Tag Archives: aging

Magnetic Emotions: The Necessary Beauty of Sadness

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We celebrate happiness, its warmth, its allure, its sunshiney nature. We extoll its virtues, chase its fleeting glow, pursue its richness. But what of sadness, its counterpart? We shun it, dismiss it, rush to banish its presence. When someone speaks of the blues, we scramble to lift their spirits, to paint over grey skies with forced sunshine.

But what if the blues held equal value? What if the lows were as essential as the highs? Physics reminds us: for every action, an equal and opposite reaction. Happiness and sadness, then, are not enemies, but inseparable companions, two sides of the same coin. Like magnetic poles they are forever drawn together, creating the emotional field we inhabit.

A woman I know begins each day with deliberate sorrow, twenty minutes of tears before facing the world. A release, a conscious acknowledgment of the pain that surrounds us. “There is so much pain and suffering in this world. So much over which I have little control. My tears are my antidote to helplessness creating much needed grace and space for joy to flow,” she explains. “I can’t go around it. I must go through it.” And so, to journey through sadness, she builds a bridge of tears to carry her to the other side.

On rainy days like today, when the sky is a heavy grey, the wind a mournful cry, the blues invite us to pause, to feel. To surrender.

In these moments, the blues become a necessary antidote to our fears. They remind us of the cyclical nature of life, the inevitable return of light after darkness. Like the tides, life ebbs and flows. To truly embrace its mystery, we must welcome both the sun and the storm, the joy and the blues. We must stop chasing the blues away and welcome in every facet of the richness of our emotional experience awash in the sea of life.

To help you build a bridge through sadness to happiness, here are three simple practices you can implement today:

  • Embrace Morning Tears: Dedicate a few minutes each morning to acknowledge and release sadness. Start with five minutes of quiet reflection, allowing whatever emotions arise to surface. If tears come, let them flow. If not, simply sit with the feeling, accepting its presence without judgment.
  • Curate an Emotional Soundtrack: Create a playlist that reflects the full spectrum of your emotions. Begin with songs that resonate with sadness or the blues, allowing yourself to feel those emotions fully. Then, transition to songs that uplift and inspire, creating a journey from sorrow to joy.
  • Journal Your Blues: Alongside your gratitude practice, create a space to acknowledge your struggles. Write down what upsets you, what makes you feel helpless, or what triggers your sadness. Giving voice to these feelings through writing can be a powerful step towards processing and moving through them.

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This post originally appeared on my SUBSTACK March 19, 2025

It’s Time to Rip Up the Rulebook (and Maybe Rewrite It Ourselves)

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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!

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Join me for my upcoming Masterclass Unleash Your Ageless Radiance – Juy 3, 5pm MT

How Safe is Your Voice?

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A Conversation Across Generations and Lived Experiences

The pursuit of being ‘heard’ and giving voice to our stories is a lifelong journey. From our first cries as infants to the wisdom we share in our later years, our voices evolve and adapt to the world around us. Sometimes, they are strong and powerful. Sometimes, soft and tentative. But how often do we consider the safety of our voices, especially when it comes to hearing and listening to the diverse perspectives that different generations and lived experiences bring to the table?

Ageism and the Erasure of Lived Experience

Ageism, the discrimination or prejudice based on age, can lead to the erasure of invaluable lived experience. This is particularly true for older adults who have navigated decades of challenges and triumphs, accumulating a wealth of knowledge that is often overlooked or dismissed. Just as the lived experiences of marginalized groups who have frequently been silenced or disregarded, such as those who have experienced homelessness, are essential at the table, so too are those of older adults.

The Power of Lived Experience

Lived experience voices bring a unique and irreplaceable perspective to the table. They offer firsthand insights into the realities of aging and ageism, the challenges of navigating social systems, and the complexities of diverse life journeys. When we include these voices in conversations about policy, programs, and systems of care, we create solutions that are more effective, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all individuals.

Older Adults: Experts in Their Own Right

Older adults are not merely recipients of care; they are experts in their own right. Their lived experiences have equipped them with a deep understanding of what works and what doesn’t, what is needed and what is missing. By valuing and amplifying their voices, we can tap into this wealth of knowledge and co-create solutions that truly serve the needs of aging populations today while creating pathways for future generations to age without fearing being silenced and ignored.

