I’ve been here less than a week now. But I started seeing your notes a few days ago and you genuinely sound like someone I’d love to meet! This is the first post of yours that I’ve read and as a former consultant myself…I hear ya. And I admire the hell out of your journey. Keep doing what you’re doing. You truly are making a lot of people smile. I know I do…every time I see anything from Blue. Might be my new favorite color!
Welcome Einstein! I’m so glad you found me, and I’d love to meet you, too. Here’s my favorite Einstein quote: Coincidence is God’s way of staying anonymous. Well, at least it’s often been credited to him. I love coincidence, synchronicity, and serendipity. And if even Einstein is okay with it….Blue💙
Well…I’m no Einstein, but I’ve been a big fan of his since junior high. I’ve just started my Substack, but I’ve got a story to share and learning about energy played a MAJOR role in me coming back to life after 25 years of being too sick to function in society. I’m starting over, a little scared, but truly excited. I’m hoping to write my memoir and Substack is my on-ramp. I’ll be writing bits and pieces of it as I go. And I’m hoping that my story will inspire others the way you have already inspired me! My name is Kyle. I’ll be around. Take care!
Thank you for your post. I just started on substack. I’m 65, widowed, childless, retired, no family nearby, lonesome, grieving, depressed and feeling like I’d like the end to get here sooner than later. Your posts have given me hope, inspiration and encouragement. You’re truly a light in the darkness.
Wow, Cori. I’m so glad you’ve found Substack at a time in your life when you do need some encouragement and inspiration. And if my words help in any small way, I am honored. There are a lot of incredible writers here talking about midlife difficulties and opportunities. Please keep finding the ones that speak to you. Thank you so much for sharing with this community. Blue💙
I agree! Life is too short to be miserable. During my 20th year of teaching in 2022, I found myself crying every afternoon due to the stress, disrespect, overwork and frustration. I knew something had to change. It hasn't been easy and I took a hit on my retirement, but 3 years later I found my purpose. I combined my education and writing skills to focus on teaching leadership to young people by guiding them in building character. My book and curriculum intentionally teach resilience, perseverance, honesty, empathy and courage. If I reach only 1 young person, we will have 1 future leader who is guided by moral values rather than accumulating wealth and status.
That’s such a great goal. It’s similar to mine here at Substack: I wanted each post to touch at least one person at the right time in their life to make a small difference in helping them move forward on their path. The only way I would know if I had succeeded was through their comments, not in the number of my subscribers or likes. Thank you for giving me one of those comments. Blue 💙
I love that I can see myself in your writing. Not completely, of course, but enough to say, “What, you too?” You provide not just an enjoyable read, but an invitation for personal reflection. There are times when I’ve finally said “Enough!” (even if it took a little too long) and now, a near-daily check in of “Enough?” Gratefully, the answer is almost always “yes.” Thank you for the gift of your writing, your wisdom, your inspiration. 💙
I think your comment is my favorite of the day. Makes me want to snap my suspenders (if I wore them!). I’m glad you’re finding something in my writing that resonates with you. Blue💙
This is what I love about Substack! It's such a thoughtful forum where I can do so much more than merely "like" someone's post. So glad to have found your work. I'm definitely going to explore my own "Enough" story. I've certainly got one...
Thanks Blue. You’re one of my favourite 80’s year old in my life. I’m lucky to have my mum and my aunty, who is turning 80 this year. There is so much wisdom to revere in those who have seen, heard, watched, participated, learned and loved for so long.
ENOUGH! sometimes I feel like screaming it out into the universe! Even after losing our hotel there are still vultures out there trying to get what little we have left. We are in Bennie travelling down through France into Spain for a couple of months, having given up hospitality for good. We are looking at doing a couple of house renovations back home to keep us going financially, low stress, creative. But if the worst comes to the worst, we can sell our flat and live in Bennie with Charlie Brown for good. There’s something magical about waking up in a different place each day. And warmer than the UK! I love your posts, you inspire so many 💜🌹
Ah, thank you Georgina. You’re one of my favorite subscribers because you keep on keeping on. And, in Europe, no less. I spent about 9 months RVing through Europe in the mid 1990’s. I remember the feelings. Yes, there are always other choices you get to make. That’s what makes life so interesting, doesn’t it? Blue💙
Like you Blue. I have enuf . I am enough. It may be our age and if so it’s the rhythm of life perhaps. Living with less is freeing. Stuff weighs you down. Or at least for me.
