I have worked on myself for many years; you might say it has been a life-long practice of mine.

I got married young, 19, and have spent more than half of my life married. Therefore, when I found myself single, I made it my mission to date, meet men, and become a couple again. I don’t know if it was because most of my adult life I had been part of a couple, or if it was because most of my friends were married and a few in long-term committed relationships.

Being Single Made Me Feel Inadequate

I felt like a misfit and a failure. When I was growing up, getting married and having a family of my own was what we did.

Have you felt this way?

Why was it that other people could easily find relationships while I struggled? I missed the benefits of being part of a couple. Being in a relationship gave me someone to always do something with. Being a part of a couple, there was someone to spend time with, eat meals with, watch TV with, go out with, travel with, and share life experiences together.

So, I made it my mission to become a couple. The grass looked greener to me for people who were a part of a couple.

On the Dating Train

Here are some of the steps I took.

1. I went out to restaurants and bars and looked to meet a stranger who happened to be there, single as well, and looking to become a couple.
2. At the gym and yoga studio, I chatted up conversations with potential mates instead of focusing on my workout and the poses.
3. I asked friends if their significant other knew someone, perhaps worked with a single guy, or had a friend who had a friend to introduce me to.
4. I went online on various dating sites, hoping that I would find someone to be a couple with. Hours and hours of reading profiles, sending emails, actively searching on this quest to complete my life was exhausting.

I was so busy looking for a partner that it did not occur to me that the reason I was finding this project difficult – yes I made a project out of it – was that

I Am Happy with My Life as It Is!

Wow! What a discovery! Now, before you throw out your significant other, I am not saying that there is anything wrong with being a couple. There are a lot of great things about being a couple – that I will not go into in this article.

But, as I began to evaluate being in a relationship and considered how that felt to me, I realized that it really didn’t sound like the life I wanted to live at this moment. I stress the phrase ‘at this moment’ because I well know that different seasons of our life bring different desires.

So, let me say that I don’t want to share my life with anyone currently. I love my life just as it is and until I feel differently, I think it best to enjoy being single.

This change of heart led me to see my life in a new light. I can meet up with a friend when I want to, go out on a date if I feel like it, eat a meal with someone if the mood strikes me, but I also can do any or all of it alone.

I have no one to answer to, no one waiting for me creating a time limit on the moment I am in, and I can be quiet and not talk if I feel like it. This revelation was so freeing for me. There is a huge difference in doing stuff alone vs being lonely doing stuff. I am very comfortable with spending time alone and do not feel the slightest bit lonely.

The big takeaway was being honest with myself about living my authentic life. The life that truly suits me today, tomorrow and for however long. The beauty is I can change my mind if I feel differently. The best thing I have ever done for myself is to take a moment to quiet myself so that I can listen to my inner voice. That voice, that if you can actually hear it over all the noise around you, will always steer you in the right direction. It is our internal north star.

I have since deleted all dating sites and do not actively search for a partner. The funny thing is, now that the daunting task of searching is done, and I am happy being single, I meet friends, date, and have healthy and satisfying relationships.

I have my own time and I have time together. I can travel with a friend, or I can travel alone. When I am asked which side of the bed I prefer, I smile and say the middle of the bed because most nights the bed belongs to just me!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How do you feel about being a couple? How do you feel being single? Have you listened to your inner voice lately?

My favorite philosopher, Socrates, said, “It’s a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.” The ancient Greek physician Herophilus stated, “When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, strength cannot fight, intelligence cannot be applied, art cannot become manifest, wealth becomes useless.”

These two quotes from over two thousand years ago still hold true today. When we are blessed with good health, it behooves us to maintain our bodies in good condition, so that we can fully take part in, and enjoy, life.

Why Maintain Our Body?

Maintaining good health is essential for a fulfilling and vibrant life. Just as we regularly service our motor vehicles to ensure their optimal performance, our bodies require maintenance to function at their best. The ancient Greeks attached great importance to the concept of regular maintenance for the body.

