I’m turning 54 this week, and with that comes a quiet moment of reflection—not just on the year behind me, but on the chapters I’ve lived, the ones I’m writing now, and the ones I still hope to begin.

Over the years, I’ve taken some bold leaps. I’ve stood on stages and held awards. I’ve lived on a remote island on the West Coast of British Columbia, far from everything familiar. I’ve published books, lead non-profit organizations, represented Canada in an international pageant, and heard people say they were inspired by the risks I’ve taken.

But none of these things happened by accident. They were choices—intentional ones—fueled by a belief that life is precious and fleeting, and that regret is a heavy thing to carry into the end. Besides, the world provides us with so many opportunities to learn and experience. You only live once right?

I want to live a life where I can look back—on my final day—and say, I have no regrets. I don’t want to look back and wish I was braver or that I didn’t do better when I knew better.

That desire shapes not only what I do, but how I do it. It reminds me to be bold, but not reckless. To be free, but not irresponsible. To chase beauty, joy, and meaning—but never at the cost of hurting others or losing myself. Because a life without regret isn’t just about grand adventures. It’s also about integrity, kindness, and choosing love and patience over ego, even when it’s hard.

Now, with just five or six years until retirement, I’m entering a different chapter—one that still holds adventure but calls for more mindfulness. Entering my mid 50’s I have more financial freedom and fewer responsibilities (although there are days I would say the opposite), but I also carry the awareness that impulsivity today can limit freedom tomorrow. So before I spend, I pause.

Is this a need or a want?

Is this an impulse or a memory in the making?

Will this still bring joy—real, soul-nourishing joy—years from now?

To me, freedom in later life doesn’t just come from money. It comes from health, from relationships, from having choices. So I invest not only in my retirement savings, but in my body, my mind, my friendships, and my future self.

Because I believe this:

A life well lived is not one without mistakes, but one where you made them, learned hard lessons and forgave yourself. 

This new chapter isn’t the end of my story. It’s simply the next unfolding page—written with intention, courage, and care.

There’s something else I’ve come to understand over time—something that’s helped me stay balanced through both wild leaps and quiet pauses: I’ve always known when to press the gas and when to tap the brakes.

Whether it was launching into a new career chapter (which again I am in the midst of), saying yes to a faraway opportunity, or just navigating a day where my energy was running low—I’ve learned to listen to the rhythm of my life. When it’s time to go all in, I do it with gusto.

And when it’s time to pull back, I don’t feel guilty. I’ve learned that restoration isn’t laziness—it’s wisdom.

I have built my sacred space, my sanctuaries for self-preservation. Everyone needs a quiet place to rest and rejuvenate.

It’s what allows us to show up fully when it matters most. I spoke about this as a guest on the The Well Collab podcast with host, Tammy Zdunich, that aired last month titled More Than One Thing: A Feminine Leadership Journey With Treena Wynes

It’s a rhythm I still follow now. As I look toward retirement, I’m still dreaming, still exploring, still living fully—but also saving, planning, and protecting the well-being I’ve worked so hard to build.

Because independence—the ability to choose freely, move freely, live freely—depends on both passion and preparation.

Here is an invitation to you:

So, as I turn the page into this new chapter, I invite you to reflect on your own.

What are the dreams you’ve shelved for “one day”?

What does freedom mean to you—really?

Are you living in a way that your future self will thank you for?

What regrets are still possible—and what would it take to prevent them?

You don’t need to overhaul your life. But maybe there’s one small, meaningful shift you can make today that honors both your present joy and your future peace.

After all, we only get one life—but many, many chapters.

Make each one count.

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