Month 2 of my year-long ALove Poem a Day project begins!
Yesterday, while walking the shore, I got stuck on that famous Hollywood line from Love Story: “I love you means never having to say you’re sorry.”
It’s a beautiful romantic myth. It’s also not true.
This week’s post is a deep dive into why that cliché is so dangerous, and why saying “I’m sorry” is actually one of the strongest commitments you can make in love.
Why the fear of not having a purpose is holding you back—and how to find freedom in every single act.
We talk a lot about purpose. We talk about finding it, earning it, and living it. But in our obsession with finding a purpose, we often trap ourselves in a constant state of anxiety and comparison. We get stuck in an unhealthy emotional morass, believing others have a grander purpose than we do—or that we have non at all. This leads to a cascade of negative beliefs: I’m not good enough. I don’t make a difference. I’ll never measure up. I don’t matter.
The fear of not having a purpose often propels us into dead-end streets and chaos corners. It compels us to keep searching, to never let our guard down, and to stand vigilant for some grand purpose to float by so we can claim it. We tell ourselves, “I’ll finally matter when I find my purpose!”
What if you don’t have to search for purpose? What if all you need to do is live on purpose?
The Heavy Load of Finding Your Purpose
Countless books have been written about finding your purpose. We often see purpose as “what we do in the service of others,” as if it’s a monumental job description we must earn. Yet, what we do in service is simply a reflection of how we live our lives every day, in alignment with our values, principles, and beliefs.
The other night, while having dinner with my two daughters, we went around the table and shared a unique quality we admired in one another. When it was my turn, both of my daughters said, “You have a unique ability to meet people where they’re at and see the good in them.”
My heart felt so light. Since retiring and moving to a quiet Gulf Island, I’ve struggled with the question, “How do I live my purpose when I’m not ‘out there’ in the world, making a difference?” Hearing my daughters’ words, I realized I am making a difference just by showing up in my world every day with an open and loving heart and mind. By being fully present, I am both living my purpose and living on purpose.
There’s great relief in that acceptance. A feeling of spaciousness and possibility. I’ve accepted that my purpose doesn’t have to be some grandiose idea of healing the sick or solving world poverty. It’s simply to live my best, in every moment of every day, so my ripple is one of love, joy, and harmony. In this act, I gift myself peace of mind, body, and heart. And from that space, living on purpose feels easy, and the world around me feels calm and accepting.
The Lightness of Living on Purpose
One of the biggest differences between having a purpose and living on purpose is that having a purpose is passive, while living on purpose is active.
A purpose can be a goal—a destination to reach. Goals are important, but when they’re the singular focus and not rooted in our values, we can lose sight of our impact on the world. Hyper-focused on attainment, we can believe our goal is all that matters – and everyone else better get out of our way.
Living on purpose, however, demands our full engagement with life. It’s an intentional practice that requires our attention. It’s the realization that everything we do, say, create, and think has a ripple effect.
If you want your ripple to be an invitation to others, you must be conscious of the waves you make.
Living on purpose is not about the things you acquire or the goals you achieve; it’s about how you live your life. Living on purpose illuminates the world all around you. And in that brilliance, your light becomes a beacon of hope for others.
Practical Steps for Living on Purpose
It’s easy to live on purpose when you know the values, principles, and beliefs that guide your every action, word, and thought. Clarity of what matters most will automatically underpin everything you do, creating space for you to live intuitively and intentionally.
Here are three simple, actionable steps to start living your purpose right now:
Clarify Your Values: Your purpose is built on your values. Take some time to identify what matters most to you—things like honesty, compassion, creativity, or courage. Ask yourself, “What do I stand for?” Then, write down a list of five or six values that resonate deeply with you. Ask yourself, “How do I live this? For example: The cashier at the grocery store misses charging you for an item. Do you let them know? If honesty is one of your core values, letting them know is never in doubt.
Knowing your values provides a personal compass for your actions.
Conscious Action: Connect your values to your actions. For example, if a driver cuts you off, you can choose to respond with your value of compassion instead of anger. A simple, “Bless them. Forgive me. Forgive them. Bless me,” can restore your equilibrium far faster than endlessly muttering under your breath. (And yes, ‘forgive me’ is important because if you’re human, you probably had a not-so-nice thought or two about them when they cut you off.) This reinforces the idea that every act becomes an expression of your purpose.
When we live on purpose, our values take centre stage.
Embrace the Ripple Effect: Recognize that every action has a ripple. One word shouted in anger can create shockwaves of unease. One word spoken in kindness can resonate like a single harp string pulled in a room full of harps creating a ripple of harmony.By consistently acting from a place of integrity, your positive influence naturally expands. Focusing on conscious living is far more sustainable and fulfilling than constantly searching for a monumental purpose.
To make a difference, live true to your values, principles and beliefs.
