Hi we were due to have part 2 of our jewelry popup today but were not quite ready so it will be live tomorrow at 9am (if you missed part one click here- its one not to be missed). Most pieces we only have one or two left of.
Good morning everyone — I hope this finds you doing well. I’ve really been enjoying these “Let’s Talk” posts, and it seems like many of you are too. I truly welcome your ideas and perspectives. Today is more about a mindset shift I’ve noticed creeping into my life over the last few years — maybe the last three or four.
I’ve realized that I’ve become a bit more of a homebody, something I never in a million years thought I would say. May no mistake, I still work, socialize, and play pickleball regularly. But the truth is, I look forward most to the times when I get to simply be home — whether it’s puttering around the house, catching up on reading, working from home, cooking, or just enjoying a quiet moment. I am, by far, happiest when I’m home.
Along those same lines, I’ve noticed that I’ve been saying no to a lot more things. I’ve been fortunate enough to receive some wonderful invitations — everything from speaking engagements around the country to being honored or asked to serve on committees. Yet I would say I’ve turned down nearly all of them. Recently I said yes to of them, because I wanted to prove to myself I can still do it and didn’t want to get in the habit of no being a default answer.
Sometimes it’s been scheduling conflicts. A couple of times I’ve been sick. But if I’m honest, more often than not I find myself feeling overwhelmed at the thought of committing to those kinds of things. Ten years ago I would have jumped at those opportunities without thinking twice.
Socially, I absolutely love seeing friends and family. But I’ve also realized I need breaks in between. If we have a weekend where we’re out three nights in a row, by Sunday I’m practically comatose. I’ve also come to appreciate my alone time more. When I go into the city, for example, I’m usually on a mission. While it’s fun occasionally to go with a friend for a more leisurely outing, I actually prefer going alone. I can move quickly, do exactly what I want to do, and get everything done efficiently. I tend to be a fast mover, and usually I’m going in with a clear agenda.
It’s funny how as you get older, your perspective shifts.
I remember so clearly when my mom was probably in her mid-60s and I would constantly encourage her to get out more — to socialize, take classes, or join friends for things like cards. My mom and I were quite different in that regard. I’ve always been more active — I work, I play pickleball, and I socialize regularly. My mom was what you would call a very happy and content homemaker. She didn’t work outside the home, but she was an incredible mother, wife, and cook. I couldn’t understand how she didn’t want to always be out doing things (I was at the height of my needing to be busy 24/7)!
She did socialize through my father’s business, but she was very selective about how much she wanted to do socially on her own. She knew exactly what her social parameters were and seemed very at peace with that. My father, on the other hand, was an insatiable socializer and traveler, always planning the next trip, next get together. My mother enjoyed the occasional trip but never wanted to travel at the pace he did (few could keep up haha)
In that regard, I’m more like my father — I do enjoy traveling and I look forward to doing more of it once I’m not working as much as I am now. But what I’m starting to understand — and what I think I’m finally appreciating — is how much home meant to my mother.
Every inch of it was beautiful and spotless. There was always something delicious cooking. She took enormous pride in her home, and anyone lucky enough to visit could feel it immediately. And now I find myself understanding that more and more.
Especially with the craziness in the world these days, there’s something incredibly comforting about being cocooned inside your own home. It’s a place of peace, a place where you can feel completely yourself — and honestly, it’s where I feel happiest.
The other night my husband and I went out for dinner, and it stretched later than usual. When we finally got home and climbed into our cozy bed, we both said the same thing: this is the best feeling. Ten years ago you never would have heard me say that!
But I do think something shifts as we get older. We slow down just a bit and begin to understand what truly makes us happy and gives us peace. We also become much better at saying no to the things we don’t want to do, and yes to the things that truly matter to us. With age, certainly comes wisdom!
So maybe my mom had it figured out all along.
Curious what you think. Your turn to talk! Thanks for stopping in, until next time…..
I always say “It feels so good to be home!” Or, “I can’t wait to get home!” It’s true you slow down as you get older and that’s ok. I used to worry that I was becoming anti-social, but now I realize that I am just content!
