Thank you, Terri, for asking for inspiration and action items. Above all, do not allow yourself to become discouraged. YOUR ACTIONS MATTER AT THIS CRITICAL TIME IN HISTORY!
First, inform yourself about the stakes for the 2024 elections. It's possible America could become a fascist state a year from now. Do not ignore the warnings. They are based on facts and speech now publicly out there.
Reliable news sources I follow online are Washington Post, New York Times, NPR. On the Morning Edition for 12/10, there was a segment about how journalists need to be more direct about the potential fascist takeover via MAGA and its leaders.
Heather Richardson Cox, a gifted historian, writes a daily column in which she puts current events in the context of history. On Instagram, I follow Harry Shannon and MeidasTouch because they are posting about outrageous moves the GOP is making to support the installation of a fascist state. Yes, President Biden is not perfect and he is standing for democracy at a time when the alternative is fascism. Do your best to inform younger voters that not voting or voting for a third party is ultimately a vote for The Former Guy.
Donate your time and energy as you are able. Indivisible.com was born on the night of the 2016 election. It has efficiently organized grassroots efforts in battle ground states that, for example, flipped Wisconsin and Ohio. It has a strategic plan to defeat MAGA GOP reps in the House.
My husband and I have vowed to do all in our power to protect democracy for our kids, grands and great grands. We will speak to our grands about how vital their vote is, how their great grandparents risked their lives to defeat fascism.
I love your passion. Passion is the secret sauce to getting things done, for sure. You've clearly made your list and are ticking things off one by one. Good for you! We'll all need to examine our hearts and consciences in 2024. You might enjoy reading @steve schmidt (https://steveschmidt.substack.com/), he posted about a potential third party candidate the other day (Joe Manchin?) that was very thought-provoking for those of us who won't vote D or R. Thanks for sharing with me!
It’s not too late to make my little contribution to education -- to finish writing my first book. It’s not too late to release the self-protective voice that keeps telling me I’m about to make a fool of myself.
For me- it's not too late to start a new life in retirement 1 year from now. at age 60. I am re-learning German, am getting my dual citizenship reinstated and moving to Bavaria. I have lived in the USA for 55 years! My husband passed away 4 years ago, and I am building a life for me! It's NEVER too late for that!
I turned 75 two weeks ago. This article is just the kick in the ass I needed. Thank you. Number one on my list: It's not too late to start drawing every day.
First of all, I am also a 4 and I am going to be 71. You rock, I love you and what you share with those you share with. I remember your first book was such a comfort! I found my true love at 59 and we have been together 11 years. It's not to late for me to feel radiantly healthy, to complete and share and make money with my Discovering Enchantment project, to write my book, to make my best art, to travel, to learn to grow better vegetables and to deepen my connection to nature and creator.
I really appreciate this post (and coincidentally, I just published a story in which I mention why I was tempted by Botox but said no). I also can relate to feelings around your mom's diagnosis, as my mom died last year after declining for a decade with dementia. I particularly like the line on your list, "It’s [not] too late to reach out to old friends who I’m sure hate me for some mysterious reason." (I think the "not" is accidentally missing!) Thank you, I need to do that outreach to certain former friends. I would add to your list, "It's not too late to try a sport and develop your inner athlete."
Not to contradict your overall message but your 'typo' rang true to me. I find the friends who seem to have mysterious reasons for "hating" me are sometimes that way because they are unwilling to examine themselves. I have come to terms with respecting myself and how I want to spend my time. Also wondering now if this is a common experience to have with friends as we age?!
lots to unpack there -- I am wanting to write about this but it's a really hard topic for me. I do think we grow apart from people, especially if they arent willing to do their personal work and we are, but i also know i have left friendships because I wasnt honest about how we were growing apart and i wonder if i had been if we'd still be friends.
I'm now late 70's and if I don't hear from people I worry they are dying or have died. I wish that living people would write just a brief note if they are still OK.
Also, hate is such a strong word. I think I would say, "It's not too late to let go of self-flagellation around relationships from my past. It's not too late to accept that I am not everyone's flavor and be okay with that. It's not too late to stop origami-ing myself into an uncomfortable shape because I want someone else to like me."
I'm a huge fan of hers! And I love how she always evolves and updates her work. I also really admire how she runs her business. (ok now I'm just fangirling!) I've been enjoying your writing very much, only recently came across your newsletter! Thanks for writing it!
