juliefj1

Spring Cleaning

“Simplicity boils down to two steps: Identify the essential. Eliminate the rest.” Leo Babauta, simplicity author and creator of Zen Habits, which is one of the most-read blogs in the world (next to mine!), speaks the truth. What a perfect way to introduce this blog, which is about decluttering. I’m not talking about decluttering yourContinue reading “Spring Cleaning”

Pivot: Recognize Your Destiny

I watched an episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Escape (Gordon Ramsay Meets His Match in Malaysia) and got caught up in the phrase “Aga Aga” used by one of the featured local cooks. Aga Aga, as Gordon Ramsay quickly learned, means to cook with any amount you want. You need to combine a lot of knowledge,Continue reading “Pivot: Recognize Your Destiny”

Feeling Connected

Do you ever wake up and wonder about the purpose of life? More specifically, what is the importance of your life? Most of us experience those feelings of melancholy at some point. It may be just a fleeting moment, or it could be fuel for a day of philosophical thinking. I started to experience feelingsContinue reading “Feeling Connected”

Let’s Get Moving!

Ah, exercise. The bane of my existence. I have never really enjoyed exercise. Sure, when I was young, I was in track and field. I played badminton. I cross-country skied. I tried aerobics (you go, Olivia Newton-John), jazz dance, joining a gym, jogging, racquetball, etc. I tried riding a bike. Walking. You know how itContinue reading “Let’s Get Moving!”

How Old Are You?

Does your age define you? Do you look in the mirror and think, “Oooh, what happened there?” Do you find yourself walking a bit more slowly? Does it take longer to bounce back after a minor injury? Do you ever walk into a room and wonder what the heck you are doing there? Let’s beContinue reading “How Old Are You?”

The Elephant in the Room

Okay, since I began blogging a few months ago, I’ve avoided one topic like the plague (excuse the comparison). But now it’s time to mention the elephant in the room. COVID19. Uh-huh. It’s hard to believe we have been living in this pandemic for two years. I remember clearly returning from vacation in Mexico atContinue reading “The Elephant in the Room”

Goaaaal!

Well, we are almost done with the first month of 2022. How many New Year’s resolutions have you kept? I don’t make them anymore because I was setting myself up for failure. As I got older, I realized that Jan. 1 isn’t any different than Dec. 31, and resolutions were just a way to setContinue reading “Goaaaal!”

How Time Flies

It has been six months since I officially resigned from my job and began a new phase of life. How time flies. What lessons have I learned? Have I learned anything? Not that I consciously thought about what I was learning as the days progressed, but upon deciding to write a blog I had toContinue reading “How Time Flies”

Feel Guilty About Enjoying Retirement?

OK, I’ll admit it. I am good at feeling guilty. It’s a talent I’ve had all my life, and I work hard to maintain it. Seriously. But, as I get older, I am trying not to be so good at feeling guilty. I’m working on letting go of the things that make me feel guiltyContinue reading “Feel Guilty About Enjoying Retirement?”

Who am I? Redefining Yourself in Retirement

Hi, my name is Julie and I am . . . wow! How do I identify myself? What defines me? What defines you? Our identity is a crucial part of our soul and how we relate to everything around us. Did you think you resolved your identity crisis in adolescence or middle age? Nope. ThinkContinue reading “Who am I? Redefining Yourself in Retirement”