Chronicles of a Vintage Boomer PhD Student – Part 1: Against the Odds
Welcome to Part 1 of a two-part blog series chronicling my journey as a Vintage Baby Boomer pursuing a PhD. In this post, I’ll share the motivations that sparked this bold adventure, the obstacles I’ve faced, the challenges I’ve navigated, and the early rewards that keep me moving forward.
As we close out 2024, my hope is to inspire you to embrace bold moves and defy the odds in your own life. Let’s make 2025 the year we reach new heights together.
When Life Edits Your Script: Discovering Purpose Through Pain
Life has a way of rewriting even the best-laid plans. For Mary Lou, a gifted storyteller with dreams of Hollywood success, a devastating accident shifted her path in ways she never imagined. Stripped of the ambitions she once held dear, she discovered a deeper sense of purpose—not in fame or accolades, but in a life pared down to its essence: faith, service, and storytelling.
Her journey reminds us that setbacks often reveal the essence of who we are. Success isn’t about having everything—it’s about cherishing what we have and using it well.
What has life taught you about finding purpose in unexpected places?
Birthday Reflection: A Minimalist’s Take on Black Friday
This year’s birthday, which fell on Black Friday, sparked a reflection on the meaning of consumerism, simplicity, and connection. While many were hunting for Black Friday deals, I celebrated in a quieter way—with family, intentionality, and a focus on wellbeing. Relocating to Squamish and pursuing my Ph.D. has inspired me to rethink what retirement—and life—really mean. Minimalism isn’t just about decluttering; it’s about making conscious choices to focus on what nourishes us. How are you prioritizing what truly matters?
Minimalism and the Big Mac
Life has a funny way of piling on transitions—like the ultimate double-decker sandwich. As a mother, grandmother, caregiver, and soon-to-be West Coast resident, I'm juggling responsibilities that stretch from sewing pajamas to packing up my life. In this post, I reflect on the joys and challenges of being part of the "sandwich generation" and how embracing a minimalist mindset helps me navigate these moments with purpose and a dash of humor. Join me as I explore what it means to make every transition count!
Work Till You Drop: A Monologue
Remember the story of Cinderella? Cinderella is forced to work long hours by the wicked stepmother and stepsisters. By the end of the day, her body and spirit feel exhausted.
How much can you relate to Cinderella’s experience in the modern workplace?
Do you feel exhausted by the end of the day?
This post may offer ideas to examine your work differently.
A Mindful Spiritual Reflection: Beyond an Exit Statement
In making a major decision, what activities or thinking processes do you go through? I just learned a framework during Tuesday’s class on spiritual reflection that I find most helpful in guiding major decision-making and identifying one’s life purpose. This post describes this practical exercise on expounding the law of Attraction-Connection-Complexity-Consciousness.
My Biggest Fear Yet
September 2021 is a big month for me. It marked a few transitions. I thought about the wins, losses, and lessons in the past 12 months with some musings. I also reflected on my biggest fear. Am I such a pessimist that keeps worrying about things? Is it okay to contemplate what may come? How is it helpful (or not) to review my biggest fear?
113 Days to Go
With 113 days to exit my current role, I am exploring how to navigate my next job/role. I am journaling this experience.
