From Our Editor
What do you think when someone is described as full of energy, or living with zest? Do you feel envious, wishing you were like that? Does it seem as if your enthusiasm is fading?
We’ve all been in that place and many are struggling now. These feelings can ebb and flow, depending on seasons, work load, trauma (or drama) in our lives, and even whether the sun shines or not. Sometimes the feeling persists, especially if someone (or society) acts as if you are “less than”. But there is hope for us! Our writers have given us some great ideas for making small, but meaningful, changes that can re-ignite our flagging interest in life and help us find something to be excited about again.
One of these ideas in Deb Loader’s article Ageless Energy is, “Whether it’s gardening, painting, dancing, or volunteering, make time for what excites you.” As women we often forget to do this! There are so many other things and people that need “tending”. However, we need to find a bit of joy each day to keep our spirit alive.
Suzanne Young says in This Present Moment that she had been so busy doing things that she had simply forgotten the value of being present with herself. The value of taking time for selfreflection has been a continuous theme with our writers all year. Perhaps we could set an earlier bedtime so we can rise earlier in the morning to journal, reflect, and/or focus. Even ten to fifteen minutes can make a big difference in settling our mind and heart. When we are harried it’s difficult to have excitement about our day or feel the energy to begin it. Speaking of energy, in her informative article Invisible Drains, Joy Dettling talks about energy leaks—how to identify them, what to do next, and how to gain back our vitality. Personally, I needed her wisdom decades ago!
We realize several in our community of Women2Women might feel their spirits flagging. Life can be really hard. We need each other to share how we survived our own trauma. We need each other to reach out in support and with encouraging words. We need each other to do as only women can—help take up the slack, to have our backs.
Texting is better than no contact. But being present and face to face allows deep listening and hugs! Go out for coffee. Walk around your neighborhood. Clean house together (like in the good ol’ days). Grab all the kids and head to a park. And laugh together! Invite a couple of friends over to watch a chick flick. Two hours and some popcorn can do wonders! Looking forward to these bits of joy can help us feel excitement. Creating time together with our friends means being intentional (and sometimes feels like it takes an act of Congress to align our schedules!), but what joy to visit with a friend!
Our writers and staff join you in this journey toward zestful living. There are more ideas ahead for ways to enrich your life. As we are pulling our sweaters and boots out of storage, preparing for Michigan’s autumnal changes, perhaps we can create some personal changes in our lives as well.
May you have a beautiful and fulfilling fall season,
Stay informed of W2W happenings through our email newsletter. If you haven’t been receiving them, visit www.w2wmichigan.com and sign up!
www.W2WMichiganc.om info@w2wmichigan.com
Contributing Writers
Debra K Collins Publisher/Editor in Chief Debra@w2wmichigan.com
Mimi Matthews Content Editor Mimi@w2wmichigan.com
Kellie Pardi Creative Director/Marketing Kellie@w2wmichigan.com
Trice Berlinski Executive Assistance Trice@w2wmichigan.com
Hey there, fabulous lady! Yes, you!
Let’s face it—juggling work and life can sometimes feel like trying to balance a stack of books on your head while walking a tightrope. It’s no easy feat, but with a little guidance you can find that sweet spot where both your career and personal life can flourish. So, grab a cup of tea (or your favorite beverage), get comfy, and let’s chat about five simple steps to manage your work-life balance.
Grab a journal or notebook. Writing gives you the opportunity to reflect, witness your growth and keep a record of what’s working and what’s not. You change, life changes, so will your priorities, goals and life! Don’t be afraid to shift and change! Cheers to a balanced life!
Step 1: Set Your Priorities
First things first—what truly matters to you? Take a moment to reflect on your values and priorities. Is it family time, personal growth, or perhaps self-care? Whatever it is, write it down! Having a clear understanding of what’s most important will help you make decisions that align with your goals. Remember, it’s okay to say no to things that don’t serve your priorities. Practice saying “no”! Focus on what lights you up!
Step 2: Create Boundaries
Boundaries are your best friend when it comes to achieving balance. It’s easy to let work spill over into your personal time, especially with the rise of remote work. Establish clear boundaries around your work hours. Schedule time to return calls and answer emails. Communicate your availability to clients, colleagues and loved ones, and STICK to it! When you clock out, make a conscious effort to unplug and transition into your personal life. Trust us, your mind (and your loved ones) will thank you!
Step 3: Embrace Flexibility
Life is unpredictable, and that’s perfectly okay! Embracing flexibility can ease the pressure of trying to maintain a rigid schedule. Whether it’s shifting your work hours to accommodate a family commitment or taking a midday break for a quick workout, being adaptable allows you to respond to life’s little surprises without losing your cool. Remember, balance doesn’t mean perfection; it means finding what works for you! Your day may be different every day but do follow a schedule to complete daily tasks. If it changes because of an emergency, or vacation, that’s fine! Don’t freak. Life is unpredictable.
Step 4: Make Time for Self-Care
You can’t pour from an empty vessel, lady! Self-care isn’t just a buzzword; it’s essential for maintaining your well-being. Schedule time for activities that nourish your soul, whether it’s reading a book, practicing yoga, a run, or indulging in a bubble bath. Prioritizing self-care helps recharge your batteries, making you more productive and present in both your work and personal life. So go ahead, treat yourself--guilt free--you deserve it!
Step 5: Reflect and Adjust
Finally, take a moment to check in with yourself regularly. Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, and your work-life balance may shift along the way. Set aside time weekly or monthly to reflect on what’s working and what isn’t. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you need to adjust your boundaries? Being open to change and willing to make adjustments is key to creating a sustainable balance.
Finding work-life balance is an ongoing process, but with these five steps, you’ll be well on your way to managing it like a pro. Remember, it’s all about being intentional with your time and making choices that resonate with your values, your life and those around you. So go ahead, embrace the beautiful chaos of life, and create a harmonious blend of work and play. You’ve got this!
Deborah St.Hilaire is a unifier, enlightener and catalyst for change in the way women are treated and treat each other. Author, speaker, transformational coach and teacher, Deb, the founder of MyBodyMindSpirit.com, is dedicated to enriching lives through selfcare, meditation, movement, thought and journaling. She can be reached at 989.450.4200 or deb@ mybodymindspirit.com.
Meet the Michigan educator-turned-author behind Devil in the Dunes, a psychological mystery rich with suspense, empowerment, and redemption.
Book Signings
September 20
Inscribe Books - Clarkston
October 4
Island Bookstore - Mackinac Island
October 12
Drummer Girls, Lapeer is holding a fundraiser for student writing award Invictus in honor of Wendy’s late father. Visit wwwwendybyardauthor.com/ scholarship to learn more.
Wendy Byard has spent her life championing stories—whether nurturing personal narratives in her classroom, penning reflective essays for local publications, or crafting her own gripping fiction. A retired college English instructor and former high school teacher, she is now making waves in the literary world with her most recent novel, Devil in the Dunes. Set along the windswept shores of west Michigan, the book offers more than just an edge-of-yourseat mystery; it’s a layered exploration of betrayal, vengeance, love, and ultimately, redemption.
“I’ve always loved suspense,” Byard says, her voice warm with enthusiasm. “As a middle schooler, I used to sneak out of class just to read Nancy Drew in the library. She was my first literary feminist.” It’s no surprise then, that Devil in the Dunes centers around Cadie McLeod—a resilient, intelligent, and courageous young woman who vanishes on the anniversary of her parents’ brutal murder. What unfolds is a chilling journey through secrets, survival, and self-discovery.
on education, health, and human services. “Empowerment starts with care,” she says simply. “Whether it's in the classroom or in the community.”
