tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47228987711240832822024-03-18T20:05:50.092+08:00Cresting The HillLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comBlogger1070125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-52961611073109175652024-03-18T07:00:00.075+08:002024-03-18T08:50:29.735+08:00FINANCIAL FREEDOM AFTER 50: PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WOMEN TO BUILD A SECURE RETIREMENT<p style="text-align: center;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="As we approach our golden years, securing financial freedom and a comfortable retirement starts becoming more important." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8H7O7-sUOBYrxjQ5xQ1a9vMgkYzIA8RoWt7sKjcaCuJ7zS5D9HUzUCF8VNuUxCCyIXTcmz8o4Djj7sIHcFeuTT3TFPEVs7s601asxcf1_9Y_ii-DlHALUGtaphNsJNp7lgD4pPhklV2TpLf2nRm7fYij5uGbZmYGWDyAEwr3rhEQ_WxJlUArRK929_z4X/s16000/FINANCIAL%20FREEDOM%20AFTER%2050.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="As we approach our golden years, securing financial freedom and a comfortable retirement starts becoming more important."></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-small;">image via stokking on freepik</span></td></tr></tbody></table><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">INTRO</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Today on the blog I have a really interesting collaborative article on how to begin preparing for a financially secure retirement. I remember that finances were my biggest concern when I decided to leave my job, and knowing that we had sufficient funds to get us through the years ahead was the deciding factor on permanently retiring and getting to enjoy this new lifestyle.<br><br>So without further ado, let's launch into some interesting tips that I hope you find helpful and encouraging....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span></span></div><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2024/03/financial-freedom-after-50-practical-tips.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-49355082001526081252024-03-11T07:00:00.032+08:002024-03-11T08:06:33.322+08:00WHEN ONE WORD LEADS TO ANOTHER....AND ANOTHER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="When your word of the year becomes so much more" border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcdNkxN0yBKKE4LZVVt5Cdgx3DmAc7Nhw8mC_Z6XcdasE4PkZaD5IlSIyQIBjx0YJpGlgZx0T4ycChedEMMvHnN3G9YWTtAcpmCcz973QeP2Sjdwa9CciQzlwqqHB0RUIU-1i-mC_qOTTyvPKVik3GMo7ehczW5SX6AHux8L0bE-tiVqPx6lnXtGsd86k/s16000/WHEN%20ONE%20WORD%20LEADS%20TO%20ANOTHER.jpg" title="When your word of the year becomes so much more">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">WHEN YOUR WORD OF THE YEAR EVOLVES</span>
</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I spent a lot of time trying to drill down to one all-encompassing Word for
2024 that included being more calm, centred, and at peace with myself and
the world. As I mentioned in my January post, I chose </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2024/01/equanimity-my-word-of-the-year.html" target="_blank">Equanimity</a></span><span style="font-size: medium;">
(with a bit of help from my daughter). Because it's a complex word, it seems
to have made me think harder, and in the process it's attracted me to other
words that have begun to resonate.</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I thought today I'd share a little bit of what's been going through my head
in regard to all I've been processing....</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span>
</div>
<span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2024/03/when-one-word-leads-to-another.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-87243979215790603172024-03-04T07:00:00.002+08:002024-03-04T08:20:22.791+08:00THE ROAD THAT LEADS TO A WHOLE NEW LIFE<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Retirement means different things to each of us, but for me it's been the opportunity to finally slow down and discover who I truly am." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXaCro5JvEUXQFAmWKQMzAI9tM-_2DM4Eg3Jv7MPOotBQ7HG0Pd9ueeZWwcAtYdA7J3E1_aeebnisi4KGrY1x68Wcjr3KXhUiZ6mx_qsr2rKZN8-UcMj10MTu_sFRzXAqQqLus8oSXDDpTe6HQwsX0u2OuyJChg1F8R651SQ1ShsllTdvgHI0cXEenVBS/s16000/RETIREMENT%20GIVES%20US%20SO%20MUCH.jpg" title="Retirement means different things to each of us, but for me it's been the opportunity to finally slow down and discover who I truly am.">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">THE SECOND HALF OF LIFE GIVES US SO MUCH</span>
</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Last year I wrote about Ullie-Kaye, a poet whose work resonated with me on
many levels. There were so many of her poems
<a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/05/discovering-poet-who-spoke-to-my-heart.html.html" target="_blank">that spoke to my heart</a>, I follow her Facebook page and her poems regularly appear in my feed.