Hippocrates, the father of medicine, once said, “The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.” This quote reminds us that our bodies have an innate ability to heal themselves. Nevertheless, regular maintenance is necessary to support this process.

How to Maintain Our Body

There is a wealth of books, podcasts, magazine articles, and lectures on the important part that sleep, exercise, hygiene, nutrition, and a mindful, positive, grateful attitude to life play in helping to keep our bodies healthy.

But maintenance on a regular basis goes beyond that. It requires us to be ready to call in specialists. Here are some of the healthcare professionals that in my view have an important part to play in anyone’s maintenance regime.

The Doctor

If we have a medical concern, our first port of call for advice on how to deal with it should be our doctor. But even if we have no particular concerns, it’s wise to consult our doctor on a regular basis – once a year, say. A checkup can often catch a potential condition before it becomes serious. And the earlier a disorder is found, the better.

Nowadays, with all the amazing diagnostic tools doctors have, this is truer than it ever has been in the past. A simple blood analysis can dismiss cancer, diabetes, and many other ailments. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can set at rest any fears about the heart. Insist on a yearly checkup, even if your doctor doesn’t say you need one.

The Dentist

The next thing to consider is regular visits to the dentist – at least twice a year. Healthy teeth and good oral hygiene contribute to overall health. And the opposite is also true, with many diseases linked to poor care of the mouth and teeth. It’s quite frightening to learn what can happen without good dental care.

A dentist can spot any potential problems and stop them becoming critical. Dentists generally recommend we brush our teeth twice a day, and they’ll often remind you that rinsing with mouthwash and flossing are also important. If your tongue is coated, a tongue scraper can be added to your oral-hygiene routine. And drinking water after a meal can help to wash away food debris.

The Optometrist

Our eyes are extremely important to our quality of life. A regular visit to an optometrist once a year allows signs of any problems to be recognized early. If we need glasses, it is best to start wearing them earlier rather than later, because they prevent eye strain, which can cause tiredness, discomfort of the eyes, and even headaches. And the sooner you start wearing them, the sooner your brain can start adapting to seeing the world differently.

Protective eyewear should be worn where advised, such as in certain workplaces, and good sunglasses are always a good idea when you’re outdoors on a sunny day. Glasses that protect eyes from the blue light of computers prevent fatigue.

The Audiologist

Hearing is another vitally important sense. Audiologists recommend that once a person reaches 60 years of age, they have their hearing tested. This sets a baseline for future testing, even if the person has perfect hearing. A test every three years after that is adequate.

Hearing loss leads people to miss out on so many things. Whenever hearing deteriorates it is best to wear hearing aids sooner rather than later. The brain takes time to adjust to the new range of sounds that are now audible, and if the person is too old, the brain can’t do this.

If you have hearing aids, wear them from when you get out of bed in the morning to when you go to bed at night. This allows the brain to adjust and slows down hearing loss. The technology used in the latest generation of hearing aids is almost miraculous!

The Massage Therapist and the Chiropractor

Although I do regular exercise, including weights and yoga, I find that regular therapeutic massage and chiropractic once a month helps keep my body toned and supple. According to the advice I have been given, it’s best to have the massage first, then the chiropractic.

This is because the massage loosens up the muscles, helping the chiropractic be more effective. The massage-chiropractic combination is such a pleasant way to keep the body toned.

You can perhaps also turn to other experts and specialists to help you maintain your body in good shape. Everyone is unique and has their own requirements. Some people I know, for example, get a lot of benefit from seeing a podiatrist.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you look after your body as well as you look after your vehicle or your house? And is your body serving you well because you look after it?

According to research, our brains can’t concentrate on two things at once. When we’re cooking a meal or knitting a blanket or building a birdhouse, we can’t worry at the same time. When we’re immersed in a good book, we can’t also be fretting about our parents’ health or our granddaughter’s broken leg or our mammogram results. As much as we’d like to think we multitask, we can’t think about two things simultaneously.

