Hi Reader,
Last year, I started noticing something about my mom.
She’s 83 now—and somehow, she seems happier and more at ease than she was a few years back. More confident. Lighter. More engaged with life.
This caught my attention, because there was a stretch of time after my dad passed away when that wasn’t the case. She struggled. She seemed a bit negative. Making decisions felt heavy. Joy for her seemed harder to come by.
And then, slowly, something shifted.
Watching that change made me curious—what actually creates happiness as we age?
That question inspired my newest YouTube video,
My 83-Year-Old Mom Taught Me This About Happiness.
In it, I share the 5 unexpected roots of happiness through watching how she lives her days now.
It’s not about having more.
It’s not about staying busy.
And it’s definitely not something most of us plan for.
If you’re nearing retirement, already there, or just quietly wondering how to make this current season of life feel more meaningful, I think you’ll really enjoy this one.
It’s a gentle reminder that happiness doesn’t suddenly appear one day—it’s built through small, intentional choices we make over time.
With warmth & a hug, (yes, I'm a hugger)
Julie
P.S. This video touches on a few of the struggles I see so many women face in retirement. Later this week, I’ll be sharing something new for those who want more support navigating this season—keep an eye on your inbox. 💕