Kathie Donovan | The Wellings

05/03/202605/03/2026

What is Enough?

What if there’s nothing more required of you before you’re allowed to feel at ease in your life? At some point on our journey, many of us notice that the pressure we’ve carried for years, to prove, to improve, or to keep up starts to feel heavier than it once did. For decades, striving made sense while we were building careers, raising families, supporting partners, and contributing to our communities. There were responsibilities to meet and expectations to fulfill and somewhere along that path, striving became an attitude and a pattern. Striving shows up at work, where we feel the need to demonstrate our value, sometimes it appears at the gym, where we push ourselves to keep pace with a version of who we once were. It even sneaks into friendships, where we wonder if we’re interesting enough, helpful enough, or present enough. At this point in my life, I’ve pretty much broken up with proving myself. It’s exhausting.

I’m sure you notice too how proving shows up in many disguises. When we say yes to something we don’t really want to do because we think we should. When we push ourselves to keep up when what we really want is to slow down. When we feel the need to explain our choices to help others understand them. When you start to notice it, you realize how often proving has been running the show.

The question then is how do we drop the mindset and habit of proving ourselves, so we can make room for something that feels lighter and more aligned with where we are in life? When is it our time to enjoy what we’ve built, when can we stop chasing after something we think is in the future and instead embrace the idea of ease right now? When is it our time to feel settled with ourselves exactly as we are?

In the face of adversity, you discover the champion within. Prove yourself not to the world but to the person staring back in the mirror. – Anonymous

The freedom of feeling that we are enough and have done enough begins when we recognize that our time isn’t waiting somewhere in the future. It isn’t tied to one more achievement, one more improvement, or one more milestone. It’s right here, right now. For those of us who have been high achievers, enough can feel like giving up. But that’s not it. It isn’t shrinking from curiosity or giving up on growth. What it is, is releasing the belief that we must earn our place at work, in relationships, and with ourselves.

“It’s like you trade the virility of the body for the agility of the spirit.” – Elizabeth Lesser

By this stage of life, we’ve lived, we’ve hopefully learned a lot, we’ve adapted, sometimes like a gymnast who makes twisting themselves into a pretzel shape seem easy. We’ve endured, we’ve contributed in ways that have been recognized and, in many ways that have never been seen. But all of it matters. I challenge you to stand on your imaginary mountain and look back at how far you’ve come in your life. See the younger version of yourself at different stages, figuring things out, doing the best you could with what you knew at the time. See the courage it took to keep going when things were uncertain. Notice the resilience and wisdom you carry now that you couldn’t possibly have had back then.

Can you see that you have nothing to prove to anyone now? When you acknowledge your own achievements big and small, when you stand on your imaginary mountain and celebrate that you made it this far, proving falls away. We slow our thinking down a bit so we can make thoughtful choices instead of snap decisions. We give up the need to compare ourselves with anyone else because there’s no one else like us and we focus our energy exactly where we want to invest it. We choose to participate in life because we want to; not because we think we must prove that we belong here.

“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.” – Robert Browning

As the pressure to prove loosens its grip, growth doesn’t stop and curiosity doesn’t vanish. In fact, curiosity may be the very thing that truly enhances our future. Not the kind of curiosity powered by expectations or achievements, but the kind that invites us to keep learning, connecting, discovering and delighting in what life still has to offer. Enough doesn’t close the door on expansion, it simply releases us from the idea that we must prove our worth. Enough isn’t the end of growth, it’s the end of proving, and that’s the real freedom available to us now.

in Healthy Aging Posted by Kathie Donovan

03/27/202603/27/2026

A Breath of Fresh Air: The Season of Small Discoveries

Have you found yourself craving something fresh lately, not just in the weather, but in how you feel day to day? By April, those of us who spend winter in Canada, are ready for something different. We notice the light changing; the days feel longer. After months of winter routines, it’s normal to feel ready for something, not necessarily big or dramatic, just different. The change-up we’re craving doesn’t necessarily come from altering our lives, sometimes it comes from seeing the lives we already have through a different lens.

“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” – Albert Einstein

The change of season reminds us that life is always moving, and in the process, it offers us new things to notice. One of the simplest ways to bring fresh energy into everyday life is through our superpower of curiosity. The kind of curiosity that makes life more interesting. It is the trait that helps us reconnect with people and makes conversation more fun. We can inject curiosity into our day in the easiest ways by simply asking a different question when we’re chatting with someone.

Instead of asking: How’s your day going? You could ask your neighbour what they’ve been watching on tv lately. Or you could ask if they’ve discovered any great movies or read any books they really enjoyed. You can ask about hockey, perhaps a new place to walk or sit outdoors. You could ask if they’ve tried any new recipes or if there’s something they want to accomplish or do this spring.

We’re not asking questions to solve problems or to add pressure, we’re creating connection. We don’t have to like what someone else likes but we can hold space for them to share their favorite things. We’re giving each other a little gift when we ask questions and listen to the answer without having to say anything other than good for you. We’re rekindling relationships after a season of hibernation and we’re reminding ourselves that like the seasons, people are always changing, discovering, and experiencing new things, ourselves included.

