We relocated to Arizona for a fresh chapter. Now we’re learning to be content with an ordinary morning.
Our backyard. A walk around the lake. Familiar pieces finding their place in a different home. These moments don’t come with a big announcement, but lately, they’re the ones making us pause.
There's an awesome feeling when you look around and realize, "We get to enjoy this," after all the preparation, packing, driving, and decisions.
After 50, finding happiness in the little things is starting to become a part of our desired lifestyle. We still enjoy going on adventures. We also want to notice the good that’s right here, before we fill another day with things to do.
When a New Beginning Starts Feeling Like Home
We've taken our time organizing and unpacking. Over time, it's the small details that have begun to make this house feel like home.
It happens as we discover where the morning light falls. As a nearby walking path becomes familiar. As we unpack the things we chose to carry into this chapter.
Some of those things are handmade pieces from Kirsten’s brother, Charles. His pottery and wooden utensils have stayed with us through our many chapters. Seeing them in our home brings a touch of family into our everyday surroundings.
We’ve let go of plenty along the way. Those pieces still have a place.
They remind us that embracing a new beginning doesn’t require leaving everything behind. We can make room for what comes next while keeping what holds meaning.
Maybe you have something similar. A dish you still use. A photograph you always unpack first. Something that makes a new place feel a little more like you.
Finding Happiness in the Life Between the Highlights
We share our travel journies, celebrations, and new experiences here at Move With Mack. We love those moments.
But we live a whole lot of life between them.
There are meals to make, errands to run, and things around the house that need attention. Even a fresh start comes with a to do list.
Still, an unfinished list doesn’t have to take over the whole day.
We can enjoy the sunshine before everything is settled. We can laugh together while figuring something out. We can appreciate and enjoy our home while there’s still work to do.
That’s something we’re practicing: letting ourselves enjoy the life we’re building while we’re building it.
Embracing the Unexpected After 50
By this point in life, we've all had plans change on us.
Some changes were welcome. Others took time to accept. And sometimes, we’re still figuring out how we feel.
A new beginning can hold excitement and uncertainty at the same time. We can be grateful for where we are and tired from what it took to get here.
November’s theme, Living Fully, Loving Deeply & Giving Thanks, leaves room for all of that.
Living completely, for us, means continuing to be interested in what this chapter may bring. A different schedule. A fresh location to discover. A slower morning than we had anticipated.
We don’t have to decide everything about the future to enjoy something about today.
Three Ways to Notice More Everyday Joy
If your days have been feeling like one long list, join us in trying these small pauses.
1. Stay with one feel good moment
When something feels good, give it a little attention.
Feel the warmth of your coffee cup. Look up during your walk. Listen when someone you love starts telling a story.
Let yourself stay there for a moment before moving on.
2. Leave a little room in your day
We know what it’s like to always be on a mission. We’ve done a lot of that.
We're discovering these days that an available time slot on the schedule can be something to be grateful for. It allows us to sit outside together, have a talk, or make an impromptu stop.
If your schedule allows it, leave one small pocket of time unclaimed this week.
3. Put one meaningful thing into everyday use
Those pieces from Charles bring us joy because they’re part of our surroundings.
What have you been saving for a special occasion?
Use the favorite mug. Set out the family pottery. Send the card you’ve been meaning to write. Let something you treasure become part of an ordinary Tuesday.
Before You Go, Take a Small Pause
Think about your own life right now:
- What ordinary moment have you enjoyed lately?
- What are you beginning to appreciate about your current chapter?
- What would you like to make a little more room for this week?
There isn't a task to complete here. Select the question that sticks in your mind.
Our answer lately keeps coming back to this: we’re grateful for the chance to settle in, find our rhythm, and enjoy being home together.
Let’s Keep Finding the Good Together
Thriving After 50 looks different from one chapter to the next. Right now, our chapter includes mountain views, familiar keepsakes, walks by the lake, and permission to move a little slower.
We’re glad we get to share this chapter with you, including the everyday not so exciting parts.
Tell us in the comments: What’s one simple thing making your current chapter feel good? We’d love to hear what you’re noticing.
And if these conversations feel like your kind of company, join Thrive Weekly, our Sunday newsletter. We share personal reflections, ideas for Thriving After 50, and a little encouragement as we all figure out what comes next.
There’s plenty more life to enjoy together.
Kirsten & Mack
Live Boldly. Move Confidently. Thrive Intentionally.