Go to betterhelp.com/SilverandSolo to enjoy a special discount on your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help.
I would’ve never thought you were an introvert from the four or five of your videos that I have watched. Like I said before I am 75, but I’m kind of a young 75 and you were someone I would like to get to know I am enjoying your videos and you also make me laugh sometimes.
I really enjoyed this video. I like your personality I like your facial expressions you seem like a very intelligent person, and I am certainly not. I like to think that I have a good common sense but as far as being smart, I spent two years in 10th grade so take it from there. I went on to work in a factory for 40 years when I really would’ve liked to of been a nurse I am really enjoying your videos. If you lived within 50 miles of me, I’d like to meet you. I’m looking forward to your next video.
Don’t use BetterHelp. They used, sold user private information for their own profit. The government was/is on their case. Also would suggest no longer taking BetterHelp sponsorship
In my early 40s I became a widow. Raised 4 kids myself with constant prayers. Quit my job and scaled way back on lifestyle in order to be there for my children. Swallowed my pride and got food stamps (boy do people treat you differently, less than). Found 2 low paying jobs that I could do around my children's school schedules. Went back to college at 48. Earned associates degree age 50. Then on to earn Bachelor then a master degree. First one in my family to earn this. Now I have a very good paying job, got off the welfare awhile ago, got rid of the superficial people, and have 4 strong, supportive adult children to share life with.
Well done. I became widow at 38 with a new born baby and another son who was 12. Left job as my younger was different and difficult, later diagnosed with ASD. Lost job and home. Organized my life’s all areas to this new reality. From spoon to dishes to clothes to finances. All were organized. It gave me understanding of what is there and what is needed. Yes, was on lots of govt benefits. Older graduated. Younger is 14 with many many health issues including epilepsy. Couldn’t get back to work as I have to care for my son. Organizing everything helped me to cope lonely life with a sick child. Never expected my Church to abandon us, but they did. All left us. It is just myself with my son.
I’m in my early 30’s and I love listening to your stories and life journey! My biggest life lesson is that no matter what your life looks like, it can and will always shift and change. Nothing lasts forever, good or bad.❤️
I have experienced the same situation as you had. Was laid off at the age of 53 after a continuous job for 15 years. I like your videos. I want to be like you but still struggling. Can't find the right direction. It's been a long year, sitting on the computer, searching for jobs, getting regret letters everyday. But now I have realized that I am really growing old. Only the person passing through such times can feel the pain, trust me this world is too busy.
I finally found a job I could do with my health problems, and I enjoyed it. Then covid happened, and 24 days after my 50th birthday, I was laid off due to covid causing financial problems for the shop owner. That was a blessing, and I started planning my solo life knowing I was going to become an empty nester. New location. New life and new me. Yes, I get lonely at times, but on the whole, I'm happy. 😊
I love your videos. I am a 56 year old black American female and we have so much in common. I had a house and sold it in 2016 having to relocate to another area of my state due to my job layoff. That said, I've since been renting. The same struggles I've heard you express I've had them too. Only by the grace of God will I ever be able to afford another house because the housing market in the U.S. is unattainable for a middle class American. I was bullied as well as a child and an adult. I am not a week person. It was jealousy from other black females. I was shocked that adult women acted so ugly. Be blessed from Charlotte, N.C., USA.
Sending you hugs, Melody! Don't give up - that home may be in your future yet, when the time is right and prices are lower! I thought it was out of reach for me too, as a single woman. But, there was a house on the same street as my relative, which was foreclosed in 2007, ... so I submitted a bid through HUD and got it! [Had no idea that was the leading edge of the housing crisis.] Further, I lost my job a few years later and had to move 1000 miles away from everything I knew ... but thanks to friends renting from me, I was able to keep paying on the house, while also paying rent for an apartment in my new city. And thanks to putting every spare penny toward the 30 year mortgage, I was able to pay it off in 10 years! It felt like a race against time. Then I lost that job too, just months afterward ... but I had a *home* to go to! This taught me that even when you can't see the outcome, keep making those small steps toward your goals, and the impossible may just happen! Hoping for the very best for you!! 🙂
At 79 years old i am finally facing the difficulties of aging alone. Im an INFJ and we never age but life presents challenges anyway. Im finally interested in hearing what other people in my age have to say. So glad i found your channel and i really enjoyed your story. Of course it angered my inner young activist when I heard how you suffered bc of the discrimination 😢
Gosh, I'm so with you on being an introvert and all the mathiness, omg! I found you on TH-cam because I am home during the day because I too got laid off. *At 64.* Also was a toxic work environment. But unfortunately no severance. While I would like to "officially" retire, social security will not provide. I don't have any savings. I only have a small 401K. I have medical bills. So I HAVE to work, plus I need the insurance! And this comes after moving cross country recently. I'm not loving life right now. So your videos make me feel so...not alone, I guess.