Recently a new one called "Wonder Road" popped up that was all about what life gifts us, but for me it perfectly described what the second half of life (especially retirement) has brought into my world. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I just had to share it here today with a few
words of my own....</span>
</div>
<span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2024/02/retirement-leads-to-a-whole-new-life.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-62811738705866880452024-02-26T07:00:00.200+08:002024-02-27T08:51:36.979+08:00LOOKING BACK AT A SIMPLY LOVELY SUMMER<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Looking back at December, January and February 2024 - summer in Australia and highlights of what I've been doing during that time." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTZqf2ia7hNV6bTrQMTrw1KXKoELU-78Aw_xsUrLYZcJ9k4P3YNyEgepbjgqviyZFr4tTG4OPJlNlhvHGXVpJRbWEACTp8TZFyXjMS-b78zkKwOvExRtWzPnfbWGNJ-c9Egiq3Wu-FcWmmcrK3a5fSM2ic7OI_sZ5Y3ojan2DeWp99OSbZP1tQygi7Zfa/s16000/SUMMER%20(1).jpg" title="Looking back at December, January and February 2024 - summer in Australia and highlights of what I've been doing during that time."></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">LOOKING BACK AT THE SUMMER THAT'S BEEN</span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Summer here in Western Australia comprises December, January, and February. It's full of hot, dry days that are so much easier to navigate now that I'm happily retired. I really enjoy being able to choose when to be out in the heat, and when to be indoors in the cool.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">It's also been three months of Christmas, family, dabbling, and generally enjoying life on my own terms - living with <a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2024/01/equanimity-my-word-of-the-year.html" target="_blank">equanimity</a> and joy. I'm sharing a few of the highlights today and I hope you'll enjoy them too.....</span><span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2024/02/looking-back-at-simply-lovely-summer.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-22110071332849610042024-02-19T07:00:00.162+08:002024-02-19T07:00:00.127+08:00I WAS SURPRISED BY THE ADVICE I'D GIVE MY YOUNGER SELF<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="When I look back at the last few decades I've realized that we need to experience life in all its fullness - we can't skip the tough parts." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYT6N9zsprq_AxFTGHHQo4vuJ_tnxSSGuLwe6qjqmoyoDdgqmFCxVvI0QjoZy2RMLu5_RewGez2B9sMypgJnKerZjKku-DOEvpaFPPcVvli1giNxGHN4MREIzJhD6AbuVxh5SIpkz5AQclrOwaBTg60LwYjvvW29jfIXChQwedYgyV785P3QT95ukRu_g/s16000/ADVICE%20I'D%20GIVE%20MY%20YOUNGER%20SELF.jpg" title="When I look back at the last few decades I've realized that we need to experience life in all its fullness - we can't skip the tough parts.">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">WHAT ADVICE WOULD I GIVE MY YOUNGER SELF?</span>
</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Mika from
<a href="https://musingsbymika.substack.com/" target="_blank">Musings by Mika</a>
suggested that it would be interesting to read a post on the advice I'd give
my younger self now I know all the ups and downs life has brought my way over the
years. I took a look back over my shoulder at the last few decades and all
that I've been through to get where I am, mulled it over for a while, and had a surprising revelation.</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: medium;">This is what came to mind, and this is what I'd tell my younger self (that's me above on my last day of high school - not quite 17 years old) if I had the chance...</span>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>
<span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2024/02/advice-Id-give-my-younger-self.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-8216979177044033602024-02-12T07:00:00.043+08:002024-02-12T07:00:00.134+08:008 INSPIRING QUOTES ABOUT EQUANIMITY - AND MY VISION BOARD<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="8 inspiring quotes about Equanimity - including: In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3kZeWauin6ELo8ZGbhInuTpMZOjoog7hXdmimh2Z06kxGANgcS74MQM0R1W5dn2d1JBxeT48x8UOvePOo1MW0DHoSTDnEUDbn2nKadYTQUkhwLt4PEBn5DV4kicOvsizz9BM6NXLWpd2fb3K1MjpNRUS5siZVx8BOmxS8IsTLlOhKVPZdRsWKqpRMyCI/s16000/QUOTES%20ABOUT%20EQUANIMITY%20(1).jpg" title="8 inspiring quotes about Equanimity - including: In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy.">
</div>
<br>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">QUOTES ABOUT EQUANIMITY</span>
</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">
I think it's pretty obvious that I love a good quote, and when I choose a
Word of the Year, a whole lot of quotes suddenly leap out and become even
more meaningful. This year when I chose
<a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2024/01/equanimity-my-word-of-the-year.html" target="_blank">Equanimity</a>
as my WOTY, I put several of my favourite quotes together and created my own
version of an Equanimity Vision Board to remind me to remain calm and
centred throughout the year.
</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">
Today I thought I'd share some of those quotes and what my board looks
like....
