Pursuing Passions Later in Life — Ageless Possibilities

Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash

Every day I read stories of women pursuing passions later in life. I am fascinated by the endeavours they embark on and the motivation behind their pursuits. I think of my own journey to blogging and teaching life story workshops. Approaching sixty, reading about getting older in articles, blogs, and social media, I found most of what I read did not resonate. I was looking for something different, and thought I might not be alone. Ageless Possibilities became a dream and then a reality as I joined a small online group created by my friend Tracy, for women interested in crafting their next chapter. There was an entrepreneurial flavour to the experience as we honed in on what we wanted to offer, getting clear on our message and audience. Practical activities, brainstorming and a community of like-minded women supported the creation of Ageless Possibilities.

This blog launched in January 2020. I felt such a sense of satisfaction. Two months later we went into pandemic mode. My career slowed to a halt. What was I going to do with all my time, isolated at home? I had pursued journaling and writing for most of my life, and in the previous year, I had taken several writing courses at Simon Fraser University focused on memoir and life stories. The process was cathartic for me. Writing about my life, at this stage in my life, provided me with insights I had never understood. I believe we need to write and share our stories, to heal, to help us navigate north, and to leave a generational footprint of our lives. Writing my life stories dovetailed perfectly with Ageless Possibilities. How, I thought, could I bring this experience to women interested in exploring their life journeys? I was already a skilled group facilitator and, through my many years as a community development consultant, I had worked with instructors and other facilitators to fine tune dozens of learning opportunities for professionals. I signed up for instructor training through Guided Autobiography, and then launched my first workshops, Women Rowing North: Writing Our Life Stories and Pandemic Ponderings. The response to the workshops was powerful, both for participants and myself. This was the gift I wanted to share in my later years; the passion I am now pursuing.

So many women are living their passions later in life, embarking on new adventures that are driven by dreams, curiosity, and wisdom. This week I want to share with you the stories of four Ageless Possibilities readers, all living on Vancouver Island, on the west coast of Canada, who are navigating new waters later in life.

As you read their stories, think about what pursuing passions later in life looks like for you. Open up your imagination! You may already have a plan, although a surprising number of women stumble upon a new passion purely by chance. I also want to emphasize that this doesn’t have to be BIG - this is not about changing the world, although for some women it is! This really is about now having the time to live your dreams.

Judi recently retired from a lengthy career in non-profit management and leadership, where she used meditation and art to ground herself. Dovetailing spiritual and proven mental health practices as a way of coping with stress and isolation as a leader in a non-profit system has worked well for Judi. She wanted to try something after retirement that would allow her to share these practices with others, as well as support the value she places on connection. She is also hoping to generate a small income well into her ‘autumn’ years.

Judi is now a part-time meditation instructor and mandala artist living in Qualicum Beach. She brings her gifts of calmness and quiet wisdom to her work. Judi shares that while working full time, she was unable to fully delve into her art and the teachings that support meditation. “Now, I have an opportunity to share how to bring a quiet pause as a gift that doesn’t require any physical tools, costs or other limitations. Somehow, by sharing this with someone else, I feel a sense of gratitude and satisfaction that now, maybe, that person’s world can be different – in a good way!”

Website: www.cedarskystone.ca

Instagram: @cedarskystone

Tracy is a multi-passionate person and has been some version of an entrepreneur since her teens. At 51, she wanted and needed a new challenge that combined her professional strengths and personal interests. She writes about why people travel, sharing that she is strongly driven by novelty and personal growth. This fits her travel choices and also her life choices! Travel Bug Tonic is both her creative outlet and a learning experience. Travel Bug Tonic is an exploration into ways of experiencing the world with a traveller's sense of awe and wonder - at home as well as in far-flung places - by blending the science of well-being with a passion for travel. Tracy says, “I am creating a space to lean into things that spark curiosity, foster confidence, and inspire living life deeply and with gratitude.” She continues, “I’m a beginner in so many things and am constantly learning. What I learn, how I learn, and the successes and struggles along the way is my form of “wisdom” sprinkled throughout Travel Bug Tonic.”

“I could write personal journals and travel privately, but having a public space is gently holding me accountable, anchoring my activities to a purpose, and opening a new world of connections with other women who have similar interests. Making a difference is addictively satisfying!”

Website: www.travelbugtonic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelbugtonic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelbugtonic

Eight months ago, Cheryl stumbled across a workshop to create a simple journal for publication. She had no intention of publishing a journal; instead, she used the skills she learned to write and publish a children's gratitude journal. She has self-published three children’s books since, picture books for children ages two to six. Cheryl's books provide a learning element through simple, repetitive text and bright, playful illustrations. “I have always wanted to write a children's book,” Cheryl shares, “but never thought I had it in me. Then, once I learned about self-publishing, the door seemed to open, and with some fear, I embraced the opportunity. I've always been someone pursuing hobbies or working a side gig. Writing children's books feels like a hobby that I can share with others. I thoroughly enjoy the process!”

“Books are the perfect way to share messages with children,” she continues, “to learn from them, and build a conversation. I look for topics that children are drawn to. I also have a couple of picture books in mind that will share important messages that I feel children are under-exposed to. It makes my heart smile when I get messages from parents sharing how much their children love my books!”

Website: https://www.withcheryllee.com

Instagram: @cheryll_lleenstagram.com/cheryll_llee/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/withcheryllee

When I read about the passion that Carol Anne, an Instagram friend, is currently pursuing, I was intrigued! An author of young adult books, Carol Anne has always loved listening to audiobooks. Her tentative “toe dip” into the world of audiobook narration back in April has morphed into a legitimate side hustle. Fast forward five months, and she has just completed her first audiobook narration gig. She says, “I am definitely the new kid on the block, despite being 62 years of age, but no one seems to be batting an eye at this crone’s new groove. In fact, there seem to be many older people breaking into this industry. I feel as though I’ve connected with my tribe.”

Earlier this year, Carol Anne decided to take a bit of a hiatus from writing. “I felt burned out,” she shared, “I needed to recharge my creative batteries. Delving into the world of audiobook narration feels like the perfect way to rest but stay connected to the wonderful world of storytelling. And what an honour it is to read someone else’s work—to do my best to convey the complex emotions of their words. I feel this experience is making me a better writer, or I will be when I return to my laptop.”

Someone said to her back in early summer, “Aren’t you a little long in the tooth to be taking on a new venture like this? Shouldn’t you be thinking about retirement?” Carol Anne said her jaw dropped. “It seemed like such an outdated thing to say,” she says. “I can’t imagine EVER “retiring” from learning. I know so many people in their 60s who are having the best time of their lives now. What’s that adage? “We don’t stop playing because we get old; we get old because we stop playing.” Truer words were never spoken.

Website: www.carolanneshaw@shaw.ca

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@servingupastory

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Carol-Anne-Shaw-Writer-Audiobook-Narrator-111077291662347

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?

OTHER STORIES OF WOMEN PURSUING PASSIONS LATER IN LIFE

The Guardian, a UK newspaper, has been featuring stories over the last year of women and men who have embraced a new start after sixty. At the age of 69, Bryony Harris became a psychotherapist and says she found her calling. Joyce Faulkner thought she was planning a holiday after the death of her husband. Instead, at the age of 67, she ended up with a job in Italy. At 68, confronting an unease she never fully understood, Petra Wenham made the decision to transgender. After suffering bereavements and a dark period in her 50s, Siobhan Daniels moved into a motorhome, disposing of most of her possessions and swapping her flat for life on the road.

Interested in reading more stories of women - and men - who are pursuing passions later in life? Read them on The Guardian website here.