We are living in a very troubling time. Chaos is 24 /7. We don’t know what these years are doing to our mental health or the generations to come. It had a major impact on me until I set up boundaries but they are not full proof. When I was out of the country on a trip was the only time I truly got away from it. It’s subliminal. It’s constant. It’s not surprising we need to hibernate and stop the noise. I do art, needlepoint, go to my woman’s club and stream in the evening.
Good morning Tina! Your mother sounds a lot like me!! Now I know I am not the only one which is comforting to me. My husband is far more social and active than I am. He likes to travel but me, not so much. We traveled a lot when we were younger and he still owned his business and I think I just “grew out” of wanting to be on the go. My home is VERY much a sanctuary for me as we live on a small farm of 80 acres and there is plenty to do to stay busy. I think as we age our priorities change and maybe that’s the way it is supposed to be. That said we are all different and that’s ok too. You just do what makes you happy.
My husband and I do socialize and go out. Saying that, we enjoy being at home. even more. We are both retired. I love to read , cook and decorate and my husband has many hobbies. We are not big on travel and enjoy entertaining at our summer home. We host many holidays at our main house with family. Thankfully, my husband and I are on the same wavelength.
I am now 71 but was divorced at the early age of 31 and never remarried, so I learned to appreciate my rare times at home since as a single working mom, I was holding down a full time high pressure job in order to earn enough to be able to build my own house and hold on to it without a man’s income. Therefore I began appreciating my time at home since it was a luxury I no longer had once I was on my own raising my son. I was fortunate to be able to build my beautiful little home at the age of 35 and am still here. Every year I love it even more and am so grateful to have it. It is my sanctuary! I don’t think I could even manage going out 3 nights in a row any more….even two would be pushing it! Home is the best place to be because it reflects our personalities so well and is full of things and memories that bring us pleasure. Treasure those times and understand, that especially as we age it is natural (and healthy) to crave the peace and contentment that only comes from “home”.
Wow! I am 72 (still seems like 52) and I was divorced at 32 and never remarried. I rarely meet someone else who has had that history. I never had children except for the furry kind and don’t regret that either. I was forced early to carve my own path in life and, like you, I look back and am grateful. At 34 with only a Cocker Spaniel in tow, I suddenly decided to move across country to a place I loved but would never have lived if I were still married. Still there and loving it all these years. I’ve had a great adventurous life so far and there were struggles but I’m so glad to be my age and not fear the future. I can take care of myself and continue to create the life I want. So good to hear your positivity!
Well, after all…”Mother knows Best”🙄
I could have written this…not as eloquently, but… After MANY years of “life in the fast lane”…we ARE happiest in our unique hand built (by us) cabin by the lake! My gazebo swing over the water is my respite. ENJOY THE MOMENT… (soon t/b 82.) franki
It comes with age, I found. I fought it at the beginning then I realized it was part of entering a different phase of life. I now call it my curated life. I select exactly what I want to do and I don’t push myself to do what I no longer truly want to do. Our bodies get tired more frequently now and I found I was getting sick more – even if it was only a cold. Perhaps our immunity isn’t what it once was. I still work in my own company and have a full life. I just listen to my inner voice about what I really want to do. Your mother was exactly right at the correct time for her. Mine did the same thing which I thought was so strange at the time. Not anymore.
I used to enjoy lunch with my friends and social occasions that i was on the commitees for; but as for shopping i perfer to go alone, Like you i like to take my time with certain items and stick. to my list so i can get home in time to do certain chores, have a tea and small snack then perpare dinner. If i go with friends it all takes longer and my schedule is tight to begin with plus i do not need someone along with my to flatter or help pursuade my choices. I tend to know my style.. I do still at 87 enjoy entertaining and having close friends over for an fun evening at home.. Home is where the heart is…
I can relate to some of what you say. There was a time when I loved staying at home and taking care of the house, cooking, sewing and doing things for my family. The next segment was a very exciting time for me, when I started a career and became entirely career focused. Now that I am retired, I have become more social than ever. The reason is that I have the time to be social and enjoy every minute of it; however, when I put my head down at night, I thank the Lord for my comfortable bed!
