Wondering & Wandering with Wendy
Wondering & Wandering with Wendy is where reflection meets possibility. Here, I share stories, insights, and real-life musings about the transition into retirement - rediscovering identity, aligning with values, and finding joy in the space beyond “what’s next?” It’s a place for curiosity, courage, and conversation about creating a life that feels truly your own.
When Work Ends, Who Will You Spend Your Time With?
Relationships in Retirement When you imagine retirement, who do you see yourself spending your time with? Your spouse? Your children and/or grandchildren? Friends? Or perhaps… yourself? For many of us, retirement brings a surprising realization. We spend years imagining what we’ll do when we finally have more time. We’ll travel. Take up hobbies. Relax.Volunteer. Finally…
Life After Work: Not Done Yet
Your Career May Be Over. But You’re Not! What happens when retirement isn’t what you thought it would be? Your career is over but you’re not done yet. You’ve walked away from your career that consumed a huge part of your life across multiple decades. Some people are ecstatic: they get to live on their…
Retirement Loss: The Changes We Don’t Always Expect
Loss in Retirement Loss is not the first thing that we associate with retirement and yet it quietly shows up in many forms. I have become acutely aware these days of how loss seems to accelerate in the retirement years, particularly as loved ones pass on. But there are other types of loss as well:…
Parenting Adult Children Without Regret
The Surprise Waiting in Retirement Conversations Lately, I’ve been noticing a theme in conversations with people in my peer group – those of us who have reached retirement age. Many of us are somewhat preoccupied with parenting our adult children or grandchildren. I include myself in this group. We never stop being parents, and our…
When Habits Sabotage What We Want in Retirement
We carry habits that sabotage into retirement without noticing. A reflection on digital noise, busyness, and choosing what matters. Enough As I sat down to write my first blog post of the year, I couldn’t help but feel the lingering effects of holiday overindulgence: too much food, too many desserts, a little too much wine.…
What Science Says About Purpose in Retirement
People with a sense of purpose, big or small, are healthier, happier, sharper, and more resilient than those who don’t have one. Purpose acts almost like a daily vitamin for your brain, body, and emotional well-being. I bumped into an acquaintance at the grocery store earlier this week and was struck by the tone of…