</span>
</div>
<span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2024/02/8-inspiring-quotes-about-equanimity.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-58865748062285006822024-02-05T07:00:00.006+08:002024-02-05T07:00:00.128+08:00GENEROSITY - THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Being on the receiving end of generosity is a true joy, but being the giver of generosity is an even greater blessing." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_sF5A7HALplPdA68u39mvjAQFXZuBqMDIyGdIhMRDkg_BSJG19iVAkaCzmMaG6ssBIFSkO2q-RlVlhwaOV3NEf1gQ1HrbZkG_OK80xvs4-_aokn_BFnzqlH234TkmvWGFUPV0eHahsI3uFhDUElSxMIbgtVO_YoiQQvYPRKtsn8udxHkdUG2qDq2yBKv/s16000/GENEROSITY%20-%20THE%20GIFT%20THAT%20KEEPS%20ON%20GIVING.jpg" title="Being on the receiving end of generosity is a true joy, but being the giver of generosity is an even greater blessing.">
</div>
<br>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">SCARCITY VERSUS GENEROSITY</span>
</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I've mentioned before that I've struggled my whole adult life with frugality and
<a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2022/04/freedom-from-stinginess-and-scarcity.html" target="_blank">having a scarcity mindset</a>. The need to squirrel away whatever income we had to pay the bills and to
make ends meet was very important for the first few decades of life. Despite the need to save, there were still worthy causes to support -
the church, overseas orphans, or local charities, and it felt good to be
able to contribute where we could.</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Now all that frugality has paid off, and we're in a comfortable, debt free
<a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2024/01/im-now-in-3rd-third-of-life.html" target="_blank">3rd third of lif</a>e.....but it's been a battle to shed that scarcity fear
and to live larger. The key for me has been to learn to be more
generous with myself and with others.....</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span>
</div>
<span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2024/02/generosity-gift-that-keeps-on-giving.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-67312351584078065542024-01-29T07:00:00.016+08:002024-01-29T08:22:24.478+08:00I'M NOW IN THE 3RD THIRD OF LIFE<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="What do you want to be and do as you enter the 3rd third of life? Here's some thoughts on life after 60." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dYWRy2vvwCKMDB0381-72r8Dm7UPR6_LCI9eQbaH3lhm1U9vZV0mjsRpTfyfFZs_2U-pkgqzZMlSV9VZSjf1tBiT1b8J6WI0nI5wW6c2JuSGqomgzjRcdTYwl_VsKVLqpxAuqFsL5lf0vtN1fjXdlJfnTllwecXBXKKbb8568Q9T57u20LbZE-k_iEpZ/s16000/EQUANIMITY%20IN%20THE%203RD%20THIRD%20OF%20LIFE.jpg" title="What do you want to be and do as you enter the 3rd third of life? Here's some thoughts on life after 60.">
</div>
<br>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">THE 3RD THIRD OF LIFE</span>
</h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Recently I came across
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=749485183885717&set=pb.100064727258907.-2207520000&type=3" target="_blank">a Facebook post</a>
that mentioned the 3rd third of life, and I realized that I had just entered
this new phase. The concept assumes that we're going to live to around 90 -
which is about as far as I see myself getting to (if I'm lucky), so when I
hit 60 it meant that I entered this final third of my life. It felt a little
daunting, but also raised some interesting thoughts about what the
previous two thirds of my life had taught me, and where this last third is
leading.....</span>
</div>
<span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2024/01/im-now-in-3rd-third-of-life.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-37450693359734690672024-01-22T07:00:00.107+08:002024-01-22T07:00:00.144+08:00EXPECTATIONS NOT MET? OR HOPES THWARTED? <div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="What happens when we're disappointed, and our hope feels lost? Do we give up? Do we step back? Do we take it one day at a time?" border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjO7Q4aVNb7-_2IGME1B-YSG5ajuFrulJg21K8feuyx2_bIqpiTOY-RKoNByd1mAVcA2-ll2K6Z6DHNIAEbRlIT8TfFjtXjANfJpwQ5O7EgjXsDa0CElwH8PsiQjlCFBJeHX84aX-AwjRE8ouxMidaI89ozAz6pDXRViZG4VnzdqiKRoVgl6AVXdwQjRl/s16000/HOPE%20LOST%20OR%20EXPECTATIONS%20NOT%20MET.jpg" title="What happens when we're disappointed, and our hope feels lost? Do we give up? Do we step back? Do we take it one day at a time?"><br><br>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">LIFE ISN'T ALWAYS A BOWL OF CHERRIES</span>
</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">At the beginning of last year I wrote a post about
<a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/01/when-youre-struggling-with-season-of-life.html" target="_blank">my struggles with an area of my life</a>
that had been so important to me for decades, and had devolved into
disappointment after disappointment. I had reached the end of my tether, and decided to step back and wait for
changes that were in the wind to occur. </span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Six months later I returned to see if things were on the upward ascent, and
now, a further six months down the track, I find myself almost back
where I was last January.....</span>
</div>