Writing with Purpose
Byard’s decision to finally write Devil in the Dunes was driven by a long-held dream— and a desire to bring something meaningful to the genre. “I didn’t just want a thriller,” she says. “I wanted to explore the power of love over hate, and create a female lead who truly inspires.”
“I finally know my own worth,” Byard reflects. “And I hope my story helps others discover theirs too.”
The setting—fictional Harbor Cove—is inspired by her deep love for Michigan’s lakeshore, especially the haunting beauty of places like North Manitou Island, Traverse City, and Mackinac Island. “The landscape becomes a character in itself,” she explains. “It’s beautiful but dangerous, just like the mystery unfolding within it.”
doesn’t come all at once,” she says. “But with every challenge we accept, we grow stronger.”
But for Byard, the path to novelist was anything but linear.
A Life of Influence and Empowerment
After graduating from Michigan State University, Byard began her career in advertising in Chicago and Ann Arbor. Though creatively stimulating, the corporate world left her unfulfilled. “I wanted to make a deeper difference,” she reflects. That desire led her back to the classroom, where she earned her teaching certification and master’s degree in English Education from MSU. Over the following decades, she would inspire countless students, encouraging them to write boldly and believe in themselves.
Her impact, particularly on young women, runs deep. “I wanted to empower them through storytelling,” she explains. “When I taught memoir writing, it wasn’t just about grammar and structure—it was about selfdiscovery and building confidence.”
As Vice President of the Women’s Fund in Lapeer County, Byard continues her mission to uplift others. The organization supports initiatives that improve the lives of women and families across the region, focusing
Readers will also notice her signature blend of suspense and introspection, developed over years of thoughtful writing. “I love whodunnits for the critical thinking they demand,” she says, “but I also wanted to weave in important themes that speak to the human experience.”
Strength, Struggles, and the Power of Story
Like her protagonist, Byard draws strength from those around her—particularly her husband of 33 years, Keith, and her three accomplished daughters, Haley, Kacie, and Kellee. “They always have my back,” she says with pride.
She also credits her parents, who modeled perseverance through adversity. Her father’s favorite poem, Invictus, became the name of a scholarship she created for students facing personal challenges. “It’s about overcoming,” she says. “And believing in your own strength.”
That belief didn’t come easily. In high school, Byard was often underestimated—a “chatty cheerleader,” as she puts it. It wasn’t until a respected science teacher publicly praised her academic growth that she began to see herself differently. “That moment changed everything. I went from not seeing myself as smart, to realizing I could do something meaningful.”
Today, she hopes other women can take that same message to heart. “Confidence
Why You Should Read Devil in the Dunes Beyond its plot twists and cliffside thrills, Devil in the Dunes is a story about resilience. Cadie McLeod is more than a heroine—she’s a symbol of what it means to fight for truth, identity, and healing.
Set against a vividly drawn Michigan backdrop, the novel takes readers from windswept dunes to hidden family secrets, all the while exploring the emotional terrain of grief, vengeance, and hope. “It’s immersive and emotional,” Byard says. “It’s a mystery that stays with you.”
Whether you’re a lover of crime fiction, a champion of strong female leads, or simply looking for your next captivating read, Devil in the Dunes delivers on every front.
Learn More
Wendy Byard’s novels, Devil in the Dunes and Teach and Reach for Classroom Miracles, are available online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IngramSpark, and select Michigan bookstores.
To follow her work, columns, and events: www.wendybyardauthor.com
Kellie Pardi has a BA in Journalism with a focus in Marketing. She has been a freelance writer and designer since 2011 with over 8 years experience in the marketing in the nonprofit sector. Her passion lies in transformative power of storytelling, art sound and nature. She also curates immersive mediation experiences.
Let’s begin with a very normal Tuesday: I once cried in my car because I couldn’t figure out how to make a career out of being extremely good at sensing when someone needs a snack, a nap, or to dump their boyfriend. Turns out late stage capitalism doesn't reward emotional clairvoyance.
We grow up marinating in motivational slogans: Follow your passion! Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life! Which is adorable,and also a complete lie. Because even when you love what you do, you still very much work. You sweat. You spiral. You consider selling feet pics. You wonder if you were meant to be a barefoot poet in a Mediterranean village but got dropped into the wrong timeline and now you’re
negotiating payment plans and Googling “how long can someone live off of coffee and a dream.”
Loving what you do is the easy part. It’s showing up for what you love over and over again that’s hard.
Ambition, it turns out, isn’t always shiny. It doesn’t always come with vision boards and five year plans. Sometimes it shows up wearing leggings from 2016, eating hummus over the sink at 10 p.m. while muttering on repeat, “I’m doing great,” through tears.
Sometimes ambition looks like telling yourself, “I can do hard things,” right after you double book your Thursday and forget to send the invoice that pays your rent. Sometimes it just looks like
surviving. Ambition is a shapeshifter.
As a cosmetologist, I live in the middle of other people’s stories. I hold space for them in my chair through breakups, job losses, grief, reinvention, divorce, and celebrations. I’ve watched women rebuild themselves repeatedly while I trim away what no longer serves them. I cheer for them, and I try to offer myself that same tenderness. I’m usually navigating my own plot twists, scissors in hand, wondering if anyone else feels this disoriented by merely being alive.
Then there’s money. Oh, the dance we do with money! There’s this myth that financial wellness looks like color coded spreadsheets and something called “passive income.” But for most of us? Success is simply not crying when we
open our banking app. It’s saying yes to dinner without mentally calculating whether we can afford the appetizer. It’s buying the name brand granola without guilt. It’s having just enough to say no to the wrong things and yes to what actually matters.
We’ve been tricked into believing ambition has a singular look: a blazer, a LinkedIn banner, a caption that includes “#BossBabe.”
But for many women,especially those who build with their hands, hearts, or art, ambition looks like resilience. Like getting up after another “no.” Like choosing a calling over a title. Like being brave enough to keep going when nothing makes sense, your back hurts, and your houseplants are silently judging you.
while everything around you is falling apart and sort of beautiful. It’s realizing you're the project manager of your own chaos, the CFO of your bank account’s emotional rollercoaster, and the unofficial and unpaid therapist for all of your friends.
“We don’t arrive. We improvise. We pivot. We cry in the shower and we give someone a pep talk ten minutes later.”
There’s a daily whiplash between “ I am a radiant divine being” and “I might disappear into the woods and live off trail mix and spite”. It’s believing in your sacred calling yet wondering if you left your curling iron on, or if you accidentally forgot how to be a person again.
full of missed calls, awkward texts, surprise breakthroughs and just enough beauty to keep going.
So yes, life is ridiculous. And wonderful. And wildly absurd. And still, here we are: showing up, creating. Laughing at the paradox. Because ambition doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it shows up in the softness. In rest, in community. In just getting through the day and calling that a win.
If anyone asks you what your goals are, feel free to say: “To stay rooted. To keep laughing. To trust my path, and to make just enough money to not worry about the price of an avocado.” Because that too is success!
