The Wake-Up Call We Didn’t Ask For

“Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” — Betty Friedan

When Life Shifts in a Single Breath

This past weekend reminded me—again—how fragile life truly is. How in a single breath, everything we know can shift. We say we understand this, but do we live like we do?

In this season of life after 50, we should be living with intention every day—because if there’s one lesson we’ve learned, it’s that time is not promised to anyone.

The ER Room and the Questions That Follow

My soul mate, my best friend—the one who knows me better than anyone—had a health scare. Not the first, but three ER visits in five days were enough to send me spiraling into soul-diving territory. As I sat in the waiting room, my mind raced:

• What was our last meaningful conversation?

• What was that disagreement about yesterday?

• What’s on the calendar next week that suddenly feels irrelevant?

The Weight of “Final”

When you’ve lost someone before, you know how final final really is. There are no more conversations. No more disagreements. Just… no more.

That reflection alone has me in a state of deep, soul-wrenching thought. What I wouldn’t give to have one more conversation with my mom or dad. A conversation with my sister. There are many I’ve lost—and for some, I remember our final words. For others, that moment is gone. I can’t remember. It’s no more.

What Keeps Me Up at Night

Thankfully, he’s home now. We have follow-ups ahead, but the “what if” still hangs in the air. And while our financial plans are in order—assets, paperwork, future arrangements all spelled out with intention—that’s not what’s keeping me up tonight.

What’s weighing on me is this: Are we living with intention toward one another? Are we in tune with each other’s day-to-day—not just the schedule we share, but the aches, pains, fears, and joys? The stuff that really matters.

Half-There Isn’t Enough Anymore

We’re busy. We compare schedules, cross paths, and joke about needing date nights just to “go be.” But sometimes we’re both half-there. And if I’m honest, I’m not happy with that. Neither one of us is.

So… was this a wake-up call?

Purpose Without Presence

I’ve been pouring myself into launching a new adventure—one I believe in deeply. I’m still running a successful business that demands my time and energy. But in the midst of all this purpose, have I paused to say thank you? Have I heard those words in return?

Have I noticed the small things happening around me? Like the winterization of our home. The full tank of gas in my car when he knows I’m short on time. Has he noticed the extra food in the fridge—because I know he’s a snacker?

The small things have big impact in this life we call crazy.

Aging, Love, and the Need to Show Up

Aging isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s hard. And now more than ever, we need the reassurance that we’ll survive the process together.

I can’t imagine a day without my rock. And if I’m being honest, I probably haven’t recognized the small things like I should… and could.

My Vow Moving Forward

The universe sent a loud, clear message this weekend. I don’t need another wake-up call. I know how final final can be.

So here’s my vow: I will live with more intention in the relationship I rely on most. I will show up—not just in the big moments, but in the quiet ones. I will honor the love that holds me steady. The love that has my back.

Your Turn to Reflect

And I ask you—are you living with intention? Are you honoring those who have your back?