Oh I understand you pain. I would suggest it's time to address you angels and spiritual guides and ask them for help. Because this is the rule: you have to ask otherwise they can't interfere. You are the boss in your life. And they are close and ready to help. Trust what comes next keep openharted. It works. Have a peaceful day in the bottom of your heart. Times seem very hard nowadays to let us dare take the other way round. ❤
So, I am a therapist at BetterHelp and I am so happy that this is your first sponsor! Being a therapist is the best job ever! I think your perspective on life is one of the reasons I have gravitated toward your channel.
I was matched with a great BetterHelp therapist. I chose over my phone, not even video. I highly recommend it. Not too expensive either. Externalizing my thoughts and feelings has been very helpful. My brain is becoming less cobwebby ;)
I like your practical advice. I'm also 60 and solo by choice. Two years ago, doing long range planning for eventual retirement, I moved to an unpopular US state where I knew no one and had never been to. But the region is more affordable than where I lived. So I showed up to the home I'd bought sight unseen online. Yup, I did that. I also told my solo self, "this is my new home. I don't care what's here, I'm going to make it work." And so far, I have.
That's so cool that you did that! I've been house hunting for so long I've started to want to bid without seeing them as I'm so tired of driving to see them. Plus I know what's good value now.
I have enjoyed listening to your journey. I spent 3 years "teaching English" in Japan in the 80s. I taught businessmen and 4 year-olds, doctors, and farmers. My studentstook me out. I tried eating everything once. I gave up on a few things; namely, eel intestine yakitori and fish eyes. I took flower arranging classes and competed. I also was a TV announcer for a while. It was the first time in my life i felt like i could be me. People were so helpful and supportive. I learned to enjoy living and traveling alone. I've been very lucky to have had that experience.
Several years ago, I had a “yes” year. I had a lot of wonderful experiences. Some were scary and made me want to hide again, but I came out on the other side with more knowledge & skills. I’ve fallen back into my default, “I’m too busy” mode. I need another “yes” year.
Life is never without challenges, but we can choose how we react. Learning to adapt is essential. My main take away has been to live life in keeping with my values, something I strive to do on a daily basis; and make it a point to refine and adjust my activities accordingly on a regular basis. Most of us make the best decisions possible with the opportunities available at the time, so no point in beating ourselves up.
@@silverandsolo…turn the bookshelves into a series of sorts. Make an occasional video featuring a few books. 👍🏼💜👍🏼 People who listen to your content are likely to be interested in what you like enough to keep.
I really like your videos.....my job of 38 years was eliminated early in 2008...3 weeks later my Mother passed away...she and I lived together. It was a hard year but I did ok My Mother left me a morgage free home so I didn't need to get a job which I was very thankful. You are very encouraging in your life style...thank you for sharing.
Love your channel, thoughtful stories you shared. I too am an introvert, but really challenged myself to change that about myself. I promised myself to say yes to every invite for a year. Looking back, I was always crying myself to sleep in order to decompress. While I had adventures with wonderful people, I really needed my alone time. Proud for being committed to my own challenge, but gave away my introverted needs.
Loved your story about the river shrimp in Japan. Congratulations on sticking out your toxic job and getting a big reward from it. Good lesson. I'm 72 and evaluating my future. Best wishes.
LOVE your story of your time in Japan. Japan holds a very special place in my heart!! I lived there (in Tachikawa) from 1962-1969 when my father was stationed there in the Air Force. I was 10-17 while there and I look back on my growing up years with great fondness. I loved living there and loved the Japanese people.