OMG, I know you Jennifer! Sort of :) You're in Urgent Optimists too, right? I was just scrolling through the comments here and remembered your name from there. The internet is a funny place. It's like bumping into someone you know in town, but not quite. I hope you're the same person and I'm not making some internet faux pas 😯
Hi Angela! Oh this is funny because I'm also Jennifer and I am in the UO community. Did you mean me? Haha! And yes, the internet sure is a funny place. But also makes total sense to meet in the comments of "It's Not Too Late" because it's very on theme with UO and Imagination etc.
I'm super new to Substack so it's really lovely bumping into you here, hi! What other newsletters do you like?
I did mean you 😊 It's good to see you here too. I remembered after I posted that I had read your UO post about your first climate coaching session. I sent the bunny GIF from Zootopia :)
The only other person I think I follow on Substack is Charles Eisenstein. I've been following his work for many years. I'm pretty new to posting things on Substack. I usually just read the newsletters in my email.
"It’s not too late to stop blasting through life to arrive at Done — a destination that doesn’t exist and would be a terribly boring place to live if it did."
I read "Done" as rhyming with "cone" and was like, ... where is this Done? is it a sci-fi utopia that I've not heard of? Is it in Ireland? Why don't I know where Done is?!
It's not to late for me, at 71 to finish my legacy project, reclaim my health, travel the world, make new memories, get more muscle mass, make new fantastic art, write my book and make a million dollars!
It's never too late to get clear on what's most important to us, how we want to feel (mostly) as we move through our days and do the work to make it happen.
This is a great article, thanks Jen. I haven't really had this sensation of feeling like it's too late, rather it feels like rotating quicksand and life moving very quickly. Reading this I realize it's the same thing I just don't use the words too late but I constantly hear "it's going too fast".
It's not too late to share my ideas, creativity, and heart with women like me who feel too disempowered and self-conscious to live the life they truly want
It's just getting started. I just held my first community event yesterday with 4 women. It went really well I think. Everyone had a chance to talk and share some of the things they've been doing or creating. I think it might just work, though I'm still not sure about the making money part. One step at a time. Thanks for the encouragement :)
It's not too late to say thank you to a teacher that opened your mind, your heart to a broader, deeper world view, thank you to a teacher that believed in you.
It's not too late to say thank you- even for (or especially for) the small kindnesses that can life changing or life saving
Hidden Brain has a special series right now: My Unsung Hero
"The daily news can fill us with despair. My Unsung Hero is an antidote to that despair. Each episode reveals what the news ignores: everyday acts of kindness and courage that transformed someone’s life. Listen — and renew your faith in humanity".
At 75, it's not to late to work like hell to protect our democracy and future generations from fascism!
Yes!! Did you see that Liz Cheney was on Rachel Maddow last night?
That too, Marti!!! How will you do that (inspire us... please!).
Thank you, Terri, for asking for inspiration and action items. Above all, do not allow yourself to become discouraged. YOUR ACTIONS MATTER AT THIS CRITICAL TIME IN HISTORY!
First, inform yourself about the stakes for the 2024 elections. It's possible America could become a fascist state a year from now. Do not ignore the warnings. They are based on facts and speech now publicly out there.
Reliable news sources I follow online are Washington Post, New York Times, NPR. On the Morning Edition for 12/10, there was a segment about how journalists need to be more direct about the potential fascist takeover via MAGA and its leaders.
Heather Richardson Cox, a gifted historian, writes a daily column in which she puts current events in the context of history. On Instagram, I follow Harry Shannon and MeidasTouch because they are posting about outrageous moves the GOP is making to support the installation of a fascist state. Yes, President Biden is not perfect and he is standing for democracy at a time when the alternative is fascism. Do your best to inform younger voters that not voting or voting for a third party is ultimately a vote for The Former Guy.
Donate your time and energy as you are able. Indivisible.com was born on the night of the 2016 election. It has efficiently organized grassroots efforts in battle ground states that, for example, flipped Wisconsin and Ohio. It has a strategic plan to defeat MAGA GOP reps in the House.
My husband and I have vowed to do all in our power to protect democracy for our kids, grands and great grands. We will speak to our grands about how vital their vote is, how their great grandparents risked their lives to defeat fascism.
