I am nearly 76. I created myself a softer form of life without even realising it. I can tell you that I have no stress, no anxiety or anger, just peace in my heart.
I've just turned 56, five years ago I started to save a fairly large chunk in a savings account each month so that I could retire at 60, rather than carrying on to the current UK state retirement age of 67. I work part-time and really enjoy my life, I lost my mum three years and over the past couple of years I've really been relaxing into a calmer and more stress-free life. I don't look for additional paid work, I don't chase long-term friends who haven't been showing much interest in me in recent years, I don't try to keep my social diary full - I just enjoy my house, my garden and my dog 🐕
Key words here- I really enjoy my life. Sounds like you’ve figured out a rhythm that works well for you. And what a blessing that you started to slow down before your mum passed away. I just got back from visiting mine today and am so happy that the time I spend with her now is so much more relaxed and I’m able to be fully present.
Thank you so much, Sarah. What you said about long-term friends really resonated with me. I've been carrying guilt about losing touch but have they been battering *my* door down? No, not at all! 😁 Definitely food for thought. ❤️🇨🇦 x
I moved to Seattle 5 years ago a few months before Covid, and that created a unintentional slow life for myself as a byproduct. I now lived in a community where I could walk to almost every need, knew almost no one so had way fewer social engagements, and transitioned to part time remote work. I also had a much smaller yard that required very little maitenance. In the beginning I LOVED it, I did not miss the grind and hustle my old life required. But fast foward to now and I see I have leaned into the soft life toooo far. I feel stressed when I have to drive on the freeway or at night, I get stressed if I have more than one appointment in the day. I resent having to get "dressed" to go out. I dreaded any big social function. My core has weakened and I am losing mobility . So I am on a campaign to get more practice in all these areas so I can age gracefully yet maintain my skills and independence. I started a zoom wight lifting class 3 days a week. I make myself drive the freeway at least once a week. I carefully choose/say yes to social engagements that I know I will enjoy. So its all about balance. Don't make my mistake.
So true! Lately I have been very focused on being intentional with my time. I’m exploring how to find just the right balance between slowing down to enjoy life and be present and still being productive in a way that makes me feel good about how I am growing, learning and contributing. Thank you so much for sharing your experience here- it is certainly a good cautionary tale. It’s good that you are pushing yourself to find the right balance for you. ❤️
I’m 58 and I can relate to this . I’ve avoided highways since I went into menopause 4 years ago because suddenly I had my first panic attack while on the freeway and it came out of nowhere and ever since then I associate getting on the expressway with panic attacks so now I leave the house 1/2 hour earlier to account for taking the side streets. Watching people drive 70-80 mph made me feel anxious maybe because so many at texting and driving not sure but I try to keep myself as safe as posible I’m glad others are experiencing the same ❤
Thanks for sharing,these are my concerns with moving to the country side...your comments make them real and not just my fears,and need more of my attention,Thank you
@@j.e.7028 it’s so good that you are thinking about these concerns now. Thinking more about Julie’s comment over the last week and similar thoughts and concerns I’ve heard from others, I decided to make this week’s video on balancing slow living with productivity. I hope you find the suggestions in it helpful. The video will be available in a couple of hours. ❤️
Hi! I'm new to your channel. I'm 65 and transitioning to retirement in 2 years and, after working for almost 50 years, I'm looking forward to my retirement. I look forward to more of your videos and tips. Thank you for the new insights! ❤
My husband is fully retired and I am a writer so though technically still working I have a lot of flexibility in my schedule. When we moved into this new phase, we constantly asked ourself “How can this be easy?” And just asking that question from cooking to appointments even vacations. Changed our life. We found like you it often encouraged us to slow down, tackle just one thing at a time, leave lots of room for serendipity. It is definitely an adjustment after many years of strict schedules but we are learning every day. This month it is declutterring, how can it be easy?- day one throw out one thing, day two - two thing etc it is a game which of us will create our pile to throw out first 😂 thank you for this I love the phrase soft living. ❤
Thanks so much for sharing this Suzanne! This truly is a life changing question if you keep asking it like you have. I also like that you’ve added an element of lightness to your decluttering project by making a game out of it. Great challenge! 🙌🏼
I went from USMC to Contractor to Academia to Government Professor (all holidays off, summers off, teach two days a week), next step, join a private social club, buy a used Downeast cruiser and chill on the water, exercise, eat healthy, and...
You gave a nice objectively spoken monologue. Thank you. I'm looking at entrepreneurship as a way for continued income, since finding a company to hire me is no longer possible. I was lucky last year, but I quit 10 months in, due to noise levels. Companies don't want to hire seniors. I want to write articles and also start companies, then sell them for a profit. There are numerous ways to continue to make money. All it takes is sourcing others ingenuity, deciding on one at a time, and then putting it to the test. It can be however, a bit lonely at times. If anyone is facing this too, younger or older, don't give up.