I’m so sorry that a job put you in a position that you needed help.. but SO glad that you sought help and SO happy to see that you have flourished after going through such drama❤❤❤
Jen - you are a masterful storyteller. It is the rare video that I watch from start to finish, yours being the exception. Not only do you capture the viewer with your eloquence and honesty, but you also share your vulnerability in a way that makes us feel like you’re right there in the room with us, sharing from your heart. My decision to build my TH-cam channel came straight out of watching your videos on monetizing. You have given me the courage and the inspiration to do this, and for those reading, it’s never too late. I will be 70 years old in December. Thank you Jen, I look forward to continuing to learn from you.
Good evening Jen (well, in France it is). I was very interested to hear more of your story here and weirdly before you mentioned the psychology degree, I thought you had natural talent there. I too feel that I have learned from the roller coaster of life including therapy and anti-depressants but isn't it wonderful finding the strength to see that positivity rocks and can get you through?! It's great to see you in purple. Do you know the great poem about it below by Jenny Joseph? When I am an old woman I shall wear purple With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me. And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter. I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells And run my stick along the public railings And make up for the sobriety of my youth. I shall go out in my slippers in the rain And pick flowers in other people’s gardens And learn to spit. You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat And eat three pounds of sausages at a go Or only bread and pickle for a week And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes. But now we must have clothes that keep us dry And pay our rent and not swear in the street And set a good example for the children. We must have friends to dinner and read the papers. But maybe I ought to practise a little now? So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
Go Gen X! I'm so glad more women in their 50's like you are starting channels. It's fantastic to see the growth of this. I've been on a similar TH-cam journey, I started uploading videos fairly regularly in 2020 at the beautiful age of 50 all the while I was loosing sight in my right eye And the pandemic hit. It took a massive toll on me. I had reconnected with my faith, and deleted about 100 videos by the end of 2021 because I didn't think most of the vids were representing who I was becoming. BUT the encouraging outcome had been growing closer to my faith and started my youtube channel again by creating new videos on a regular basis and uploading older videos Thanks for the inspiration Jen.
Thanks so much for not using your comment to promote your “faith.” So many commenters do; I usually approach comments with trepidation. I thought Jen’s channel might be different, and it is in many ways, including the comments ❤ Well done, you!
I had a very similar experience in Japan. The opportunity came up and I was there within a month. Very little time to prepare. Like you, I didn't know the language or much about the culture but expected it to be very different and had decided to be flexible within reason. It was a great experience and I lived there from the ages of 29-33. It also led to my career back in Canada of teaching English to Immigrants. One of the best decisions I ever made.
2:14Listening to you talked about your experience working in a toxic environment reminded me to be thankful for the day I decided to retire early from the job I loved but not the politics. It so happened that soon after I left the job many of my colleagues were made redundant and were given the choice to retire early, with packages, or hang on until other positions became available elsewhere in the organization. I learned that the toxic environment had turned into a vicious and depressing reality for many people. I was lucky to have left when I did; although I missed out on the financial packages that were being offered. My mental health was saved for all the other challenges that life throws at me. Living is not easy for too many of us.
Lol I just drank some wine first time in ages but I couldn't even finish the glass it wasn't that great but vineyard edge lol As for listening 1 doesn't have to be a pro or licence d it's a personality trait comes with empathy and it .ca be hard not to get in our own head but that's just human The listener can still be a good listener and very smart
@@Selfemployedmildautisticperfor You noticed the Vineyard Edge. I'm technically a light MEAD drinker. We make mead (honey wine) at home. The name comes from the band, Lifehouse. Jason Wade had a band called The Edge at the Malibu Vineyard Church in California. Maybe I should try some wine 🍷 🤔.
I applaud you for experiencing a new culture and being open to it. I came to the US when I was 22 years old. I was born and raised in Sri Lanka. I went thru an arranged marriage. My mother-in-law and father-in-law moved to the US from Sri Lanka with their young children. My ex and I were different. I had lots in common with my. Mother-in-law. Long story short. I have been single ever since my mid twenties. Never had faith in a man to provide as my father. I learned to be independent and raised my son battling tooth and nail with my ex who knew the western culture and had an advantage.
So glad I found your channel! I became silver and solo 15 years ago when my husband passed away. I know I didn’t appreciate being single before my marriage. Now I feel like “ been there, done that”. I can’t say I haven’t felt a little lonely at times, but I usually snap out of it when I get started on a project or something else I’m interested in. I like classical music, which is usually not the norm for people, so being alone, I can play my music all day if I want. I can eat what I want. I can go to bed when I want ( I’m a chronic night owl). There are times I’d love some help with something, mostly handyman/fix- it stuff. But it’s hard to even imagine living with anyone else anymore. Thanks for all your tips and words of wisdom!