I am 55 and already feel this way! I was a teacher up until last year and for the first time in years have a. lot of free time to take up my favorite hobbies, tennis, golf and painting classes. We do like. to socialize, but keep it to about 2 times a week. My social battery otherwise runs low. I love being home.
We moved into a new home 2 years ago and every day that I walk into it, I want to kiss the ground I walk on. My home is my safe haven. And with the mayhem this current president has wreaked on our country, its one of the few places I truly feel safe. God bless all Americans both here and abroad under his tyranny, lets hope it does not last long!
So relate to all you said. I love my socialization but also love my alone time at home with my husband and twin girls. I have worked hard for our home to be a place for us all to totally unplug and we all feel lucky to have it.
I have often commented on this very thing to my husband. I think one of the reasons women like to stay home in the peace and quiet is because women are taught to be masters of conversation. When they are out to dinner with their husbands and other couples, well reared women practice the art of conversation and spend the evening entertaining their dinner companions. Well trained conversationalists probe artfully to find the passion of their dinner companion and then invite him to discuss that topic. Most men, having found someone willing to ask about — and listen to — the subject about which they want to opine, become terrifically enthused and subsequently forget to hit the conversation ball back over the net to the women, asking her about herself. Therefore, for many well reared women, going out means work:
Entertaining others, feigning interest in topics in which she is not interested, laughing at jokes, and simply practicing good listening skills without having the same courtesy extended to her. We understand that it is simply the way of the beast. We enjoy doing it some of the time, but too often is like to much of any good thing.
I’ve always been active not the type to be still long. Today I painted outside and worked in yard because we reached 78 degrees. But I have cut back on yes on everything. Love to shop but love to be back home in my nest also.
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Hi we were due to have part 2 of our jewelry popup today but were not quite ready so it will be live tomorrow at 9am (if you missed part one click here- its one not to be missed). Most pieces we only have one or two left of.
Good morning everyone — I hope this finds you doing well. I’ve really been enjoying these “Let’s Talk” posts, and it seems like many of you are too. I truly welcome your ideas and perspectives. Today is more about a mindset shift I’ve noticed creeping into my life over the last few years — maybe the last three or four.
I’ve realized that I’ve become a bit more of a homebody, something I never in a million years thought I would say. May no mistake, I still work, socialize, and play pickleball regularly. But the truth is, I look forward most to the times when I get to simply be home — whether it’s puttering around the house, catching up on reading, working from home, cooking, or just enjoying a quiet moment. I am, by far, happiest when I’m home.
Along those same lines, I’ve noticed that I’ve been saying no to a lot more things. I’ve been fortunate enough to receive some wonderful invitations — everything from speaking engagements around the country to being honored or asked to serve on committees. Yet I would say I’ve turned down nearly all of them. Recently I said yes to of them, because I wanted to prove to myself I can still do it and didn’t want to get in the habit of no being a default answer.
Sometimes it’s been scheduling conflicts. A couple of times I’ve been sick. But if I’m honest, more often than not I find myself feeling overwhelmed at the thought of committing to those kinds of things. Ten years ago I would have jumped at those opportunities without thinking twice.
Socially, I absolutely love seeing friends and family. But I’ve also realized I need breaks in between. If we have a weekend where we’re out three nights in a row, by Sunday I’m practically comatose. I’ve also come to appreciate my alone time more. When I go into the city, for example, I’m usually on a mission. While it’s fun occasionally to go with a friend for a more leisurely outing, I actually prefer going alone. I can move quickly, do exactly what I want to do, and get everything done efficiently. I tend to be a fast mover, and usually I’m going in with a clear agenda.
It’s funny how as you get older, your perspective shifts.
