I decided to start a blog to journal life’s continuing journey coming up on the 1/2 century mark. Yep, in August 2025, I turn 50. I’ve learned a lot in the first 50 years and God willing, I’ll have 50 or more years left to really kick things up a notch and live an even better life. Who says getting older has to be boring or like the stereotypical ageist stuff you see all the time in media and in people’s snarky jokes about older folks? I plan to continue being innovative, active, trying and learning new things, cultivating a strong community around me, and living authentically—which I know is often a very over-used term, but for much of my first 1/2 century on the planet, I’ve been a people pleaser to the extreme and only recently came back to discovering who I really was, what I liked and disliked, and having the courage to speak up for my needs and wants and to be me even when people don’t like it and it rubs them the wrong way.

My hope with this blog is that maybe I inspire some folks to do the same, maybe I get folks to re-think their ageist tropes and biases, or maybe I give you a laugh or a smile and help you have a moment of joy even when things seem like they are crumbling. It’s also self-therapy if I’m being honest. It’s keeping me accountable to remember how I want to continue living even when the going gets tough. So, if you want to hop in for the ride, hit the subscribe button, and let’s continue on this journey together.

~Gretchen