Sometimes I think life is one big experiment in learning to keep going
I used to think I would at some point be at a version of life that felt sorted. A place with zero anxiety, flawless routines, steady income, and a sock drawer that sparked joy. But now I know life is not a destination. It’s a dance. A messy, glorious, often hilarious dance
When she’s not at Slate Salon with a pair of shears in hand, Jamie MacNeill is a passionately creative human, a newborn baby writer, a mother and a wife, who insists life is both ridiculous and radiant and she’s here to capture every messy bit of it. Instagram: @jamiemacneill, Facebook: Jamie MacNeill
For much of my life, I thought fatigue was simply a part of living. It had been there so long that it became the quiet background hum to everything I did. But as I gained more life experience and greater self-awareness I began to pay closer attention. I realized that what I was calling “tired” was often something much more specific: my energy slipping away into situations, commitments, and relationships that didn’t return it.
Energy leaks can be subtle and deceptively normal. They can look like over-committing to good causes, saying yes when the body says no, constantly explaining yourself, or quietly managing other people’s emotions. For women especially, these patterns are often rooted in early conditioning: the unspoken rules to be agreeable, available, and endlessly giving. For many, the result is a slow drain of vitality and presence.
The first step toward reclaiming energy sovereignty is naming the leaks. And here’s the most empowering part: once you see a leak clearly, you have the power to choose. You can leave it open, or you can close it. The reason so many leaks persist is that we simply don’t see them for what they are. But when you do, everything changes—you shift from being drained by default to directing your energy by choice.
I can look at my own story and see how these leaks form, why they persist, and how closing them restores not just energy, but power.
The Early Years
As a young child, mornings felt like stepping into a foreign world before I was fully awake. My body was heavy, my mind still between dreams and daylight. I’d pull on clothes, eat just enough to pass as breakfast, and head out the door—already sliding into the role of doing what was expected.
I coped with my discomfort in school by choosing invisibility. I kept my head down, stayed quiet, and kept myself as an outsider. As I got older, I applied myself to academics because I came to believe that was what “good girls” do.
On the surface, I was thriving—good grades, good behavior, the model student. Underneath, I was learning to override my rhythms, silence my body’s signals, and value external achievement over inner truth. I believed that compliance, productivity, and achievement were the measure of my worth.
My school years laid a very deep groove within my subconscious: that above all else, outsourcing my energy and self-worth for the approval of others was the best strategy for survival.
Carrying the Leak Into Adulthood
Those early patterns followed me into my adult life. I poured out more energy than I had to give—saying yes when my whole body whispered no, over-giving in relationships, and diving into projects that began with excitement but ended in depletion.
These were the common leak patterns I now recognize:
• Chronic overcommitment
• Emotional caretaking
• Overexplaining to justify decisions
• Hyperavailability
• Ignoring my own physical and emotional needs
At the time, it all felt normal. When you’ve been leaking energy for years, running on low becomes your baseline—until something finally makes the drain visible.
The Wake-Up Calls
One of my biggest wake-up calls came during a volunteer work trade at a nonprofit eco-village. The work felt meaningful and fed so many of my interests. It was a version of the idealized dream I’d carried for years. Regardless, after a month of applying myself fully and with all my heart, I started to notice burnout creeping in. I began tracking my hours and realized I was giving over 60 hours a week. The remaining time I had was mostly spent resting and regulating my nervous system just to push through the next day.
Seeing those numbers was like turning on a light in a dark room. My inability to set healthy boundaries was burning me out. From then on, I kept tracking my time, and that simple act became my first containment tool.
About a year later, I found myself involved in another immersive volunteer project. The work was fulfilling, but my reserves kept dropping. My patience shortened, my body ached, my spark dimmed. Another lesson became clear: even good work can become a leak if it leaves you under-resourced. Stepping away was an act of self-care—and a choice I could only make because I saw the leak for what it was. I realized I had a
repetitive problem with ignoring my needs. Before, I was asking: What can I give? After this experience, I started to ask instead: What do I need to feel full? It was the first time I allowed self-nourishment to be the foundation instead of an afterthought.
Life Now: Energy Sovereignty
Today, I live differently. My motivation is no longer tied to chasing success—it’s about savoring the simple, and making a daily return to myself. Life still shakes me, but I meet it from a place of steadiness instead of depletion.
My mornings are sacred. I protect them and, begin each day with quiet attunement to what I truly need—sometimes that’s stillness, sometimes movement. I no longer launch straight into obligation; I allow space for presence first.
My decisions no longer require justification—my inner sense is enough. I give myself permission to say no without guilt and to say yes only when it feels aligned in my body.
Energy sovereignty means knowing that my life force is mine to direct. It’s the ability to choose with clarity where and when I share it, and to do so without apology. It’s trusting that when I protect and contain my energy, I have more than enough to give where it truly matters.
Joy Dettling of Ignite Life specializes in helping individuals release unseen stuck stress patterns and embody their true potential. To find out more, visit ignitelife.net or contact joy@ignitelife.net.
Energy leaks are not personal flaws - they are learned patterns, and learned patterns can be unlearned. Here’s the empowering truth: once you see them, you can choose differently. Awareness turns the power back over to you.
Some places to start:
1. Track Your Time Like It’s Gold – See exactly how much is for others vs. yourself.
2. Pause Before You Commit – Let your body lead your yes or no.
3. If It’s Not a Hell Yes, It’s a No – No long explanations required.
4. Move at the Speed of Self – Slow down to notice the hidden drains.
5. Contain Before You Give – Fill yourself before you pour into others.
Vitality doesn’t come from boundless output—it comes from directing your energy with care. The moment you see a leak clearly, you stand at a crossroads: keep losing power, or claim it back. Containment is power. It’s the kind of power that keeps you fully alive for what matters most.
In 1947 Henry Ford knew the importance of our emotions when he said, “Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right”. Can feels good and can’t feels bad, so he intuitively knew that it was the combination of both thoughts and feelings that create reality.
When I first started practicing the Law or Atraction I didn’t really understand this concept. After two years of practicing and studying everything I could get my hands on, I finally got it. When it comes to manifesting what you want, all of our emotions play a role, including the ones we may have been ignoring or buried in our subconscious.
Whether you’re thinking about the past with regret or worrying about the unknown future, the instant you think these things you're bringing the energy of these emotions into your present moment.
Let's pretend on January 1st you set a New Year's resolution and said to yourself “this year I’m going to find my ideal partner”. Maybe you put this up on a vision board or maybe you put a sticky note on your bathroom mirror as a daily reminder of your goal. However, buried in your subconscious you believe this will never happen because there are no good men or women out there. The bottom line is
this belief and/or doubtful emotion sets the stage for the Law of Atrraction to keep bringing you relationships that never work out.
When the pandemic hit, I was reminded even more clearly how important the present moment is. It felt awful to be stuck at home and unable to keep myself as busy “doing” my usual things. Worries and fears were broadcast around the world.
I knew if I sat around in fear and anxiety about the unknown, I would feel bad. So, I decided to become my own best friend and planned things to do every day that made me feel good. Knowing that the LoA only works in the present moment, I never had the TV running in the background. Instead, I began to take walks in the sunshine and listened to music, uplifting podcasts and inspirational speakers.
“When it comes to manifesting what you want, all of our emotions play a role, including the ones we may have been ignoring or buried in our subconscious.”
sunrises. I enjoyed watching the dark thunder clouds roll in along with the horizontal streaks of lightning that lit up the sky and during winter I loved watching the extra-large snowflakes fall gently to the ground. I bought a pretty notebook and began writing in it. I wrote down my fears and worries. I wrote down questions that I didn’t have answers to and ended my journaling by including a nice long paragraph of things I appreciated (in this very now moment) of my life.
