I’m in the process of updating certain things about my blog and realized that my About page hadn’t been updated in some time. While I think it’s fun, I also think it needs to be brought up to date. And I figured that a post about what you should know about me was also a good idea so my regular readers can see it too. It’s time to meet me!
My name is Jennifer Koshak and in the second half of my life, I’ve been learning to take chances, embrace my creativity, and step outside of my comfort zone. My successes (and failures) in those areas have encouraged me to do even more. And that’s what I want to do for other empty-nesters: to show you how to follow your dreams, connect with your creativity, and try new things.
If you don’t think you’re ready for it, I’m here to tell you that you are. Don’t worry, I’m not pushing anyone out of an airplane. There are plenty of ways to start small, feel successful, and then build on those successes. That’s how I do it and how I continue to do it.
From Baby Steps to Big Steps
When I started hiking, I didn’t go from my couch (and believe me…there was a couch involved) to hiking Mount Washington, which is the highest mountain in the northeast. Instead, a friend dragged me to a local Connecticut hiking trail, then she dragged me to bigger trails, then I quit smoking and we went hut hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Then we did a hut hiking trip that included Mount Washington.
All small steps that led to a bigger goal. Sure, a friend had to drag me out there in the first place, but that’s how it sometimes works. Find friends to do new things together. It’ll be more fun that way.
When I learned to ski, I started by taking a few tentative slides and spills on cross-country skis at a local park. Then I took cross country skiing lessons at a ski trail lodge, then for several years we did cross-country skiing on local trails and overnight girls trips into Vermont. Finally, I decided to try downhill skiing and spent several weeks taking lessons. Turns out I don’t like downhill skiing, so I went back to cross-country skiing.
Even though I spent money on learning a new skill, it doesn’t mean I have to like it or actually keep up with it once the lessons are over. But I was able to stop wondering what it would be like to downhill ski. Now I know and I also know I’m not a fan. Lesson learned and with no regrets because I tried…I just didn’t like it.
This year, I published a book Kindle and that was the longest journey of them all. I’ve always wanted to write but also didn’t like sharing myself. So for years…I didn’t. Then I found Julie Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way and learned about morning pages. I wrote the hell out of them for years before I attempted to write a newsletter for my husband’s Chocolate shop (which we had until 2014.) Then I started a blog for a couple of months and then I deleted it. Two years later, I started another blog which is this one. And on January 1st of 2020, I finally published my first book on Kindle.
Start Anywhere
Below are the main topics that I write about, although I reserve the right to write about things that are going on in my life as well. You can find most of those topics under My Life. And if you’re ever in need of a good laugh, then my Mommyism posts come highly recommended.
I love Vision Boards, I make them, I use them, and I write about them. Check out all of my different Vision Board posts.
If you need some creative inspiration. Get some hints and tips on how others do it, exercises to try, and even learn how to work around creative blocks, then start here. On the other hand, if you’re looking for some prompts to inspire your creativity, then check out Creativity Prompts where you’ll find a variety of pictures, quotes, first lines, and even last lines to inspire what you’re working on today.
If you need some encouragement to try new things then please do read the items in Try Something New. Or if you want to see how people have started over then try my Starting Over Interviews. You’ll meet different people who’ve all had to transform who they are in order to accommodate changes in their lives. Like a surgeon who started losing her eyesight, or a hairdresser who first became a kayak instructor and then a nurse. You’ll find a former nun, a former prison educator, and a survivor of domestic abuse who is now thriving.
I hope my blog posts and interviews will inspire you to embrace change, find the courage to start over either out of necessity or desire and learn how to embrace life with creativity and curiosity.
It’s nice to learn more about you and your successes! And I think it’s important to note things like the downhill skiing, which you tried and didn’t like. Too often, I let other people’s perceptions–or even my own–of what it means to succeed impact my choices. Good for you for forging your own path!
I love this – it’s prompted me to think about a similar post – and to update my about me page. And congratulations on publishing your book – I know first hand just how scary that can be.
It’s funny how when we reach midlife we are willing to try (some) new things. I’ll never jump out of a plane or climb Everest but I try to do things I was scared to do before like speak my mind a little more or look at my more creative side (I’m still horrible at art but I’m the only one looking at it, lol.)
I grabbed your book because I want to start a vision board but have been dragging my feet.
~Allison
Congratulations on your book Jennifer and I think many other bloggers will be prompted to update their About Page. Love the direction you are going and our goals around working with Women to try new things are quite similar . Thanks for re-introducing yourself at #MLSTL and sharing your current journey. x
Hi Jennifer, I’ve updated my About page a few times – it’s amazing how quickly it gets out of date! I probably need to have another look at it as a lot’s changed in the last 12 months. I never knew you were a skier, so that’s one new thing I learned about you today and congrats again on publishing your book.
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM ?
Yes, a lot has changed for you in the past year! As for skiing, it’s not something that I can do living in Florida, but when I lived in Connecticut most fresh snow also involved a trip to a local school or golf course for some skiing.
Hi Jennifer, yes to baby steps to bigger ones and to walking with other women. Great to have some “girl time”. I really enjoy it when I do get together with female friends. #MSTL
Girl time is so important!
PS Congratulations on publishing your book. Inspirational!
Thanks, Suzanne!
Lovely to read you updated About. Thank you. I too update mine from time to time as I like to think I keep things current. What a time you have had in making so many “good for you” changes. Love this. I am going to learn more about Vision Boards. Even though I could not download your book as I am in Australia (amazon is the issue) I am committed to learning more. Never stop learning is one of my mantras! Denyse #MLSTL
Learning, changing, and being flexible are all so important to living!
I just bought it Jennifer via Audible Australia. Shall be giving it a read soon. Thank you.
I’m so glad to hear that you were able to buy it. Please let me know what you think and if you have any questions or concerns.
You go girl! I love reading About me pages and learning what makes people tick. I’m a huge fan of yours although I’m not that into vision board, you always have something to offer. Congrats on your book, that’s fabulous accomplishment. Shared for #mlstl
Thanks for stopping by, Deb. Looking forward to your book!
The power of positive thinking! Thanks so much.
Hi Jennifer,
The second half of our life is definitely a time to do stuff that were not possible in the first half.
It helps to jot down things.
I feel that I am free to take risks, and that I have more space and freedom to try out new things.
#MLSTL
– Pradeep | bpradeepnair.blogspot.com
It’s always a good thing to update your About page from time to time. Life is always changing
Yes, it is.
This is a good reminder for me to do something similar, Jennifer. I love how organized your blog is and how useful and inspiring your posts are.