Month: June 2025

Meghan & I both love these comfy flats.

And yes, there’s a way to do so for free.

I was honored when the editor of Sixty and Me asked me to share my author’s journey with the community. I have read many other articles and blogs where authors share their writing journeys, and it is always fascinating.

There are so many different motivations and paths that authors have taken in getting those novels written. Yet, they all seem to share a common thread of love for literature and a sense of joy in creating. So, without further ado, here is my story. 

It Starts with a Passion

I’ve always loved to write, but life had me put it on the back burner for some time. Medical school, then residency, then working as a physician in family medicine and subsequently, transitioning to urgent care had me sputtering a few lines and ideas on my laptop as my only inkling of writing. Add raising four kids to the mix and time runs thin.

But you make time for what you love; the things that bring you joy. So, I continued to write. The process was convoluted. There were many revisions to my novel, many changes which took sharp turns from the original vision.

The Ultimate Question: How to Publish?

Plugging along with perseverance and tenacity, I finally finished my book. I submitted it to many agents and received just as many rejections.

But then, I realized I was living in the 21st century. It was and is pretty simple to self-publish. So, I did just that and debuted the novel, Still, smack dab in the middle of shelter-in-place towards the beginning of the pandemic in April of 2020. 

Chasing the Thrill

I’ve always loved the thriller genre. Suspense filled stories with a dark side are so enthralling. I found I could use my medical background to add an extra layer to my book. Thus, my novel, Still, was born. It is the story of Amanda and Dr. Christopher Bennett who lead deceivingly simple lives. Questions arise from the Omaha PD that malign Dr. Bennett’s character.

As the Bennett family faces the outrageous claims, only one person has the information to set the record straight. But Amanda Bennett cannot tell the truth. This is a tale of syndicate crime and murder. 

What Comes Next?

So, what do you do after you finally self-publish your dream book? Why, you write another of course. My next novel in progress is entitled Source. This tale is about a CDC physician, Dr. Chloe Richter, who has been tasked with finding the source of a deadly strain of meningitis.

In her hurried quest to identify the source of the meningitis strain and keep it from spreading, she uncovers an insidious web of deception and corruption in the Hollywood medical community. Mysterious events at the Adelinda Wellness Clinic come to light as Dr. Richter tries to find answers. 

I am still working as a physician in urgent care. My children have all grown and have their own lives. I do have more time on my hands, and I look forward to spending much of it writing. The passion is in the process, not the result.

I love that I was able to self-publish my first novel, and I really look forward to finishing Source and getting that one out to the public as well. I’m sure there will be more novels to come after that also. I love writing, and I still have many obscure ideas that I hope to blossom into future medical thrillers.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What are you passionate about? What obstacles do you encounter that prevent you from pursuing your passion project(s)? When was the last time you were able to work on your passion project(s)?

No matter how organized our lifestyle may seem, we all yearn for more ease and flow in the sacred space we call home.

But streamlining our homes for inner and outer serenity can sometimes be easier said than done.

In this article and the accompanying video, we will look at 10 essential lifestyle hacks for organizing your home and transforming what is often seen as a chore into a serene and uplifting experience.

This article and video are part of my exclusive series for Sixty and Me readers, “Life Hacks for Women Over 60.”

Part 1: 10 Essential Life Hacks for Women Over 60

Part 2: How to Use Journaling as a Life Hack

Part 3: 10 Essential Life Hacks for Self-Love and Self-Care

Part 4: 10 Life Hacks to Demystify Technology for Women Over 60

Beyond the Surface Level

Streamlining and organizing your home are among the most effective lifestyle hacks for women over 60 because they positively affect your overall well-being and improve the lives of those you spend time with.

A well-organized home reduces clutter, helps eliminate stress, and improves efficiency, safety, and overall well-being.

For all of these benefits, what often gets in the way of doing it is a sense of overwhelm, particularly with where to start.

For example, how often do you look around your home and feel a wave of dread wash over you, drowning out your desire to streamline and organize?

If you can relate to these polarities, you are not alone.

Sure, we can quickly sweep things under the rug and tidy up a bit here and there when a guest is coming over. But underneath the surface appearance, we know there is a spring-cleaning adventure calling us, even if it’s not spring.

10 Ways to Streamline Serenity

When we finally get beyond procrastinating and start to streamline and organize our home, regardless of the time of year, the serenity and inner peace it ushers in frees us up to enjoy more out of life.

Therefore, this lifestyle hack of streamlining and organizing is less about cleaning up the clutter and more about the emotionally liberating experience. This kind of inner freedom greatly benefits our quality of life, directly affecting those we spend time with.

Here are 10 ways you can harness the power of home organization:

Embracing Decluttering

The first step in streamlining home life is decluttering. This involves letting go of items that are no longer needed or used, which can be liberating both physically and emotionally.

Thoughtful Downsizing

Many women after 60 consider downsizing to a smaller home or apartment. This can significantly reduce maintenance and allow a focus on more fulfilling activities.

Efficient Storage Solutions

Invest in smart storage solutions that save space and keep items easily accessible. This can include shelving units, drawer organizers, and multi-functional furniture.

Creating a Maintenance Routine

Establishing a regular cleaning and maintenance routine can keep your home in order and make streamlining tasks seem less daunting.

Implementing Safety Measures

Organization also means considering safety. This includes ensuring clear walkways, well-lit rooms, hand grips where needed, and easily accessible emergency supplies.

Digitizing Documents

Digitizing important documents can reduce paper clutter and make information management more efficient and secure.

Simplifying Wardrobes

A streamlined wardrobe with comfortable and functional items that bring joy can reduce decision fatigue and closet clutter.

Automating Where Possible

Embrace technology to automate home tasks. This could include automatic bill payments, subscription services for essentials, or smart home devices.

Creating a Restful Environment

Homeorganization extends to creating spaces that promote relaxation and peace, like a reading nook or a hobby area.

Inviting Minimalism

A minimalist approach to home organization can not only create a more aesthetically pleasing space but also promote a sense of calm and order.

A Serene, Efficient & Enjoyable Space

No matter how overwhelming it may appear at the start, remember that organizing and streamlining your home life is not just about tidiness. It’s a strategic approach to creating a more serene, efficient, and enjoyable living space.

This life-altering process can free up time, invigorate your creativity, and create an environment that supports your lifestyle and interests after 60.

Bonus Lifestyle Hack

As much as you may want to do all of this by yourself, perhaps as important as any of the aforementioned streamline and organizational lifestyle hacks is to hire trusted professionals to help you.

From a home cleaning team and technological smart home consultants to outdoor maintenance, having a team you can trust and who can do the ‘heavy lifting’ for you is a lifesaver.

I invite you to join me in the video, where I will share three inspiring action items and tips for integrating what you are learning.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Please share in the comments how you create inner serenity and a peaceful environment through your home organization. Have you felt overwhelmed by clutter?

Who did she side with?