I listen to you ....because I find your speech full of wisdom...and your pronunciation very clear to me ...as non native speaker...further more it's my way to improve my language...I found your story that lead you to success with your TH-cam channel very inspirational I am trying to find my way to success with my children channel I TH-cam as well...Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
I am 36 years old and currently learning English. I listen to your program every day to improve my English skills. I hope you can give me some advice and guidance on learning English
It was interesting to hear about your English teaching experience. We are colleagues, and I also said "yes" to my Asian ( and not only ) students, who shared with me the wisdom of their culture, and whose cards, gifts, pictures I keep to this day.
You speak so well, Jen, you should be a motivational or life coach. I'm older than you but I've learned a few things from you that I think have improved my view on aging, so thanks!
Great video, Jen. And this is why YT needs creators over 50. We have wisdom and experiences to share that can give hope and perspective to each other, and those younger as well.
Great story about Japan! In 2008 at the age of 58 I took a job teaching English in China. I was newly widowed and floundering about. My children were very opposed to the idea, but I needed to strike out on my own. Those 3 years were among the richest and most challenging in my life.
Excellent channel! Your content is unique and offers excellent perspectives. I appreciate you so much. I save your videos to watch when I have time to really listen actively and then think about how this applies in my life. In my life I’ve learned: my mind limits my body more than my body does (I.e., I’m physically capable of far more than I think I am), settling beneath my standards in love and friendship is disastrous and a waste of time and energy. And, like you, being open to new experiences can lead to wonderful, enriching discoveries (read: concrete thinker discovers poetry, hiking). Thank you! Much success to you! 😊
I'm so glad the TH-cam algorithm sent me your channel. I'm so inspired by your experience, and you inspire young adults like me. Just started my channel last month after dealing with a long illness. Can't go back to a work on a normal job so started a remote jobs channel. Thanks for your testimony.
You've challenged me to start saying 'yes' again to opportunities. Somewhere along the line I've lost that. Just like me you could venture overseas alone into the great unknown but talking to a stranger for a newspaper assignment freaked you out. I get that.
I love your channel, Jen, and I'm glad BetterHelp is your sponsor - having someone to talk to in stressful times, is so important! Okay, back to watching your videos! EDIT - Okay I wish I could give 2 thumbs up. This is really really good! [And I won't try to talk you into liking math, even though that's what I do for a living!!]
I love listening how other people's brains work, mine works in one particular way that I hadn't particularly noticed until I went to university, I found school easy and uni wasn't difficult until I had to focus on one thing only, I found I often went down rabbit holes and ended up losing focus on my intended study, when I changed one of my subjects I found I wasn't losing focus so much. Once I got away from statistics which was quite a large part of this particular subject, I was fine, so I completely understand how numbers can be somewhat confusing for you, the numbers I had to do at uni drove me nuts. The best thing I ever did was to change my major.
Love your photos in Japan, what a fantastic experience! Great perspective. I'm in the UK and one of the best years of my life was travelling solo in Australia when I was 28
Still appreciating you & your channel! I work with entrepreneurs - are women, low income, disabled or living with a chronic illness, and/ or have experienced trauma. The willingness to say, "yes" is so key.
There is just so much I love about your videos. The one thing you are very consistent with is just being straightforward and honest and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you doing that. I always learn something or just find someone who thinks and feels like I do. Bravo on another great video 👏
I love the story about meeting the Japanese man. I have started saying yes to new things too. Recently I accepted an invitation to visit a beautiful garden and was rewarded with several beautiful bouquets of flowers. I'm so glad I went. Thanks for reminding me to keep doing this.
One of my life-changing events was starting a family with my gay friends. I was not romanticly involved with them but we granted eachother to be parents this way. I’ve learned a lot about myself and I’m certain that I became a better person than I would have been as a mother in a traditional family, when I stayed single or became a single parent.