I remember so clearly when my mom was probably in her mid-60s and I would constantly encourage her to get out more — to socialize, take classes, or join friends for things like cards. My mom and I were quite different in that regard. I’ve always been more active — I work, I play pickleball, and I socialize regularly. My mom was what you would call a very happy and content homemaker. She didn’t work outside the home, but she was an incredible mother, wife, and cook. I couldn’t understand how she didn’t want to always be out doing things (I was at the height of my needing to be busy 24/7)!
She did socialize through my father’s business, but she was very selective about how much she wanted to do socially on her own. She knew exactly what her social parameters were and seemed very at peace with that. My father, on the other hand, was an insatiable socializer and traveler, always planning the next trip, next get together. My mother enjoyed the occasional trip but never wanted to travel at the pace he did (few could keep up haha)
In that regard, I’m more like my father — I do enjoy traveling and I look forward to doing more of it once I’m not working as much as I am now. But what I’m starting to understand — and what I think I’m finally appreciating — is how much home meant to my mother.
Every inch of it was beautiful and spotless. There was always something delicious cooking. She took enormous pride in her home, and anyone lucky enough to visit could feel it immediately. And now I find myself understanding that more and more.
Especially with the craziness in the world these days, there’s something incredibly comforting about being cocooned inside your own home. It’s a place of peace, a place where you can feel completely yourself — and honestly, it’s where I feel happiest.
The other night my husband and I went out for dinner, and it stretched later than usual. When we finally got home and climbed into our cozy bed, we both said the same thing: this is the best feeling. Ten years ago you never would have heard me say that!
_____________________________________________________
But I do think something shifts as we get older. We slow down just a bit and begin to understand what truly makes us happy and gives us peace. We also become much better at saying no to the things we don’t want to do, and yes to the things that truly matter to us. With age, certainly comes wisdom!
So maybe my mom had it figured out all along.
Curious what you think. Your turn to talk! Thanks for stopping in, until next time…..
I always say “It feels so good to be home!” Or, “I can’t wait to get home!” It’s true you slow down as you get older and that’s ok. I used to worry that I was becoming anti-social, but now I realize that I am just content!
We are living in a very troubling time. Chaos is 24 /7. We don’t know what these years are doing to our mental health or the generations to come. It had a major impact on me until I set up boundaries but they are not full proof. When I was out of the country on a trip was the only time I truly got away from it. It’s subliminal. It’s constant. It’s not surprising we need to hibernate and stop the noise. I do art, needlepoint, go to my woman’s club and stream in the evening.
I am in my 70’s. I do socialize but I am very selective.
Good morning Tina! Your mother sounds a lot like me!! Now I know I am not the only one which is comforting to me. My husband is far more social and active than I am. He likes to travel but me, not so much. We traveled a lot when we were younger and he still owned his business and I think I just “grew out” of wanting to be on the go. My home is VERY much a sanctuary for me as we live on a small farm of 80 acres and there is plenty to do to stay busy. I think as we age our priorities change and maybe that’s the way it is supposed to be. That said we are all different and that’s ok too. You just do what makes you happy.
My husband and I do socialize and go out. Saying that, we enjoy being at home. even more. We are both retired. I love to read , cook and decorate and my husband has many hobbies. We are not big on travel and enjoy entertaining at our summer home. We host many holidays at our main house with family. Thankfully, my husband and I are on the same wavelength.
I am now 71 but was divorced at the early age of 31 and never remarried, so I learned to appreciate my rare times at home since as a single working mom, I was holding down a full time high pressure job in order to earn enough to be able to build my own house and hold on to it without a man’s income. Therefore I began appreciating my time at home since it was a luxury I no longer had once I was on my own raising my son. I was fortunate to be able to build my beautiful little home at the age of 35 and am still here. Every year I love it even more and am so grateful to have it. It is my sanctuary! I don’t think I could even manage going out 3 nights in a row any more….even two would be pushing it! Home is the best place to be because it reflects our personalities so well and is full of things and memories that bring us pleasure. Treasure those times and understand, that especially as we age it is natural (and healthy) to crave the peace and contentment that only comes from “home”.