Sometimes curiosity can be focused on a shared interest. Consider compiling a list of favourite Netflix or streaming recommendations from your neighbours and friends. We’re always looking for fresh and entertaining ideas, aren’t we? Perhaps you swap recipes or plan potluck lunches to share each other’s current favourite dishes. Maybe you swap podcast or book suggestions or chat about what you’re most looking forward to when the blanket of snow melts and we feel that sense of freedom again.

“The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.” – writer, Dorothy Parker

This superpower of curiosity isn’t complicated, and just like our other superpowers, it becomes more potent the more we use it. Curiosity creates sparks in conversation, refreshes familiar friendships and those two things have a powerful effect. Research suggests that staying curious, especially in areas that genuinely interest us, can support brain health as we age. Being curious keeps our daily life feeling fresh. It helps us see familiar people in a new light and those shared moments of joy build resilience over time.

Sometimes our routines can be so deeply ingrained that we don’t notice that it’s still bright outside at dinnertime, perhaps people aren’t walking as fast, and there are more opportunities to stop for a while and enjoy each other’s company. It’s in these micro-observations that we are allowing life to feel a little lighter, a little more interesting and a lot more connected.

I know the gardeners among us are buzzing with anticipation. Let’s share their enthusiasm by asking what they’re planning to do in the garden or what they’re going to plant. Gardeners always have great ideas and their excitement is contagious.

What’s something you’d like to try or inquire about this spring? Perhaps your answer will inspire you to ask someone a question or try a new activity. Fresh air is not only something we step into outdoors. Sometimes it’s something we create through conversation, and connection. It’s the small but meaningful moments that refresh our spirit and make life feel new again. Happy spring friends.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by Kathie Donovan

02/27/202602/27/2026

Dreaming of Spring: Tending the Garden of Your Life

Long before a garden blooms, something important happens. The ground is cleared, the soil is nourished, and space is made for what’s to come. The month of March lives in the moment of quiet preparation that makes growth possible. Before a single seed is planted, a gardener tends to the soil, clears out what no longer belongs, and enriches the ground so new life has the best chance to take root. Growth in the garden doesn’t come from force or urgency, it comes from care, patience, and trust; our lives work much the same way.

“A garden is a place of hope and inspiration.” – gardener, Bob Flowerdew

When we think about personal growth, whether it’s wanting more energy, ease, connection, or purpose, we often feel an immediate pull toward doing more. We might take on new habits, make new plans, and look for bold change. And yet, most of us have already lived through decades of seasons that have shaped us without dramatic adjustments. We’ve weathered storms, celebrated harvests, and learned, often quietly, from what thrives, what fades, and what surprises us.

Real, sustainable transformation begins with the inner environment we’re creating from. Our thoughts, our routines, and the way we speak to ourselves form the soil of our lives. If that soil is depleted, stressed, or overly critical, even the best intentions struggle to thrive. March doesn’t ask us to become better versions of ourselves. It simply invites us to pause and ask: what shape is my inner environment in? Is it nourishing or is it exhausting? Is it supportive or is it demanding? Preparation isn’t about fixing anything. It’s about gently creating conditions that allow what’s already within us to grow in its own time.

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu

Every garden begins with choice. What do we want to grow this season? In our lives, the seeds might be simple things like a desire for less chaos and more calm. It could be choosing the habit of walking or moving more. It might be reaching out to someone we’ve wanted to connect with, or creating time and space for more rest, more creativity, or more reflection.

And when we live in a community, our choices flow outward. Some of the seeds we plant are for ourselves, and some are to share with others. It’s small, meaningful gestures that strengthen connection, deepen belonging, and create a sense of shared ease. Not every seed needs to be grand. In fact, the most meaningful changes often begin quietly. Planting with intention means choosing what truly matters to us, not what we think should matter. It’s more about alignment than achievement.

Once seeds are planted, the gardener doesn’t stand over them, demanding results. The gardener waters the seeds, protects the seeds and notices what needs more light and what needs less. In our lives, tending is being consistent and kind with ourselves. We turn to the supportive habits we create even when we don’t feel motivated. We offer ourselves grace when we fall short of our goals and we make small choices that nourish rather than drain us. You see, growth doesn’t announce itself right away. Often, just like seeds in the garden, it happens beneath the surface long before we see evidence of it.

“What is a weed? I have heard it said that there are sixty definitions. For me, a weed is a plant out of place. – Unknown

Every garden has weeds but that doesn’t mean the gardener has failed. Unhelpful thought patterns, habits that no longer serve us, or ways of living that once helped but now hold us back, are simply part of being human. Spring offers an opportunity to notice without judgment what might be crowding out what we want to grow. We can ask ourselves what am I ready to release? Letting go is about removing thoughts and stories that are no longer true for us, to make room for what is aligned with who we are today. While surrendering obsolete thinking habits to create space for fresh ideas is important, perhaps the greatest lesson a garden teaches us is patience.