Whew! May was a tough month at our house. All is well, but when we’re dealing with stuff that doesn’t go the way we’d like, a good book helps. Here’s a sampling of what I read and enjoyed. These novels transported me to Australia, Massachusetts, California, and New York, eliminating the worries for an hour or so. A couple were fluffier than my typical fare, but that’s ok. We don’t want to read the same sorts of books all the time!

Hotel Laguna by Nicola Harrison

After reading this historical fiction novel, I’m ready to pack my bags and head to Laguna Beach, California! This story has everything I love in a book – history, a touch of romance, friendship, kindness, and mystery.

During the war, Hazel built bombers in an airplane factory. She was among the women who stepped up to work – in jobs they never imagined – when men were fighting overseas. Searching for a fulfilling path after the war, Hazel lands in Laguna. Once more, she steps into a job she never imagined.

In her spare time, Hazel volunteers with the Pageant of the Masters, a living art festival still in existence today.

Like The Show Girl, another novel by Ms. Harrison I adored, Hotel Laguna combines a compelling story with an introduction to an experience I knew nothing about. My favorite combination.

And if readers judge a book by its cover, this one is a winner!

Park Avenue Summer by Renee Rosen

In 1965, Cosmopolitan magazine is gasping for breath. With no magazine experience, Helen Gurley Brown comes aboard to right the sinking ship. She shocks Americans – and the magazine execs – by publishing photos and articles that are completely risqué. And just what women want to read!

Wholesome Alice arrives in New York City from the Midwest. As Helen’s assistant, Alice represents Cosmo’s ultimate single girl – a woman grappling with dreams, relationships, and a career.

In my humble opinion, this novel is the perfect summer read! It offers a bit of romance, an interesting glimpse into the magazine world, and the inside story of the woman who reigned as Cosmopolitan’s editor-in-chief for three decades.

P. S. Be sure to read the author’s acknowledgments.

Exiles by Jane Harper

For devotees of beloved Australian author Jane Harper, this book is the last in the fan-favorite Aaron Falk series. Although this novel is a stand-alone read, I recommend the other books in the series – The Dry (also a great movie) and Force of Nature.

This book transports readers to the Australian wine country. Aaron is the sort of guy you’d like as your son-in-law, and he is back in town to attend a christening. It’s been a year since Kim disappeared, leaving her six-week-old baby parked at the local wine festival. With no breaks in the case, Kim’s teenage daughter still grapples with her mom’s death. Could her disappearance have anything to do with an unsolved hit-and-run case a few years back? Of course, likable Aaron steps in to help.

As always, Ms. Harper weaves a beautiful story with relatable characters and family issues.

The Block Party by Jamie Day

“If everyone threw their problems up in the air, people would race to catch their own.”

A tony cluster of homes sits on Alton Road, a cul-de-sac in Meadowbrook, Massachusetts, where other stylish folks long to live. The residents’ annual summer block party is quite the soirée. Until it ends in murder.

When the Alton Road neighbors search for the killer, all sorts of secrets emerge. And, of course, no one’s perfect life is quite what it appears to be.

As the neighbors’ lives collided and intersected, I found the coincidences a bit contrived. However, told from multiple points of view, this novel is a quick-moving, escapist read. The story kept me guessing – and turning the pages.

Coming to bookstores on July 18.

Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn

Settle in, relax, and enjoy this delightful ride!

Billie, Mary Alice, Natalie, and Helen worked for an elite, all-female assassin squad for 40 years. During their retirement cruise, sponsored by their employer, they discover they are the next targets.

The four 60-something women hit the road to determine who set them up and take out those they suspect.

As antics and criminal behavior ensue, I had to wonder… How did the author invent these details? The novel proves we should never underestimate “women of a certain age.”

