I was a lonely child. I could not have told you I was lonely as I did not know how to name or describe the blank and empty palette that stretched before me on waking every day for as long as I could remember. What I accepted - in the way that children simply accept the way things are because that is all they know- was that it was up to me to figure out how to fill hours and amuse myself while my father was at work and my mother busied herself with the daily tasks of housekeeping, meal planning, cooking and ensuring her children were adequately clothed and fed within the modest budget she had to work with.

I was 8 years old when my mother was diagnosed with colon cancer and hospitalized for a month for surgery and post-surgical complications. I worried that she might die and leave me motherless. I also worried that her cancer might be contagious and that I might very well catch it and die as well. I had no one to talk with about my fears. My father was preoccupied with my mother’s illness while...

Let’s be honest: no one sets out to annoy the younger people in their lives. And this isn’t a takedown of the Boomer generation—or anyone over 50. It’s not about blame. It’s about awareness…. With the best of intentions, many older adults say or do things that quietly create distance between themselves and the younger people they love.

Erika earned her Master’s in Social Work in 1997 and obtained her Clinical Social Work License in 2006. Before that, Erika’s passion for humanitarian work took her to orphanages and hospitals in developing countries; primarily through Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. A defining moment in Erika’s journey was meeting Mother Teresa herself in 1993 in Calcutta, India. This is Erika’s story of teaching children and young mothers self-healing through Havening.

One day long ago my mother treated me to a day at the beach. She didn’t swim and as far as I recall she didn’t particularly like the beach, but for some reason, that one day she decided to humor me and take me to the beach; just the two of us. I am guessing it may have been Laguna or Newport as we were still living in Thermal, California and it was a long there and back.

Sometime around 11 AM on February 10, 2021, my husband of 30+ years shuffled upstairs from his basement man cave, sat on the couch next to me, and announced that he wanted a divorce. He had already consulted with a divorce attorney and the news came as a rude shock; especially as the announcement was made in front of our 25-year-old daughter, (who promptly burst into tears).

A few minutes later, he walked out of our home for good, his head bowed, averting my gaze, towing his rolling suitcase behind him with a pillow tucked under his arm.

Standing in a tiny boulangerie in France at just 11 years old, I felt a spark of independence ignite within me. I mustered all the courage I could to order a baguette in French. The thrill of being understood, of stepping into a world so different from my own, filled me with a joy I couldn’t quite put into words. Little did I know that this small moment would become the foundation of a lifelong love affair with travel—a love that would lead to profound self-discovery and a deeper understanding of life’s possibilities.

Behind every legend lies a story, and for Elvis Presley, that story begins with his mother, Gladys Love Presley. A steadfast and loving presence in his life, Gladys was much more than Elvis’s mother—she was his rock, his confidante, and his inspiration. Her background, resilience, and deep bond with her son played a pivotal role in shaping the man who would become the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Truganini’s life is a story of resilience, sorrow, and advocacy. Born around 1812 on Bruny Island, Tasmania, she was a member of the Nuenonne clan, one of the many Aboriginal groups that called the island home. Known by several names, including Lalla Rookh and Lydgugee, Truganini’s life mirrors the profound disruptions and tragedies faced by her people during the colonization of Australia.

Some women don’t just break the rules—they rewrite the playbook. Whether it was through scandalous fashion, daring philosophy, or downright swashbuckling antics, these trailblazers were centuries ahead of their time. Let’s meet five women who turned convention on its head and left history clutching its pearls.

In today’s hyper-connected world, politics seems to find its way into every conversation, news feed, and family gathering. While it’s great to be informed and engaged, political discussions can sometimes spiral into heated debates or leave us feeling overwhelmed. Here’s how to gracefully steer clear of unnecessary political conflicts and reduce anxiety surrounding the topic.

Judith Heumann, often referred to as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement,” dedicated her life to breaking down barriers for people with disabilities. Her tireless advocacy has transformed countless lives and paved the way for the monumental legislation and societal shifts that we see today in disability rights. Heumann’s work spanned decades, during which she challenged both institutional and social obstacles, making it possible for people with disabilities to access education, employment, public spaces, and dignity on an equal footing.

In 1964, Geraldine "Jerrie" Mock etched her name into aviation history by becoming the first woman to fly solo around the globe. Armed with unwavering determination, a trusty single-engine Cessna 180 she nicknamed “Charlie,” and a passion for flight, Mock achieved what many thought impossible at the time. Her extraordinary journey not only set a world record but also inspired countless women to dream bigger and aim higher.

It’s no secret: society has long given men a free pass to date younger women while older women get side-eyed for even thinking about a fling with a younger man. But guess what? The tides are turning, and women over 50 are unapologetically diving into relationships with younger men—and why not? Life is short, and if they’re bringing energy, fun, and flattery, who’s complaining?

His name was Marco: a 17-year-old soccer player in the ER with no pulse.

As our trauma team beepers went off simultaneously, I realized that this code must be the reason we heard helicopters from the OR earlier. It had to be. Surgeons are not usually on the Code Blue team but we were occasionally called in later for the complicated cardiac codes that need more: a cracked chest, extra lines, or bypass. And for children: anything less than heroic is unacceptable. 

I’ve been married three times… kinda... The first marriage: Elvis married us in Vegas. The second marriage (16 years later): I was told the day before the wedding day, that his divorce wasn’t through yet (so we had to marry again 3 months later). Each marriage an unmitigated disaster and it’s been a bloody hard road rebuilding myself and my finances after each foolish escapade. Would I do it again?…

There’s a common misconception that creativity is the domain of the young, that pursuing artistic passions is something meant for early in life. But many women are proving that creativity has no age limit, and that it’s never too late to discover—or rediscover—artistic pursuits. Whether through painting, writing, or jewelry making, these late-blooming creatives have embraced new paths and passions, finding joy, fulfillment, and even second careers along the way. Their stories are a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your artistic instincts.

Delving into your ancestral roots can be a profoundly enriching journey, offering insights into your heritage and connecting you with the lives of those who came before you.

For women, uncovering and sharing the stories of female ancestors provides a unique opportunity to celebrate their contributions and understand their impact on your family’s history.

Here’s how to explore your ancestral roots and reveal the stories of the women in your lineage, along with the benefits and methods of preserving these narratives.

Friendships between women can be some of the most powerful and enriching relationships we experience. But jealousy—the green-eyed monster—can sneak in, turning bonds of trust into battlegrounds. Learning to leave the green-eyed monster behind and celebrate the women in our lives for who they are, and what they bring to the table, is all that’s required to make us truly unstoppable.

If you’re seeking new ways to connect, explore interests, and build a fulfilling social life, then one excellent avenue for achieving this is by joining clubs and groups that align with your passions and lifestyle. Whether you're interested in books, fitness, travel, or social activities, becoming part of a group can enhance your life in numerous ways. Here’s how to find the right club or group for you, and how to ensure it remains a positive and enjoyable experience.