I've not had a bad life, just not what I would have chosen if I had gotten to choose. I would not change anything--each and every thing has made me the person I am today, and I am very happy with who I am!
great video Jen. I loved that you just said yes to life without having to know how it was all going to go. In 2012 I took a trip to Europe and did it on my own. I started by visiting a friend in Scotland and then took off on my own. The next place was in France. the final destination was the the Amalfi coast. I had never travelled anywhere that far away,(on my own), also anywhere where the first language was not English. I booked my places to stay along the way and made choices of where to go and what do to on the fly. I recall the first day I was about to go out on my own from Paris. I had horrible anxiety. Then like you I had a talk with myself. I looked up in my hostel room and there was a woman from Brazil with me and she was preparing to leave. She had almost no English and somehow we communicated. Turns out we were taking the same train to the south of France. She was so glad I was with her as I could watch her bags as she bought her ticket. She spoke fluent French and helped me buy mine. when we arrived at the train she was on the front car and me towards the back. We hugged thanked each other and off we went. After that I travelled so well. when the trip ended after 5 weeks away I thought to myself," now I can go anywhere". It was the greatest feeling I have experienced. My journey was magical and I trusted myself to look after me and say Yes to life.
These chats have helped a lot. I don't do numbers well. Studied biology in collage as an encore (older) student. I loved the experience. At 61+ (silver & solo) I've considered it again.
Thanks for sharing your life journey with us! I learn a lot from you even though I’m older at 79. Your wisdom and calm demeanor make my heart peaceful. I grew up as an introvert but was lucky to be given a mother-in-law who was the opposite. I marveled at how easily she approached strangers and engaged with them. By osmosis I gradually became less introverted and was not scared to put myself out there. I have a friend who’s always telling me she can’t understand how I can have conversations with strangers. I’ve come a long way. By the way, I also majored in English. I loved some Math and planned to major in it but Calculus convinced me that was the wrong path. Have a blessed day.
I loved your stories with this video! Listening to them inches me further into a secret dream that I’ve never told a soul. You’re living the life you want and that is so inspiring.
Your words and stories are refreshing. This is the real world. Take care. At sixty I am facing unemployment and it’s harder than I thought it would be. As a single woman I am shitting bricks. But I sense that I will be ok. Take care everybody.
Thankful for your story!!!! I’m just starting out this year with TH-cam… but I’m also learning! Thank you again for all your insights 😊 my name is Jac !!!
This video was so fascinating to me. I love hearing people’s backgrounds and seeing some snippets from their past. Thanks for sharing! I am trying to stay optimistic in spite of chronic health problems since cancer years ago. I do believe anything is possible! It helps to hear your stories of getting through and past struggles.
How interesting! I spent the summer between my junior and senior years of college teaching in a small town, Kawamoto-cho, in Matsue-shi. I've never regretted the experience. ❤ Continuing to enjoy your channel to the point that I have to become a patron! Thanks for such great content!
I was terminated after 43 years at age 60. They restructured . I was depressed but I got a better job with a little more money eight months later. It was so hard but I’m good now. I’m sorry that happened to you. God had a better plan for us.
That is such a cool story. I love that you had that opportunity in Japan. My husband really wants to go to Japan some day and he's been teaching himself Japanese for quite a while now, but has a lot more to go. I hope we get to go there! Those shrimp sound delicious, and I'm not a shrimp gal!
Jen many thanks for sharing your experiences with us. I love listening to you. As a fellow introvert I think you’re incredibly brave but I guess bravery brings rewards both large & small. My whole life nature & wildlife are my one great love & I hiked everywhere until let’s just say a small prick which was necessary as part of my occupation left me disabled. I lost my career, I lost my home, I lost my good health & basically aged 38 had to start again trapped in a body that doesn’t function as it should. I was encouraged for years to Sue but having lost so much I did not wish to wake up each day in battle mode for what would equate to one years salary. I decided every day I would seek out small blessings that brought me great joy. I can no longer walk up mountains but I can use my car as a portable bird hide & seek out beautiful things in nature to photograph & enjoy. A positive attitude most certainly helps, oh & books, lots of books. Did I mention books😂📚🦅🐦⬛🦆🪿🦉🐞🐝🌲Annie🏴
Love hearing your life experiences. Mine are many but will keep this short. My life growing up was hard, harder than most, however the most life long greatest valuable lessons that shaped me to who I am. I like who I am, good with my own being, perfect no, happy yes. Would not be who I now am without what was. You are your best life story 😊 and everyone can be.