Yes. Sometimes, you just can no longer sell your Soul.
"Enough" is a great mantra for ongoingly checking what doesn't bring you alive.
Enough debilitating internal chatter, enough toxicity in relationships, enough holding on to resentments, enough listening to the voice of self-criticism, enough, enough, enough. And the question, " When is it time for you to say 'enough'?" is a great question to live with ongoingly. I love this post.
So glad it resonated with you Amba. Too many of us get stuck in the fear of change and stay too long where our lives no longer fit our becoming selves. Blue 💙
Blue, this post was exactly what I needed today. While I am not in the exact same position as you were (I still have two underaged children to take care of), I am in the middle of that really uncomfortable middle: fighting and advocating for change because my life no longer fits, but also trying to be realistic in this economy. But I'm trusting the process, and most importantly, I'm trusting myself to figure this out.
And there you have it, Natasha. The key! Trust yourself to figure it out — maybe with a little help from the universe/God/intuition/coincidence. Just paying attention to small signs which might be nudging in one direction or another. It’s always worked for me. That and another question I often ask myself: Why not? Let me know. Blue💙
Blue, I enjoyed the way you shared your "Enough" examples. The biggest takeaway for me was from your last line about using your own criteria as your point of comparison for what's enough, because what is the measure for one person would not be a fit for the next.
It's all about marching to your own beat and trusting your instincts--as you always instill in each of us.
And, I also meant by that last sentence, that oftentimes we inherit yardsticks from family, teachers, and society. The one I inherited was from my father. No matter how well I did, it was never enough for him. Took me decades to grow out of that one! Blue💙
another great post by a great lady and a great writer! ♥️
Thanks, Bea. I always appreciate your feedback. Hope the world is treating you as kindly as you deserve. Blue💙
I’ve been here less than a week now. But I started seeing your notes a few days ago and you genuinely sound like someone I’d love to meet! This is the first post of yours that I’ve read and as a former consultant myself…I hear ya. And I admire the hell out of your journey. Keep doing what you’re doing. You truly are making a lot of people smile. I know I do…every time I see anything from Blue. Might be my new favorite color!
Welcome Einstein! I’m so glad you found me, and I’d love to meet you, too. Here’s my favorite Einstein quote: Coincidence is God’s way of staying anonymous. Well, at least it’s often been credited to him. I love coincidence, synchronicity, and serendipity. And if even Einstein is okay with it….Blue💙
Well…I’m no Einstein, but I’ve been a big fan of his since junior high. I’ve just started my Substack, but I’ve got a story to share and learning about energy played a MAJOR role in me coming back to life after 25 years of being too sick to function in society. I’m starting over, a little scared, but truly excited. I’m hoping to write my memoir and Substack is my on-ramp. I’ll be writing bits and pieces of it as I go. And I’m hoping that my story will inspire others the way you have already inspired me! My name is Kyle. I’ll be around. Take care!
You inspire me!
Thank you for sharing and responding!
Thank you for your post. I just started on substack. I’m 65, widowed, childless, retired, no family nearby, lonesome, grieving, depressed and feeling like I’d like the end to get here sooner than later. Your posts have given me hope, inspiration and encouragement. You’re truly a light in the darkness.
Wow, Cori. I’m so glad you’ve found Substack at a time in your life when you do need some encouragement and inspiration. And if my words help in any small way, I am honored. There are a lot of incredible writers here talking about midlife difficulties and opportunities. Please keep finding the ones that speak to you. Thank you so much for sharing with this community. Blue💙
Loved reading your Posts Blue and Ann .
I agree! Life is too short to be miserable. During my 20th year of teaching in 2022, I found myself crying every afternoon due to the stress, disrespect, overwork and frustration. I knew something had to change. It hasn't been easy and I took a hit on my retirement, but 3 years later I found my purpose. I combined my education and writing skills to focus on teaching leadership to young people by guiding them in building character. My book and curriculum intentionally teach resilience, perseverance, honesty, empathy and courage. If I reach only 1 young person, we will have 1 future leader who is guided by moral values rather than accumulating wealth and status.
That’s such a great goal. It’s similar to mine here at Substack: I wanted each post to touch at least one person at the right time in their life to make a small difference in helping them move forward on their path. The only way I would know if I had succeeded was through their comments, not in the number of my subscribers or likes. Thank you for giving me one of those comments. Blue 💙
"This is not a time for procrastination." Love this, Blue!
