Guest Post

It comes to all of us in the end: that crushing moment when you suddenly feel old. The trigger might be a milestone birthday, an illness or an injury, a romantic snub or a missed promotion at work.

The overarching thing I realized in midlife is that it’s one thing to have a life well-saved for, and a whole other level to have a life well-lived.

I have known for a long time that I wanted to create meaningful connections for the generations above mine – I just didn't know exactly what to build to make that happen. So, I did what most entrepreneurs do – I talked to potential users and reached out to anyone who was active in this space.

My life’s present state seems like a study in contrasts. Depending on which expert you cite, with my 40th birthday approaching I am either the first of the Millennials or the last of Generation X. Perhaps that’s why it feels like I am straddling ‘youth’ and ‘midlife’ or, more accurately, occupying them both at the same time.

For those who want to draw better, the 1979 published book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain helped generations of art students and the rest of us learn techniques to draw better. (Hint: tips to help get our brain out of the way so that we can “see” the image in a manner that makes it easier to draw).

Many of us struggle with confidence. It’s fascinating to learn that some seemingly small and innocuous words can sabotage our self-esteem and dilute our message. By intentionally choosing our language, we can boost our confidence, and also positively influence the way we come across to others.

“My name is Shawn and if you really really knew me, you would know that I am both ecstatic and terrified to be working with this organization that is rethinking what it means to be an elder.

Investing in joy is an investment in sustainable community health. California can be first in the nation to fight the other epidemic in the news -- loneliness -- by creating a State Department of Joy. Its goal: to actively support and advocate for togetherness, quality human connection, and celebration.

"You’re a better father than I ever was….” Those were the words of my late father two weeks before he died of cancer many years ago.

I felt like a complete failure. The 2001 dot-com bust made me question everything I believed to be true. In just one year, I was laid off, the twin towers fell on 9/11, and my dad was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer.