“Big Age” is a funny term I heard from many sources, definitely not one I made up myself, but I’ll definitely keep using. But people throw it around as if it’s a milestone you suddenly wake up to. Like, congratulations, you’ve hit an age—a Big Age—where society expects you to have it all figured out. Career, relationships, money, personal growth—the whole checklist. And yet, here you are, still figuring things out, still wondering if you’re aligned with the life you’re living, especially in this second chapter of ours. Most of us still are, and don’t panic, that’s really not a bad thing. Being in your “Big Age” isn’t about having…
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How a Simple Gratitude List Can Go a Long Way
Out of nowhere, a friend recently sent me a text message that wasn’t one of the usual hilarious memes we share — we have a thing about people falling. And, honest moment here, I’m actually part of a small group chat where we share all kinds of crazy, epic falls… I know, I know — your judgment is warranted, but we always assume no real injury occurred. We’re not a bunch of psychopaths, honestly. However, this time, my friend’s text began with this one sentence: “Do you know how many of my thoughts, wishes, and prayers have been answered?” Prepping me for what she was recently grateful for — a…
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The Truth About “Catching Up”
And Why I Quit Trying. I used to foolishly believe that if I could just clear my to-do list, I’d finally feel caught up. But I was only clearing it up to make space for the next stack of to-dos, and the next and the next. Another work email to answer, another post to write, another idea I swore I’d get to once “things slowed down.” The older I get, the bigger the backlog seems to fill up, in all things. Half-written blog drafts. Unread books. Old voice memos with “brilliant ideas” I’d never started. And the work and family stuff is too mammoth to even mention. The lists, plural,…
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How To See If You’re Choosing Not to Choose Happiness
I know… weird title, right? But I was thinking about this the other day. Not feeling bad, or stuck, or even bored, but because I was pausing on finishing something minor, I knew I needed to do, and had the time to do it. In my case, it was crazy simple, like having to find some images for my already written posts, yet I was actively choosing not to do it. Am I a dumb arse… maybe? But the way my brain is wired, it got me thinking and examining, and rethinking why. Why was I choosing not to just do it, when there was zero reason holding me back…
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Will You Still Love Your Passion Project in 5 Years?
Open your closet, wardrobe, clothing racks, or wherever you store your clothes, and take a good look. I mean really look closely. Out of all that’s hanging, folded, stuffed, or shoved in somewhere, and don’t forget what’s been left to fry in the dryer, how many do you actually wear? Not stare at, slide past to find that specific top, but put on and go out in? I’m betting that for most of us, the number is probably smaller than you think or want to admit. Maybe 10%, or 20% if you’re really lucky and diligent about changing up your look. Not to mention if you work from home, have a uniform,…
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Empty Nester, Full Heart: How to Make This Chapter Yours
And may include bigger closets! My youngest is off to college, so my nest is officially… empty-ish. I’m not sad about “no longer being a mom” as that job is forever mine. And I’m definitely not in the “phew, I’m done, go solve your own damn problems, kiddos” camp either. It’s more like a shift: a new season of cheering on my mini-adults… while remembering to show up for myself, too. Now I 2,000% will be threatening (lovingly) to turn their bedrooms into my extended closets. Their trophies and school knickknacks can stay, but only as quirky and cool dividers between my shoes and boots. Thanks for the suggestion, S’MAC’! You…
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How To Get What You Want: The Power In Asking
It’s Time To Say It or Stay Stuck. Though I was never a shy kid, it still didn’t mean that I always asked for what I wanted, at least not up front and clearly. I 100% shook my head and bawled tears in my mum’s kitchen at the myriad of colorful and flavorful foods I refused to eat for no good reason. Yeah, I absolutely did that, but let’s press on, shall we. But when I did ask for what I wanted, it worked out more often than not. Now, with my daughters, I realize what I wish I’d practiced more myself: always asking. Emphasis on the ‘always’. Of getting…
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The Time I Lied About Loving Jazz
(A short story by Irene B.) The Trio House Presents: THE JAZZ SETFriday, April 25 – 7 PMFeaturing Lonnie BassettePerformances by Joel Hicks, Joy Bailey, and The PriseTicket: $125 – Limited VIP Seating AvailableMystery Guest: The One… The Only… Corinne had stared at the flyer, laptop, phone and now back to laptop, for the past three hours. She was half-dressed, hair and makeup done, in her bra and camisole, trying to figure out what to wear. The flyer hadn’t miraculously changed and still advertised The Jazz Set at The Trio House, on Friday, April 25th: Lonnie Bassette, Joel Hicks, Amber Bailey, The Prise. The Prise, spelled with an S not Z. Special…
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Staying Grounded in “The Gap” Between Now and What’s Next
There’s that odd and uncomfortable space between your current life and the life you’re still chasing — and sometimes even between who you are and who you know you could be. And I don’t mean you’re ready to trade in your life as a GenXer, corporate baddie, whose kids are grown and almost flown, to become Dr. Jean Grey from Marvel. Able to read people’s minds or control their thoughts. While that does sound delicious, it’s not the direction I’m headed in. I’m talking about that gap, that itch for the ‘things’ you continue to want to grab a hold of and run with, to stop it from slipping away.…
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Is Your Bucket List Staring You Down? Try This Fun, Easy, and Realistic One Now
The Thimble List! Your Shortcut to Life’s Magical Moments. I recently scrolled past a Pinterest blog post, one of those surprisingly good ones, and it stuck with me. A woman in her mid-40s admitted she’d only completed maybe 10–15% of her bucket list. She didn’t share the whole thing, but most of it was travel-related. One entry really got me: Meet up with old Uni friends I haven’t seen in three decades. Well, mine hadn’t been that long, but still, it had been too long. And I meant to save the post, of course. Didn’t. Can’t find it now. Bloody annoying. But the funny thing is, by complete coincidence, I’d…