<span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2024/01/expectations-not-met-or-hopes-thwarted.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-37996278220420529372024-01-15T07:00:00.028+08:002024-01-15T07:00:00.146+08:00THE GIFTS OF MIDLIFE<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Midlife brings with it many valuable gifts that we need to take a moment to appreciate." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXyGQnn08qvdEHJVpbXURsWtyBHlfaOdrksEmXwqzLjf2gOUPsSNlqupmP7JNzOjEA4WT-qjY9mM0QrqfPmHZHAlUO1j0oQZc8XXwHkC04g4rjIyXMBGuZavuZchV5XK2pYf3ZrTcDl59zMDNZZaMM8xByxvxBImJ3Pwn6R8zuy7hz29nhFWZcMI5JZIe/s16000/THE%20GIFTS%20OF%20MIDLIFE.jpg" title="Midlife brings with it many valuable gifts that we need to take a moment to appreciate.">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">IT BEGAN WITH IMPERFECTION</span>
</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Brene Brown wrote a fantastic book called "<a href="https://brenebrown.com/book/the-gifts-of-imperfection/" target="_blank">The Gifts Of Imperfection</a>" that was an eye-opener for me, and I'll be forever grateful for the
lessons it taught me. I've learnt that it's okay not to be perfect, that
I can be my authentic self, allow myself to be vulnerable, and to embrace
this wonderful life I've grown into. </span>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br></span>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Along with the gifts of imperfection, I've realized that there have also
been several other gifts that Midlife has bestowed upon me, and I thought
I'd share a few of them here on the blog today....</span>
</div>
<span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2024/01/the-gifts-of-midlife.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-59764805422521249742024-01-07T06:00:00.000+08:002024-03-18T08:52:47.693+08:00FINANCIAL FREEDOM AFTER 50: PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WOMEN TO BUILD A SECURE RETIREMENT<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5296161107310917565" itemprop="articleBody" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; width: 738px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; color: #424242; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="As we approach our golden years, securing financial freedom and a comfortable retirement starts becoming more important." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8H7O7-sUOBYrxjQ5xQ1a9vMgkYzIA8RoWt7sKjcaCuJ7zS5D9HUzUCF8VNuUxCCyIXTcmz8o4Djj7sIHcFeuTT3TFPEVs7s601asxcf1_9Y_ii-DlHALUGtaphNsJNp7lgD4pPhklV2TpLf2nRm7fYij5uGbZmYGWDyAEwr3rhEQ_WxJlUArRK929_z4X/s16000/FINANCIAL%20FREEDOM%20AFTER%2050.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;" title="As we approach our golden years, securing financial freedom and a comfortable retirement starts becoming more important." /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 15px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-small;">image via stokking on freepik</span></td></tr></tbody></table><h2 style="clear: both; font-size: 31px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2024/03/financial-freedom-after-50-practical-tips.html" target="">PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR MY POST</a></span></h2></div>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-79888447324750523342024-01-01T07:00:00.297+08:002024-01-04T21:20:20.170+08:00CHOOSING MY WORD OF THE YEAR - EQUANIMITY<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Finding the perfect Word of 2024 - Equanimity - a sense of being calm and centred within myself. Not buffeted by the storms of life." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIEYkuVVLAGw_Invg3W7PJmxy54038y-zQ2-G2jjtO4Bct4Fu8gHQ3tBJf96Eo65Z_dklyoPWFJR5z0Vy821fWGG8-vEcBw4uoGZjyHPBpnY2-NLyjAq9PpAFjPlBxsUKfE_1EQ9BTDanaUW6XEBu7SZfe7u80gcOMQ3IJPqVtp1JJvcjAFnafF0xcxZt/s16000/Equanimity.jpg" title="Finding the perfect Word of 2024 - Equanimity - a sense of being calm and centred within myself. Not buffeted by the storms of life.">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">CHOOSING A NEW WORD OF THE YEAR</span>
</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I've chosen a Word of the Year every January since 2015. At first it was
easy and words just popped up that were simple and a part of the process of
redefining myself into Midlife (<a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2015/01/my-word-for-2015-release.html" target="_blank">Release</a>,
<a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2016/01/my-word-for-2016-embrace.html" target="_blank">Embrace</a>,
<a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2017/01/midlife-monday-my-word-for-2017-enough.html" target="_blank">Enough</a>). As time has gone on, I've found that the words have become more complex
and so has the desire behind choosing them (<a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2018/01/my-word-for-2018-rise.html" target="_blank">Rise</a>, <a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2020/01/lifes-short-create-your-midlife-symphony.html" target="_blank">Symphony</a>,
<a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2020/12/what-really-matters-in-midlife.html" target="_blank">Cultivate</a>.)</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">In the lead up to this year's Word I knew what I wanted to convey, but couldn't quite
find the right word to encompass the concept....</span>
</div>
