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Advent: Week 3: Joy
The Joy That Sneaks Up on Seasoned Hearts “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11) We know happiness—the fun of family game night, the warmth of grandbabies’ hugs, the relief of a good night’s sleep. But joy? Deep, lasting joy can feel like something elusive. Something in the past. The joy of young love, of first babies, of dreams still wide open. Yet the angels didn’t ann
Joy Bartholomew
Dec 15, 20252 min read


Advent: Week 2 - Peace
Peace: The Quiet That Holds Everything Together “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) We have been the keepers of peace for decades—wiping tears at 2 a.m., smoothing over arguments at Thanksgiving, swallowing our own hurts so the holidays could stay “nice.” We learned early that if Mama isn’t okay, nobody is okay. And so we carried the weight of everyone’s c
Joy Bartholomew
Dec 12, 20252 min read


Advent: Week 1 - Hope
Hope: The Light That Finds Us Where We Are “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2) By the time we’re over fifty, we’ve lived long enough to know that darkness isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes it’s just the slow dimming of things we once counted on: energy that used to be boundless, a parent’s voice on the phone, the shape of a marriage we thought would stay the same forever, or the
Joy Bartholomew
Dec 3, 20252 min read


Northern Lights Adventure: Southern Iceland.
Iceland has exploded in popularity, but don’t let the Instagram crowds scare you away—Southern Iceland remains one of the most rewarding, manageable, and safe destinations for travelers. The roads are excellent, driving is easy, the distances between sights are short, English is universal, and the pace can be as relaxed or active as you wish. Here’s your stress-free guide to the best of the south, including Reykjavík and the eternal quest for the Northern Lights. Northern Lig
Joy Bartholomew
Nov 24, 20255 min read


Navigating the EU’s Biometric Borders: A Traveler’s Guide to EES and ETIAS
Hey travel friend! If you’re anything like me, the thrill of hopping on a flight to Paris for croissants or Rome for gelato is all about that effortless escape—minimal queues, quick stamps, and straight to the adventure. But as of October 2025, the European Union has leveled up its border policies with some high-tech twists. We’re talking facial scans, fingerprints, and pre-authorization that could make your next European vacation feel like a sci-fi movie. Don’t panic, thoug
Joy Bartholomew
Nov 13, 20254 min read


Reclaim Your Radiance: Why a Yoga Retreat Over 50 is the Ultimate Midlife Reset
Good morning, beautiful ladies! If you’re a woman over 50, you’ve earned every bit of wisdom, strength, and grace you carry. But let’s be honest—midlife can also bring hot flashes, creaky joints, brain fog, and the feeling that life is moving faster than you can keep up. What if I told you there’s a way to press pause, recharge, and come home feeling stronger, calmer, and more you than ever? Welcome to the magic of a yoga retreat designed exclusively for women over 50 . Why
Joy Bartholomew
Nov 9, 20252 min read


The Tree of Life: A Personal Journey Through Aging with Wisdom and Joy
As I’ve crossed the threshold of 50, I’ve found myself reflecting on what it means to age—not just to grow older, but to grow wiser , more vibrant, and deeply connected to life. One image keeps coming back to me: the Tree of Life. It’s more than a symbol; it’s a living metaphor that feels like a wise friend, guiding me through this season with grace. With its roots digging deep, its trunk standing strong, its branches reaching high, and its leaves and fruit bursting with vita
Joy Bartholomew
Oct 29, 20255 min read


Hobbies That Rest Your Mind
In our fast-paced world, where notifications ping constantly and to-do lists seem endless, finding ways to rest your mind is essential...
Joy Bartholomew
Oct 22, 20255 min read


Creating a Meaningful Life After Retirement/ Part 2
Part 2: Exploring the World and Building Connections With a strong inner foundation, turn outward to enrich your life through experiences, relationships, and contributions. This part emphasizes action and engagement. Travel and Tackle Your Bucket List Travel opens doors to new cultures, sights, and self-discovery. Create a bucket list of dream destinations—perhaps a road trip across national parks, a cruise to Europe, or a volunteer abroad program. Start small if budget or he
Joy Bartholomew
Oct 15, 20252 min read


Creating a Meaningful Life After Retirement. ( Part 1)
Retirement marks the end of one chapter and the exciting beginning of another. For many, it’s a time of freedom, but it can also feel...
Joy Bartholomew
Oct 8, 20253 min read


Tips for Embracing Local Customs
You don’t need to be a cultural expert to travel respectfully—awareness and curiosity go a long way. Here’s how to avoid the pitfall of...
Joy Bartholomew
Oct 1, 20252 min read


The Pitfalls of Ignoring Local Customs
Good morning, wise wanderers! As travelers over 50, we bring a deep appreciation for the world’s diversity, but it’s easy to...
Joy Bartholomew
Sep 30, 20254 min read


Tips for Packing Smarter
You don’t have to sacrifice style or preparedness to pack light. Here’s how to avoid the overpacking trap: • Make a Capsule Wardrobe :...
Joy Bartholomew
Sep 24, 20252 min read


The Pitfalls for Overpacking for Your Vacation
Good morning, seasoned adventurers! As travelers over 50, we’ve learned to pack wisdom into our journeys, but sometimes we also pack way...
Joy Bartholomew
Sep 23, 20253 min read


The Power of Savasana: Why You Shouldn’t Skip It
Savasana, or Corpse Pose, often comes at the end of a yoga class when you’re lying flat, eyes closed, and breathing deeply. Ahhhhh! It...
Joy Bartholomew
Sep 17, 20252 min read


The Pitfalls of Overscheduling Your Vacation
Good morning, seasoned explorers! As travelers over 50, we bring a wealth of life experience to our adventures, cherishing the chance to...
Joy Bartholomew
Sep 16, 20255 min read


The Pitfalls of Over-Photographing Your Vacation
Good morning, fellow adventurers! As travelers over 50, we’ve earned the wisdom to savor life’s moments, but sometimes, we fall into the trap of trying to capture every second of our vacations through a lens. While snapping photos is a natural urge, obsessively photographing everything can detract from the joy of travel. Here’s why putting down the camera (or phone) can lead to richer experiences, how it affects how others perceive us, and why it’s time to rethink this touri
Joy Bartholomew
Sep 9, 20255 min read


Highlights of Celebrity Cruises’ New River Cruises Starting in 2027
Good morning, fellow adventurers! As seasoned travelers, we crave experiences that blend luxury, cultural immersion, and a touch of...
Joy Bartholomew
Sep 7, 20254 min read


What Is Yoga Nidra and Its Benefits
Yoga Nidra, often called “yogic sleep,” is a powerful practice that blends deep relaxation with heightened awareness. Rooted in ancient...
Joy Bartholomew
Aug 26, 20253 min read


5 Foods That Naturally Lower Cortisol and How the Vagus Nerve Plays a Role
Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” is produced by the adrenal glands and helps regulate your body’s response to stress,...
Joy Bartholomew
Aug 20, 20254 min read
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