“In the garden, we find the seeds of possibility.” – Unknown

There’s wisdom in trusting timing, in knowing that tending matters just as much as blooming. In understanding that growth unfolds in its own way, at its own pace. As March unfolds, consider this your invitation to dream a little, to make space and time to prepare rather than rush.

If it feels right, take a moment to ask yourself this question: what is one small thing I would like to tend to this spring?

Care for your inner garden with the same attention you’d offer something you truly love. It’s not about having it all figured out, it’s about taking care of what’s important to you. Experience has shown you that you don’t have to force the bloom. You’ve already lived enough seasons to trust that it will come, just as it always has.

in Healthy Aging Posted by Kathie Donovan

01/30/202601/30/2026

A Fresh Take on Love: Choosing a Life That Loves Us Back

What’s the first thought that pops into your head when you think of February? Is it love, hearts, flowers, chocolates, Valentine’s Day cards, perhaps? It’s not just me, right? It’s a month focused on expressions of affection for the people we care for. As warm and fuzzy as that is for a few days, real life and real love on all the other days of the year, is not made of hearts and flowers. It’s so much more. It’s mystery and adventure; it’s grief and sorrow. It’s moments of utter joy and absolute sadness. Life is made of real people living real lives and as much as we may claim to love our lives, my question for myself and for you is how well does our life love us back?

Love from others is beautiful and many of us are conditioned to believe that love from other people is what love is. But there’s a fresh kind of love we don’t talk about enough, especially as we grow into the richest, wisest era of our lives. It’s the love we offer ourselves by choosing a life that truly supports who we are becoming as we age.

“The best love is the one that makes you a better person, without changing you into someone other than yourself.” – Unknown

At Wellings, we call it carefreedom: a way of living that removes unnecessary weight from our shoulders, so our spirit is free to rise. It’s the feeling of waking up in a space where you decide how the day unfolds, not the other way around. It’s where the rhythm of your life matches the rhythm of your heart. It’s where your day is filled with possibility, and sometimes for the first time, you experience true liberation and sovereignty. It’s remarkable how different life feels when it stops demanding of us and starts giving back to us.

When we’re young, we feel we have so much to prove and life wants a lot from us but as we age into the wisdom years, we have nothing to prove. It’s time to break free. Choosing a carefreedom lifestyle means that life isn’t chasing you with a to do list or a schedule. It doesn’t dictate who you should be or what you should do. This is where life meets you: exactly where you are with respect and ease. That’s what it means to live a life that loves you back.

And perhaps the sweetest part is that when we choose a lifestyle that supports us, there are unexpected surprises. We often rediscover parts of ourselves we thought were long gone. Joy brightens, laughter deepens, conversations spark curiosity. Even our sense of connection shifts from something accidental to something intentional. I recently heard Maria Shriver describe home as a fueling station, and I was struck by how true that feels. Home should replenish us. It should give back what the world takes out of us. It should be the place where we refuel emotionally, socially, and spiritually. It’s where we can gather strength for whatever comes next.

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis

In a community setting, this idea becomes even more powerful. There’s an atmosphere of renewal, because everyone is beginning a new chapter. You have the freedom to start fresh, to show up as you are today, not who you used to be or who others expect you to be. You can share your story if you choose, or you can let it unfold naturally over time. There is no requirement to carry a complicated backstory into every interaction. You meet people in the present moment, and they meet you there too. This is what living well in community can offer: the chance to be energized by the people around you, to form new relationships that feel nourishing, to feel yourself growing more connected and more fully alive. It truly is a fueling station for the next beautiful stretch of your journey.

This, to me, is the essence of modern aging. It’s not about slowing down; it’s about waking up. It’s not about retreating, it’s about expanding. It’s not accepting someone else’s outdated script, but writing a new one that honours your wisdom, your vitality, and your desire for a lifestyle that nurtures your well-being in body, mind, and spirit. Aging, as I see it, is far less about counting years and far more about choosing how we want to feel. And choosing a life that loves you back is one of the most powerful acts of love you can offer yourself at any age.

“Love is not something we give or get; it is something we nurture and grow.”
– author, Bell Hooks

February, with all its heart-shaped symbolism, is the perfect moment to remember this. It’s a reminder that love isn’t something we outgrow. It’s something that evolves with us. And as we celebrate love in its many beautiful forms, I invite you to ask yourself one simple question. Does my life love me back? If the answer is yes, cherish it. If the answer is not quite, perhaps it’s time to imagine what would make it so. A fresh start doesn’t always require dramatic change, sometimes it begins with choosing more ease, more joy, more connection, more room to breathe. Life has a way of meeting us with possibilities when we make space for them. And sometimes, that brave choice changes everything.

in Healthy Aging Posted by Kathie Donovan

01/04/202601/04/2026

Living with Intention: A Gentle Start to the Year

The month of January can make even the calmest among us feel like we should be doing more. People are buzzing about New Year’s resolutions, goal setting and self-improvement plans. It’s as if the calendar flips and suddenly we’re all supposed to work at becoming upgraded versions of ourselves. But wait a minute. What if we didn’t pressure ourselves to overhaul our lives every January? What if, instead of making resolutions, we simply set an intention and make that our guide to help us live with awareness and authenticity? Living with intention isn’t about striving or achieving; it’s about choosing how we want to feel, how we want to show up for ourselves and others, and it’s about choosing to focus on what truly matters. That’s a much kinder way to begin the year and it’ll last longer than any diet or 30-day challenge ever could.

