Like David Axon says about starting his new hobby of photography, it just clicked.
That’s the sensation you feel when something you’re doing starts to feel pleasurable. Comfortable. Like you own it, and it owns you. It’s a match.
How many times have you tried something new, unsure of yourself or how you’ll react to it?
It’s often a process of trial and error. Sometimes it fits; sometimes it doesn’t. But oh, when it does, it can feel blissful.
Over the past few years, I’ve had to step into a number of new situations, explore options, and try new ways of doing things.
I’ve sometimes had to search deep to find who the real me is, to uncover what makes me happy, to determine what is a fit for me and what isn’t.
Life can lull us into paths that, over time, become stagnant and boring, even though they were once fresh and exciting. Stepping into something new can feel scary. I’ve held my breath and taken the first step many times. Then the next, and the next.
I’m here to say that some of these adventures have led me into situations I’d never, in my wildest dreams, envisioned. But once I became accustomed to the changes, I started to like them—even to revel in them. I was reinventing my life, reinventing who I was, discovering things that had been unknown to me before.
Like Laurie Mueller points out in her column, a dream takes effort and sometimes even compromise. But to experience even a piece of it is better than letting it slip away untried.
There’s usually an exit ramp if what you’ve chosen turns out to be something you absolutely abhor. Often, though, we pass up opportunities simply because we’re uncomfortable taking that first step.
I still struggle to initiate some things. But experience has proven to me, time and again, that “different” is not always bad. Sometimes, it’s the best thing that could ever happen to you.
So, I’m going to heed some of the advice given by several of our writers in this issue and open myself even more to possibility.
Invention thrives on creativity and on people who are willing to try something new.
Verena Foxx mentions in her column across the page that age often allows us the space to try new things. When we aren’t weighed down by starting or caring for a young family or trying to climb the ladder to success, we’re more inclined to pursue some of the dreams and passions we passed up along the way.
There’s no better time than right now to explore what makes you happy.
I love Bob McDonald’s title for his latest memoir, Just Say Yes!
Saying “yes” opened some wonderful doors for him, and his message is that it can happen for anyone. Be willing to take a chance and see how it turns out. You might surprise yourself.
Mike Yip was comfortably enjoying his retirement when he decided to take up bird photography. Now, his hobby has turned into beautiful coffee-table books that are absolutely stunning. He tromps through miles of woodland and seashore to find subjects to photograph. His knowledge of birds and their habits has opened another door—as a speaker.
Who says you can’t have it all? Who says you can’t make a change in your 50s, 60s, 70s, or beyond? Who says you have to sit back and let everyone else have the fun?
I recently received a letter from a reader who is 88. She’d just read a couple of INSPIRED issues and was now sitting down to make her plans for 2025. Yay! I love to hear that the stories of people in this magazine inspire others to try new things. For me, that’s really what it’s all about.
This is the time to flourish—to take every opportunity and run with it. Learn a new language. Travel. Take up bodybuilding. Start a neighbourhood book club or walking group. Become an extra on a movie set. Learn to tango. Fall in love with someone, something—maybe even yourself!
A couple of years ago, I decided to build a cottage garden in my front yard. After years of wishing I had one, I wasn’t going to wait any longer to enjoy the pleasure of sitting in my very own garden paradise. I’ve never regretted a moment of the strenuous activity that went into that project. It was a labour of love.
This spring, its third season, I’m going to sit down and watch the flowers grow and feel satisfied with my initiative. It couldn’t feel sweeter. But it wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t decided to say “yes.”
When I launched this magazine back in 2004, I had no idea that 21 years later, I’d still be at it—and enjoying it just as much.
After the magazine, I created an annual lifestyle show. This year, we will be hosting our 19th event. [See back cover for details.]
In 2007, I published a book to help seniors and their families make housing decisions. It became a Canadian bestseller. This spring, it goes into its fourth printing, revised for 2025.
All these endeavours were steps into the unknown—trying something I’d never done before.
Sure, there have been challenges along the way. But the satisfaction that comes from creating something new out of nothing is a feeling like none other. You can almost hear that “click” as it all settles into place and you know you’ve done the right thing.
Be brave. Be creative. Take a chance and step out of your comfort zone. Discovery awaits you on the other side.
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