What a wonderful video summarizing some of your life adventures up to this point. How very interesting and inspiring it was for me while I listened. Thank you for sharing.❤️
Lovely video Jen, and again such a great way to share your life experiences. And I am so happy your channel now got sponsored ! The Sky is the limit! How are we ever do the same ? You are the best teacher for all of us who are + 50 and trying to get better. Thank you🌻
Go to betterhelp.com/SilverandSolo to enjoy a special discount on your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help.
I would’ve never thought you were an introvert from the four or five of your videos that I have watched. Like I said before I am 75, but I’m kind of a young 75 and you were someone I would like to get to know I am enjoying your videos and you also make me laugh sometimes.
I really enjoyed this video. I like your personality I like your facial expressions you seem like a very intelligent person, and I am certainly not. I like to think that I have a good common sense but as far as being smart, I spent two years in 10th grade so take it from there. I went on to work in a factory for 40 years when I really would’ve liked to of been a nurse I am really enjoying your videos. If you lived within 50 miles of me, I’d like to meet you. I’m looking forward to your next video.
Don’t use BetterHelp. They used, sold user private information for their own profit. The government was/is on their case.
Also would suggest no longer taking BetterHelp sponsorship
In my early 40s I became a widow. Raised 4 kids myself with constant prayers. Quit my job and scaled way back on lifestyle in order to be there for my children. Swallowed my pride and got food stamps (boy do people treat you differently, less than). Found 2 low paying jobs that I could do around my children's school schedules. Went back to college at 48. Earned associates degree age 50. Then on to earn Bachelor then a master degree. First one in my family to earn this. Now I have a very good paying job, got off the welfare awhile ago, got rid of the superficial people, and have 4 strong, supportive adult children to share life with.
Wow, inspiring! Thank you!!!
Well done.
I became widow at 38 with a new born baby and another son who was 12.
Left job as my younger was different and difficult, later diagnosed with ASD.
Lost job and home.
Organized my life’s all areas to this new reality. From spoon to dishes to clothes to finances. All were organized. It gave me understanding of what is there and what is needed. Yes, was on lots of govt benefits.
Older graduated.
Younger is 14 with many many health issues including epilepsy.
Couldn’t get back to work as I have to care for my son.
Organizing everything helped me to cope lonely life with a sick child.
Never expected my Church to abandon us, but they did. All left us. It is just myself with my son.
@@priyanesan3299And who could wish for a better mom, you are a treasure. May your future be blessed.❤
Beautiful story!
I’m in my early 30’s and I love listening to your stories and life journey! My biggest life lesson is that no matter what your life looks like, it can and will always shift and change. Nothing lasts forever, good or bad.❤️
I have experienced the same situation as you had. Was laid off at the age of 53 after a continuous job for 15 years. I like your videos. I want to be like you but still struggling. Can't find the right direction. It's been a long year, sitting on the computer, searching for jobs, getting regret letters everyday. But now I have realized that I am really growing old. Only the person passing through such times can feel the pain, trust me this world is too busy.
I finally found a job I could do with my health problems, and I enjoyed it.
Then covid happened, and 24 days after my 50th birthday, I was laid off due to covid causing financial problems for the shop owner.
That was a blessing, and I started planning my solo life knowing I was going to become an empty nester.
New location. New life and new me.
Yes, I get lonely at times, but on the whole, I'm happy. 😊
I love your videos. I am a 56 year old black American female and we have so much in common. I had a house and sold it in 2016 having to relocate to another area of my state due to my job layoff. That said, I've since been renting. The same struggles I've heard you express I've had them too. Only by the grace of God will I ever be able to afford another house because the housing market in the U.S. is unattainable for a middle class American.
I was bullied as well as a child and an adult. I am not a week person. It was jealousy from other black females. I was shocked that adult women acted so ugly. Be blessed from Charlotte, N.C., USA.
Sending you hugs, Melody! Don't give up - that home may be in your future yet, when the time is right and prices are lower!
I thought it was out of reach for me too, as a single woman. But, there was a house on the same street as my relative, which was foreclosed in 2007, ... so I submitted a bid through HUD and got it! [Had no idea that was the leading edge of the housing crisis.] Further, I lost my job a few years later and had to move 1000 miles away from everything I knew ... but thanks to friends renting from me, I was able to keep paying on the house, while also paying rent for an apartment in my new city. And thanks to putting every spare penny toward the 30 year mortgage, I was able to pay it off in 10 years! It felt like a race against time. Then I lost that job too, just months afterward ... but I had a *home* to go to! This taught me that even when you can't see the outcome, keep making those small steps toward your goals, and the impossible may just happen! Hoping for the very best for you!! 🙂
Why do feel it is necessary to announce your colour and gender?