We need to clear the clutter in our homes and in our head. Yes both.

Let’s start with something simple like clearing our space. Before you roll your eyes at another decluttering suggestion, I promise this isn’t about colour-coded bins or organized spice racks, unless that sort of thing lights you up, in which case, go for it. I’m talking about making space both physically and mentally. Take a moment to look around your home, and notice what feels heavy or unnecessary? What’s taking up space without adding value? What are you no longer wearing in your closet? What about that junk drawer, or junk basket we all have? I know I’m not just talking to myself here when I say that editing those areas in our living space can feel surprisingly liberating.

While we’re on the subject, notice what kind of clutter might be piling up in your head. Maybe it’s old worries, outdated self-doubt, or the dreaded “shoulds” like I should be doing more, I should have this figured out by now, I should call my friend back. Let’s be honest, those thoughts don’t add value to our lives, they drain us. Let’s set an intention to clear the clutter, inside and out. Let’s ask whether things and thoughts are adding value to our lives and if they’re not, let’s clear out what no longer serves us, to make space for clarity, and calm. Doesn’t that sound like a great way to start a new year?

“Nothing changes if nothing changes, but when we change our attention, everything shifts.”
– Unknown

Once we’ve made some space, the next step is to fill it: not with more stuff, but with connection. If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that we need each other. Real, human connection is nourishment for the soul, so this year, let’s make a little more room for it. Set a challenge for yourself to talk to someone new, maybe a younger neighbour or a classmate from yoga. Reconnect with an old friend or say yes to that coffee invitation. Heck invite someone for coffee instead of waiting for them to invite you. Join a book club, a walking group, or even an online class. Host a potluck lunch with a few friends or new friends. Connection doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should be genuine.

Our world needs togetherness now more than ever. Every passing hello is recognition, every shared laugh is a joy snack, every small act of kindness helps to build a stronger, more compassionate community. And let’s be honest here, when we open our minds and hearts to connect with people of different ages and experiences, life gets a whole lot more interesting.

“When you live with intention, every day has meaning.” – Anonymous

But the question remains, how do we live every day with intention? In my experience, it’s much simpler than it sounds. It’s about noticing what’s working for you and what isn’t. It’s about choosing to be kind even when it’s inconvenient, to listen more carefully and mindfully, to speak with care and compassion, and to appreciate the beauty in our daily life. Living with intention is an ongoing practice; it’s a commitment not a fleeting statement. It’s noticing the sunrise or sunset, taking a beat before responding, choosing gratitude over complaining and giving ourselves grace when we forget all of that because we’re human. It’s giving us permission to be a work in progress, while still celebrating how far we’ve come. Intention isn’t about perfection, it’s about awareness.

“Every moment is a fresh beginning.” – poet, T.S. Eliot

As we step into this fresh new year, maybe we can begin to let go of the pressure to be better and simply allow ourselves to be. Clear a little space, connect a little more, and approach each day with curiosity and kindness. That’s what living with intention looks like: not striving, but flowing, not forcing, but allowing, not changing but shifting our perspective slightly. As you ease into 2026, may you find peace in your heart, clarity in your space, and beautiful connections that remind you of how much you matter.

in Healthy Aging Posted by Kathie Donovan

11/28/202511/28/2025

The Season of Appreciation

December often feels like it’s wrapped in glitter and expectation. It’s a time of giving and gathering and for many of us, there’s an underlying pressure to do it all perfectly. Yet behind the sparkle and bustle lies a beautiful opportunity to pause and remember what truly matters. In Canada, we’re blessed with a rich mosaic of cultures and traditions. For some, December means Christmas; for others, it’s Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply welcoming a new year. Whatever we celebrate, we can all agree that appreciation is universal. It speaks every language, transcends every holiday, and unites us in our shared humanity. This month let’s celebrate not through the size of our gifts, but through the depth of our appreciation.

“Gratitude is one of the sweet shortcuts to finding peace of mind and happiness inside. No matter what is going on outside of us, there’s always something we could be grateful for.” – author Barry Neil Kaufman

There’s a certain magic that comes from being seen, from having someone acknowledge our efforts, our kindness, our resilience or simply our presence. It doesn’t take much to spark that magic. It could be a handwritten note, a warm smile, a few thoughtful words with the intention of saying: I see you, and I appreciate you. These gestures, though small, carry extraordinary power. They lift spirits, deepen connections, and remind us that we matter. Appreciation, after all, is not about grandeur, it’s about being genuine. Imagine surprising a neighbour with a note of thanks for always waving hello or sending a gift card to someone who’s made your life easier this year. Maybe it’s leaving a kind comment for a staff member or taking time to tell a loved one how much they mean to you. These moments cost little and give much. They shift our focus from doing to being from giving because we should, to giving because we feel grateful and we want to express it.

