The Unspoken Exit Door: Revealing How Corporations Discriminate Against Older Workers in America
While society promotes diversity and inclusivity, a troubling issue persists: corporations unfairly targeting older employees. The silent discrimination of ageism not only impacts those directly affected but also shapes the overall makeup of our workforce. I faced this harsh reality when my senior vice president asked if I was taking a buyout as I was…
Losing Your Job
I know many people who lost their positions this past week. I feel for them, and I understand the anger, anxiety, and fear you’re feeling. I wrote a draft of the following blog post and checklist to publish later this month. I hope it helps and inspires some of you who are going through job…
Spring into Gardening: Renew Your Yard and Your Spirit
Spring is in the air, and there is no better time to spruce up your outdoor space. Whether you have acres of land or just a cozy balcony, gardening is a fantastic way to enhance your home and bring nature’s beauty alive. If you are new to gardening: Why You Should Garden:
Attract Pollinators to Your Garden
Spring is my favorite season. I love watching nature spring to life after a long winter. Each year, as I plan my garden, I always plant it to attract pollinators. I live in Zone 7, and our last historical frost date is around April 15. As I count down the days until it’s safe to…
From Corporate Job Loss to Joining the Gig Economy
Losing a corporate job can be a devastating experience, particularly for women over 60 who have dedicated years to their careers. However, in the face of this setback, many resilient women are discovering new opportunities in the gig economy. They are embracing the flexibility and autonomy of gig work to keep money flowing while searching…
The Healing Power of Gratitude
Today, we embark on a journey of personal reinvention, and at the heart of this transformative process lies the power of gratitude. By embracing gratitude as the cornerstone of your reinvention, you set the stage for a profound shift in mindset, paving the way for growth and positive changes in your life. Gratitude can reshape…
Learn To Set Boundaries
If someone were to inquire about my imperfections, I would readily admit that holding onto grudges is one of them. In my relationships, loyalty holds great significance. However, when faced with betrayal, it leaves an impact. Letting go and moving forward has been a journey for me, marked by betrayals from work colleagues, family members,…
Keep Your Brain and Body Engaged with New Hobbies
After the buyout, I was at a crossroads, trying to determine the next chapter of my life. The challenge wasn’t a lack of interest or ideas; it was quite the opposite. I had so many passions and potential paths to explore that I didn’t know where to begin. Learning new things has always been…
My Reinvention Story
Hey there, I’m Mary Harvey Gurley, and today, I want to talk to you about reinvention – a theme that has been a constant companion on my journey through life’s peaks and valleys. I love this quote by George Bernard Shaw: “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” George Bernard Shaw It’s…
Finding Purpose and Joy
Are you grappling with the question of your life’s purpose? I certainly was. It has been a journey filled with twists, turns, and reinventions to reach the point where I finally feel like I’m living my true purpose. At one point, I introduced myself as Harvey Jones’s daughter, Riley Jones’s sister, Paul Gurley’s wife, and…
The Economic Power of Older Women
When I was leaving my corporate career, I began to search for information targeted to women in my age group and similar situations. Much to my surprise, I couldn’t find the depth or quality resources, books, and articles I had expected to find. As I began developing my social media platforms, I searched for hashtags…
Spring into Gardening: Renew Your Yard and Your Spirit
Spring is in the air, and there is no better time to spruce up your outdoor space. Whether you have acres of land or just a cozy balcony, gardening is a fantastic way to enhance your home and bring nature’s beauty alive. If you are new to gardening: Why You Should Garden:
Attract Pollinators to Your Garden
Spring is my favorite season. I love watching nature spring to life after a long winter. Each year, as I plan my garden, I always plant it to attract pollinators. I live in Zone 7, and our last historical frost date is around April 15. As I count down the days until it’s safe to…
Why Lifelong Learning is Important
I have a range of interests: photography, art, cooking, writing, and gardening. Okay, I may have too many interests! Out of all these, there’s one thing I’m genuinely passionate about – constantly learning things. Having seen my parents struggle with dementia and Alzheimer’s, I understand how crucial it is to keep our brains active. While…
The Preppy Prepper: A Ladies Guide to Emergency Preparedness
I will admit I am a prepper. Not a rabid one with years of supplies hidden in some bunker in the country. I am, however, committed to being able to take of myself and a couple of friends for a few days. I came by my prepper skills naturally. I inherited them from my mother….
Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” Theory Changed My Life
When I discovered Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” Theory on a late-night TikTok scroll, my perspective on control, growth, and personal happiness underwent a seismic shift. As someone who prided themselves on their meticulous planning and control over life’s outcomes, Robbins’ candid and relatable advice was a wake-up call and a breath of fresh air. A…
Do you Radiate Strength?
I was browsing through a store when I stumbled upon a t-shirt with the words “Radiate Strength.” It was a hideous shirt, but those two words resonated. It’s not often that a workout shirt slogan stops me in my tracks. This one got me thinking. The idea of radiating strength resonated with me. The phrase…
Make Travel a Priority
My transition from a corporate career into a world explorer, travel writer, and photographer has been exhilarating. After decades in a structured professional life, I ventured into a new chapter, pursuing a master’s degree in spirituality while exploring the globe. My travels have taken me from an artistic and ancestry tour of Ireland, where the…
The Ins and Outs of Travel Insurance
Traveling is a thrilling and transformative experience at any age, but for women over 60, it often holds even greater significance. Whether exploring new cultures, rekindling old passions, or simply enjoying well-deserved relaxation, travel can be a source of joy and fulfillment. However, we must recognize that our travel needs and concerns evolve as we…
48 Hours in Barcelona
It was the trip of a lifetime. My friend and I were experiencing a trying time in our lives ten years prior. One night, while we were outside drinking, crying, and talking, I promised her we would cruise the Greek Isles and shop the markets in Istanbul when she finished her schooling and I had…
My Journey of Solo Travel
As I reflect on my extensive travels, solo and with colleagues, I’m reminded of the richness that stepping out into the world has brought into my life. My journey, particularly as a woman over 55, has been about more than just seeing different places; it’s been a voyage of self-discovery and adventure, proving that age…
12 Travel Tips for Mature Women
I traveled extensively during my career. I sometimes spend about 75% of my time on the road. I had the opportunity to help build a global brand. I loved every minute of it and had some excellent adventures. I’d arrive early in the country or stay a few days to see the tour of the…
Solo Travelers: Tips for Going Alone
Have you wanted to travel to some part of the world that none of your friends were interested in traveling with you? I understand. I have traveled the world by myself, and I enjoy the freedom. While it gets lonely at times, I have never regretted one of my journeys. However, I sometimes have no…
The Unspoken Exit Door: Revealing How Corporations Discriminate Against Older Workers in America
While society promotes diversity and inclusivity, a troubling issue persists: corporations unfairly targeting older employees. The silent discrimination of ageism not only impacts those directly affected but also shapes the overall makeup of our workforce. I faced this harsh reality when my senior vice president asked if I was taking a buyout as I was…
Losing Your Job
I know many people who lost their positions this past week. I feel for them, and I understand the anger, anxiety, and fear you’re feeling. I wrote a draft of the following blog post and checklist to publish later this month. I hope it helps and inspires some of you who are going through job…
From Corporate Job Loss to Joining the Gig Economy
Losing a corporate job can be a devastating experience, particularly for women over 60 who have dedicated years to their careers. However, in the face of this setback, many resilient women are discovering new opportunities in the gig economy. They are embracing the flexibility and autonomy of gig work to keep money flowing while searching…
Estate Planning for Women
When my husband died, I was in shock, saddened, and angry. Every emotion you can think of for someone who lost the love of her life. Following the funeral, the day will come when you must look at the business aspect of dying. That’s not meant to be cold-hearted; it’s a reality. I think my…
Confronting Financial Uncertainties as We Age
The thought of financial insecurity in our senior years is frightening. Honestly, my biggest fear is outliving my savings and compromising the lifestyle I enjoy. This image, perhaps as vivid as the lone woman with a shopping cart at a busy intersection, is not just a personal nightmare but a shared concern among us. In…
Protecting Yourself and Friends from Financial Scams
The rise of financial scams targeting older people is a growing concern that hits close to home for many of us. Whether through online deception, telephone fraud, or romance scams, the impact on victims is not just financial but deeply emotional. Sadly, I’ve witnessed older women in my community, once vibrant and independent, grappling with…
The Art of Cooking and Dining for One
Sometimes, tossing a frozen pizza into the oven is more accessible than cooking a healthy meal. I love to cook but don’t like to cook for myself. And here I am encouraging you to cook for yourself! Let’s face it: cooking for yourself is healthier, less expensive, probably more delicious, and we are worth cooking…
Batch Cooking
I love to cook. Food is my language; if I love you, I will feed you. While I love to cook, I also love to eat. Some days, I want to grab dinner from the freezer. I want to share several recipes that are usually in my freezer. Much of my batch cooking follows a…