Creating a Brave, Safe Space for All Voices

To foster a culture that is purposefully brave and safe for all voices, we must actively combat ageism and other forms of discrimination that silence lived experience. This means:

  • Centering Lived Experience: Actively seeking out and prioritizing the perspectives of those who have lived through the issues we are addressing.
  • Listening with Humility: Approaching lived experience voices with respect, recognizing that their insights are invaluable and often hard-won. And, due to the insidious and pervasic nature of ageism, have been silenced and struggle to be heard.
  • Co-Creating Solutions: Involving individuals with lived experience in the design and implementation of programs and policies, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met for their benefit, not the systems.
  • Building Bridges: Fostering dialogue and collaboration between different generations and lived experiences, recognizing that we are stronger together.

Radical Bold Aging: Amplifying Lived Experience

Radical Bold Aging, which champions the empowerment and agency of older adults, aligns perfectly with the goal of centering lived experience. By recognizing older adults as experts in our own lives, we are empowered to advocate for our needs, challenge ageist stereotypes (both our own and society’s), and actively participate in shaping the world around us.

The Challenge and the Reward

Creating brave, safe spaces for all voices, including those with lived experience, is an ongoing commitment. It requires us to confront our own biases, actively seek out diverse perspectives, and challenge systems that perpetuate exclusion. But the rewards are immeasurable. When we embrace the power of lived experience, we build a stronger, more compassionate, and more equitable society for all.

So, the question remains: How safe is your voice?

Let’s make safety the foundation of our conversations, across generations and lived experiences, and build a world where everyone’s voice can truly be heard, valued, and respected.

Blame Game: Aging Brain or Modern Life? What’s Behind Your Shrinking Attention Span

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Remember when you could lose yourself in a good book for hours? Or watch a movie without checking your phone? If those days seem distant, you’re not alone. Research suggests our attention spans are indeed shrinking.

In one study, the average person’s focus lasted a mere 8 seconds before switching – shorter than a goldfish! More recent findings put us at 47 seconds, a far cry from the 2.5 minutes measured just twenty years ago.

What’s really going on with my aging brain?

In the digital whirlwind of our world today, it’s easy to fear that our brains are showing the wear and tear of modern life. But by reclaiming our focus, we can counter those fears and age with grace and intention. Because, let’s face it. It’s not all about our aging brains. Along with the accessibility of digital information, when you throw in the stress of a pandemic, it’s no wonder our attention spans are feeling the strain. We’re constantly bombarded with news updates, TikTok trends, and notifications galore. This constant stream of notifications and content are training our brains to crave novelty and quick hits of information. Our brains are practically being rewired to jump from one thing to the next, always seeking the next quick hit of dopamine. It’s like we’re training ourselves to have the attention span of that goldfish!

But there’s hope. As we age, many of us yearn for a slower pace, for the ability to savour moments and be present. Strengthening our attention span is a vital step in that direction.

Five Simple Practices to Reclaim Your Focus

  1. Embrace Mindfulness: Daily mindfulness practice, like meditation or journaling (with pen and paper!), can train your brain to stay in the present moment.
  2. Spend Time in Nature: Leave your phone behind and immerse yourself in the natural world. Simply observing the sights and sounds can be incredibly calming and restorative.
  3. Ditch the Devices (Sometimes): Yes, it can be scary to disconnect, but the rewards are worth it. Challenge yourself to leave your phone at home for a few hours and rediscover the joys of real-world experiences.
  4. Engage in Long-Form Activities: Read a whole book, listen to a long-form podcast, write a letter – activities that require sustained focus can rewire your brain for deeper engagement.
  5. Practice Self-Compassion: Don’t beat yourself up if your mind wanders. Building new habits takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small victories, and keep at it.

Aging with Grace and Focus

As we age, the fear of mental decline is not uncommon, but it doesn’t have to be our reality. By actively nurturing our attention span, as well as our overall well-being through exercise, diet and lifelong learning, we can counter those fears and live each day with intention and clarity.

What are you doing to keep your mind sharp and engaged? Share your tips in the comments below!

Which Path Will You Choose?

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Perhaps one day, you’ll stand at a crossroads, faced with a choice of which path to take. To the left, the road less travelled, obscured by mist and mystery. To the right, the well-worn path, visible with its straight lines and predictability. You see its potholes and debris, but you know you can navigate them. You’ve done it before. Why would tomorrow be any different?

As you stand at this crossroads, you glance back at the road behind and see all you’ve been through to get here: trials, tribulations, and traumas. So many hardships. They weigh heavy on your heart, but like the road, they are familiar, so you hold onto them.