I hope this is helpful, Terri!
I love your passion. Passion is the secret sauce to getting things done, for sure. You've clearly made your list and are ticking things off one by one. Good for you! We'll all need to examine our hearts and consciences in 2024. You might enjoy reading @steve schmidt (https://steveschmidt.substack.com/), he posted about a potential third party candidate the other day (Joe Manchin?) that was very thought-provoking for those of us who won't vote D or R. Thanks for sharing with me!
It's not too late to start publishing. (Laura Ingalls Wilder didn't publish her first book until she was 65!)
Girl you be a baby! So many more books will be published too!!
It’s not too late to make my little contribution to education -- to finish writing my first book. It’s not too late to release the self-protective voice that keeps telling me I’m about to make a fool of myself.
I can’t wait for you to tell us the book is done and out in the world!!
Thank you 💛 I will 😃👐
I can't wait either! I'm a teacher too :)
For me- it's not too late to start a new life in retirement 1 year from now. at age 60. I am re-learning German, am getting my dual citizenship reinstated and moving to Bavaria. I have lived in the USA for 55 years! My husband passed away 4 years ago, and I am building a life for me! It's NEVER too late for that!
Claudia that is so darn exciting! Bavaria! a new land and language! I'm so inspired!
Liebe Claudia, willkommen zurück ;-) ich wohne zwar in NRW, aber Bayern ist auch schön. Alles Liebe!
Vielen Dank! Ich kann es kaum erwarten, wieder dorthin zu fahren. Meine Schwester heisst auch Martina!
I love this Claudia! It's never too late to build a life for ourselves.
I turned 75 two weeks ago. This article is just the kick in the ass I needed. Thank you. Number one on my list: It's not too late to start drawing every day.
also happy birthday!
Thank you!
oh share one - is that possible in the comments? if not, give us a link. I'd love to see!
Thank you. I'll give it a try.
First of all, I am also a 4 and I am going to be 71. You rock, I love you and what you share with those you share with. I remember your first book was such a comfort! I found my true love at 59 and we have been together 11 years. It's not to late for me to feel radiantly healthy, to complete and share and make money with my Discovering Enchantment project, to write my book, to make my best art, to travel, to learn to grow better vegetables and to deepen my connection to nature and creator.
You made my day thank you!! And love the book title so much!!
If you ever visit Sedona, look me up, I have lived here for 36 years facilitating the women's groups, I am sure the women would love to meet you
Thank you!!
I really appreciate this post (and coincidentally, I just published a story in which I mention why I was tempted by Botox but said no). I also can relate to feelings around your mom's diagnosis, as my mom died last year after declining for a decade with dementia. I particularly like the line on your list, "It’s [not] too late to reach out to old friends who I’m sure hate me for some mysterious reason." (I think the "not" is accidentally missing!) Thank you, I need to do that outreach to certain former friends. I would add to your list, "It's not too late to try a sport and develop your inner athlete."
Thanks Sarah. I have a couple typos this issue. I wrote it fast. I’m so sorry about your mom. I know what you went through! 🫶🏽 hugs.
Not to contradict your overall message but your 'typo' rang true to me. I find the friends who seem to have mysterious reasons for "hating" me are sometimes that way because they are unwilling to examine themselves. I have come to terms with respecting myself and how I want to spend my time. Also wondering now if this is a common experience to have with friends as we age?!
lots to unpack there -- I am wanting to write about this but it's a really hard topic for me. I do think we grow apart from people, especially if they arent willing to do their personal work and we are, but i also know i have left friendships because I wasnt honest about how we were growing apart and i wonder if i had been if we'd still be friends.
Yes, this can definitely get into some murky and uncomfortable territory.
Your post is still a good reminder to reach out more often!
thank you!
I'm now late 70's and if I don't hear from people I worry they are dying or have died. I wish that living people would write just a brief note if they are still OK.
i hope you can send a few of those notes too so they know you are still alive :).
Also, hate is such a strong word. I think I would say, "It's not too late to let go of self-flagellation around relationships from my past. It's not too late to accept that I am not everyone's flavor and be okay with that. It's not too late to stop origami-ing myself into an uncomfortable shape because I want someone else to like me."
I love that for you!!! For me, in the post, I was using the word hate tongue in cheek :).