The reason I end my journaling this way is to take advantage of the fact that momentum strengthens the effectiveness of the LoA and helps me maintain a good feeling state throughout my day. Also, the high frequency energy of gratitude and appreciation brings me back into alignment where I’m open to receive any messages the Universe sends my way.
During bad weather days I began sitting quietly in my favorite lazy boy chair, looking out the window at the beautiful scenes mother nature shared with me. I watched stunning sunsets and gorgeous
This is the time I ask for guidance by writing something like: Please let me see, hear or become aware of what I need to know today (that will bring me clarity).
Throughout the rest of my day, I become an observer and look for any synchronicities, nudges, ideas, or unexpected impulses to do something. These kinds of experiences are messages from the Universe that (I’ve learned) lead me down the yellow brick road to my dreams and desires.
Much to my surprise, during my daily practice of becoming present and sitting alone with myself, I found the seat of my soul deep in my heart space. It’s where my inner-being, or my source-self (whatever you prefer to call it) resides.
In the beginning, the answers I found were not the ones that I had expected, but more importantly I found they were the ones I could trust. No longer did I find myself turning to an outside source for the answers to my worries and concerns, because over time as my journaling evolved, the answers started coming from the Source within me. This is when I realized the power of living in the now. I had been so busy “doing” things that I had simply forgotten the value of “being” present with myself.
If you haven’t discovered the gift of living in the present moment, I invite you to give it a try. You might surprise and delight yourself and find that you don’t have to endlessly search the Internet or turn to outside sources to tell you what to do. The answers on “how to” do, be, or have anything you want are within you, as they always have been.
As we venture forward through the last four months of 2025, let’s remember that it’s the combination of our thoughts and our feelings that create our reality. Starting now, may we all tune into our emotional guidance system and begin feeling our way through life instead of working our way through life.
Suzanne Young is an intuitive life coach who specializes in the Law of Attraction. She is also an inspirational speaker, author, and co-owner of Personal Success Programs, since 2007, with her husband Kevin Young.You can email her at suzanne@psprograms.com and their website is www.psprograms.com. Her office
Have you heard of the concept of Slow Living? It used to be just called living, back when we weren’t so addicted to productivity. These days, with our hectic schedules and over committing, Slow Living is a conscious act. As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, autumn offers more than just pumpkin patches and sweater weather. It extends an invitation — quiet and steady — to slow down. In a culture that celebrates the hustle, fall reminds us that it’s okay to pause. In fact, it’s necessary.
The Season of Release
Autumn is nature’s way of exhaling. It asks us to let go — not just of summer’s long days, but of the urgency we often carry with us. The trees don’t resist the change. They surrender to it. They shed what is no longer needed, and in doing so, they prepare for deep rest.
This seasonal shift invites us to do the same. To unclench our schedules. To step back from over commitment. To realize that productivity is not the same as presence. The art of slow living begins with this awareness.
Rooted in Rhythm
More than any other time of year, fall is rhythmic. The sun sets earlier. The mornings are still. There’s a natural softness that settles over the world, encouraging us to follow suit. Instead of fighting the darkness, we can welcome it as a space for reflection and rest.
Slow living isn’t about abandoning ambition — it’s about aligning with what matters most. It’s found in small, intentional moments:
• Keep your phone off during meals
• Visit a farmers market and cook what’s in season
• Schedule an “unscheduled” evening once a week
• Practice saying no without guilt
• Watch the sunset without distraction
These rituals become anchors, reminding us that life isn’t just about what we do, but how we do it. It’s also an act of protest. It’s about refusing to cave to the pressure to pack more into our day than a sane person can do, and refusing to feel guilty about it!
A Gentle Reset
As we transition into fall, consider this your seasonal reset. Ask yourself: What do I actually need? What am I carrying out of habit rather than intention? What can I release to make room for peace? How do I get used to taking some time to do nothing?
You don’t need to overhaul your life to embrace slow living. You just need to pause. Take notice. Be where your feet are. Let autumn be your guide, take your queues from nature — graceful, grounded, and unhurried.
Imagine… As summer turns to fall the trees hold onto their leaves never letting them go. The explosion of color we have become accustomed to witnessing never arrives. And in the springtime, overcrowding occurs as new buds compete with the prior year’s leaves. Soon the branches become weighted and break off. Just like the trees, letting go of the attachments we have can liberate our energy for rebirth.
As we inch closer to fall, here are some suggestions for what to let go of:
• Your thoughts! After all they are often not even true! Take some time to consider the narrative you tell yourself and whether it accurately reflects your experiences.
• The tension in your body. Practice checking in with your body to see where you’re tense, then relax!
• Judgment. This one really weighs us down. Curiosity is the opposite of judgment! Practice that! When we approach situations with a sense of curiousity we open ourselves up to new experiences, relationships and understandings, plus, it’s so much more fun!
• Drama. Just don’t. Practice observing your thoughts, and when you notice yourself going down the rabbit hole of whats ifs and should haves, gently bring your attention back to the present moment.
• Anything that keeps you indoors! Being out in nature automatically shifts us into a higher vibration. This might mean letting go of your discomfort of the cold, the dark, or your attachment to your favorite Netflix series.
• Your resistance to discomfort. Take the time to invite your depression or your physical pain to the table. Sit with it. Be with it. Notice how shifting out of resistance allows for transformation.
• Your identity. This is often one of the hardest things for people to let go of. Perhaps you were married, you
were healthy, you were a parent with children in the home. The list is endless. Your soul energy is the same. Your identity is like a robe that you wear. Letting it go means you can move into the truth of who you are at your core.
• Impatience. A tendency toward impatience may be your body’s way of telling you that you’re addicted to nonstop stimuli! Once you train yourself to feel comfortable waiting, you might notice a feeling of calm in your body. At first it can be uncomfortable, but once you get used to it, you won’t want to go back.
• Striving. Set your internal GPS for where you want to go then enjoy the drive! Stay tuned to the present moment so that you’ll notice detour signs, hazards in the road, oncoming inclement weather, rainbows, and the passing scenery.
• Knowing. Rather than assuming we know everything about the situations and relationships in our lives, choose Beginners Mind. This allows you to have fresh perspectives. As you shift out of the old programming you may notice possibilities that you’ve been overlooking!
Trice is a Meditation Therapist, certified in Mindfulness Meditation and the Neuroscience of Meditation. Email her at Trice@ presencetopupils.com for a free 20-minute consultation. www.presencetopupils.com
Roasted Harvest Salad
Roasted Harvest Salad with Maple-Tahini Dressing
Roasted Harvest Salad with Maple-Tahini Dressing
[Full-color Image of Harvest Salad Here]
Fall brings a shift in pace and palate. The air turns crisp, the colors deepen, and our bodies crave warmth, grounding, and nourishment. This Roasted Harvest Salad with Maple-Tahini Dressing is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of seasonal abundance. Packed with protein rich quinoa, fiber-filled squash and Brussels sprouts, and the natural sweetness of apples and cranberries, it’s a dish that satisfies while keeping you energized. Whether served as a hearty main or a festive side, it’s proof that healthy food can be both comforting and crave-worthy.
[Full-color Image of Harvest Salad Here]
Ingredients
For the Salad:
Ingredients
Instructions
Instructions
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked
For the Salad:
- 2 cups butternut squash or sweet potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked
- 2 cups butternut squash or sweet potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 apple (Honeycrisp or Gala), thinly sliced
- 1 apple (Honeycrisp or Gala), thinly sliced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
- 2 cups baby kale or mixed greens
- 2 cups baby kale or mixed greens
- Optional: crumbled goat cheese or feta
- Optional: crumbled goat cheese or feta
For the Maple-Tahini Dressing:
For the Maple-Tahini Dressing:
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash, Brussels sprouts, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast 20–25 minutes.