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

“Have you ever read a novel by Emily Henry?” my voracious-reading, intellectual daughter-in-law asked me recently.

“No,” I replied. I’m not much of a romance reader, and steamy scenes are not my thing. But… I’d had a tumultuous month, and my DIL suggested I may enjoy some easily digestible, lighter reading fare.

She handed me Book Lovers, Summer 2022’s beach read hit, and urged me to give it a try.

When their mom passed away, Nora, a literary agent, took over the household and cared for her younger sister, Libby. Now a happily married mom of two – soon to be three, Libby resents that Nora continues to “fix things” and run interference for her. Libby wants nothing more than for Nora to find love and “get a life.”

Libby organizes a getaway to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina so the book-loving sisters may reflect, regroup, and restore.

Although a tiny voice inside my head chirped at me – I can’t believe I’m reading this – I kept reading and reading and reading.

If a dose of escapism would do your soul some good, check out Book Lovers. Or Ms. Henry’s 2021 mega-hit, People We Meet on Vacation, or her latest, Happy Place.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What are you reading now? Do you read lighter, “fluffier” books in the summertime? What is your favorite beach read book?

Decoupage is a wonderful way to create unique pieces for your home that perfectly match your décor – and as an art form it’s easy to master. It’s inexpensive, using a few simple and readily available materials and techniques. Interestingly, decoupage has a long history but offers limitless opportunities for modern applications.

What Is Decoupage?

Decoupage comes from the French verb découper, which means ‘to cut out’. The basic premise of this craft technique is cutting out pictures and applying them to an object before sealing it with varnish. I have used it for everything from decorative jars and bowls to large scale furniture.

Your imagination is your only limit with this wonderful craft!

It’s a great way to upcycle everything from a thrifted glass dish to a tired and battered cupboard. Decoupage has the wonderful decorative quality of a carefully painted piece, but no painting skills are involved – it’s like magic!

It’s also incredibly flexible style-wise. I have created bright character pieces for children’s bedrooms, bookshelves covered in primitive Halloween images and a cupboard painted with chalk paint and covered with drifts of delicate ferns and dried flowers.

The History of Decoupage

The origin of decoupage can be traced back to East Asia. It was a very popular way of decorating items in China, where cut-out paper was used to decorate glossy lacquered boxes, lanterns, furniture and more. The technique travelled to Europe along trade routes in the 17th century and became popular in France and Italy, with aristocrats favouring intricately decorated ornate furniture.

Getting Started with Decoupage

The great thing about decoupage is that it requires minimal materials and equipment – and you’ll already have most of it around the house.

You Need:

• The item you want to decoupage. To get started, try something like an old tray or a wooden box.
• Pictures cut from anything you choose, from magazines, wrapping paper, paper napkins or printed out on your computer.
• Decoupage glue. I use mod podge in a variety of types from matte to crackled. This is a special kind of glue that also works to seal your work and is readily available.
• Paintbrushes in varying sizes according to your picture sizes and what you are covering in decoupage.
• Scissors or a craft knife to cut out your pictures.

What to Do

1.    Prepare the surface of your item by cleaning it thoroughly. Make sure it is dry. This will help the glue to adhere.

2. Cut out the images you want to use. Be careful and take your time; you need the edges to be as neat as possible. I like to do this in front of a film or listening to a podcast. It can take some time!
3. Before you start gluing, decide roughly where you want your images to be on the object you are decoupaging. Play around with them until you’re happy with the design.
4. Once you are happy with your layout, apply decoupage glue to the back of each image using an appropriate paintbrush. When you stick it onto the object you are decorating, smooth it out from the centre, pushing gently towards the edge to remove any air bubbles or wrinkles.
5. Once all your images are glued down, wait for the glue to dry. Then apply a thin layer of decoupage glue over the top to seal the images.
6. Once the glue has dried, apply a thin layer of mod podge (or varnish if you prefer). A couple of thin coats with drying between each coat is better than one thick coat for a smooth finish.

