I’ve done reasonably well at adjusting to life’s changes, but I'm always looking for new ways to age well. One that seems to be fairly successful is called a quiet reinvention - a subtle, internal process of growth and alignment, focusing on small, consistent inner shifts like changing self-talk and unhealthy habits.
I resonate with you. My husband thinks in engineering terms and loves cars. I love art, writing, traveling. Change WILL be a challenge! We complement one another's skills. That would be changed dramatically.
Hi Jill, that sounds about right. My husband was an engineer who loved cars, boats, and computers. I was more interested in learning, cooking, and crafts. I feel we complemented each other, too, and I sure appreciated his ability to fix everything I couldn't.
Janice, this resonated with me more than I expected.
Your phrase “quiet reinvention” feels exactly like what many of us are doing without realizing it. Not loud. Not dramatic. Just small internal shifts that slowly change the direction of our lives.
I am in a season of letting go too. Not of a spouse through death, but of a marriage, a career identity, and the version of reality I once believed was permanent. The loneliness you described, that feeling of being incomplete or untethered, shows up in many forms. Your words helped me see that reinvention does not have to be a grand announcement. Sometimes it is simply clearing a drawer, saying no, or choosing a kinder thought toward ourselves.
What struck me most is your reminder that we are still us. The skills, the compassion, the resilience do not disappear just because our circumstances change. They just find new places to live.
Thank you for putting language to something many of us are quietly walking through. You made it feel less isolating and more like a shared human experience.
Hi Des, True - I now realize that a quiet reinvention is what we are doing all the time without naming it as such.
That was an important understanding for me as well: we are still our personalities, qualities, and skills, but we apply them in different circumstances.
Yes, losing the version of reality that we thought was permanent - it could be the biggest loss of all.
The thing that jumped out at me in this article is that sometimes we can only see the fruit of our subtle changes in hindsight. This is so true. A few years ago I was very surprised to look back in my journal to the beginning of the year to discover I had accomplished everything I set out to do but they were all such small steps I didn't really notice. I love this approach Janice, thanks for sharing.
Actually, he was the writer first. He "wrote" his first book when he was about 10, and I typed it for him on a typewriter. That tells you how long ago it was.
So true. Grandchildren are a gift of joy. My life would be so empty and sad without them. Maybe I only see them once a month. What a wonderful lift they bring to life.
I’ve done reasonably well at adjusting to life’s changes, but I'm always looking for new ways to age well. One that seems to be fairly successful is called a quiet reinvention - a subtle, internal process of growth and alignment, focusing on small, consistent inner shifts like changing self-talk and unhealthy habits.
I thoroughly enjoyed both articles…excellent advice for adapting to change. Thank you both for sharing!
Good article and insight
I resonate with you. My husband thinks in engineering terms and loves cars. I love art, writing, traveling. Change WILL be a challenge! We complement one another's skills. That would be changed dramatically.
Hi Jill, that sounds about right. My husband was an engineer who loved cars, boats, and computers. I was more interested in learning, cooking, and crafts. I feel we complemented each other, too, and I sure appreciated his ability to fix everything I couldn't.
Janice, this resonated with me more than I expected.
Your phrase “quiet reinvention” feels exactly like what many of us are doing without realizing it. Not loud. Not dramatic. Just small internal shifts that slowly change the direction of our lives.
I am in a season of letting go too. Not of a spouse through death, but of a marriage, a career identity, and the version of reality I once believed was permanent. The loneliness you described, that feeling of being incomplete or untethered, shows up in many forms. Your words helped me see that reinvention does not have to be a grand announcement. Sometimes it is simply clearing a drawer, saying no, or choosing a kinder thought toward ourselves.
What struck me most is your reminder that we are still us. The skills, the compassion, the resilience do not disappear just because our circumstances change. They just find new places to live.
Thank you for putting language to something many of us are quietly walking through. You made it feel less isolating and more like a shared human experience.
Hi Des, True - I now realize that a quiet reinvention is what we are doing all the time without naming it as such.
That was an important understanding for me as well: we are still our personalities, qualities, and skills, but we apply them in different circumstances.
Yes, losing the version of reality that we thought was permanent - it could be the biggest loss of all.
The thing that jumped out at me in this article is that sometimes we can only see the fruit of our subtle changes in hindsight. This is so true. A few years ago I was very surprised to look back in my journal to the beginning of the year to discover I had accomplished everything I set out to do but they were all such small steps I didn't really notice. I love this approach Janice, thanks for sharing.
Hi Donna, when I first read about a quiet reinivention, I was surprised because, as you say, I was already doing it - but had never given it a name.
Hi Janice, this was (and is) a relevant post..thank you. I am now subscribed to your son's work too. Loved seeing the connections.
Warm wishes
Denyse
Hi Denyse, it'scertainly something I hadn't considered previously.
Thank you for sharing the link to Doug's post. Clearly presented, informative, vital information. This apple fell quite close to the tree!🩷
Actually, he was the writer first. He "wrote" his first book when he was about 10, and I typed it for him on a typewriter. That tells you how long ago it was.
Wow! Cool!
Hi Sharron, it was quite serendipitous to read his article while I was writing mine.
Thank you for this. I believe these steps are useful even while both of us are still here.
Hi Stella, I couldn't agree more.
Hi CJ, It's true about the grandkids - thank goodness for them - and I would add those two great granddaughters for me.
So true. Grandchildren are a gift of joy. My life would be so empty and sad without them. Maybe I only see them once a month. What a wonderful lift they bring to life.