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Exploration
The Exploration category invites women who’ve reached midlife and beyond to embrace curiosity and possibility. Through personal stories and reflections, you’ll discover inspiration to try new experiences, travel to fresh destinations and uncover hidden passions. Each column encourages developing personal strength—aka sovereignty— through reflection, growth, creativity, and adventure, proving that life’s third chapter is the perfect time to challenge the cultural paradigm of aging.
Full Circle: Realizing a Lifelong Dream to Publish a Book
In this podcast, Dorian Martin and Merry Palmer discuss Merry’s lifelong dream to publish a book, which resulted in “Voice of the Dolphin.”
Dorian Martin
Dec 6, 20252 min read
When Words Hesitate – Get Messy with Paint, Scissors, Glue
A mixed-methods approach to journaling offers a different and fun approach to reflection that can enhance creativity and create a flow state.
Brenda Riojas
Nov 29, 20255 min read
Vanquishing the Wicked Witch's Hold on My Life
Culture fixates on enemies, which can lead to a victim mentality. A healthier option: let the old story go, choose differently and find peace.
Dorian Martin
Nov 22, 20258 min read
I Start Wondering Conversation: Journaling as Life’s Compass
In this podcast, Brenda Riojas and Lydia Pesina describe how journaling can tap into transformative inner wisdom to guide a woman’s life.
ISW Conversation
Nov 8, 20253 min read
All the Single Ladies: Happily Flying Solo
Many women are remaining single, a lifestyle choice that offer many surprising benefits—and important lessons for women who have partners
Kaye Olsson
Oct 31, 20254 min read
The Transformative, Soul-Healing Power of Grief
Caregiving for a parent puts family dynamics under a microscope. What it this experience is a chance to understand and improve these relationships?
Danielle Legg
Oct 25, 20255 min read
A Lesson in Gaining My Sense of Balance
The lessons that we learn from our mothers have far-reaching ripple effects. Case in point: A first trek on a bike without training wheels.
Mara Soloway
Oct 18, 20255 min read
Panning for Gold – The Power of Journaling
The act of journaling can significantly enrich our lives through offering a place to record dreams, reflections, and context from our day.
Brenda Riojas
Oct 11, 20254 min read
Novels That Highlight Women’s Historic Struggles
Recently, it seems that women’s history is being rewritten, so we offer book recommendations that shed light on women’s historical contributions.
Rhonda Collins
Oct 4, 20254 min read
Slowing Down Time as We Age
Finding a sense of flow through being present for life and embracing fun can help us enjoy more meaningful moments in life.
Kaye Olsson
Sep 27, 20254 min read
Building New Chapter Beyond Generational Fear, Hate
As I Start Wondering’s new chapter begins, we’re seeing how the past informs the present—and how different choices can create a hopeful future.
Dorian Martin
Sep 20, 20255 min read
Revisit: Chaos Layers, Birds, and Finding My “Tempo Giusto”
Sometimes we need to commit to creativity. Dare yourself to embrace a budding passion by investing time and money, and enjoy a little chaos.
Brenda Riojas
Aug 9, 20254 min read
Revisit: Coaching to Support Older Women’s Shifting Lives
When the gears in women’s lives start to grind or fall apart, turning to a coach may help put those pieces back together in a meaningful way
Danielle Legg
Aug 2, 20253 min read
Revisit: Preserving Our Stories for Posterity: Artist and Writer Carolyn Dahl on Archiving
We come to a point in life when we contemplate what do with our “stuff.” We can learn from one woman’s quest to archive her life’s work.
Mara Soloway
Jul 12, 20259 min read
Revisit: Being Alone Doesn’t Have to Mean Being Lonely
Many older women find themselves spending more time alone. But by taking
appropriate steps, being alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely.
Rhonda Collins
Jul 5, 20256 min read
4 Steps for Facing Life’s Wildfires
World events feel like a scorching wildfire. We offer four steps to consider so you can avoid being burned or spreading the flames.
Dorian Martin
May 31, 20256 min read
5 Tips for Navigating Uncertainty
We’re living in a rapidly changing world, which can prompt regular feelings of anxiety.
Here are five tips to navigate uncertainty
Kaye Olsson
May 17, 20255 min read
Bucket List: Your Map to Satisfaction and Adventure
Poet Mary Oliver asked, “…what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” If you’re unsure, brainstorm a bucket list.
Rhonda Collins
May 10, 20254 min read
Coaching: Setting a Goal and Creating Boundaries
Personal growth is a journey requiring setting priorities, developing new behaviors, and establishing (and maintaining) personal boundaries.
Danielle Legg
May 3, 20253 min read
2 Trump Administration Decisions May Impact Older Women
The Trump Administration made two policy decisions on April 24 that could profoundly impact older women’s health and finances.
Dorian Martin
Apr 26, 20253 min read
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