Wow! I am 72 (still seems like 52) and I was divorced at 32 and never remarried. I rarely meet someone else who has had that history. I never had children except for the furry kind and don’t regret that either. I was forced early to carve my own path in life and, like you, I look back and am grateful. At 34 with only a Cocker Spaniel in tow, I suddenly decided to move across country to a place I loved but would never have lived if I were still married. Still there and loving it all these years. I’ve had a great adventurous life so far and there were struggles but I’m so glad to be my age and not fear the future. I can take care of myself and continue to create the life I want. So good to hear your positivity!
Well, after all…”Mother knows Best”🙄
I could have written this…not as eloquently, but… After MANY years of “life in the fast lane”…we ARE happiest in our unique hand built (by us) cabin by the lake! My gazebo swing over the water is my respite. ENJOY THE MOMENT… (soon t/b 82.) franki
It comes with age, I found. I fought it at the beginning then I realized it was part of entering a different phase of life. I now call it my curated life. I select exactly what I want to do and I don’t push myself to do what I no longer truly want to do. Our bodies get tired more frequently now and I found I was getting sick more – even if it was only a cold. Perhaps our immunity isn’t what it once was. I still work in my own company and have a full life. I just listen to my inner voice about what I really want to do. Your mother was exactly right at the correct time for her. Mine did the same thing which I thought was so strange at the time. Not anymore.
it’s called maturity
I used to enjoy lunch with my friends and social occasions that i was on the commitees for; but as for shopping i perfer to go alone, Like you i like to take my time with certain items and stick. to my list so i can get home in time to do certain chores, have a tea and small snack then perpare dinner. If i go with friends it all takes longer and my schedule is tight to begin with plus i do not need someone along with my to flatter or help pursuade my choices. I tend to know my style.. I do still at 87 enjoy entertaining and having close friends over for an fun evening at home.. Home is where the heart is…
I can relate to some of what you say. There was a time when I loved staying at home and taking care of the house, cooking, sewing and doing things for my family. The next segment was a very exciting time for me, when I started a career and became entirely career focused. Now that I am retired, I have become more social than ever. The reason is that I have the time to be social and enjoy every minute of it; however, when I put my head down at night, I thank the Lord for my comfortable bed!
WOW! Yes to absolutely everything you said Tina! Thats me. Im saving this post. For some reason now at this stage in my life staying home is glorious.
Great “lets talk” post
I am 55 and already feel this way! I was a teacher up until last year and for the first time in years have a. lot of free time to take up my favorite hobbies, tennis, golf and painting classes. We do like. to socialize, but keep it to about 2 times a week. My social battery otherwise runs low. I love being home.
We moved into a new home 2 years ago and every day that I walk into it, I want to kiss the ground I walk on. My home is my safe haven. And with the mayhem this current president has wreaked on our country, its one of the few places I truly feel safe. God bless all Americans both here and abroad under his tyranny, lets hope it does not last long!
So relate to all you said. I love my socialization but also love my alone time at home with my husband and twin girls. I have worked hard for our home to be a place for us all to totally unplug and we all feel lucky to have it.
Couldn’t agree more!
I have often commented on this very thing to my husband. I think one of the reasons women like to stay home in the peace and quiet is because women are taught to be masters of conversation. When they are out to dinner with their husbands and other couples, well reared women practice the art of conversation and spend the evening entertaining their dinner companions. Well trained conversationalists probe artfully to find the passion of their dinner companion and then invite him to discuss that topic. Most men, having found someone willing to ask about — and listen to — the subject about which they want to opine, become terrifically enthused and subsequently forget to hit the conversation ball back over the net to the women, asking her about herself. Therefore, for many well reared women, going out means work:
Entertaining others, feigning interest in topics in which she is not interested, laughing at jokes, and simply practicing good listening skills without having the same courtesy extended to her. We understand that it is simply the way of the beast. We enjoy doing it some of the time, but too often is like to much of any good thing.
I’ve always been active not the type to be still long. Today I painted outside and worked in yard because we reached 78 degrees. But I have cut back on yes on everything. Love to shop but love to be back home in my nest also.