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash, Brussels sprouts, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast 20–25 minutes.
2. Cook quinoa according to package directions; fluff with a fork.
2. Cook quinoa according to package directions; fluff with a fork.
Seasonal Eating Matters
Nourishment in Sync With Nature
3. In a bowl, whisk tahini, maple syrup, vinegar, lemon juice, and water until smooth. Season with salt & pepper.
3. In a bowl, whisk tahini, maple syrup, vinegar, lemon juice, and water until smooth. Season with salt & pepper.
Fall produce like squash, apples, and Brussels sprouts are at their nutritional peak, offering maximum flavor and health benefits.
Supports Local Farmers
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2–3 tbsp warm water (to thin)
- 2–3 tbsp warm water (to thin)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Salt & pepper to taste
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
4. In a large bowl, layer greens, quinoa, roasted veggies, apples, cranberries, and nuts. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
4. In a large bowl, layer greens, quinoa, roasted veggies, apples, cranberries, and nuts. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
5. Optional: Sprinkle with goat cheese before serving.
5. Optional: Sprinkle with goat cheese before serving.
■ Nutrient-packed: protein (quinoa), fiber (Brussels & squash), healthy fats (nuts, tahini).
■ Seasonal & satisfying: all the cozy fall flavors in one bowl.
■ Nutrient-packed: protein (quinoa), fiber (Brussels & squash), healthy fats (nuts, tahini).
■ Meal-prep friendly: roast veggies & make quinoa ahead, assemble when ready.
■ Seasonal & satisfying: all the cozy fall flavors in one bowl.
■ Meal-prep friendly: roast veggies & make quinoa ahead, assemble when ready.
Choosing seasonal fruits and vegetables helps sustain local agriculture and strengthens community food systems.
Comfort + Wellness
Warm, roasted foods naturally align with the body’s need for grounding during cooler months, helping to boost immunity and mood.
Ifsomeone had told me at forty-three that my future husband was a boy I once sat beside in elementary school, I would have laughed. Life has a funny way of circling back though, and at forty-four years old I became a bride again—this time in the most unexpected and beautiful way. Our love story didn’t follow the normal timeline, and that’s exactly why I want to share it with every woman who has ever wondered if love had passed her by. I’m living proof that it hasn’t.
I first met my husband, Antonio, when we were just kids, two classmates who giggled through spelling tests and ran across the schoolyard together. Like so many childhood connections, ours faded after middle school. He went his way, I went mine, and decades slipped by.
We lived whole lives in between—careers, families, joys, heartbreaks. Then, out of nowhere, we reconnected this year. What started as a simple conversation quickly turned into something undeniable. From the moment we saw each other again, it felt like love at first sight—or maybe love rediscovered. There was an instant recognition, as if our souls had been waiting for this reunion all along.
At forty-four, I didn’t expect butterflies. But there they were—stronger, steadier, and
Society loves to put expiration dates on women—whether it’s beauty, opportunity, or romance. We’re often told, silently or loudly, that love is something you’re supposed to find in your twenties or thirties. By the time you hit forty, people assume you are either settled down or destined to live without that chapter. But the truth is, love after forty can be even sweeter.
By this stage in life, you know yourself better. You’ve learned what you want, what you will and won’t settle for, and how precious real connection is. You’ve lived enough to appreciate the depth of a good man’s laugh, the comfort of honesty, and the beauty of showing up as your full selfwithout pretense.
For me, falling in love now feels like a gift wrapped in wisdom. It isn’t rushed or forced. It’s not about checking boxes or fitting into someone else’s timeline. It’s about cherishing every single moment because you understand just how rare and special it is. And when it came time to marry, we didn’t need a big ballroom, hundreds of guests, or a long guest list.
Instead, we chose to say our vows in the comfort of our own home, surrounded only
counselor—the very person who knew us as kids, long before life took us in different directions.
It felt like everything had come full circle: the counselor who once guided us through playground squabbles was now guiding us into a new life together. Our wedding day wasn’t extravagant, but it was deeply meaningful. It was simple, authentic, and perfect for us—a reflection of love that doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful.
If you’re a woman over forty reading this, I want you to know this: love hasn’t passed you by. Your age is not a limitation—it’s your strength. The years you’ve lived have made you wiser, stronger, and more deserving than ever of the love you desire. Yes, dating can feel different at this stage. It might take more courage, more patience, and more faith. But your story is still unfolding.
Love doesn’t run on a clock. It runs on connection, timing, and the courage to open your heart when opportunity comes knocking. I am here, a forty-four-year-old newlywed, telling you that the fairytale is still possible. Not the kind of fairytale with glass slippers and castles, but the kind where two real people choose each other
every day, flaws and all, with gratitude and joy.
Looking back now, I see the beauty in the wait. If we had dated in high school, we might not have been ready. If we had crossed paths in our twenties, we might not have appreciated each other. But reconnecting later in life meant we could meet as whole people, with a deeper appreciation for what love really means.
I didn’t “miss my chance.” I was simply waiting for the right chapter to begin. So to every woman out there over forty, wondering if it could happen for you—hold on to hope. Love doesn’t expire. It evolves, it surprises, and it often arrives right when you’ve stopped chasing it. I’m forty-four years old and I just married the love of my life in the very place I call home, with the same counselor who once guided us as children standing beside us as we became husband and wife. And if it can happen for me, it can happen for you too.
Lynn Nicole Weathersby, CNLP, CLC, is a mental health professional and education specialist. She is a member of PSI CHI, international honor society in psychology and a president member of the National Society for Leadership and Success. She is a six-time published author and advocate for women’s rights. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ lynnnturner
Several years ago I was struggling with my purpose, my calling, my reason for being. Do you have those deep questions?
effectual life than one that is just marking time, day to day?
I sincerely wanted to know why I was the way I am. So I researched, took some tests, and discovered my strengths. I began to come to terms with my personality of passion and intensity (interpret: loud) and was just beginning to understand what it meant to be an encourager. In my high-energy excitement I’d often tell people what they should or shouldn’t do (interpret: bossy) but I’d begun to have a total shift in my spirit about that.
While I will always be a teacher (if I learn it I teach it) I found myself sharing from experience more and more—from the education of perseverance and having worked through something. The last decade had taught me tons of things and given me way more experience than I would have chosen. And after learning more about myself I finally realized that I was “allowed” to live with great feeling and energy, even if most people I knew did not.
So what does “live loud” have to do with anything? Well, as the old saying goes, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well”. My interpretation for “well” is “loud”, which means to do it wholeheartedly and with passion. If you are going to sing, sing with gusto. If you are going to be a friend, then put your whole heart into it. If you are going to pray, make it worth the time and pray fervently. When you love, love deeply and unconditionally. And when you laugh? Oh my goodness, give it all you’ve got!
Of course, all of this means becoming vulnerable because you must open yourself to listen and feel with your heart. But with practice this becomes a condition in which you live. And wouldn’t you rather have an
Having lived for numerous decades I’d like to add that even though our culture tends toward ageism (discounting a person’s worth and ability because of their age—usually directed at older adults) we don’t have to accept it or believe the lies it promotes. For a lot of my life I worried about whether I’d look silly if I lived out my joy and exuberance. This stemmed from my mom telling me, while growing up, that I did in fact, look silly and that I was “too big to act like that”. She even tried to corral me as I grew into young adulthood. And then I married someone who did the same. You can imagine how that squelched my natural tendency to be joyful!