Standing at the crossroads, staring at the past, you tally up the years behind, noting they outnumber the years ahead. Dare you choose a different path?

You gaze into the distance of the unknown path to the left, shrouded in mist, and then to the one you know so well to the right. Both will lead to the end of the road. But which to choose? The path to the left, full of adventure, mystery, and wonder, or the right, where predictability offers the ease you tell yourself you deserve.

Perhaps, in your indecision, you’ll look again at the path behind you. Instead of trials and tribulations, you’ll see mountains climbed, stumbles and falls over which you triumphed, and lessons learned that enriched your journey. You’ve traveled this road, falling and rising, again and again, until you arrived at this moment where you must choose: to carry the burdens of the past that weigh you down but feel so familiar, or to stand in your brilliance and celebrate your strength hard-won, courage earned, and resilience gathered on the journey.

Which will you choose?

I hope you honour your brilliance. I hope you recognize that through every hardship and triumph, you have grown stronger, more powerful, more vibrant, and magnificent. It is this truth that has brought you to this moment, where you stand at the crossroads of the future, deciding which path to take.

Which will you choose? The road most travelled? Or the unknown path, where your heart dances and your soul sings the songs of the wild. Which will you choose?

art and words by Louise Gallagher ©2024

Dare to Claim Your Right to be Your Own Queen

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There comes a time in every woman’s life when dreams of being a fairytale princess evolve into the realization that to fully embrace their potential, they must step into the next chapter and claim their right to be queen in their own lives. It’s time to reign over their Queendom and sit upon the throne of their own design.

Yet, too often, we hesitate. We stall and forestall. We tell ourselves we can’t step out and shine brightly or sing loudly—just in case others take notice. Just in case they talk, mock, or shun us.

Enough.

We are born to shine. We are born to cast off the limiting beliefs that push us into the shadows, dimming our light and our capacity to make a difference.

It’s one of the many gifts of aging. The realization that only we hold our unique gifts, and holding them tight denies the world the possibilities that open up when we share them.

Recently, someone asked if I feel self-conscious when speaking into the camera. “Feeling self-conscious is a form of false humility,” I replied. “I do it to inspire other women to do the same. Why feel self-conscious when what I’m doing is modeling bravery?”

Years ago, I wrote a story for my daughters called “Princess Iwannabe.” At the time, they were preteens, and I wanted to inspire them to cast off the need to fit in so that they could carve their own paths.

Princess Iwannabe resisted taking up her Queenly duties, preferring instead to sit around eating bonbons, waiting for her Prince Charming. When told she had to learn the duties of a Queen, she ran away from the castle. She had many adventures and ultimately discovered that the Prince Charming she was waiting for was never coming. Instead, she was waiting for herself to wake up to her own power.

Awakened, I am standing in my power and claiming my right to be Queen in my own life.

What about you?

Are you ready? Will you dare to cast off self-doubt and fear to step beyond the boundaries of your comfort zone into a whole new era of living wild and free in the land of your own Queendom?

Are you ready?

There’s no age-limit on dreaming

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While strolling along the river’s still-frozen shoreline with Sir Beaumont the Sheepadoodle, a thought struck me with the suddenness of the squirrel that had crash-landed on our deck this morning, scrambling for an escape. This thought – “Why are you so concerned about aging, Louise?” – whirled through my mind, refusing to settle despite my efforts to focus on the present.

It was relentless. As if possessed a life of its own, operating independently from my conscious self. Ever experience that? When your mind feels detached, a whirlwind of thoughts you can’t seem to control?

Right. And there I am wandering off topic. Back to the present…

The crux of my concern isn’t so much the personal fear of aging. It’s about our societal attitudes towards aging and how these collective perceptions shape not only our individual beliefs but our experiences as we age. They influence how we see ourselves, our abilities to contribute and find meaning, and our place within families, communities, and society at large.

Society’s view on aging deeply affects our personal viewpoints, beliefs and actions.

But there’s more to it than societal perceptions. The frequency and tone of portrayals of aging in advertising, movies, social media, and other media forms often diminishes as we grow older, making us feel invisible or irrelevant. This invisibility, this sense of being wrong for aging, is deeply concerning.

In my time working in the homeless-serving sector, I strived to change narratives individuals experiencing homelessness, our perceptions of homelessness and how we support those living it. I made an impact.

Now, as an older adult, I’m dedicated to altering perceptions around aging. My mission is to rekindle a sense of wonder and power in living and aging, encouraging individuals to embrace this journey fuelled by the knowledge they are not irrelevant or without agency. Our wisdom, experience, contributions make a difference.