<span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2024/01/equanimity-my-word-of-the-year.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-10074005583787665102023-12-18T07:00:00.038+08:002023-12-18T07:00:00.134+08:00WISHES FOR CHRISTMAS AND THE YEAR AHEAD<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="I hope you live lightly and shine brightly in the year ahead" border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQn8bNCa0_eVawb1yKeXnDTWh4fOTvJ_sS6rKjnQg618d1e7-RcFv7lSbRxUBsFSj4m4Xfo_AwsAuHT5wzrWxTEBH40C1RxgZoiDmb2v_ynd7_B0dQo3mE5s8xdQVdz8MSf3vK1diOG-a-TRvN7jlkrqMftmYLKR5jQWWQSk_ynpQasMrfPgFBxUrxrP1/s16000/WISHES%20FOR%20CHRISTMAS%20AND%20THE%20YEAR%20AHEAD.jpg" title="I hope you live lightly and shine brightly in the year ahead"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY CHRISTMAS WISHES</span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I can't believe it's Christmas in a week's time! Where has the year gone?! That being said, it's been a wonderful year for me. I feel like I got my "groove back" and each month has just made me <a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/08/living-well-in-current-season-of-life.html" target="_blank">appreciate Midlife</a> even more.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I came across a quote that summed up my #WOTY (<a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/01/learning-to-live-lightly-in-year-ahead.html" target="_blank">Live Lightly</a>) and it's what I wish for myself and for everyone who pops in here for a visit....</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><span><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/12/wishes-for-christmas-and-year-ahead.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-44116250054088398642023-12-11T07:00:00.005+08:002023-12-11T07:00:00.123+08:00LOOKING BACK AT A YEAR OF LIVING LIFE LIGHTLY<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Living life lightly means moving on from the scars of yesterday, releasing what weighs us down, and embracing light and grace." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMavCCZy2QdH-X7u6QVbBNzeoTMZbLeHo8GVwXuKXyzXtGsNpFCvb6prN3OOZ5_0QT5FDGUwevBh05f814qu9w5U7PwZAmy1_iqvo8r_y6obe3rWWv364UoyGupD5M4EafPO8dsfDBjB9k2YyiK1Qj4TjXg8gu36NY7fopjTwdjrHwpkmpg1mfxiRvOKzS/s16000/LOOKING%20BACK%20AT%20A%20YEAR%20OF%20LIVING%20LIFE%20LIGHTLY.jpg" title="Living life lightly means moving on from the scars of yesterday, releasing what weighs us down, and embracing light and grace."><br><br>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">WHY DID I CHOOSE TO LIVE LIGHTLY?</span>
</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">If you've been following along with my Word(s) of the Year for 2023 you'll
know I chose "<a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/01/learning-to-live-lightly-in-year-ahead.html" target="_blank">Live Lightly</a>" to guide me through the last several months. I'd actually decided on a
different #WOTY and then changed my mind at the last minute on my way home
from a mini-vacation.</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I'd realized that I was weary from all that had been happening in the
previous few years, and I felt the need to be kinder to myself. Today I'm
looking back at that choice and how it's played out...</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>
<span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/10/a-year-of-living-life-lightly.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-13848908981723025392023-12-04T07:00:00.106+08:002023-12-04T08:36:18.711+08:00FRIENDS, ACQUAINTANCES, AND FRACQUAINTANCES IN THE SECOND HALF OF LIFE<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="There is a place in our lives for those people who are more than our acquaintances, but not quite our true friends." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlort-X977lRHmUH7MA3cKsjW7-EXH15Q9PZFgtNrvQRM84brqvS2nZggJmr44hyphenhyphen2OqOCQGF-ICVQFJJ-q3GaTQSUZusFBQPdQpgbppZRI9YAUCxPqQxldT5i6aBQvRXqA5CumlOFmNSZ40kyoXo4f927TLrkaMLdd2uJTeyfwwTKZBV3h4RDahMYqU0q/s16000/FRACQUAINTANCES%20IN%20THE%20SECOND%20HALF%20OF%20LIFE.jpg" title="There is a place in our lives for those people who are more than our acquaintances, but not quite our true friends.">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">FRIENDSHIPS AND OTHER INTERACTIONS</span>
</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Recently I was thinking about my friendships and how things have changed
over time. I used to have many, many friends - close friends, work friends,
church friends, mum friends, etc. Looking back at
<a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2016/09/midlife-rocks-true-friendship.html" target="_blank">those friendships</a>, and at the friendships I have now, I've realized that there are three
categories of "friends".....</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>
<span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/12/fracquaintances-in-second-half-of-life.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-51419932559491045712023-11-27T07:00:00.141+08:002023-11-27T08:37:10.716+08:00LIVING LIGHTLY THROUGH NOVEMBER<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Choosing to live life lightly. And how that looked throughout the month of November." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yT3BDgmXpQS_iu_HOtRA2wragtttiDyprcgWtbE7c8Bvdp-3TvKNY4J32EGnk8SjEndyX2RiGXavdNHdxi6WIH4Dq8VNxf3lrVL9a2kV9BbmKMF2iDT1zga3aVQ9ZpXm4OEjUs0BSmCO933oZtnekI5SbL13fLcXw5l-yA7_oETQKiZSTM1Ee_mhg2pn/s16000/LIVING%20LIGHTLY%20THROUGH%20NOVEMBER.jpg" title="Choosing to live life lightly. And how that looked throughout the month of November."