But now? I say go for it! Wear crazy colors. Laugh full belly laughs. Be passionate about life. Do not diminish yourself and don’t allow others to. Do not become “invisible”! You have quite a lot to offer to some of those who are living without a clue. Make yourself available. Offer your wisdom. Please, be your true self! Many people have commented on my energy, joy, and how they love my laugh (all things I was criticized for in the past!). In a world that seems so oppressed, who knows how you might touch others with your zest for life?
I’d like to encourage you to live deeply, and with gusto (energetically). Don’t shy away from living boldly and loudly! And in that way, whatever you do, you make it count.
Mimi Matthews is in the “encouragement business” as the owner of Empowordment Cards by Mimi. She is also a speaker, workshop leader, writer, and our editor. Visit her shop at www.etsy.com/shop/ EmPOWordmentCards and her blog at www. particularpassions.me.
It starts innocently enough: one pumpkinspiced candle. Then maybe a cinnamon broom. Next thing you know, you're knee-deep in matching flannel, hoarding miniature gourds, and scheduling a “casual” apple orchard photoshoot that somehow requires four outfit changes and a rented golden retriever. Fall, it seems, has become a performance.
In the age of social media, autumn has shifted from a season to a lifestyle brand — one that demands soft lighting, perfect pies, and neutral-toned sweaters artfully draped on chunky mugs. And while there’s nothing wrong with loving the aesthetic (we’re not here to shame anyone’s Pinterest board), it’s easy to get swept up in the shoulds: You should be baking.You should be decorating. You should be making the most of every single cozy moment. And if you’re not? Cue the guilt.
What are we really looking for? Strip away the filters and what many of us really crave this time of year isn’t perfection — it’s comfort. It’s connection. It’s a sense of slowing down in a world that rarely lets us.
The pressure to make fall “count” — to fill it with picturesque outings, immaculate tablescapes, and themed treats for every week — can quickly turn a season of ease into a checklist of performance.
“Let the leaves fall, let the plans shift, let the season be enough.”
But here’s the truth: you don’t have to do it all. You don’t even have to do most of it.
You can skip the pumpkin patch and still feel the magic in a quiet walk through fallen leaves. You can burn the frozen pizza and still call it a cozy night in. You can love fall deeply — messily, imperfectly — without ever once baking your own pie crust from scratch.
Permission to Uncurate
So this fall, consider letting go. Let go of the need to document everything. Let go of comparison. Let go of the ideal version of fall and choose the real one instead.
Wear what feels good. Eat what brings comfort. Celebrate in ways that don’t stress you out. Make a little room for imperfection - that’s where the memories usually live anyway
And remember: the trees are out there turning colors and dropping leaves whether you post about it or not.
Kellie Pardi has a BA in Journalism with a focus in Marketing. She has been a freelance writer and designer since 2011 with over 8 years experience in the marketing in the nonprofit sector. Her passion lies in transformative power of storytelling, art sound and nature. She also curates immersive mediation experiences.
Some moments change everything. You may not recognize them at the time but looking back, you see how a single choice shifted the course of your life—or, in this case, a generation.
For my mom, one of those moments came in 1953. She was 21 years old, pregnant with her first child, and positively glowing with excitement. But along with the joy came the nausea—morning sickness had arrived with a vengeance.
At her very first prenatal appointment, the doctor casually offered a prescription to ease her queasiness. “You don’t have to suffer,” he assured her. “This medication is safe, fully tested, and FDA approved.” But my mother, young as she was, wasn’t convinced.
“I trust God’s design for pregnancy more than man’s attempts to improve upon it in a lab,” she told him. And just like that, she walked away from the promise of an easy fix.
Instead, she turned to the time-honored
grandmothers who had walked the path before her. They shared natural remedies and gentle, time-tested practices passed down through generations to soothe morning sickness without compromising the health of her baby.
Eight years later, now pregnant with her fifth child, news broke that the very drug she had declined was linked to thousands of birth defects. Its name was Thalidomide. That revelation became her wake-up call. She realized that if she couldn’t fully trust the FDA, drug makers, or even her wellmeaning doctor, she would have to trust herself. And that meant learning everything she could about the body, health, and healing.
My mom dove deep. She became devoted to the study of nutrition, wellness, and natural living. She helped found a natural foods buying club, became a yoga teacher, joined the Yoga Association of Greater Detroit, and explored the healing power of herbs, spices, breathwork, movement, and energy healing techniques.
For us kids, this meant healthy food was the norm, processed food was rare, and when we weren’t feeling well, Mom didn’t reach for a pill bottle—she reached for the kitchen cabinet.
These healing insights from my mom’s kitchen are shared with love. May they nourish your body, inspire your choices, and gently guide you on your own path to wellness.
“You are what you eat.” — Ludwig Feuerbach, 1863
The food you eat today literally becomes the cells of your body tomorrow. Every day, your body creates roughly 300 billion new cells using the food you consume as building blocks. The better the materials, the stronger and healthier the structure.
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” — Hippocrates (460–370 BCE)
Nutrient-rich food nourishes the body, regulates function, and boosts immunity. Prescription drugs, while sometimes
necessary, don’t provide nourishment. In our modern world of chemical additives, genetically modified ingredients, and ultraprocessed products—not to mention the mindset of “a pill for every ill”—this ancient truth is more important than ever.
“The power that made the body heals the body.” — B.J. Palmer, Chiropractor (1882–1961)
The human body is a magnificent, selfhealing organism—when you give it what it needs and get out of its way. Even when we’re not consciously aware of it, our brilliant bodies are constantly working to repair damage, fight infection, and maintain balance. As Dr. Andrew Weil said: “Good nutrition and vitamins don’t cure disease—the body does. You provide the raw materials, and the body’s inborn wisdom makes the repairs.”
ultra-processed, ultra-preserved items in the inner aisles.
“Chew your food well. Your stomach doesn’t have teeth.” This was a regular reminder from both my parents at the dinner table. Chewing releases digestive enzymes, breaks food down at the cellular level, and helps your body absorb nutrients more efficiently. Aim for at least 30 chews per bite.
I once heard a story of a man who survived a Nazi death camp, in part, by chewing every bite of food—along with dandelion greens he foraged—hundreds of times.
“The body craves what you feed it. Feed your body junk, and it will crave junk.
Feed it fresh, whole foods and it will begin to crave those instead.”
I first heard this at a natural healing workshop I attended with my mom when I was 12—and it stuck with me. So did the vibrant buffet of organic foods we were served and the radiant vitality of the elderly couple leading the session.
Eat Foods in Their Most Natural Form. For my mom, this meant butter over margarine and whole eggs over egg whites. If she were here today, she’d suggest three questions to ask before putting a food item in your grocery cart:
● Did God make this food—or did man? Trust nature.
● Would my great-great-grandmother recognize this food? If not, it was probably made in a factory.
● Where is it in the store? Shop the perimeter—where fresh, perishable food lives—and steer clear of the
mode, which supports healthy digestion.
On the other hand, eating while standing, rushing, scrolling, or driving tells the body it’s in fight-or-flight mode, which disrupts digestion.
Whenever possible, choose to sit down, slow down, and let your body receive nourishment with presence and gratitude. Many health experts believe that this single practice—slowing down and eating mindfully—could ease most everyday digestive complaints.
That’s the power of mastication and mindful eating.
