Ladies of a Certain Age ~ for those invisible powerful, dynamic, vital women

A successful retired entrepreneur from Grand Junction introduced me to the concept of a personal retreat over two decades ago.  My late friend explained to me it was best “to get away” for a while to do this.  Several years my senior, she explained to me the need for setting goals even though I was a retired professional, had raised three children, and had traveled far more than I ever thought I would. 

Here is what she advised:

1. Identify core concepts and principles of living
2. Prioritize these
3. Develop a yearly plan to enhance each. (I call them goals)
4. Write it down and update it monthly.

First and foremost, what I realized was that one of my core principles is to strive for self-improvement until the day I die. People who have this desire have an excitement about life and are not bitter older adults.

My goals for 2025 included:

1. Deepen my spiritual connection
2. Work on my health
3. Find a community of friends since I am no longer physically able to do many of the things I used to do
4. Stay in touch with my family, including my dog and cat, and support them
5. Be financially responsible for my house, money, and car
6. Be creative

Under each of these, I have listed action items I worked on over the past year.

1. Spiritual – I joined a church
2. Work on my health – I completed a medication regimen and attend weekly physical therapy sessions
3. Find a community of friends – Started an adaptive pickleball group and a book club
4. Stay in touch with family and support them – Went to Washington State to visit my daughter and her family. Secured health treatment for the dog. Emotionally supported the family of my cousin, who has Alzheimer’s
5. Be financially responsible for my house, money, and car – I got help with household items that I am no longer able to do
6. Be creative – Began writing another mystery