So yes, I do ponder on aging a lot. Not out of fear, but out of love.

Aging comes with its set of unknowns and changes. However, I’d rather meet these changes head-on, actively participating in my own aging process, than hide away, passively awaiting the end.

I aspire to live each day fully, infusing every moment with wonder, awe, and curiosity. To keep unfolding my dream of a world where every life has value, no matter their age, origin or fairth. Let my every breath be a testament to a life lived beyond the confines of complacency, striving always to create better.

Let my every act inspire others to take action to engage with their aging in love with their dreams unfolding and their life well-lived.

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If you are interested in learning more about how to age with passion, purpose and pizzazz, join me on April 12 at 9am MT, for my 90 minute free masterclass, Radiant Bold Aging. (Click on image below to register)

Radiant Bold Aging

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Sir Beaumont and I were walking with a friend who shared her hesitation about taking a much-anticipated trip. Her husband’s mother is not in the best of health, sparking fears of what might happen if she becomes ill while they’re across the world. It’s a valid concern, yet it cuts both ways. What might happen if they went on the trip? And what if they didn’t?

As I’ve grown in wisdom and life, I’ve learned that dreams wither without action, and with age, the belief in our potential can dim and, even fade away.

Ultimately, facing the question, ‘What might happen if I do, or don’t’ transcends more than just the realities of our day to day living. It brings us to the portal of possibility, opening us up to all that is possible when we choose to live beyond our fears, our comfort zones, and, our limiting beliefs. Ultimately, it asks us to lean into the question – Do we let worry and fear hold us back? Or, do we seize life’s opportunities, whether that’s embarking on a journey, returning to school, or asking someone out.

For me, it’s about overcoming fear to launch the business I’ve dreamt of for so long.

Doing nothing about it was keeping me stuck in that place where my dreams were just that—dreams, withering as I grow older and feeding into the diminishment of my self-confidence and growing doubts about my abilities and capacity to stay Vital. Relevant. Energized.

As an example, last October, despite my reservations, I traveled to Ireland alone. Overcoming the “monkey mind” that wanted me to stay put, ‘be realistic’ – the timing was all wrong. Travelling alone was scary… yada. Yada. Yada. I realized that succumbing to the incessant monkey mind chatter full of fear and doubt, was keeping me mired in inaction. Not stepping out of my comfort zone to travel alone, not giving myself permission to believe in my own capacity to ‘be okay’ whatever happened, which included renting a standard, not automatic, car with the stick shift on the left hand side of the steering and navigating uber-narrow Irish roads on the right hand side, was me buying into the notion, I’m too old.

I am not too old. I’m simply the age I am – and being 70 doesn’t mean I can’t learn new things, try new ways, explore new adventures. Not doing those things because I’m afraid will only teach me how to live a life unfulfilled, draining my vitality, relevance, and sense of contribution.

Aging is an inevitable journey from birth, but how we age is a choice. Our bodies, like roads exposing potholes after winter, accumulate aches and pains. However, with regular maintenance—exercise, nutrition, rest, and check-ups—we can manage or prevent these discomforts.

Living fully means facing fears and embracing life’s opportunities. It’s about proactive maintenance of our physical and emotional well-being, ensuring our life’s roads are navigable and our journey fulfilling.

What about you? Have you faced a moment where you had to choose between safety and growth? How did you decide, and what was the outcome? I’d love it if you shared your stories below. Let’s inspire each other to fill the potholes on our paths and move forward with courage and purpose.

We’re all aging. Let’s do it with passion, purpose and pizzazz! Together.

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And… I am holding a free online masterclass to share some of the secrets of aging. It’s March 26, 4 – 5:30pm MDT — click HERE if you’d like to learn more or to sign up! There are limited spaces available and it would be lovely to see you there!

What’s Your Story? Understanding the Power of Our Personal Narratives

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My sister remains in ICU though she is slowly gaining consciousness. But, here’s the challenge. I was telling myself a story about how helpless I am, how scared and worried I feel.

That story isn’t creating ‘the more’ I want in my life or in my sister’s healing journey. Which is why this morning, I asked myself, Is this story I’m telling myself creating better in my world today or is it acting as a barrier to my being fully present with and for her journey through recovery? ‘Cause, though I am not powerful enough to change my sister’s health, the story I tell myself about it all can either strengthen or weaken me. And if the story I’m telling myself is leaving me feeling discombobulated (and it was), helpless,or as happens in other situations, like a victim or loser, there is only person who can change it. Me.