Pause before you eat. Bless your food. Give thanks. This wasn’t something my mom said—it was something she lived. She taught us to give thanks for God’s provision, to remember that the food before us may have traveled great distances and passed through many hands to reach our plate—and to hold in our hearts the truth that some people have no food at all. Pausing to appreciate
In a world overflowing with fads, pharmaceuticals, and factory food, may we reconnect with the timeless wisdom— whether passed down through our families, discovered along our own path, or rooted in the rhythms of the earth.
True healing doesn’t come from a bottle—it begins in the kitchen, with the mindful choices we make each day about what we put into our bodies.
Colleen Kilpatrick is the Author of “Eliminate What You Tolerate”, a concise, but mighty book that has earned a 5-star rating on Amazon for helping readers identify and release what no longer serves them and make room for what lights them up. A Wellbeing Mentor, Colleen helps women discover the transformative powers of ancient and modern wisdom and selfcare practices to revitalize body, mind, and spirit naturally. You can contact Colleen at colleen@ colleenkilpatrick@icloud.com or 248-762-9828
Have you ever been so in love you didn’t want to hang up the phone, couldn’t stop smiling, or felt like you could take on the world? That kind of love doesn’t just warm our hearts—it fuels us. We feel alive, inspired, even superhuman.
But there’s science behind that spark. Love increases dopamine and serotonin—those feel-good brain chemicals that boost mood, motivation, and energy. Add in oxytocin (aka the “love hormone”), and we’re not just emotionally lit up—we’re physically more resilient, less stressed, and more connected to life.
And it’s not just love. Joy, purpose, excitement, even a good challenge—these states fuel us, too. Positive psychology shows that emotions like these improve our health, boost stamina, and help us bounce back faster when life gets hard.
This boundless energy is not unique to love; it extends to any passion or profound commitment we undertake. Consider the following examples:
• Kyle Maynard, born without arms or legs, became a champion wrestler and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro using specially designed gear and relentless will.
• Diana Nyad, at 64, swam from Cuba to Florida—110 miles without a shark cage— after failing multiple times.
• Bethany Hamilton lost her arm in a shark attack and still returned to professional surfing, winning competitions with one arm. They didn’t just have grit—they had energy
powered by purpose, emotion, and a refusal to give up. Each story is a powerful reminder of how our inner reserves of strength and energy can propel us to accomplish the seemingly impossible.
Harnessing Transformative Energy in Everyday Life
How can we access this remarkable energy in our everyday lives? The principles of positive psychology suggest that fostering an optimistic outlook and setting compelling personal goals can significantly enhance our mental and physical state, driving us toward peak performance.
Reflect on times in your life when you've felt a surge of productivity or an unexpected boost of energy. These moments often occur under the influence of new experiences, passionate endeavors, or the exhilarating early stages of love. They can also arise during challenges that require us to stand up for others, fight against odds, or champion a cause.
These things push us to find the energy we need to stand up for what we want, but we do have a choice. I believe we can learn to conjure the energy within us, in our everyday lives to accomplish extraordinary things.
This is how:
1. Master your state - Energy is driven by emotion and dependent on our state so we must gain greater control of our state.
2. Create a BIG VISION - Your vision for your llife needs to be inspiring, motivating, and
clear. This will give you the energy and drive to accomplish great things.
3. Trim the branches - I'm using the metaphor of trimming trees for this. I was talking to my friend who is a master gardener this week. She likened human expansion to the growth trees experience after they have had a good trim. We need to trim off those things in our life that are taking energy, but offering little in return.
Embracing Our Potential for Greatness
The extraordinary feats accomplished by individuals like Nyad, Maynard, and Hamilton are not beyond our reach. While they may seem like superheroes, in reality, they are ordinary people who have harnessed the extraordinary power of human emotion and resilience. As my stepdad used to say, "We all put our pants on one leg at a time." The key to their success—and potentially ours—is not superhuman strength or intellect; it is the ability to ignite the inner fire of passion and determination.
By nurturing our emotional health and setting inspiring goals, we too can achieve remarkable things, proving that the greatest power lies within our own hearts and minds. Let's embrace the emotional catalysts that drive us, and watch as we too achieve the extraordinary.
Jennifer Beard, owner of Bold Life & Bold Life Academy, guides individuals through transformative shifts in behavior, beliefs, and emotions, unlocking the path to their most extraordinary lives. Visit Jennifer at JenniferBeard.com.
I was sitting at the dinner table with friends, laughing so hard my cheeks hurt and tears rolled down my face. It had been a long week and my energy felt flat, but in that moment, I was completely alive. The food was wonderful, but it was not what filled me up. It was the connection, the joy, and the gift of being fully present. Later that night, it hit me: energy is not just about getting enough sleep, eating right, or exercising — though those things matter. It’s also about how we feed our whole selves. It’s in the relationships that make us feel seen, the moments we allow ourselves to slow down and savor, and the choices we make each day that add joy to our lives. The truth is, living with energy and zest is about small, intentional shifts that keep your spark alive. Over the years, I’ve discovered twelve powerful ways to do just that — and they’re simpler than you might think!
1. Manage Stress Before It Manages You
Stress is sneaky. It doesn’t just live in your mind — it shows up in your energy, mood, and even your sleep. Build in tiny stress resets throughout your day: a two-minute breathing exercise, a quick walk outside, or simply letting your shoulders drop and exhaling deeply. Give yourself permission for these wonderful pockets of self-care.
2. Nourish What’s Missing
Sometimes fatigue isn’t about physical exhaustion — it’s about feeling emotionally or creatively underfed. Ask yourself, What part of my life is craving attention right now? Then feed it, whether it’s relationships, creativity, nature, or rest.
3. Trust Your Body’s Wisdom
Your body sends signals all the time — hunger, thirst, fatigue, tension. Learning to listen and respond helps you make choices that keep your energy steady and your health supported.
4. Celebrate Your Wins
Don’t wait for a big milestone to celebrate. Acknowledge the small victories — finishing a project, keeping a promise to yourself, or simply getting through a challenging day.
5. Re-ignite Your Passions
The things that light you up don’t just make life more fun — they fuel your energy. Whether it’s gardening, painting, dancing, or volunteering, make time for what excites you.
6. Learn from Life’s Lessons
Challenges often carry hidden gifts. Look back on difficult seasons and notice the resilience, clarity, and strengths they’ve given you.
7. Make Sleep Sacred
Good sleep is the foundation for daily vitality. Create a calming bedtime routine, avoid screens late at night, and aim for consistent sleep and wake times.
8. Eat for Energy, Not Just Fullness
Choose foods that keep your energy stable — think balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Keep nourishing snacks handy for when your energy dips.
9. Move in Ways You Love
Movement should be joyful, not a punishment. Walk with a friend, dance in your kitchen, stretch in the morning — anything that makes you feel alive in your body.
10. Clear Your Mental Clutter
Too much mental noise can drain your energy. Jot down to-dos, declutter your space, or try mindfulness to create mental breathing room.
11. Protect Your Energy
Notice what (and who) lifts you up — and what drains you. Healthy boundaries help you keep your zest intact.
12. Keep Growing
Stay curious. Learn something new, try a
hobby you’ve never attempted, or read a book outside your usual interests. Growth keeps life exciting.
Living with Zest is a Journey
Energy and vitality aren’t things you “get back” — they’re things you nurture over time. They grow from small, consistent choices, shaped day after day by the way you care for your body, mind, and spirit.