At 79 years old i am finally facing the difficulties of aging alone. Im an INFJ and we never age but life presents challenges anyway. Im finally interested in hearing what other people in my age have to say. So glad i found your channel and i really enjoyed your story. Of course it angered my inner young activist when I heard how you suffered bc of the discrimination 😢
Interesting. I'm infp.
Gosh, I'm so with you on being an introvert and all the mathiness, omg! I found you on TH-cam because I am home during the day because I too got laid off. *At 64.* Also was a toxic work environment. But unfortunately no severance. While I would like to "officially" retire, social security will not provide. I don't have any savings. I only have a small 401K. I have medical bills. So I HAVE to work, plus I need the insurance! And this comes after moving cross country recently. I'm not loving life right now. So your videos make me feel so...not alone, I guess.
Oh I understand you pain. I would suggest it's time to address you angels and spiritual guides and ask them for help. Because this is the rule: you have to ask otherwise they can't interfere. You are the boss in your life. And they are close and ready to help. Trust what comes next keep openharted. It works. Have a peaceful day in the bottom of your heart. Times seem very hard nowadays to let us dare take the other way round. ❤
So, I am a therapist at BetterHelp and I am so happy that this is your first sponsor! Being a therapist is the best job ever! I think your perspective on life is one of the reasons I have gravitated toward your channel.
That is awesome!
I believe in therapy but be careful about BetterHelp. I used them briefly but stopped when I found the “therapist” was not respecting my privacy.
I was matched with a great BetterHelp therapist. I chose over my phone, not even video. I highly recommend it. Not too expensive either. Externalizing my thoughts and feelings has been very helpful. My brain is becoming less cobwebby ;)
@@always_b_kind I am so glad that you had a good match! I love my job.
I like your practical advice. I'm also 60 and solo by choice. Two years ago, doing long range planning for eventual retirement, I moved to an unpopular US state where I knew no one and had never been to. But the region is more affordable than where I lived. So I showed up to the home I'd bought sight unseen online. Yup, I did that. I also told my solo self, "this is my new home. I don't care what's here, I'm going to make it work." And so far, I have.
That's so cool that you did that! I've been house hunting for so long I've started to want to bid without seeing them as I'm so tired of driving to see them. Plus I know what's good value now.
I have enjoyed listening to your journey. I spent 3 years "teaching English" in Japan in the 80s. I taught businessmen and 4 year-olds, doctors, and farmers. My studentstook me out. I tried eating everything once. I gave up on a few things; namely, eel intestine yakitori and fish eyes. I took flower arranging classes and competed. I also was a TV announcer for a while. It was the first time in my life i felt like i could be me. People were so helpful and supportive. I learned to enjoy living and traveling alone. I've been very lucky to have had that experience.
❤️I also don’t have a relationship to numbers!
I appreciate your open honest observatons about thriving as a single woman.
no experience however bad has to be a waste - th-cam.com/video/VPvT33xREY4/w-d-xo.html
I like the idea of a “yes” year. I have gotten less brave as an adult
Several years ago, I had a “yes” year. I had a lot of wonderful experiences. Some were scary and made me want to hide again, but I came out on the other side with more knowledge & skills. I’ve fallen back into my default, “I’m too busy” mode. I need another “yes” year.
Ah bless you. Your'e an inspiration. Bless you
Life is never without challenges, but we can choose how we react. Learning to adapt is essential. My main take away has been to live life in keeping with my values, something I strive to do on a daily basis; and make it a point to refine and adjust my activities accordingly on a regular basis. Most of us make the best decisions possible with the opportunities available at the time, so no point in beating ourselves up.
CONGRATULATIONS! On your first sponsorship!!!! 😊
Could you one day take the camera to your bookshelf? I am very interested in your reading. Thanks.
Lots of people ask that...I'm ruminating on how to make a video of it....
Ooh yes. Even in childhood, if we were visiting you would find me sitting next to the bookshelf. Widens the horizons!