Thanks, Prajna. I always appreciate your feedback and support. Blue💙
Absolutely awesome. I needed that.
I love that I can see myself in your writing. Not completely, of course, but enough to say, “What, you too?” You provide not just an enjoyable read, but an invitation for personal reflection. There are times when I’ve finally said “Enough!” (even if it took a little too long) and now, a near-daily check in of “Enough?” Gratefully, the answer is almost always “yes.” Thank you for the gift of your writing, your wisdom, your inspiration. 💙
I think your comment is my favorite of the day. Makes me want to snap my suspenders (if I wore them!). I’m glad you’re finding something in my writing that resonates with you. Blue💙
This is what I love about Substack! It's such a thoughtful forum where I can do so much more than merely "like" someone's post. So glad to have found your work. I'm definitely going to explore my own "Enough" story. I've certainly got one...
Thanks, Rosemary. I’m glad you found us, too. Would love to hear your story if you’re willing to share. Blue 💙
I am 58 and starting over. Thank you for these posts!
That's a great age to start over! You might have 30 more years to do more "start-overs!" Blue💙
You are inspiring me to look forward to all of that! Thank you!
Thanks Blue. You’re one of my favourite 80’s year old in my life. I’m lucky to have my mum and my aunty, who is turning 80 this year. There is so much wisdom to revere in those who have seen, heard, watched, participated, learned and loved for so long.
That’s an honor, being placed with your mum and aunty. It’s a great age to be and so many of us never get to lives this long. Blue💙
ENOUGH! sometimes I feel like screaming it out into the universe! Even after losing our hotel there are still vultures out there trying to get what little we have left. We are in Bennie travelling down through France into Spain for a couple of months, having given up hospitality for good. We are looking at doing a couple of house renovations back home to keep us going financially, low stress, creative. But if the worst comes to the worst, we can sell our flat and live in Bennie with Charlie Brown for good. There’s something magical about waking up in a different place each day. And warmer than the UK! I love your posts, you inspire so many 💜🌹
Ah, thank you Georgina. You’re one of my favorite subscribers because you keep on keeping on. And, in Europe, no less. I spent about 9 months RVing through Europe in the mid 1990’s. I remember the feelings. Yes, there are always other choices you get to make. That’s what makes life so interesting, doesn’t it? Blue💙
Ah thank you. If you follow is you will see all the beautiful places we are seeing. It’s just so freeing 🌹
Like you Blue. I have enuf . I am enough. It may be our age and if so it’s the rhythm of life perhaps. Living with less is freeing. Stuff weighs you down. Or at least for me.
Absolutely, Kate. I do think our age has a lot to do with. Decades of lessons behind us and the wisdom we’ve earned from those. Lunch? When? Blue 💙
Yes. Sometimes, you just can no longer sell your Soul.
"Enough" is a great mantra for ongoingly checking what doesn't bring you alive.
Enough debilitating internal chatter, enough toxicity in relationships, enough holding on to resentments, enough listening to the voice of self-criticism, enough, enough, enough. And the question, " When is it time for you to say 'enough'?" is a great question to live with ongoingly. I love this post.
So glad it resonated with you Amba. Too many of us get stuck in the fear of change and stay too long where our lives no longer fit our becoming selves. Blue 💙
Absolutely.
Blue, this post was exactly what I needed today. While I am not in the exact same position as you were (I still have two underaged children to take care of), I am in the middle of that really uncomfortable middle: fighting and advocating for change because my life no longer fits, but also trying to be realistic in this economy. But I'm trusting the process, and most importantly, I'm trusting myself to figure this out.
And there you have it, Natasha. The key! Trust yourself to figure it out — maybe with a little help from the universe/God/intuition/coincidence. Just paying attention to small signs which might be nudging in one direction or another. It’s always worked for me. That and another question I often ask myself: Why not? Let me know. Blue💙
Blue, I enjoyed the way you shared your "Enough" examples. The biggest takeaway for me was from your last line about using your own criteria as your point of comparison for what's enough, because what is the measure for one person would not be a fit for the next.
It's all about marching to your own beat and trusting your instincts--as you always instill in each of us.
And, I also meant by that last sentence, that oftentimes we inherit yardsticks from family, teachers, and society. The one I inherited was from my father. No matter how well I did, it was never enough for him. Took me decades to grow out of that one! Blue💙
Yes! That makes sense Blue. Don’t just borrow someone else’s yardstick!