Taking Decoupage Further

I like to use mulberry paper and dried plant materials to decoupage thrifted glassware or inexpensive glass bowls and dishes. Mulberry paper is made from inner bark fibres from the mulberry tree. It comes in a huge variety of colours.

For decoupage, use sheer mulberry tissue – it’s fine and translucent. Tear small pieces of the tissue for decoupage. You’ll see fine fibres at the edges – these mat together as you place them on your plate or bowl, so the item looks as though it has been covered in a single layer.

I press and dry leaves, ferns and flowers to create the most delicate decoupage bowls. You can buy these ready pressed if you prefer. Sometimes I cut shapes from leaves when I collect them and they are still pliable, and then press them. These are perfect for decoupage. This bowl is made using peach mulberry tissue and heart shapes cut from autumn leaves.

To achieve the same effect, cover sections of the outside of your bowl or dish with mod podge. You paste the outside because then you can still place food items such as candies or cookies inside. Once dry, you will be able to wipe the bowl with a damp cloth. Then apply mulberry tissue pieces, overlapping them slightly. As you go, paste mod podge over the mulberry tissue.

Choose a place to put your dried plant material or leaf cuts and paste them on the glass bowl or dish, and then paste mulberry tissue on top. When the mod podge dries you will be able to see the plant material through the glass bowl. When your item is covered, add a coat of mod podge to seal it. It will look messy and white until it is fully dry, when it will be transformed.

If you have a go at decoupage, we’d love to hear about your experiences and see your photos, so please share them here in the comments and on our Facebook page.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you tried decoupage? Have you experimented with different types of images, or dried plant materials? Have you upcycled any furniture items in this way?

Navigating the complexities of Medicare can often seem like a daunting task, as there is a plethora of misinformation surrounding the topic. Like any government funded program, Medicare is subject to various misconceptions and myths that can lead to potentially harmful financial consequences.

Without reliable information, fully understanding your Medicare benefits and how Medicare works can be impossible. However, we are here to debunk five of the most popular Medicare myths and reveal the actual truth to help you better understand the Medicare program and make more informed decisions regarding your healthcare coverage.

Myth #1: Medicare Covers All Your Medical Expenses

One of the most pervasive Medicare myths is the misconception that Medicare provides comprehensive coverage for all medical expenses. However, this is not true. Medicare is sectioned into different parts, each covering specific services and leaving out-of-pocket cost-sharing for the beneficiary.

Original Medicare is made up of two parts: Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A covers hospital care, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care, while Part B covers outpatient services like doctor visits, preventive care, and durable medical equipment.

However, Original Medicare does not cover 100% of these costs. Leftover expenses include deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Plus, certain services like dental, vision, and hearing care or prescription drug coverage are not included in Original Medicare benefits.

To cover these gaps, you may need additional insurance, such as a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap), Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C), or Medicare Part D plan.

Thus, while Medicare does provide great benefits, they are not 100% comprehensive and may require the enrollee to cover certain costs.

If you are an individual relying on Medicare, it is essential to understand the limitations and gaps in your coverage to avoid unexpected expenses. While Medicare offers valuable coverage, it does still leave you responsible for certain costs, making it vital to budget and plan for your healthcare needs accurately.

Myth #2: You Have to Be Retired to Enroll in Medicare

Contrary to popular belief, you are not required to be retired to enroll in Medicare. Eligibility for Medicare is primarily based on your age or specific medical conditions if you are below age 65.

Most individuals become eligible for Medicare at age 65, regardless of their retirement status. However, if you’re still working and have employer sponsored healthcare coverage, you may have the option to delay your Medicare Part B benefits without incurring a late enrollment penalty.

It’s crucial to understand your unique situation and consult with the Social Security Administration or a licensed Medicare professional before delaying coverage, as a late enrollment penalty can be detrimental to your financial stability.

