, I struggle to find purpose. I've done a little volunteering but it doesn't feel fulfilling to me. I'm still searching to find my place now that he's gone.
What I have learned from grief counseling is that you are in the very early stages of grief, so be kind yourself. Try to find a little comfort in whatever you liked to do before your husband passed that you didn't do while he was alive because he wasn't too keen on them. I now read more, cook what I enjoy eating and watch movies and old TV series that he wouldn't have liked. I know it doesn't sound like much, but these things have helped me smile again when I thought I never I would and it takes the edge of being alone, at least temporarily.
I was also fortunate to find a couple other widows through grief counseling who I was able to relate to. I'll occasionally get together with one of them for a meal, to see a movie, go for a walk or have a cup of coffee. It may only be once every couple of weeks but it gives me something to look forward to. Plus I know I can speak freely to them because we're on the same path, so it's a relief not to have to pretend everything is OK, when it isn't. They get it.
Please research to see if there are any grief support groups in your area. Sometimes they are sponsored by a church but may be open to all. Some hospice facilities will also offer grief support or can direct you to a community organization that can help. The social services department of major hospitals may also be able to direct you to the right agencies. Sometimes it takes a lot of effort to motivate yourself to make those phones calls, but you'll usually find a sympathetic person on the other end who wants to help. There are online support groups also.
We are members of a club no one wants to belong to but we don't have a choice. I think of this new, different life in terms of baby steps. Some days I take a few steps forward and some days I fall down and cry. It's a struggle. Just know that you are not alone.
You could have easily been a preacher or teacher, you have a gift. And yes, your hair suits you. I subscribed today, you have a new fan, a fellow Canadian. 😊
Jen. Nice video with solid encouragement. Also appreciate the minimal b roll. It creates a nice flow.
Great video! I am planning on changing careers at 40 with no real experience in the new field. I am scared but something inside me says it is time to make this change NOW. It is a risk because I will most likely take a pay cut and as a single solo person myself, I may have to take a second job just to continue to survive on my own. I just know the field I am in now is not a good fit, so I am taking the leap without the safety ropes 😵💫 I could stay in my current job and save more before I leave, but the job is soul sucking, and trying to keep up with the job has done more damage to my mental and physical health over the past year, it is not worth staying anymore. But like you mentioned, if I fail and land flat on my face trying to make this change, at least I will have learned something and I will grow from the experience. Thank you for sharing your wise insights! So helpful for a Xennial like me 😜
Best of luck to you!
Yes! As someone who is a bit older than you, take this as another sign that you are doing the right thing. A soul sucking job is never worth it. You can do this! Trust in yourself and you will be wildly successful in your new field.
I’m 53 and this spoke to me!!! Thank you!🙏🏼
I allowed my natural hair color to come through.. And I LOVE it!👵🏼
Thanks for this video!!! ❤
Inspiring video, Jen! Like you, I’m planning for retirement, and have been for many years, yet I’m content to continue working beyond ‘retirement age’. An unexpected bout of serious ill-health, from which I have, fortunately, fully recovered, made me rethink everything 8 years ago. I remember how keen I was to get back to work for the normalising effect it has. Since then, I’ve worked just 4 days per week, which is just right for me. Having a non-working weekday makes a massive difference to my day-to-day health, happiness and wellbeing - I definitely recommend 😊
❤❤ on that road . Thank you
Great video. Thank you again 😊
Watched that great documentary you suggested, Free Solo👍 thank you, that was a amazing true story.💕
Love your channel. You make total sense and give hope.
Very timely for me. Thanks .
very informative. Thank you.
I love your videos ❤
What a great vlog!!!❤️TFS!!!😘
Hi there, I am a new subscriber. Just want to let you know how much I enjoy your videos. Lots of love from South Africa. ❤
Thanks, and welcome!
Free Solo. I need to watch that.
Well said and good thoughts and info. I just subscribed but found you a few weeks ago and watched all your vlogs when you had less than 1000 subscribers. I'm not single and in my 60's and retired now. But pretty much everything you talk about is for all of us. Seems you've found your stride and mission for your channel. Congrats!