I'm so glad it resonated with you! Entrepreneurship is a wonderful way to utilize the experience and wisdom you've obviously accumulated in your life and it certainly sounds like you have the attitude needed to be successful in it. Best wishes in whatever direction this takes you. 🥰
Thanks for the really great tips. I am further away from retiring as I decided in middle age to undertake a masters program and pivot to a new profession😀. However, I have intentionally reduced the pace of my life in many aspects, especially since I got burnt out a few years ago and have honestly not entirely recovered from that. Anyway, one major tip I try to remind myself of often is not to compare, and to allow myself grace.
Thanks for sharing this. We could all bet from giving ourselves a little more grace and sometimes that’s a hard thing to get used to allowing. I like that you use the word intentional when you describe your choices for how you are living your life. I do think that being intentional is a key to feeling good about your journey through life. ❤️
Thankyou very much for your video talk message.Its very inspirational meaningful comforting possitive helpful very encouraging. I am 63 years of age. God willing in one yearand a half l will be65 and thats when l want to retire . I am really trying to get closer to my faith and walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. I love my Sheltie dog Laddie very much want to spend more time with him. Good wholesome entertainment hobbies be with family friends. Most of all love being more with my Laddie boy.
@@richardsoderkvist6383 how wonderful to have such a sweet friend! So happy you found the video encouraging. Sounds like you have the perfect focuses to have some of your best years ahead!
I am nearly 76. I created myself a softer form of life without even realising it. I can tell you that I have no stress, no anxiety or anger, just peace in my heart.
That is so wonderful! So many people struggle with this. “Just peace in my heart” doesn’t get much better than this. ❤️
I've just turned 56, five years ago I started to save a fairly large chunk in a savings account each month so that I could retire at 60, rather than carrying on to the current UK state retirement age of 67. I work part-time and really enjoy my life, I lost my mum three years and over the past couple of years I've really been relaxing into a calmer and more stress-free life. I don't look for additional paid work, I don't chase long-term friends who haven't been showing much interest in me in recent years, I don't try to keep my social diary full - I just enjoy my house, my garden and my dog 🐕
Key words here- I really enjoy my life. Sounds like you’ve figured out a rhythm that works well for you. And what a blessing that you started to slow down before your mum passed away. I just got back from visiting mine today and am so happy that the time I spend with her now is so much more relaxed and I’m able to be fully present.
Thank you so much, Sarah. What you said about long-term friends really resonated with me. I've been carrying guilt about losing touch but have they been battering *my* door down? No, not at all! 😁 Definitely food for thought. ❤️🇨🇦 x
I moved to Seattle 5 years ago a few months before Covid, and that created a unintentional slow life for myself as a byproduct. I now lived in a community where I could walk to almost every need, knew almost no one so had way fewer social engagements, and transitioned to part time remote work. I also had a much smaller yard that required very little maitenance. In the beginning I LOVED it, I did not miss the grind and hustle my old life required. But fast foward to now and I see I have leaned into the soft life toooo far. I feel stressed when I have to drive on the freeway or at night, I get stressed if I have more than one appointment in the day. I resent having to get "dressed" to go out. I dreaded any big social function. My core has weakened and I am losing mobility . So I am on a campaign to get more practice in all these areas so I can age gracefully yet maintain my skills and independence. I started a zoom wight lifting class 3 days a week. I make myself drive the freeway at least once a week. I carefully choose/say yes to social engagements that I know I will enjoy. So its all about balance. Don't make my mistake.
So true! Lately I have been very focused on being intentional with my time. I’m exploring how to find just the right balance between slowing down to enjoy life and be present and still being productive in a way that makes me feel good about how I am growing, learning and contributing. Thank you so much for sharing your experience here- it is certainly a good cautionary tale. It’s good that you are pushing yourself to find the right balance for you. ❤️
I’m 58 and I can relate to this .
I’ve avoided highways since I went into menopause 4 years ago because suddenly I had my first panic attack while on the freeway and it came out of nowhere and ever since then I associate getting on the expressway with panic attacks so now I leave the house 1/2 hour earlier to account for taking the side streets. Watching people drive 70-80 mph made me feel anxious maybe because so many at texting and driving not sure but I try to keep myself as safe as posible
I’m glad others are experiencing the same ❤
Thanks for sharing,these are my concerns with moving to the country side...your comments make them real and not just my fears,and need more of my attention,Thank you
@@Nami66148 how very scary. It is so nice to have a place where you can realize you are not alone in the way that you feel. ❤️
@@j.e.7028 it’s so good that you are thinking about these concerns now. Thinking more about Julie’s comment over the last week and similar thoughts and concerns I’ve heard from others, I decided to make this week’s video on balancing slow living with productivity. I hope you find the suggestions in it helpful. The video will be available in a couple of hours. ❤️
Peace and contentment in my mind equals happiness. They are priceless.