Is there a step that feels most accessible to you today? Please share your thoughts and inspire others to live on purpose.
Surrounded by the exquisite scent of 700 Lavender plants in bloom and serenaded by wind chimes and birdsong, my sister, Anne and I, along with 4 other women and the amazing Dar Yuill spun lavender into beautiful wreaths.It was a delightful afternoon of creating, chatting and celebrating our human connections and community.
And… I decided, just for fun, to write a song for the day and ask AI (I know, I’ve crossed over to the ‘dark’ side – but it’s really cool!) to put my song to music. And this is what I got! (Lyrics are mine)
And these are the complete song lyrics:
In Lavender Fields by Louise Gallagher
In lavender fields where the sun sets wide, Gentle breezes whisper tales of old. Memories float like clouds in the sky, Soft petals dance under the sun's gold light.
Oh, lavender fields, how you bring me peace, With every breath, my heart finds release. In your charms, I find the quiet ease, Of simple days when life was full of rest.
Through the rows of purple, I create a wreath, Feeling the warm sun caress my cheeks. Each strand weaves a memory, each scent a tone, Nature's melody, sweet and sweet.
In lavender fields, I let go and rest, Where worries fade and calm takes hold. In your gentle beauty, I find my best, A peaceful journey, soul and fold.
Walking along the shoreline, water calm, air crisp with spring’s promise. Beau sniffs and snuffles the grass and bushes at the edge of the road, seagulls swoop and screech overhead,
I meet a woman and her dog. She shares her joy of see a pod of eight Orcas surface close in to where she stood on the rocks yesterday as dusk began to settle in.
“They appeared, and then they were gone,” she said after telling me that three seals scampered onto the rocks as the Orcas passed. Her dog barely noticed them.
Her dog and Beaumont sniff. Lose interest and continue to smell the greenery all around where we stand at the edge of the ocean.
I haven’t seen the Orcas yet. Lots of Humpback but no Orcas.
I know I will. One day. Soon. I hope.
I continue walking along and something she said about her heart feeling like it was blossoming out when she spied the whales resonates. The muse picks up the thread and when I return home, these words wove their way into substance.
Hidden Voices by Louise Gallagher
Sing out loud, he urged, but she held back, ignoring the melody stirring within her hidden behind the secrets of childhood.
Everyone can sing, he said gently. I don't dare, she demurred, then hummed a little tune to herself, a sweet, melodious note so pure, the air stilled around her, rustled through the leaves swaying gently to her song.
That was beautiful, he whispered.
She shook her head, side to side a nervous laugh escaping her lips as soft as a moonbeam kissing the night.
It was nothing, she said. Nothing we do is ever nothing if we do it from the heart, he replied.
Her heart bloomed open, a flower releasing its fragrant song.
His words rang true, a siren call, urging her voice to rise up loud and strong no matter who was listening.
It’s time. Time to write our own ageless script. Time to defy the notion we need to tone ourselves down as we grow older.
I’m not just defying aging —I’m giving it a playful wink and a knowing smile. Forget those tired old notions about what a woman “should” be, do, or say. I’m taking that rulebook, scribbling all over it, and maybe even adding a few pretty doodles in the margins before I rip out the pages and write my own!
This ain’t no 60s liberation movement. We’re not just breaking through barriers; we’re dismantling them brick by brick and building something far more magnificent in their place. We’re not just finding our voices; we’re turning up the volume and letting them echo through the ages.
I’m diving into the world of AI, (like the image above which I generated using AI and a whole lot of descriptors and trials and errors – which btw, is a clear indication of how so many of the algorithms are written by men! Try getting it to create a woman without big breasts and loads of cleavage!) embracing its potential like a fearless explorer. Sure, there are concerns, but I’m choosing curiosity over fear. Because a life lived in the shadows of ignorance? That’s not for me.
I’m talking boundless, liberated, authentic. I’m shedding those outdated expectations and stepping into my own power. I’m crafting my own rules, setting my own course, and living life on my terms.
So, are you with me? Are you ready to shake things up, challenge the norm, and create a life that’s uniquely, vibrantly yours?
Let’s tear up that old rulebook together, ladies. And then, let’s write a new one that celebrates our strength, our wisdom, and our unyielding spirit.
Let’s let our age grow wild and our spirits soar free!
“What if you fall?” he whispered. “What if I fly?” she replied.
He strikes again! My inner critic, that sly whisperer of doubt and disbelief, never fails to surprise me, even though I know he’s lurking. “You can’t, you won’t, you don’t…” He knows my weak spots, my insecurities, and he casts his net wide to keep me tangled in self-doubt.
But I’ve grown wise to his tricks (most of the time). I’ve developed some pretty powerful countermeasures to combat his insidious insistence that I stay small, quiet, and still.