I’m 40 now and it’s not too late to start playing big (according to Tara Mohr’s definition) and to start using my voice.
It’s not too late to stop comparing myself.
It’s not too late to stop doubting my every move I ever made.
I mentored Tara years ago and yes okay big!!
I'm a huge fan of hers! And I love how she always evolves and updates her work. I also really admire how she runs her business. (ok now I'm just fangirling!) I've been enjoying your writing very much, only recently came across your newsletter! Thanks for writing it!
OMG, I know you Jennifer! Sort of :) You're in Urgent Optimists too, right? I was just scrolling through the comments here and remembered your name from there. The internet is a funny place. It's like bumping into someone you know in town, but not quite. I hope you're the same person and I'm not making some internet faux pas 😯
I’m not but I love the name!!
You should check it out. It's an awesome space and only $10 a month. SO much value I get from that $10!
Cool will do!
Hi Angela! Oh this is funny because I'm also Jennifer and I am in the UO community. Did you mean me? Haha! And yes, the internet sure is a funny place. But also makes total sense to meet in the comments of "It's Not Too Late" because it's very on theme with UO and Imagination etc.
I'm super new to Substack so it's really lovely bumping into you here, hi! What other newsletters do you like?
I did mean you 😊 It's good to see you here too. I remembered after I posted that I had read your UO post about your first climate coaching session. I sent the bunny GIF from Zootopia :)
The only other person I think I follow on Substack is Charles Eisenstein. I've been following his work for many years. I'm pretty new to posting things on Substack. I usually just read the newsletters in my email.
It's not too late to turn from the past and run into a better future! To say what we mean and mean what we say. To carpe diem!
love these!
"It’s not too late to stop blasting through life to arrive at Done — a destination that doesn’t exist and would be a terribly boring place to live if it did."
I read "Done" as rhyming with "cone" and was like, ... where is this Done? is it a sci-fi utopia that I've not heard of? Is it in Ireland? Why don't I know where Done is?!
annnnndddddd then I realized. LOL
It could be all of those things!!
🤣
It's not to late to stop
beginning my poems
every so often with
"I'm not a poet"
and just admit that I am
a poet because I am writing,
yes, poetry.
... did it!
And it's not to late
To show them someone...
Thank you, Jen
that make me tear up! More than just admit it Martina SHOUT IT out! And thanks for sharing your poetry with us.
I AM A POET :-)
clapping!!
It's not to late for me, at 71 to finish my legacy project, reclaim my health, travel the world, make new memories, get more muscle mass, make new fantastic art, write my book and make a million dollars!
that's a smoking hot list!
It's never too late to get clear on what's most important to us, how we want to feel (mostly) as we move through our days and do the work to make it happen.
This is a great article, thanks Jen. I haven't really had this sensation of feeling like it's too late, rather it feels like rotating quicksand and life moving very quickly. Reading this I realize it's the same thing I just don't use the words too late but I constantly hear "it's going too fast".
yep we have to find our own words for whatever is tripping us up!
It's not too late to share my ideas, creativity, and heart with women like me who feel too disempowered and self-conscious to live the life they truly want
We need you!!!
I’m an extrovert who works with a lot of introverts though, and you’re so needed! Can’t wait to hear more about your work!
It's just getting started. I just held my first community event yesterday with 4 women. It went really well I think. Everyone had a chance to talk and share some of the things they've been doing or creating. I think it might just work, though I'm still not sure about the making money part. One step at a time. Thanks for the encouragement :)
That’s so great! I’m so glad you got started!
It’s not too late for me to feel that I am worthy. It’s not too late to love my sister for who she is.
yes Mona yes! thank you for sharing these tender declarations.
It's not too late to say thank you to a teacher that opened your mind, your heart to a broader, deeper world view, thank you to a teacher that believed in you.
It's not too late to say thank you- even for (or especially for) the small kindnesses that can life changing or life saving
Hidden Brain has a special series right now: My Unsung Hero
"The daily news can fill us with despair. My Unsung Hero is an antidote to that despair. Each episode reveals what the news ignores: everyday acts of kindness and courage that transformed someone’s life. Listen — and renew your faith in humanity".
Here's a link if you want to submit your Unsung Hero story: https://hiddenbrain.org/myunsunghero/
awesome!