Absolutely! Thanks for watching! 💕
Hi! I'm new to your channel. I'm 65 and transitioning to retirement in 2 years and, after working for almost 50 years, I'm looking forward to my retirement. I look forward to more of your videos and tips. Thank you for the new insights! ❤
Hi Olivia! Nice to connect with you here! It’s so exciting to be anticipating this new chapter in your life. ❤️
My husband is fully retired and I am a writer so though technically still working I have a lot of flexibility in my schedule. When we moved into this new phase, we constantly asked ourself “How can this be easy?” And just asking that question from cooking to appointments even vacations. Changed our life. We found like you it often encouraged us to slow down, tackle just one thing at a time, leave lots of room for serendipity. It is definitely an adjustment after many years of strict schedules but we are learning every day. This month it is declutterring, how can it be easy?- day one throw out one thing, day two - two thing etc it is a game which of us will create our pile to throw out first 😂 thank you for this I love the phrase soft living. ❤
Thanks so much for sharing this Suzanne! This truly is a life changing question if you keep asking it like you have. I also like that you’ve added an element of lightness to your decluttering project by making a game out of it. Great challenge! 🙌🏼
A slow, peaceful, quiet life is what I am creating for myself.
Beautifully described ❤️ I’m sure it won’t disappoint! ❤️
You've described what my mother did her whole life. She was so wise in so many ways. Wish she was still around so i could tell her.
It does indeed sound like your mother was a wise woman. I’d like to think that she knows what you would tell her if you could now. ❤️❤️❤️
I went from USMC to Contractor to Academia to Government Professor (all holidays off, summers off, teach two days a week), next step, join a private social club, buy a used Downeast cruiser and chill on the water, exercise, eat healthy, and...
Sounds like you have a wonderful plan! Way to go on your moves thus far!
You gave a nice objectively spoken monologue. Thank you. I'm looking at entrepreneurship as a way for continued income, since finding a company to hire me is no longer possible. I was lucky last year, but I quit 10 months in, due to noise levels. Companies don't want to hire seniors. I want to write articles and also start companies, then sell them for a profit. There are numerous ways to continue to make money. All it takes is sourcing others ingenuity, deciding on one at a time, and then putting it to the test. It can be however, a bit lonely at times. If anyone is facing this too, younger or older, don't give up.
I'm so glad it resonated with you! Entrepreneurship is a wonderful way to utilize the experience and wisdom you've obviously accumulated in your life and it certainly sounds like you have the attitude needed to be successful in it. Best wishes in whatever direction this takes you. 🥰
❤❤ I am living like l am a retired person too 🎉🎉
Soft life is nice way of putting it.
Nice words
Thank so much! And thanks for watching. 🙏💕
I absolutely LOVE your videos, Julie. ❤ you and I are a lot alike. 😊
Thank you softie on soft life. I am certainly adjusting to a very softlife. It is definitely a healthier lifestyle.....
@@rozitaharun6979 Hi Rosita! I’m so with you that it is a healthier lifestyle. I wish I had figured out how to make it happen years ago. ❤️
I really needed to hear this today! Love your channel:)
Oh my goodness, Debbie! It’s funny, but you have no idea how much I needed to hear your thoughts here today as well! Thank you for being here! 🙏🥰
Some really good tips, thank you
Thanks so much! Glad you found them helpful. 💕
Thanks for the really great tips. I am further away from retiring as I decided in middle age to undertake a masters program and pivot to a new profession😀. However, I have intentionally reduced the pace of my life in many aspects, especially since I got burnt out a few years ago and have honestly not entirely recovered from that. Anyway, one major tip I try to remind myself of often is not to compare, and to allow myself grace.
Thanks for sharing this. We could all bet from giving ourselves a little more grace and sometimes that’s a hard thing to get used to allowing. I like that you use the word intentional when you describe your choices for how you are living your life. I do think that being intentional is a key to feeling good about your journey through life. ❤️
Loved this! Very relaxing on a Friday
I am so glad it brought you some peace today! 🥰
This so beautiful. I just love your Content ❤
Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching! ❤️
Thankyou very much for your video talk message.Its very inspirational meaningful comforting possitive helpful very encouraging. I am 63 years of age. God willing in one yearand a half l will be65 and thats when l want to retire
. I am really trying to get closer to my faith and walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. I love my Sheltie dog Laddie very much want to spend more time with him. Good wholesome entertainment hobbies be with family friends. Most of all love being more with my Laddie boy.
@@richardsoderkvist6383 how wonderful to have such a sweet friend! So happy you found the video encouraging. Sounds like you have the perfect focuses to have some of your best years ahead!
Soft life = telling people No!
@@parler8698 yes! That’s a good one. I have a people pleaser tendency, so this is something I have to be very intentional about.
Stress free and unhurried
Joy time
I enjoyed the Virgin River series on Netflix.
It’s been quite some time since I watched this, but do remember enjoying it.
What is this life if full of care
We have no time to stop and stare
Love this Caroline! So true. ❤️