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” – theologian Meister Eckhart

These days, I’ve let go of most of the holiday shopping lists. Instead, I find joy in carrying on family traditions that fill my kitchen and my heart with sweetness. Ahead of the holidays, I make the plum pudding my mum and godmother made together, and the white fruitcake my husband’s mum baked each year. I make lots of both and give them as gifts to friends and colleagues. It’s not about the size of the gift, but the spirit of it. It’s a way to let people know they matter to me. For me now, that’s what the season is all about: it’s about the presence, not the presents.

“Gratitude always comes into play; research shows that people are happier if they are grateful for the positive things in their lives, rather than worrying about what might be missing.” – author, explorer Dan Buettner

Appreciation is contagious in the best way. When we take a moment to notice someone’s light, it encourages them to shine even brighter and to pass that light along. When I started becoming a happiness expert (as in becoming expert in my own happiness) someone said to me that using the light in ourselves to spark a light in someone else is the greatest gift we can offer. I’ve never forgotten those words that now guide my life. I’ve seen for myself that one kind word can change the course of a day, and a small act of gratitude can brighten an entire season. So, as the year draws to a close, may we all find peace in simplicity and joy in appreciation. Let’s give thanks to the people who make our days brighter, for the lessons that helped us grow, and for the countless small moments that make life rich and beautiful. Because in the end, it’s not the presents that fill our hearts, it’s the presence of appreciation.

I’ve got a few suggestions to spark your imagination. Try one or two, heck do them all and remember that no gesture of appreciation is too small.

Write a Thank You for Being You Note. Instead of thanking someone for what they did, thank them for who they are. A short, handwritten note saying: you bring joy wherever you go, can stay with someone for years.
Offer the Gift of Listening. Give someone your undivided attention: no phone, no multitasking, simply listening with compassion is one of the purest forms of appreciation.
Recognize a hidden helper. Express gratitude to someone who rarely gets noticed, like a grocery clerk, mail carrier, or neighbor who quietly cares for others. A simple message to say: I see you and appreciate you can brighten their entire week.
Leave a Surprise of Kindness. Slip an anonymous note of appreciation into a library book, tip jar, or public bulletin board. You never know who might find it at just the right time.
Appreciate Yourself. Stand in front of a mirror and say out loud what you appreciate about you. The season of appreciation starts and deepens with self-love because you are important, and you matter.

in Healthy Aging Posted by Kathie Donovan

11/03/202511/03/2025

Between Harvest and the Holidays, November is the Season of Togetherness

November feels like a pause between seasons. The harvest and Thanksgiving are behind us, the holidays are ahead, and as the days grow shorter, this quiet space is an invitation to turn to one another. What if we thought of November as the Season of Togetherness: a time to gather, share, and plant seeds of connection to sustain us through what could be an isolating time?

Having warm connections with other people is one of the keys to our longevity. It’s not just pleasant, it’s essential. Research shows that people with strong social ties enjoy better health, live longer lives, and have a stronger sense of purpose. In fact, social connection is as beneficial for health as regular exercise or a balanced diet. When we gather over food, stories, or play, we nurture not only our relationships but also our resilience. November gives us a natural space to collect ourselves and set a template for togetherness in the winter months ahead. Here are some simple ways to gather, share, and plant seeds of joy.

“There is something profoundly satisfying about sharing a meal. Eating together, breaking bread together, is one of the oldest and most fundamentally unifying of human experiences.” –author, Barbara Coloroso

Enjoying a meal with other people is one of life’s great pleasures. Studies confirm that communal meals lead to better nutrition, healthier choices, and greater life satisfaction. I’ve always enjoyed potluck lunches or dinners because they give each participant one dish to focus on and offer everyone an opportunity to shine. Not a baker? You can take on a side dish of your choice. Not a cook at all? You’re still invited even if you pick something up at the grocery store, or you can play host. Or each participant can host it, whether it’s once a week, every two weeks or once a month and if you like, you can create a theme for your potluck.

The best thing about this way of sharing food in my opinion is the casual nature of it. It doesn’t need to be fancy or complicated: family favorite recipes are often what’s appreciated. Plus, there’s sometimes a good story to accompany these dishes, and that just enhances the meal. What matters is the ritual; even something like simple tea and cookies can turn into a meaningful gathering when our intention is to share with others.

“Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein

I never imagined Albert Einstein as a playful person but clearly, he played around with all sorts of ideas to land on his theory of relativity, which changed how we understand energy and mass. He makes the point that play is about exploring the world and learning about it in ways we wouldn’t experience if we sat on the sidelines. Somehow, we’ve picked up the notion that play is frivolous, idle or a guilty pleasure, but far from it. Play helps with creativity and problem solving. It provides space for us to be present in our lives and that’s often when we receive ideas that help in other areas of our lives. So, thanks to Einstein we all have full permission to play. Let’s be clear, we are all children at heart, aren’t we? Games provide connection, laughter, a little lighthearted competition, and they keep our mind sharp. Research shows that playing cards and board games is associated with better memory and lower dementia risk. Anyone for a game of Solitaire or Scrabble?