Additionally, if you retire before age 65, you will not be granted Medicare until you can qualify based on your age. This means you will need to find insurance coverage between your retirement and Medicare eligibility. This coverage may be through COBRA, retirement benefits, the Marketplace, Medicaid, or another form of insurance.

While people may correlate Medicare and retirement, regardless of when you retire, your Medicare eligibility will never be affected by your retirement status.

Myth #3: Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplement Plans Are the Same

Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are two distinct types of coverage that serve different purposes. Medicare Advantage plans provide primary coverage to enrollees and are offered by private insurance companies approved through Medicare. These plans often include prescription drug coverage and may provide additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing care.

On the other hand, Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare as secondary coverage to help cover out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles and copayments. While both types of plans offer added benefits, it’s essential to understand their differences and evaluate which one best suits your healthcare needs.

Medicare Advantage plans can require you to stick to a strict physician network, require referrals when seeing a specialist, and can have higher out-of-pocket costs when compared to Medicare Supplement plans.

Comparatively, Medicare Supplement plans allow you to visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Original Medicare. Thus, no provider networks, regardless of the Medigap insurer you choose to enroll with.

Additionally, Medigap plans are standardized, meaning the benefits are the same from carrier to carrier, unlike Medicare Advantage plans that have varying benefits. Yet, Medicare Advantage plans tend to have lower monthly premiums than Medicare Supplement plans.

To choose the right plan type for you, you must fully understand the plan’s benefits and how they cover your needs.

Myth #4: Social Security and Medicare Are the Same Thing

Social Security and Medicare are often mentioned together, leading to the misconception that they are one and the same. However, Medicare and Social Security are separate programs with distinct purposes. The three core differences between Social Security and Medicare can be broken down into their purpose, eligibility requirements, and funding.

The purpose of Social Security is to provide income for retired or disabled individuals and their dependents, whereas Medicare is a health insurance program designed for individuals aged 65 and older or those with certain disabilities. Although both programs are managed by the Social Security Administration, they serve different functions.

Social Security eligibility is based on your work history and the number of credits you have earned by paying Social Security taxes. Generally, you will become eligible for full social security benefits between age 62 and 67, depending on your birth year.

Medicare eligibility is a bit different, though. For Medicare, the most common way to become eligible is to be 65 years old or have received Social Security disability for 24 months.

Lastly, funding for Medicare and Social Security differs. Medicare funding is provided through a combination of payroll taxes, monthly premiums paid by enrollees, and government revenue. Social Security, on the other hand, is funded primarily through payroll taxes and employer contributions.

Myth #5: I Only Need to Enroll in Medicare Part D if I Take Prescription Medication

While it’s true that Medicare Part D is specifically designed to provide prescription drug coverage, whether or not you enroll in the program is not solely based on whether you take medications.

Medicare Part D is optional, but it is highly recommended to enroll as soon as you are eligible to avoid future penalties. If you delay enrolling in Part D when you first become eligible, you may face a lifetime late enrollment penalty if you decide to enroll later when you do need prescription drug coverage.

Plus, you never know when you may be prescribed an antibiotic or more serious medication. Being prepared for this scenario can help save you hundreds of dollars on prescription drugs each month.

It’s crucial to evaluate your current medication needs and consider enrolling in Part D during your Initial Enrollment Period or when you no longer have credible prescription drug coverage.

How to Combat Medicare Misinformation

Misinformation surrounding Medicare can lead to misunderstandings and potential gaps in coverage, which may result in financial burdens. By debunking these common Medicare myths, we hope to provide clarity and understanding surrounding your Medicare coverage.

Staying up to date on important Medicare changes is essential to ensure you are always protected when it comes to unpredictable circumstances. Furthermore, always check the government websites and resources so your information is current and accurate.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What myths surrounding Medicare have you heard? Which ones have you believed? How did you learn they weren’t true? Where do you check the accuracy of Medicare related information?