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, particularly in those moments where you’re feeling like the victim of someone else’se bad behaviour or like life is ganging up on you or those you love, “What story am I telling myself about what’s going on?”

Each of us narrates our life’s journey, often casting ourselves in specific roles – the hero, the victim, or even the villain. These stories are more than mere reflections; they actively shape our reality, influencing our emotions, decisions, and interactions with others, as well as how we feel about ourselves..

Our personal narratives are a tapestry woven from our experiences, beliefs, and emotions. They are intricate and deeply personal, often rooted in our earliest memories. These stories provide a sense of identity and continuity, offering a framework through which we view the world and our place in it.

While these narratives can be empowering, they can also be limiting. When we cast ourselves as perpetual victims or unacknowledged heroes, we might find ourselves trapped in patterns of behavior that prevent personal growth. Our stories might justify feelings of resentment, anger, or sadness, holding us back from forgiveness, empathy, or change.

The first step to reshaping our story is recognizing its existence and influence. This requires introspection and honesty. What roles do we often assign ourselves? How do these roles affect our relationships and choices? Are we stuck in a narrative that no longer serves us?

Once we recognize our narrative patterns, we have the power to rewrite them. This doesn’t mean denying our past or our feelings. Instead, it’ involves reframing’s an invitation to reframe our experiences in a way that empowers us. What if, instead of the victim, we see ourselves as survivors or even victors? Or, instead of the overlooked hero, we view ourselves as quietly influential?

The most empowering narratives are those where we acknowledge our agency and potential. They are stories where challenges are opportunities for growth, and where our past doesn’t dictate our future. In these narratives, we are neither solely victims nor heroes but complex individuals capable of change and growth.

When we shift our stories, the world around us shifts too. We start responding differently to situations, engaging more positively with others, and opening ourselves to new experiences. A new narrative can lead to a more fulfilling, connected, and joyful life.

What story do you want to tell about yourself? It’s an important question that can lead to transformational growth as long as you remember that you are the author of your narrative. Someone else isn’t writing your life story for you. You are. And, because you are the author of your story, you have the power to edit, to rewrite, and to change the course of your story.

To change your story, checkout what story you’re telling about yourself and the circumstances in your life today, and then, choose a narrative that empowers, inspires, and propels you toward your best life yet. Because, no matter your age, your story won’t change until you decide to change it.

Embracing Resilience in the Midst of Uncertainty

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Recently, I’ve felt disoriented and unfocused, a state spurred by my eldest sister’s critical condition in intensive care. It was a challenging period, filled with uncertainty and worry.

However, as the skies cleared this morning, so did my mind. Although my sister remains in the ICU, still reliant on life support, there are glimmers of hope. Each day brings small improvements, a testament to her resilience, and I find solace in each small sign of her recovery.

In moments like these, I’m reminded of John Lennon’s poignant words, ‘Life is what happens while you’re busy making plans.’ Indeed, life’s unpredictability often disrupts our carefully laid plans. But, as Saint Benedict wisely advised, the key is to ‘Begin Again.’

Embracing this philosophy, I’m moving forward, starting with updates for those who inquired about my calendars. They’re now available for shipping. You can order through PayPal HERE or, for eTransfer orders, please send me an email specifying the quantity, and I’ll forward an e-invoice. Thank you for your support!

Returning to ‘regular programming’, I had an interesting conversation during my morning walk in the park. A fellow dog-walker commented on how well I wear my age. It sparked a thought about age and aging and what each age looks like. Firstly, I honestly don’t know what 70 ‘should’ look like. The second is: Is there a ‘right’ way to age? Can we age ‘wrong’?

The fact is, age is not like going out to by a new pair of shoes which, if they don’t fit, you try another size. Age is simply a measure of our time on this planet, nothing more, nothing less.

What truly matters is how we infuse our moments with life and love. Each word, deed, and thought should reflect this. At any age, living life fully means embracing self-love and kindness. This self-love creates ripples of positivity, impacting the world around us.

So, here’s a loving thought I hope you carry forward into your day today — No matter what life brings, cherish and celebrate every moment. Every moment is an opportunity to begin again, to love yourself fully, to appreciate the road before you, with its many bumps and twists and turns, its darkness, shadows and light, and, to embrace each day, each step, each moment, with love, joy and gratitude.

Namaste