To keep things interesting, you could try a rotating game get-together. It could be cards one week, then Scrabble or trivia the next week, and so on. The addition of snacks, music, or themes keeps things sparkling.

“After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.” – author, Philip Pullman

Do you have a favourite story to tell? Is there something unique in the way you grew up that would make for a good story? Did you grow up in a small town? Was your family transferred around the country like mine was? What was that like? What was your favourite thing about it? We’re all carrying a library of experiences and sharing our stories helps to make us feel seen, heard, and valued. The truth is that sharing our stories can boost our emotional wellbeing and strengthen our unique identity. A story circle could be focused on a theme like your first job, where you grew up, a memorable holiday or a time when you took a risk and called on courage to help you navigate. Others may not want to watch your holiday movies but if you have an interesting experience to share, that would be perfect. I learned early in my television career to always keep the audience in mind, so remember that when you’re thinking about what would make an interesting story for them.

Here’s a suggestion: we visited Australia/New Zealand recently. If I was invited to share stories from that experience I would happily do so and I’d bring along one of my favourite snacks, New Zealand golden kiwi, to give everyone a taste of what is now one of my favourite fruit. The story circle should be informal, perhaps in someone’s living room with snacks and refreshments (back to the food sharing idea). It’s important to remember that we’re never finished with learning. Allowing others to tell their stories as well as having the courage to share our own, keeps us connected and curious in this season of togetherness.

“Gratitude is riches; complaint is poverty.” – Doris Day

Regardless of the time of year, gratitude is always in style. Gratitude itself is powerful medicine and using it regularly has been shown to improve sleep, reduce depression and increase happiness. It’s very easy to incorporate gratitude or appreciation into your day by writing down in a journal three to five things you’re grateful for when you start or end the day. You can create a gratitude jar where you write down what you’re grateful for, pop it in the jar and when you need a pick-me-up, go back and read what you wrote. You can create a wall of appreciation, using post it notes to express what you’re grateful for; you can send notes of appreciation to others who may have helped you or whom you admire. You can start your story circles or potluck meals by asking everyone to share what they’re grateful for. However you choose to incorporate gratitude into your day, know that you are strengthening your feelings of abundance, resilience and belonging.

“The best is yet to come.” – William Shakespeare

I always have something on my calendar to look forward to. It could be lunch or coffee with friends, visits with family, a brain-storming session for a work project, a movie date, you get the idea. Our feeling of connection is reinforced when we have something to look forward to and research shows that anticipating positive events boosts our well-being. November is the perfect time to map out winter gatherings; let’s call it our calendar of joy because it offers everyone something bright to anticipate after the holiday lights fade.

“Those who have a strong sense of love and belonging have the courage to be imperfect.” – researcher Brené Brown

Togetherness is a choice we make, season by season. By leaning into the quiet invitation of November, we give ourselves the gift of belonging. Pot-luck meals, game nights, story circles, and simple gratitude rituals remind us that joy multiplies when it’s shared. Let’s step into the Season of Togetherness, and plant seeds of connection that will flourish through all seasons.

in Healthy Aging Posted by Kathie Donovan

09/26/202509/26/2025

Autumn Living: Simple Steps for a Healthier You

It is officially cozy sweater season. As the air cools and the leaves transform to fall colors, nature reminds us that change is constant. Summer babies like me feel the season slipping away; I’ve had to work at adjusting my mindset, so that I can appreciate and enjoy every season. I’ve learned to love walks in the crisp air, and I’ve become something of a soup wizard in the cooler months. Even though I’ve learned to love fall, if seasons were children, summer would still be my favourite. LOL.

“May you Fall in love with October and all the beauty it brings,
May your life be as colorful as the turning of the leaves, on each blessed autumn day.”
– poet Charmaine J. Forde

Just as the trees prepare for the months ahead, we too have an inner clock that encourages us to take stock and prepare ourselves for the season to come. Our well-being is influenced by the rhythms of the seasons and as we adjust to less daylight and cooler temperatures, let’s embrace autumn as a natural time to apply simple habits that will help us thrive in body, mind and spirit.

“My favorite color is October.”
– Unknown

One of the four pillars of wellness we’re going to focus on here is sleep, which is an important underpinning when it comes to living well. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIH), though it may seem simple, sleep is a complex process. Many parts of the brain collaborate to produce signals that prepare us for sleep. Our body clock provides the timing for sleep while other signals in the body lead us there. Melatonin, a hormone that’s released in the body when it gets dark, makes us feel sleepy. Our energy level, heart, lungs, brain and our mood are impacted by sleep. A good night’s rest makes us more open to learning new things, provides the energy for creativity, having swift responses, solving problems, creating new memories and impacts our attention span. Over time, lack of sleep can have an impact on our blood pressure, our mood, our heart function and our risk of diabetes, not to mention our day-to-day functioning.