Health and wellness are not destinations to arrive at and check off a list — they are journeys we choose to walk. Some days will feel effortless; others may require a little (or a lot) more intention. And that’s okay. You don’t have to take all twelve steps at once. Pick one or two that speak to you right now, and start there. Over time, these shifts will blend together, creating a lifestyle that feels vibrant, joyful, and deeply yours. Because no matter your age or stage of life, your journey toward health, energy, and zest can begin today — and it’s never too late to take the next step.
Debra Loader is a Christian Health and Wellness Coach, a Christian Life Coach, as well as a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). She helps women integrate their Christian faith into their health and wellness journey to find greater motivation and resilience. You can contact Debra at debra@debraloaderlivingwell.com or 810-287-4096
When most people think about retirement planning, they picture spreadsheets, account balances, and maybe a beach somewhere in the distance. But what if the real keys to a great retirement had less to do with money—and more to do with light bulbs, ice cream cones, and lunch dates?
The MIT Age Lab was created in 1999 to determine how to use ideas and technology to help people live “better” longer, by improving health and allowing them to “do things” well into their 80s and 90s. They have identified three questions to ask yourself when planning for a fantastic retirement – they might not be the questions you’d expect.
These questions are:
1.Who will change my light bulbs?
2.How will I get an ice cream cone?
3.Who will I have lunch with?
Allow me to explain.
Who will change my light bulbs?
Most people want to live in their own home for as long as they can. “I can’t wait to live in assisted living”—said no one ever. But the truth is, we’re all going to get older, and even simple tasks—like changing a light bulb—can become a challenge.
I joke now about not being able to read small print or run unless chased, but watching my parents age is a reminder that it’s coming for me too. Let’s be honest—I do not want to be climbing a chair at 80 and risk falling just to screw in a bulb. My grandpa re-roofed his house in his late 80s (legend), but that’s not my retirement goal.
Instead, we can plan ahead. Maybe that means remodeling. Maybe it’s just learning how to use an app like TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, or Angie to hire someone for odd jobs. Of course, the light bulb is just a metaphor—some needs go beyond that. You might eventually want a main-floor bedroom, wider doorways, or grab bars in the shower. As a financial planner, I help clients think through these things—what it might cost and how to be ready, so they can live independently and safely for as long as possible.
How will I get an ice cream cone?
This might NOT be on your top lists of things to think about when you retire but this question is surprisingly useful. It’s not just about the ice cream—it’s about having the freedom and resources to enjoy small pleasures.
That means budgeting for little extras and figuring out how you’ll get around if you’re no longer driving. Who’s going to take you to the neighborhood ice cream stand?
It opens the door to bigger conversations: Will you live somewhere with access to transportation, people, and activities that keep you engaged and independent, like the MIT Age Lab recommends?
My son just got his license and can now drive on his own—terrifying for us, but super convenient when we need milk. It’s weird to imagine him someday being unable to drive, but that’s the reality we all have to consider. If you can’t drive, do you have friends or family to help? Are you comfortable with tech like Uber? Will you hire a driver, Driving Miss Daisy style? Or maybe you’ll live somewhere walkable where a car isn’t even necessary.
Who will I have lunch with?
There’s a lot of research showing how important relationships are as we age. Loneliness isn’t just sad—it’s dangerous. According to this article (see link on side panel) by Psychology Today, social isolation increases the risk of dementia by 50%, heart disease by 29%, and stroke by 32%. So, the idea behind the “lunch” question is—who is in your social circle?
You might have every financial detail of retirement nailed down, but if you’re spending your days alone, it’s probably not going to feel like the dream you imagined. That fantasy of retiring to a cabin in the mountains might sound peaceful… until you realize there’s no one around to grab lunch or laugh with. If your family must travel a full day just to see you, how often will that really happen. Strong social ties can boost your mental and physical health—so maybe a “Golden Girls”-style retirement isn’t such a bad idea (just skip the spin-off where they run a hotel… way too much work).
Retirement isn’t just about having enough money in the bank — it’s about making sure your day-to-day life still feels meaningful, manageable, and connected.
Asking yourself questions like these might seem simple, but they get to the heart of what makes retirement joyful — independence, mobility, and relationships.
So, as you plan for your future, don’t stop at the spreadsheets. Think about your lifestyle, your support systems, and your community. The best retirement plan is one that funds your life and fills your days. Need help starting those conversations or planning for the less-obvious parts of retirement? I’m always happy to share more resources or just be a sounding board.
Jill Carr, Senior Wealth Advisor, CPA, CFP®, CEPA®,
CPFA® is a passionate Senior Wealth Advisor, continually striving to find new ways to exceed her clients’ expectations with her depth of knowledge in taxes, estate planning, and personal finance. She seeks to empower her clients to increase their own financial literacy and understanding of wealth management. She’s especially interested in helping younger clients and older single women who may need help with their finances.
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Psychology Today Article www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ explorations-of-the-mind/202307/theeffects-of-chronic-loneliness-on-theelderly
When more than three hundred women gathered at St. Michael’s Conference Center for the Flint & Genesee Chamber’s Women’s Equality Day Luncheon, the room was abuzz with energy. It was both inspiring and humbling to be among so many incredible women, each with their own story of strength, determination and hope, which we need as we head into the future. It’s been 105 years since Susan B. Anthony and the suffragists won our right to vote and there is still work to be done. This year’s theme - “Empowered to Make a Difference”— couldn’t have been embodied more fully than by keynote speaker DeAndra Larkin, CEO of the YWCA of Greater Flint.
Larkin’s leadership journey is steeped in resilience and vision. As the head of one of the region’s most vital nonprofits, she has made it her mission to ensure that the YWCA is not just a safe haven for women, but also a springboard for empowerment. Under her guidance, the YWCA continues to expand services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, advocate for racial and gender equity, and provide resources that uplift families throughout Genesee County. If you are not following what the agency is doing, you should be. They are not only providing services to their clients but are creating innovative programming which the general public can take advantage of!
At the luncheon, after a touching acknowledgement of the roll her friend, peer, and fellow speaker Becky Gaskin, CEO of the Red Cross, has played in the community, DeAndra challenged attendees to see empowerment not as an abstract idea, but as a series of intentional choices.
“Every day,” she reminded the audience, “we have the opportunity to open a door, create a seat at the table, or amplify a voice that has too often gone unheard.” Her words carried weight, not only because of her position as CEO, but because the YWCA itself is living proof of what happens when vision meets action.
The YWCA of Greater Flint has a long and courageous history. From offering emergency shelter and crisis intervention to spearheading community conversations on equity and justice, its work touches thousands of lives each year. DeAndra
has continued that legacy with a fresh perspective—one rooted in collaboration. She has built partnerships across sectors, ensuring that the YWCA is not only responding to urgent needs but also shaping a future where women and families thrive free from violence and inequality.
The Women’s Equality Day Luncheon offered more than a celebration of progress; it was a call to action. We at Women 2 Women Michigan applaud the Flint & Genesee Chamber and its Women’s Leadership Committee for organizing this beautiful event and amplifying the truth that equality requires both courage and consistency. Attendees left with inspiration in their hearts, and were reminded that empowerment is contagious when modeled by leaders who are unafraid to act.
For Flint, the message was clear: the YWCA, under Larkin’s leadership, is lighting the way. Their work is proof that change is not only possible, but already in motion. As the applause filled the room that afternoon, it wasn’t just for a the speakers—it was for a movement, carried forward every day by the YWCA and the community it serves.
Becky Gaskin, DEO Red Cross
Amari Stewart, Flint & Genesee Chamber