Recently, during my “The ReWrite Journey” course, I made a commitment to a fellow participant. It was something I’d been contemplating but hadn’t yet dared to do: submit poetry to the CBC Literary Awards competition. The deadline loomed, and my inner critic was gleefully reminding me that if I stalled long enough, I’d be “off the hook.”
But would I really? If I didn’t take the leap, sure, I’d avoid the fear of rejection and disappointment. But who would win in that scenario?
Definitely not me.
So, I made a pact with another brave soul to simply submit. And yesterday, I kept my word.
The wave of pride and accomplishment that washed over me was incredible. It wasn’t about the outcome; it was about taking action, about defying that inner voice that said, “You can’t.”
This wasn’t my first time facing down fear. When I launched “She Dares” and led my first “The ReWrite Journey” course, I was terrified. Would it resonate with anyone? Would people learn and grow? Would they trust my guidance?
The overwhelming feedback from that first group led me to relaunch the course in May. Six incredible women joined, and together we’re exploring what it means to live unbounded, to uncover the beauty within ourselves – the strength, resilience, wisdom, and so much more that our journeys have woven into who we are today. We’re writing the stories of our lives with renewed passion, joy, and élan!
I never saw myself as an entrepreneur. Yet, here I am, building a business, gaining traction, making things happen.
The truth is, I didn’t know what I was capable of until I dared to spread my wings and fly free from the comfortable cage of my own disbelief.
What about you? Where in your life are you holding back from stepping outside your comfort zone because you tell yourself, “I can’t”?
What if… the possibility of more is waiting for you in the things you’ve never tried?
Aging is inevitable. It’s a journey we all embark on from the moment we’re born. But what if, instead of fearing or resenting the changes, we embraced them as an opportunity for reinvention and radiant living?
I’m here to tell you that at 70, I don’t feel “old.” Not in the way society has conditioned us to believe. And you don’t have to either.
I’ve created She Dares, Radiant Bold Aging to inspire women to cast off society’s outdated notions of aging and step into a life that celebrates ageless living. It’s about honouring our bodies, embracing our wisdom and radiant beauty, and living with wild abandon.
L.I.F.E. – Your Blueprint for Ageless Living
At the heart of this philosophy is my four-step L.I.F.E. process, a nourishing and stimulating container designed to help you create and live the life you dream of:
LOVE: Fall deeply in love with yourself – every wrinkle, every laugh line, every bit of your unique journey. Let love be the foundation of how you interact with the world and everyone and every thing in it.
ILLUMINATE: Shine a light on your inner world, exploring both your shadows and your light. Embrace your whole self – the messy, beautiful, complex human being you are today.
FLOW: Surrender resistance and allow yourself to flow with the current of life. It’s an ever-changing river, full of energy and excitement. Your willingness to ride the waves will make it an exhilarating adventure throughout your lifetime!
EMBRACE: Open your arms wide to change, ambiguity, and everything that makes you, YOU. Each new chapter is an opportunity for growth and transformation. Each new gem you uncover within you adds sparkle and light to the world around you.
Why a Container Like L.I.F.E. Matters
Think of L.I.F.E. as a compass guiding you through uncharted territory. It provides a framework for self-discovery, empowerment, and ageless living. It’s not just a process; it’s a mindset. It’s a declaration that you’re ready to rewrite your story, casting off limitations and embracing the radiant, bold woman you were born to be.
Ready to Rewrite Your Story?
If you’re ready to shed the fear of aging and step into a life of vibrancy, joy, and limitless potential, then the L.I.F.E. process is your invitation. Here are a few ways to dive in and begin your journey of ageless living:
Join the She Dares community on FB: Connect with a community of like-minded women who are rewriting their stories and embracing radiant, bold aging.
Radiant Bold Aging Masterclass: Join me on June 7th at 10am 9MT or June 12th at 5pm (MT) for an immersive experience where we’ll explore the L.I.F.E. process and unlock the secrets to ageless living.
The ReWrite Journey Course: Sign up for my upcoming course launching in June, where you’ll embark on an 8 week transformative journey of self-discovery, guided by the L.I.F.E. process.
It’s time to embrace your ageless spirit and create a life that radiates with joy, purpose, and bold authenticity.
This morning, as I settled into my desk chair in front of the expansive window overlooking the river—where poplars and shrubs are just bursting into spring’s wardrobe—the voice within me, that wise and ancient friend full of universal wisdom and song, whispered, “Hello old friend.”
A few weeks back, I ambitiously declared I would write here Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Full disclosure: I called it my ‘plan.’ Now, let’s just say it was more of a fleeting ‘idea.’
Or, perhaps more accurately, I’ll refer to it as ‘when the muse beckons.’
A little backstory to my lengthy absences here: In February, I dove into a two-month course that led me to sign up for a year-long program aimed at building an online coaching business. I launched my “The ReWrite Journey” 8-week program in January, brimming with enthusiasm for its possibilities. But marketing it? Creating enticing videos and social media shout-outs to attract participants? Let’s just say I was starting at the bottom of a deep well of ‘unknowingness’.