I’m no sleep expert but I have a few suggestions to add to what the experts would tell us. They’d say to have a sleep routine as well as a bedtime routine. I would add: write a to-do list for the next day before you wrap up the day, so you don’t have to think about it. The list will be waiting for you when you start the day and it’ll serve to free up some real estate in your brain, so it can rest and detox as it should while you’re sleeping. I love a good nap but if I snooze after 3:00pm it’ll mess with my sleep, and I avoid exercise, alcohol and caffeine in the evening unless I want to have a restless night.

“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.”
– author Lauren DeStefano

Foodwise, autumn is a favourite in our house. The harvest of root vegetables roasted in the oven, everything but the kitchen sink soups and fall fruit are both comforting and nourishing. Rich in vitamins and minerals, fall produce is great for our immune system. There’s lots of fiber which is good for our digestion and contributes to a healthy gut. Let’s talk about heart health: lowering cholesterol and blood pressure by favouring these colourful vegetables and fruit. Our mothers and their mothers had the best recipes that have stood the test of time. Roasted squash and sweet potatoes, roast turkey that’s both impressive and so easy to do for a family supper. Pumpkin loaf and muffins, apple crisp, apple pie, they’re all chef’s kiss yumminess in my opinion.

“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.”
– author Jim Bishop

Let’s not forget the importance of movement as the weather gets cooler. Being active in a variety of ways avoids boredom and keeps not only our parts lifted but our spirits too. Tried yoga? Stretching for fun? Boxing is cool, as is indoor walking when you can’t take the cold. There’s swimming, dancing and on-line classes galore. There are sports like table tennis and bowling to name a few. Figure out what resonates with you or what you really enjoyed as a kid and give it a whirl. It’s important for us to challenge ourselves while also going easy on ourselves. Life is not a contest, it’s meant to be enjoyed, and having a variety of activities in our day will enhance pleasure in every aspect of our lives.

“If a year was tucked inside of a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour.”
– poet Victoria Erickson

May I ask who lights you up and makes you feel great? When you think about that person, you feel like you matter. Let’s have more of those people in our circle; let’s surround ourselves and let’s surround others with laughter, support, empathy, compassion, and as much fun as we can get our hands on. Being connected is our lifeline when it comes to living a healthy and happy life. Research shows the greatest predictor of our longevity is how well we’re connected socially. So those wonderful people who make you feel like a million bucks are really medicine you should take every day.

It’s important to remember that our well-being is about adding simple steps to our day; not about striving to reach anything or anywhere. What we’re doing is honouring ourselves and recognizing what keeps us on a good track. Daylight may be dwindling but the lightness we’ll feel inside when we take care of ourselves by nurturing good habits will help us sail through the cooler months with calm and resilience.

in Healthy Aging Posted by Kathie Donovan

08/29/202508/29/2025

Redefining What’s Next: Living with Purpose, Connection, and Joy After 55

September has that back-to-school vibe. There’s an invitation in the air, to take stock, to let go, and to step forward into something new. It may be a new hobby, a new address, even a new job, or volunteer opportunity. The change of seasons, especially going into autumn, feels like it’s time for a fresh start. Those of us, over 55, are in a season of life that asks us to pause and reflect on our current circumstances. We dance around the question: what do I truly want and need at this stage of life? It’s a time for mindset adjustment because for years we may have been professionals, partners, caretakers, and providers. And while we appreciate the value of those roles, many of us wonder what’s next? It’s a great question and the answer starts with us giving ourselves permission to be curious about what could be next.

“The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.” – philosopher Elbert Hubbard

Living fully in our later years isn’t about winding down. It’s about gaining clarity about what makes us feel fully alive, about what and who nourishes us and about what we’re ready to let go of. In the process of refining what’s important to us, we can easily feel overwhelmed because there are so many choices to make, and we fear getting something wrong.

Let’s start with what we can get right. Research within yourself what will make you feel good. Do you crave solitude or connection? Maybe both? Do you want convenience and the comfort of community? Do you want to stay where you are or step into a space that reflects who you are becoming? At Wellings we’ve seen repeatedly the gentle joy that arises in people who gave themselves the fresh start they didn’t know they needed.

It’s not so much about downsizing although that’s part of the process, it’s more about right-sizing your space, your life and your energy. That’s the freedom that awaits at Wellings. If you’re not sure what to expect, let me tell you. You’ll find both solitude and social connection: your choice and as much of it as you want as well as the convenience and power of community. You’ll easily make new friends because there’s something magical that happens when you feel safe enough to be vulnerable. Sharing a difficult time with people who are at the same stage of life becomes easier and their sage advice can feel affirming, like a warm blanket in a time of need. Realizing you aren’t alone and don’t have to figure everything out on your own is both comforting and empowering. You have a community, a new friend group that has more than likely been through what you are going through. You’re surrounded by supportive, nurturing people, who all share a common goal of wanting to own their choices and remain independent, without having to explain themselves. They just get it.

