Episode 34 - Creating Joy Again: Finding Yourself When Life Feels Heavy

Episode 34 - Creating Joy Again: Finding Yourself When Life Feels Heavy

What happens when life looks good on the outside, but something still feels missing on the inside? In this episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, hosts Kim Lee and Maria Barnette sit down with Tiana Gooden and Kimberly Peacock, the founders of  Creating Joy Counseling. Together, they explore a topic that resonates with many retirees and adults navigating life’s transitions: feeling stuck, disconnected, or no longer like the person you once were. Whether you’re adjusting to retirement, coping with the loss of a spouse, navigating divorce, caring for others, or simply wondering what’s next, this conversation offers practical insight, encouragement, and hope. Tiana and Kimberly discuss how chronic stress affects the body and mind, why major life changes can impact our sense of identity, and what steps people can take to reconnect with themselves and rediscover joy. This episode is a reminder that you’re not alone, and that it’s never too late to create a life that feels meaningful, fulfilling, and joyful. In This Episode  Why so many people feel lost during major life transitions  The emotional side of retirement that no one talks about  How chronic stress affects the nervous system  Signs you may be disconnected from yourself  Healthy ways to navigate grief and loss  The connection between daily habits and emotional wellness  What “creating joy” really means  Practical steps to start feeling better today Memorable Takeaway “Joy isn’t something we have to wait for. It’s something we can intentionally create through connection, self-awareness, healthy habits, and giving ourselves permission to move forward.” Learn More About Our Guests Creating Joy Counseling Website: creatingcounseling.com [http://creatingcounseling.com/] Creating Joy Counseling Kimberly@ creatingjoycounseling.com [http://creatingjoycounseling.com/] (850) 710-0145  Tiana@ creatingjoycounseling.com [http://creatingjoycounseling.com/](850) 290-3095 Special Thanks to Our Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Poole Engineering & Surveying. For decades, Poole Engineering has helped shape communities throughout the Florida Panhandle through professional engineering, land surveying, and development services. Their commitment to quality, integrity, and relationships makes them a trusted partner for projects large and small. Connect With Retired Life, Wish You Were Here Follow, subscribe, and share the podcast with a friend who could use a little encouragement today. And don’t forget to check out our Retired Life, Wish You Were Here merchandise—because retirement isn’t the end of the story. It’s the beginning of a new adventure. #RetiredLifeWishYouWereHere #CreatingJoy #MentalWellness #RetirementLife #LifeAfterRetirement #WomenOver50 #HealthyAging #EmotionalWellness #LifeTransitions #FindingJoy #RetirementPodcast #PurposefulLiving #ActiveRetirement #GriefSupport #StressManagement

Episode 33 - When the Plan Changes: Moving Forward After Losing Your Person

What happens when the person you planned your future with… is no longer part of that future? In this deeply personal episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, Kim sits down with Tammy McCabe, who shares her journey of losing her husband Greg to early Alzheimer’s—and what it really looks like to move forward after that kind of loss. This conversation goes beyond grief. It’s about identity, loneliness, rebuilding, and finding your way in a life you didn’t expect. Joining the conversation is life coach Tristan Eldridge, who offers simple, honest guidance on how to take those first steps forward—without guilt, pressure, or a timeline. If you’ve experienced loss through death, divorce, or illness… this episode is for you. You’re not starting over. You’re starting forward KEY TAKEAWAYS   *   Grief isn’t just about death—it can begin long before   *   Losing a spouse also means losing identity and future plans   *   There is no timeline for healing   *   Moving forward is not replacing—it’s continuing   *   Small steps can rebuild a meaningful life.