></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><h2><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: helvetica;">LIVING LIGHTLY OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">If you read my blog regularly (thank you if you do!) you'll know I chose "<a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/01/learning-to-live-lightly-in-year-ahead.html" target="_blank">Live Lightly</a>" as my Word(s) Of The Year for 2023. I've made a pledge to myself to chill out a little this year and to take things as they come, rather than trying to push too hard or trying to control everything. I hope my year will reflect taking life at a gentler pace and stepping lightly and slowly.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">So, on that note, to wrap up November, I'm sharing a few little highlights that contributed towards an interesting month....</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br></span></div><div><span></span></div></div></div><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/11/living-lightly-through-november.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-61370278977380011782023-11-20T07:00:00.041+08:002023-11-20T08:08:00.142+08:00WHAT IS SOFT LIVING? AND HOW IT FITS AN UNBUSY RETIREMENT<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="What is a "soft girl era" and how does that lifestyle apply to those of us who want an unbusy retirement life?" border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFSRAo6dGROGfSAr0n_v53231nYaCn-O1j2JH8ZcHaJ-TtWHe5AFTGYxAwlHOaj1ttuTtRAlWrKxED2HCqSQC4d89Guy6Zg2EHFq3Hph-glglLoQDEpKEeIPFPhES1UDs3_ObEcXXHqb35qR6x5hJbAhJ3Ad4g4t3pWDDFkdiD2ZNJA3VaB4RTEx_V2cE/s16000/WHAT%20IS%20SOFT%20GIRL%20LIVING.jpg" title="What is a "soft girl era" and how does that lifestyle apply to those of us who want an unbusy retirement life?">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">WHAT'S THE SOFT GIRL LIFE?</span>
</h2>
<span style="font-size: medium;">I saw a quote on Facebook recently that referred to moving into "my soft girl era" and something about the term resonated with me and my choice to live an <a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2019/10/embracing-unbusyness-in-midlife.html">Unbusy life</a>. For so long we've had the "Girl Boss"/<a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2018/05/is-there-alternative-to-fierce-50.html">Fierce Fifty</a> hustle culture sold to us as the lifestyle of choice, but when we all re-surfaced after the covid lockdowns, a new way of living slowly emerged where women were rejecting stress and choosing a more gentle way of living. <br><br> After some research, I thought I'd share what "soft living" looks like in Midlife....</span>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>
<span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/10/soft-girl-living-and-retirement.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-61829867124036799732023-11-13T07:00:00.177+08:002023-11-13T07:00:00.138+08:00THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTIVATING KINDNESS<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="It's time to include small acts of kindness in our day to day lives - to speak into the hearts of ourselves and others." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEied1Lln5H-JZeGafKoUrutxHquMQ9h8SdGOFEeOjjXEmQNiaaW80D3FRxZC3qIw7YgY_H7c2rj2bBKXo4Mm6OQllF4kFuQXDcO5H_OwoS1EeSne41M4mCBTIMBxrKzZ32icbxH3V8cFrep92zA1h5rMpC2TN7bUvt0Y-T-KYqhCl9Fig3qRkBRXFYHulUr/s16000/WORLD%20KINDNESS%20DAY.jpg" title="It's time to include small acts of kindness in our day to day lives - to speak into the hearts of ourselves and others.">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">NOVEMBER 13TH IS WORLD KINDNESS DAY</span>
</h2>
<span style="font-size: medium;">The
<a href="https://www.theworldkindnessmovement.org/">World Kindness Movement</a>
started World Kindness Day in 1998 and has spread to 28 countries. I thought
that seeing today is World Kindness Day I'd share a little bit about why I
think kindness is so important in our hurting world....</span>
<div><br></div>
<span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/11/the-importance-of-cultivating-kindness.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-91909190547003202842023-11-06T07:00:00.028+08:002023-11-06T07:00:00.128+08:003 FABULOUS THINGS TO CELEBRATE IN NOVEMBER<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="This month I'm celebrating 3 fabulous life events - a birthday, a milestone, and an anniversary. Life is full of blessings." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37NOyajv_0tWcjoE2nDiBTUfmC1tFPC2XJdReB3iAAEaHegQjxGb4UD6BONe-uxy49VtME67AcLwPIdFdKpQTLYUFK-B1XX2cZNqcvGZVfYGANiq3DDrLp7uEOebsntqDqKw3vtfppZrNldudSIrKde6Hcy8r58Hse37UCPVnBUVVR2qR6KE_nK7CoNJx/s16000/3%20FABULOUS%20THINGS%20TO%20CELEBRATE%20IN%20NOVEMBER.jpg" title="This month I'm celebrating 3 fabulous life events - a birthday, a milestone, and an anniversary. Life is full of blessings.">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">LET'S CELEBRATE!</span>
</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">My Word Of The Year for 2022 was <a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2022/01/starting-my-60s-feeling-fabulous.html" target="_blank">"Fabulous"</a> and I just about wore it out... but, I think there's one more Fabulous post to write, and so I'm borrowing
it for today. November this year has brought 3 Fabulous things to celebrate
and I'm sharing them today - there's a birthday, a milestone, and an
anniversary - so here we go.....</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>
