For 20 years, I had the privilege of interviewing bestselling authors, thought leaders, and visionaries for my radio show. It was a dream job in many ways—not because it made me wealthy, but because it allowed me to focus on something far more important: helping people.
From day one, I chose to prioritize creating content that resonated, inspired, and informed over chasing financial success. My husband and I lived a frugal but fulfilling life, making conscious choices to support this mission. For us, meaning always came before money.
But life has a way of testing even the most carefully crafted plans.
A Life Built on Purpose, Not Profit
In the early days of the show, I was driven by curiosity and a desire to share transformative ideas. I spent hours reading, researching, and preparing for conversations with authors whose books changed lives—including my own.
There was no master plan for turning my work into a lucrative career. And honestly, I didn’t think much about it. The joy of hearing someone say, “Your interview changed how I see the world,” or “Your interview changed my life.” was enough.
My husband and I believed that living simply would allow us to focus on what mattered most. We made sacrifices, but we didn’t see them as hardships.
• We skipped expensive vacations in favor of quiet weekends at home.
• We found joy in meaningful conversations instead of material possessions. We built our security and future financial security on verbal agreements and trust rather than solid written documents.
• We created a life rich in connection, creativity, and love.
Our definition of success wasn’t tied to bank accounts but to the impact we made.
Then suddenly and unexpectedly, everything changed.
In an instant, my life was turned upside down. My husband passed away suddenly and traumatically. Leaving me to grapple not only with the profound grief of his loss but also with the fragile financial reality of the life we had built together.
The foundation of frugality and passion that had sustained us crumbled without his presence. I had to face difficult questions and transitions.
• How do I continue to honor our shared values while building a more secure future?
• Can I still prioritize purpose when survival feels so urgent?
It was a moment of reckoning, forcing me to confront the tension between the life I had lived and the life I now had to create.
Lessons From a Life of Passion
Looking back, I wouldn’t change the path we chose. Those 20 years taught me lessons I carry with me today:
1. Meaning Always Outweighs Money
The fulfillment I found in creating content that mattered will always be my greatest reward. Even without a steady income, I was rich in purpose, relationships, and experiences.
2. Balance Is Key
While I don’t regret prioritizing passion, I’ve learned that sustainability matters. Creatives and purpose-driven people deserve both meaningful work and financial security.
3. Life Is Fragile
The sudden loss of my husband was a stark reminder to plan for the unexpected. I’m now more mindful of creating a future that honors both my values and my needs.
4. Reinvention Is Always Possible
At first, I felt lost after my husband’s death, unsure of how to move forward. Of course there are times that I still do. As anyone that has lost someone knows, Holidays are challenging.
But I’ve learned that reinvention isn’t just necessary—it’s an opportunity to grow, evolve, and continue creating a life rooted in meaning.
What Comes Next
Today, I’m in the process of rebuilding my life and work, leaning into writing, podcasting, and helping others navigate their own journeys. My years of experience interviewing remarkable people have given me a wealth of insight into resilience, creativity, and the human spirit.
I’m learning to balance passion and practicality, creating offerings that serve others while supporting myself. And I’m finally embracing the idea that my skills and experiences are valuable—and worth sharing.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
We don’t have to choose between doing work we love and living a sustainable life. With intention, creativity, and courage, we can have both.
An Invitation to You
If you’ve ever felt torn between following your passion and meeting the demands of life, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—and I’m still figuring it out.
Through writing, podcasting, and connecting with others, I hope to create a space where we can navigate these challenges together. Whether you’re reinventing your life, exploring your creativity, or searching for balance, I’d love to walk this path with you.
Let’s build lives that honor our passions and sustain us, one step at a time.
I am a former Radio Producer/Host of Wellness Talk Radio, Broadcast on the CA Coast and Internet for 20 years. Now a Podcast Producer/Host of Wellness Talk Radio and The Marigold Lifestyle. My books have been Bestselling books on Amazon.
Recently suddenly widowed and grieving the loss of the love of my life and business partner I thought about the topics of my Radio show. Resilience, Reinvention, facing difficulty and finding creative solutions and living your best life. So much there to help people like us (mostly over 50) figure out their next steps in the face of seemingly unsurmountable challenges.
Do you love to travel? Are you stuck deciding your next move? Looking to create a remote work lifestyle? Need help with financial planning? Would you like to connect with a group of people facing similar challenges?
DISCLOSURE I love recommending experiences and products that will help you live your best life. Many of the links on my site are affiliate links and I will receive a commission if you purchase. Your purchase helps me to create products and information for people looking to create their best lives after 50.
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