Episode 32 - The Long Goodbye: Loving Through Alzheimer’s

What happens when the person you planned your retirement with begins to fade… years too soon? In this deeply personal episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, we sit down with Tammy McCabe, a nurse anesthetist who cared for her husband—an anesthesiologist—after he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia at just 59. Tammy shares what it’s really like to love, support, and care for a spouse through the progression of this disease—from the first signs, to the daily realities of caregiving, to the quiet moments of connection that still shine through. This conversation is for anyone facing dementia, caregiving, or the unexpected loss of the future they once planned. ⸻  What We Talk About Recognizing early signs of dementia Hearing and processing a life-changing diagnosis The emotional reality of caregiving Staying connected as memory fades Practical steps families should take early Navigating the final stages with dignity Finding purpose and healing after loss ⸻  Key Takeaway Caregiving is one of the hardest roles a person can take on—but it is also one of the deepest expressions of love. ⸻  Helpful Resources for Caregivers Alzheimer’s Association     24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900     Support groups, education, and care planning tools Family Caregiver Alliance     Practical guides, caregiver support, and state-by-state resources National Institute on Aging     Easy-to-understand medical info on Alzheimer’s and caregiving Eldercare Locator     Connects you to local caregiving services and support ⸻  Simple First Steps if You’re Starting This Journey Get power of attorney and medical directives in place early Build a support team (family, friends, professionals) Don’t wait to ask for help—caregiver burnout is real Find a support group (even online can make a difference) ⸻  About the Show Retired Life, Wish You Were Here shares real stories of retirement—the joy, the challenges, and everything in between—helping you navigate this chapter with purpose and connection. ⸻  Stay Connected Follow along, share this episode with someone who needs it, and check out our Retired Life, Wish You Were Here merchandise—because every season of life deserves to be lived fully. ⸻  Hashtags #AlzheimersAwareness #CaregiverSupport #RetiredLife #WishYouWereHere #DementiaCare #CaregiverLife #LifeAfterLoss #HealthyAging #SupportCaregivers

Episode 31 - Fins Up! The Real Story of the Parrot Heads — Party With a Purpose

What looks like a party… is actually something much bigger. In this episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, we sit down with a leader from the Bay County Parrot Heads to talk about community, connection, and giving back — all wrapped in a whole lot of fun. Because being a Parrot Head isn’t just about the music… it’s about finding your flock. 🌴 WHAT WE TALK ABOUT:   *   What it really means to be a Parrot Head   *   The “Party with a Purpose” mission   *   How this group gives back to the community   *   Why friendships matter more than ever in retirement   *   How to find your people and get involved 🌴 CONNECT WITH THE BAY COUNTY PARROT HEADS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PcParrotheads/ Website (Parent Organization): https://phip.com 🌴 WHY THIS MATTERS: Retirement isn’t just about slowing down — it’s about opening up. Groups like the Parrot Heads show how fun, purpose, and community can come together to create something really special. 🛍️ RETIRED LIFE MERCH Check out Retired Life, Wish You Were Here merchandise at https://retiredlifewywh.com/ — perfect for your next beach day, boat ride, or sunset with friends. Because retirement isn’t the end of the story… it’s where the fun really begins.

Episode 30 - Rethinking "Normal Aging": Peptides, Energy, and Wellness with Natalie Rogers

In this episode of Retired Life, Wish You Were Here, Kim Lee sits down with Natalie Rogers for a deeper conversation about what it really means to feel good as we age — not just accept how we feel. For many adults over 55, fatigue, low energy, brain fog, and physical decline are often labeled as “normal aging.” But this episode challenges that assumption and asks a more important question: how much of what we experience is truly inevitable, and how much deserves a closer look? Natalie shares her perspective on how the body changes over time, particularly around energy, hormones, and inflammation, and why so many people begin to feel different — or worse — as they move through their 50s, 60s, and beyond. The conversation focuses on awareness, not alarm — helping listeners better understand their bodies without jumping to conclusions or quick fixes. A major portion of the discussion centers on peptides — what they are, how they function in the body, and why they are gaining attention in longevity and wellness conversations. Natalie explains peptides in approachable terms, describing them as signaling compounds that help the body communicate and respond more efficiently. Kim and Natalie talk through what people should realistically understand about peptides — including where they may support the body, where expectations should be cautious, and why education is critical before exploring any advanced therapy. The episode also touches on the broader idea of regenerative and personalized wellness, emphasizing that no single treatment replaces foundational habits like sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management. This is not a conversation about chasing youth or quick solutions — it’s about staying engaged, asking better questions, and recognizing that feeling well is still worth pursuing at any age. Key Topics Discussed: • Rethinking “normal aging” • Energy, fatigue, and feeling good after 55 • Hormonal shifts and inflammation • What peptides are and how they function • Why peptides are gaining attention • Realistic expectations around advanced therapies • The importance of building a strong foundation first About Our Guest: Natalie Rogers is a holistic wellness practitioner and energy healer who focuses on meditation, lifestyle awareness, and integrative approaches to well-being. She is expanding her work into collaborative wellness centers that incorporate both foundational and advanced wellness strategies. Final Takeaway: Feeling good as we age isn’t about chasing extremes — it’s about awareness, education, and being willing to question what we’ve been told is “just part of getting older.” Connect: Connect with Natalie Rodgers Email-Support@mylightwellness.com Call- 850-382-0147 Connect with Retired Life, Wish You were Here Email info@retiredlifewywh.com Website- Retiredlifewywh.com Facebook page- Retired Life Wish You Were Here Follow on Instagram- retiredlife_wishyouwerehere Facebook Groups- Retired Life Wish You Were Here