<span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/11/3-fabulous-things-to celebrate.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-22642487249405840902023-10-30T07:00:00.134+08:002023-10-30T07:00:00.151+08:00LIVING LIGHTLY THROUGH OCTOBER<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Choosing to live life lightly. And how that looked throughout the month of October." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDS54Zt-XMCYhAmx97B7w3qunzndJMnR4lJjKpOVMdlxDSxZV5dta47KS5q-l4pMzz7zGnjxYYtrDqLIJTxxrEfAtZiEHZME3dGqiFMfwF6fFfYD9Awzeb_zYHi4y3fn56F1qQbvOcsIIuhQl3iR_U2i4LuN5dCtLtOekskiDCJqUx2ten5xuwyqL1NYd/s16000/LIVING%20LIGHTLY%20THROUGH%20OCTOBER.jpg" title="Choosing to live life lightly. And how that looked throughout the month of October."></div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><h2><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: helvetica;">LIVING LIGHTLY OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS</span></h2><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">If you read my blog regularly (thank you if you do!) you'll know I chose "<a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/01/learning-to-live-lightly-in-year-ahead.html" target="_blank">Live Lightly</a>" as my Word(s) Of The Year for 2023. I've made a pledge to myself to chill out a little this year and to take things as they come, rather than trying to push too hard or trying to control everything. I hope my year will reflect taking life at a gentler pace and stepping lightly and slowly.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">So, on that note, to wrap up October, I'm sharing a few little highlights that contributed towards a lovely month....</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br></span></div><div><span></span></div></div></div><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/10/living-lightly-through-october.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-46922330075908738992023-10-23T07:00:00.044+08:002023-10-23T07:00:00.154+08:00IS CHOOSING A SLOW RETIREMENT COUNTER-CULTURAL?<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Our society worships "doing" over "being" but let's be counter-cultural and live more slowly and intentionally." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvgVRK2nPsIlanCgGGZQcJmoKvihoMLaNN-1WFrEQN4btizi3jO68jVpDd6OIkSqfO_RsorQSITG4EIbuX3lm9ihyEgxa53RzizV6-Kvvf9CB5kOHDvl5bsPrcQWULO2VECe8_IAsRwMJBY8NK10A1H_h9xeWJ9su3FU9QsRsmxSXIFBsPL7Und5hr6BS/s16000/SLOW%20RETIREMENT%20COUNTER-CULTURAL.jpg" title="Our society worships "doing" over "being" but let's be counter-cultural and live more slowly and intentionally."><br><br>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">CHOOSING TO LIVE SLOWLY</span>
</h2>
<span style="font-size: medium;">I love it when I receive comments on my blog posts, and I love it even more when someone takes the time to send me an email to share their journey and to let me know that what I write about encourages them to live life more slowly or more intentionally. <br><br> Recently an email arrived in my inbox from Michelle to tell me she was about to retire, and that after working so hard, she was going to choose a slower pace and <a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/07/finding-self-worth-without-being-productive-or-busy.html">find her identity in something other than working</a> and being busy all the time. Her words made me pause for a moment and think how our society worships "doing" over "being" and how it's almost counter-cultural to want a gentler way of life when we stop working. <br><br> Today I thought I'd share three ways to counter our culture of busy-ness.....</span>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>
<span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/09/counter-cultural-slow-retirement.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-14225012541340679352023-10-16T07:00:00.211+08:002023-10-16T07:00:00.156+08:00DOING MY BEST TO LIVE LIFE ONE DAY AT A TIME<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Life gets so much simpler and more peaceful when you live it one day at a time. Being present in the present moment." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nCMq7hDbvU3rge2oJHXGhWupY2Q5Yh7hOo-3KNF0y9BTZgV4T2KKtGaG5R1RpeKd2DlxVtZMjJbICxQVCfZnSFqB0Sxo-WRNVeK_iXIcDVt30C9yKL6lmoBg40TKbJVjR3KiGfj_KCM3uon1ZkaFJiSNY9DD8RmIkSa9r8oSb0LmvGhXsGnuw96RjBKW/s16000/DOING%20MY%20BEST%20TO%20LIVE%20LIFE%20ONE%20DAY%20AT%20A%20TIME.jpg" title="Life gets so much simpler and more peaceful when you live it one day at a time. Being present in the present moment.">
</div>
<br>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: helvetica;">LIVING LIFE ONE DAY AT A TIME</span>
</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I used to be a planner and a worrier - well, I'm still a planner and a
worrier....but I'm getting better at not being controlled by those two
traits. I remember reading how living in the moment - being present in the
present so to speak - reduces stress and worry exponentially. And the more I
practice living one day at time, the more relaxed I'm becoming.</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I wanted to share a few quotes and thoughts about that today because I
think we all need to be reminded now and then that yesterday's been,
tomorrow hasn't come.... we just have now...</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br></span>
</div>