I'm so glad I found your site when I did. I am always thinking of retirement now. I love all your good information and the energy you put into everything you say and do. Thank you.
Love this and loved seeing your earlier photos. I'm watching my 17 yr old niece go through all her massive changes and decisions right now and it has brought up a lot of this line of thinking for me as well. I've always been one to make changes (living in different states, working in different countries, changing jobs, renovated a house, moved into a yurt off grid, let my dyed brown hair go fully silver at 46, etc.). But at 50 and solo with no children and having just made a voluntary job switch and broken my first bone (my right foot, so no walking or driving for 2 months) in the same week, I too am thinking about what change will look like going forward. I don't have as much wiggle room with my body, my job prospects, my energy, my money (if I want to stretch it out to fund retirement) as I used to. Failures now might have more long-term consequences and less timeframe to correct any damage from errors. So I am not sure how my typical gut-driven changes will evolve during the new stages ahead.
I listen to and admire all your presentations and love all of your perspectives. They have helped me cope with the realities as they relate in my own life, so I look forward to all your new content
Yes every scary change is groth
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Girl u have a long way to go 🎉❤ love your videos. Would like to see some videos on how travelling changes you internally as it’s more about the journey within 😊 love love
czcams.com/video/2eZgxwYtQyY/video.html Made a video about it!
About boundaries: you'll never change that part of who you are!
Again you're my biggest inspiration this year thus far as I've binge watched your videos. They've been just what I needed as I embrace my own "Creator" journey online in the coming weeks!!
I've been reflecting on this conversation as I've gone about my day and I've come to this exciting thought: It seems the accumulating constraints of aging may yet spark the greatest creativity of our lives. Parameters can spawn creativity in a way that is different than the creativity that happens when there are wide-open possibilities. I once heard a writer speak about his experience of joining a challenge to write one haiku poem every single day for a year and how that requirement, those parameters, pushed him to really dig deep with his creativity. There were a lot of terrible ones, mostly decent ones, and some incredible ones written by year's end. Other artists have said the same about having parameters. And I too have noticed that restrictions and containers have led to some of my best work: writing prompts in a writing group, assignments with very specific criteria in college, and the limitations of a1950's house that I renovated that constantly presented challenges where the conventional or typical approaches were not possible, but some great creativity was spawned from those constraints. So too it may be as the options become more limited due to aging. This makes me feel a real rush of cheer and excitement really, puts a really invigorating twist in my feelings about the eras ahead.
_Change, changing places_
_Root yourself to the ground_
_Capitalize on this good fortune_
_One word can bring you round_
Just found your channel...and subscribed. I've always said that I've never made a change in my life that didn't work out for the best. Glad to hear that has happened for you too. God is good!
Welcome aboard!
I will be 69 this year and have never built anything by hand. My younger sister is going to teach me. Start small with a cupboard/closet Moving on to a Murphy bed. Can you tell I am living in a small space😊 and need storage. By next spring we attempt a tiny house.
ooooh! Exciting! Love your approach of little by little. I live in a 226 sq foot yurt after going from my 1000 sq ft home, to a 500 sq ft studio (to see if tiny was for me) and now this. I love it! And, like you, a tiny house may be next, though I don't think I'll build my own. Just love that you and your sister are collaborating. My brother built his own home and I always marvel at the wonderfulness of walking in your own door into a space you fully created yourself. So satisfying!
I understand completly what you are saying. I actually feel I can "die" inside without change. But now being close to your age what will make me flourish again? I have no idea.
Yes life changes just transitions
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I so like you ❤️❤️🙏🙏
Somehow you came up on my feed last week and I've watched a couple of your videos. Right on time. I'm reeling from turning 65 in December and seriously frighten. Still working but retiring in 5 to 7 years under financed and unprepared. This video has given me hope. I need a plan and I've been dancing around creating one. Wow... so much more. It is the scariest thing I've ever done or thought of doing. But it's a no choice deal. So what does this mean for me?
NICE