I was once fluent in three languages, but this marketing jargon? It might as well be Greek—and I only know five words in that!
So, true to form when faced with a new challenge, I leapt in—arms wide, heart first, body following. I’d love to say I dived in gracefully, but let’s be real: it was a full-on cannonball. I hit the water with a loud “SPLAT” and plunged into the unknown depths of Clicks, Funnels, and Lead Generators. Every day I encounter new ideas and concepts so vast, I’m not sure there’s an end to this digital marketing well.
Needless to say, I’ve been feeling a bit like Alice tumbling down an endless rabbit hole of Internet marketing.
This morning, I came up for air. The truth is, I’m genuinely enjoying the discovery of all the nuances in creating an online teaching business that authentically and meaningfully serves the women I aim to support. After all, that’s what it’s about—being of service, doing what I call my ‘HeartWork.’ My goal is be a spark of inspiration that awakens women to their own potential—to live life beyond the comfort zone, swimming in the waters of limitless possibilities and breaking free from the limiting beliefs about those quiet, unspoken dreams within that keep nudging them to explore the ‘out there’—a world they once believed wasn’t for them.
That’s my mission: To awaken women (and, truly, everyone) to the incredible beauty of living the life they dream of—not just envisioning it, but actually living it.
And I can’t do that if I stay nestled in my comfort zone, sticking to the old ways that, while comfortable, don’t emanate from that deep, urgent space within—where those quiet, unspoken dreams demand I break free. It’s time to soar above the waters, to fly without wings!
If you’re interested, I still have a couple of spots open in the upcoming The ReWrite Journey beginning this Monday, May 13. It would be wonderful to have you on the journey! (louise [at] louisegallagher [dot[ ca
“Joy transcends age; it’s not confined to youth. It’s a universal treasure that spans all ages, reminding us that to experience joy we must embrace the journey of life with love, laughter, gratitude and compassion every day.” Louise Gallagher
As I sit before my computer navigating various sites to launch thep of unveiling another chapter of the Radiant Bold Aging Masterclass, and transforming my two-month ReEnvision Your Journey program into a six-month quest to champion women in crafting the life of their dreams, age notwithstanding, my journal pages have blossomed with musings on JOY.
What essence it holds, whence it springs. What, if anything, fills its void when it gently slips away? In its absence, where do I seek refuge? And why, oh why, does joy hold such paramount importance?
These existential ponderings, to me, are not just intriguing—they are essential quests for understanding.
Today, merrily working in my studio, with the melody of birdsong heralding spring to the barren branches of the trees that line the riverbank, and sunlight dancing on the snow-blanketed earth of our backyard, I found myself cradled in the sheer joy of the present.
Joy—like an ocean wave—envelops me, washing away the remnants of turmoil. It saturates my being when I cease to engage with joy’s thieves: resentment, regret, anger, sorrow, and the mundane grievances against the world’s bad drivers and the monotony of customer service scripts. Ah, those familiar foes.
I’ve come to realize that irrespective of age, emotions crash upon the shores of my consciousness, uninvited. To truly know Joy, I must allow these feelings to be swallowed by the temporal tides, and in their stead, embrace love, self-compassion, mindfulness, and the endless possibilities each moment holds.
In such moments, my heart feels lighter, my thoughts as clear as the rainbow stretching across the sky after a storm, and I am embraced once more with Joy.
One day, when you least expect it you will stand at the threshold of your heart and hear its pounding insistence you step across the liminal space between not loving yourself and loving yourself with all your being awakened to every beat of your heart.
In that moment, you must choose between staying locked in the darkness of believing your flaws and many imperfections are too wide and bulky to fit through the doorway to your heart or stripping away the heaviness of your belief you do not deserve your love because you are so imperfect and scarred and scared of loving yourself you will never be free of the fear of loving yourself.
To choose to stay locked in darkness is easy. It’s the comfortable shirt you’ve worn forever. The one you thoughtlessly put through the washing cycle so often you no longer worry about putting the machine on delicate. You know this shirt is tough enough to take your abuse.
But, to risk stripping away the shirt and tearing it to shreds. To risk standing exposed with all your scars and scared self naked to the prying eyes of imperfection. Ah, well that is the penultimate act of courage you will ever commit.
One day, you will stand at the threshold of your heart and be asked to commit to loving yourself in all your wounded, flawed beauty.
On that day you will know the sound of freedom is not a song sung by those with the courage to climb every mountain and ford every sea. It is the sound of your heart falling deeply in love with the perfection of the beautiful tender mercy of being held in the loving embrace of your arms wrapping themselves around your heart as you whisper joyfully, I Love You.
Dare Boldly 