<span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/10/living-one-day-at-a-time.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-53022651873202663952023-10-09T07:00:00.026+08:002023-12-11T08:57:19.577+08:00LET'S ALL TAKE A MOMENT TO THINK BEFORE WE SPEAK<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="With age comes wisdom and the ability to choose what we say to others, always remember it costs nothing to be kind and gracious." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijemhT6t52Hgu4RJvLJxWSWGnEs7sKZnFrPzPaVpZ0S2efi_mjmI3QvG_7cowA_f8j-HbBoeFsZ4NCFUILB7gZcmhMThZV_auf2t7xQ3g2nyurS8J5xzD0MtZ5PBBHc2_2XJikxnNLqqMvLwXdxyNj26tke4JhmRjH64UzLBswn2zViA-br7h3YTQOPIof/s16000/USING%20OUR%20WORDS%20WITH%20WISDOM%20AND%20DISCERNMENT.jpg" title="With age comes wisdom and the ability to choose what we say to others, always remember it costs nothing to be kind and gracious.">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: helvetica;">DISCERNMENT IN MIDLIFE</span>
</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">One of the many gifts of Midlife is being more self aware and discerning. I
think we learn to slow down a little and think about how our words and
actions impact others, and adjust them accordingly. It seems like such a
natural thing to me to not want to hurt others by saying something
insensitive or by being passively critical. </span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">But maybe that's not the case for every woman hitting her 50's or
60's.....</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br></span>
</div>
<span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/09/speaking-with-wisdom-and-discernment.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-51132551080303473112023-10-02T07:00:00.046+08:002023-10-02T07:00:00.131+08:00SELECTIVE IGNORANCE AND WHY IT MAKES SENSE<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Selective Ignorance is all about intentionally choosing what to pay attention to and what to ignore. It gives us the power of choice." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyV5Vs2P3DRukOcVzO2-0wKHSWAPCi36SOidDn_h3NwXcG3n3_6YPX3GkqYhGMBzcHoA3M467DFa1j0lrfBRLsLezCeJPzPIohNBDOkyzAb5uScIgrTsUhbpebVHUzXRrw4P1PCCGP0UbW-wr4QASNV81g9-ULIzqbB7K4XUMNIgoZlFYvXDwJ5dNeAnw/s16000/SELECTIVE%20IGNORANCE%20AND%20WHY%20IT%20MAKES%20SENSE.jpg" title="Selective Ignorance is all about intentionally choosing what to pay attention to and what to ignore. It gives us the power of choice.">
</div>
<br>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: helvetica;">CHOOSING TO BE SELECTIVELY IGNORANT</span>
</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">In January I chose "<a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/01/learning-to-live-lightly-in-year-ahead.html" target="_blank">Live Lightly</a>" as my Word of the Year because I had a deep desire to simplify my life
and to focus on what was important - while screening out all of the
background noise. I wanted to
<a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/07/giving-up-what-weighs-me-down.html" target="_blank">shed some of the weight/baggage</a>
that I carried around with me, but I also realized that I wanted to be more
selective about what I allow into my thoughts and what I give my time
to.</span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Recently I discovered a concept that really appealed to me, it's an
effective way to intentionally choose what to give my attention to. That
concept that resonated with me is "selective ignorance"....</span>
</div>
<span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></span><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/09/selective-ignorance-why-it-makes-sense.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-32057583923916620652023-09-25T07:00:00.119+08:002023-12-23T15:46:27.354+08:00LIVING LIGHTLY THROUGH SEPTEMBER<p></p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Choosing to live life lightly, And how that looked throughout the month of September.." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcIMKpFqYZfHx7jt1sPQZ6mG8FUIACHIhieziFXZldSeleWU-NksGw0FSagnfDaHq_M7GJDW5nkEfD5bIIJrgzsyc5gUe7VDTIYfxOgqLV3Xu0zpCxJbF0JPqnbR_aMD4lKuyVN0FZwHw48Ygp-Rgd6TWeV7Bc1b34qRAVtKv0e6ANcP5gg1v8Ub7bR0l/s16000/LIVING%20LIGHTLY%20THROUGH%20SEPTEMBER.jpg" title="Choosing to live life lightly, And how that looked throughout the month of September.">
</div>
<br>
<p></p>
<div>
<h2>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: helvetica;">LIVING LIGHTLY OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS</span>
</h2>
<div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">If you read my blog regularly (thank you if you do!) you'll know I chose
"<a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/01/learning-to-live-lightly-in-year-ahead.html" target="_blank">Live Lightly</a>" as my Word(s) Of The Year for 2023. I've made a pledge to myself to
chill out a little this year and to take things as they come, rather than
trying to push too hard or trying to control everything. I hope my year
will reflect taking life at a gentler pace and stepping lightly and
slowly.</span>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br></span>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">So, on that note, to wrap up September, I'm sharing a few little
highlights that contributed towards a lovely month....</span>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br></span>
</div>
<div>
<span></span></div></div><a href="https://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2023/09/living-lightly-through-september.html#more">Read more »</a>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.com28