“You can either waltz boldly onto the stage of life and live the way you know your spirit is nudging you to, or you can sit quietly by the wall, receding into the shadows of fear and self-doubt.” – Oprah Winfrey

We humans underestimate the importance of belonging in our later years. Perhaps that’s because we take it for granted in our early years when we’re working full time or we’re immersed in raising our family. It’s when we’re no longer part of those groups that we can feel left out or unseen. In my opinion what sets Wellings apart is the importance placed on belonging. While there’s a deep respect for independence, there’s also an open invitation to connect over coffee, trivia, conversation, movement or meals shared with neighbours who can easily become new friends. When we feel seen and valued in our community, something in us softens. We can exhale, relax, and be more open. We can laugh more, and we can live more.

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.”
–Wayne W. Dyer

It’s in this new chapter, possibility expands, and new purpose can emerge. It’s not about pressuring ourselves to live a life of meaning, it’s more quiet and subtle than that. It’s about starting the day with gratitude, offering kindness to a neighbour, giving someone a compliment, making someone smile or learning something new just for the fun of it. Living with purpose at this stage is about being awake to life, choosing to keep growing and evolving while honouring where we’ve been.

If you’re at a crossroads wondering about your next right step, start by listening to yourself. There’s a wise voice inside each of us looking for ease, independence, connection and inspiration. Following our own inner compass, we can create a next chapter that’s fun and fulfilling like a well-chosen adventure with a dash of wonder, a splash of wisdom, and a touch of mischief.

in Healthy Aging Posted by Kathie Donovan

08/02/202508/02/2025

Interdependence: The Heartbeat of Community

At Wellings, we talk a lot about the importance of community: what it means, how it feels, and why it matters. Social connection isn’t just a feature here; it’s the heartbeat that gives meaning to what we do. Whether it’s gathering in the atrium for a friendly chat or sharing a laugh in the clubhouse, our communities are designed to bring people together in ways that feel natural and uplifting.

If you’re thinking about making a lifestyle change, maybe moving out of a house that no longer serves you and into a new kind of freedom, you might be wondering what it’s really like to live in a carefree community like Wellings. It’s a shift, for sure. Many of our members have spent decades being the CEO of their own home. Transitioning to community living can feel unfamiliar at first. But here’s the beautiful surprise: you’re not giving anything up. You’re gaining a circle of like-minded people who genuinely care, and who want the best for you.

That’s the essence of interdependence: we still live independently, but we’re surrounded by support when we need it from our neighbours and can offer support when we want to.

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” – Audrey Hepburn

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what it truly means to belong to a community. While it’s easy to embrace connection when it’s comfortable, the deeper value and the deeper reward comes when we stretch into empathy, when we replace judgment with kindness, and when we choose to see one another through a lens of compassion.

When I was in grade one, I had a classmate named Vicki. She wore leg braces because she had polio and moved in a way that made her stand out. We became friends, and I saw past her appearance to the kind, funny, resilient person she was. Vicki taught me something I’ve carried my whole life: when we judge based on what’s visible, we miss the heart of the human in front of us.

“Above all else, treat those in the community how you want to be treated.”– Anonymous

Here’s a gentle truth: we’re all here to take care of one another. None of us knows what tomorrow brings: a shift in health, a change in energy, or simply time passing, all of it can affect how we live day to day. That’s why living in a community like Wellings is such a gift. Independence is still deeply valued here, but not the kind that isolates. Instead, we create independence within connection. That’s what makes Wellings feel like home.

“For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people’s love and concern for each other.” – Millard Fuller

So how do we nurture kindness, compassion, and empathy whether in a new community or the one we’re already in? Here are a few ideas we live by at Wellings:

Pause before judging; practice active noticing.
Look around with kind eyes. A smile, a wave, or a simple “how’s your day?” can shift someone’s mood; even turn their whole day around.
Lead with curiosity, not assumptions.
Everyone has a story. Ask questions. Listen generously. You might be surprised by what you discover.
Make room, physically and emotionally.
Kindness is about creating space for others to be as they are, not how we expect them to be.
Remember, connection is our common ground.
We’re here not to compete or compare, but to connect. That’s what strengthens the kind of community that feels like family.

As ambassador for Wellings, I believe in the power of community: one that includes, uplifts, and honours every season of life. If you’re imagining a new chapter for yourself, one with more connection, and more freedom, you might find that Wellings is exactly where you belong. Because in the end, we’re better together; we’re not just neighbours.

in Healthy Aging Posted by Kathie Donovan

What is Enough?

A Breath of Fresh Air: The Season of Small Discoveries

Dreaming of Spring: Tending the Garden of Your Life

A Fresh Take on Love: Choosing a Life That Loves Us Back

Living with Intention: A Gentle Start to the Year

The Season of Appreciation

Between Harvest and the Holidays, November is the Season of Togetherness

Autumn Living: Simple Steps for a Healthier You

Redefining What’s Next: Living with Purpose, Connection, and Joy After 55

Interdependence: The Heartbeat of Community

Natalie Tommy

FREDDI RODIER