I tried to zoom in while watching today. Couldn’t make out much. I would be interested in that too.
@@silverandsolo…turn the bookshelves into a series of sorts. Make an occasional video featuring a few books. 👍🏼💜👍🏼
People who listen to your content are likely to be interested in what you like enough to keep.
I love living alone......my way❤
I really like your videos.....my job of 38 years was eliminated early in 2008...3 weeks later my Mother passed away...she and I lived together. It was a hard year but I did ok My Mother left me a morgage free home so I didn't need to get a job which I was very thankful. You are very encouraging in your life style...thank you for sharing.
Love your channel, thoughtful stories you shared. I too am an introvert, but really challenged myself to change that about myself. I promised myself to say yes to every invite for a year. Looking back, I was always crying myself to sleep in order to decompress. While I had adventures with wonderful people, I really needed my alone time. Proud for being committed to my own challenge, but gave away my introverted needs.
Loved your story about the river shrimp in Japan. Congratulations on sticking out your toxic job and getting a big reward from it. Good lesson. I'm 72 and evaluating my future. Best wishes.
It was great to hear this today and start my weekend on the right foot. 🙂
You are a delight! I have been given a huge gift today.... so glad I found your program!
LOVE your story of your time in Japan. Japan holds a very special place in my heart!! I lived there (in Tachikawa) from 1962-1969 when my father was stationed there in the Air Force. I was 10-17 while there and I look back on my growing up years with great fondness. I loved living there and loved the Japanese people.
Jen, you are so awesome. I love your personality and advice. I look forward to your new videos dropping. 💌
Yes, 🙌🏼 agreed. Learning a lot from Jen and also always looking forward to more videos
I’m so sorry that a job put you in a position that you needed help.. but SO glad that you sought help and SO happy to see that you have flourished after going through such drama❤❤❤
Jen - you are a masterful storyteller. It is the rare video that I watch from start to finish, yours being the exception. Not only do you capture the viewer with your eloquence and honesty, but you also share your vulnerability in a way that makes us feel like you’re right there in the room with us, sharing from your heart. My decision to build my TH-cam channel came straight out of watching your videos on monetizing. You have given me the courage and the inspiration to do this, and for those reading, it’s never too late. I will be 70 years old in December. Thank you Jen, I look forward to continuing to learn from you.
And you're very motivational too 😊
Good evening Jen (well, in France it is).
I was very interested to hear more of your story here and weirdly before you mentioned the psychology degree, I thought you had natural talent there. I too feel that I have learned from the roller coaster of life including therapy and anti-depressants but isn't it wonderful finding the strength to see that positivity rocks and can get you through?!
It's great to see you in purple. Do you know the great poem about it below by Jenny Joseph?
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people’s gardens
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practise a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
Go Gen X! I'm so glad more women in their 50's like you are starting channels. It's fantastic to see the growth of this. I've been on a similar TH-cam journey, I started uploading videos fairly regularly in 2020 at the beautiful age of 50 all the while I was loosing sight in my right eye And the pandemic hit.
It took a massive toll on me. I had reconnected with my faith, and deleted about 100 videos by the end of 2021 because I didn't think most of the vids were representing who I was becoming. BUT the encouraging outcome had been growing closer to my faith and started my youtube channel again by creating new videos on a regular basis and uploading older videos
Thanks for the inspiration Jen.
Thanks so much for not using your comment to promote your “faith.” So many commenters do; I usually approach comments with trepidation. I thought Jen’s channel might be different, and it is in many ways, including the comments ❤ Well done, you!
I think “the cherry blossom trees” are cherry trees, aren’t they? 😊
Yep!
I had a very similar experience in Japan. The opportunity came up and I was there within a month. Very little time to prepare. Like you, I didn't know the language or much about the culture but expected it to be very different and had decided to be flexible within reason. It was a great experience and I lived there from the ages of 29-33. It also led to my career back in Canada of teaching English to Immigrants. One of the best decisions I ever made.
2:14Listening to you talked about your experience working in a toxic environment reminded me to be thankful for the day I decided to retire early from the job I loved but not the politics. It so happened that soon after I left the job many of my colleagues were made redundant and were given the choice to retire early, with packages, or hang on until other positions became available elsewhere in the organization. I learned that the toxic environment had turned into a vicious and depressing reality for many people. I was lucky to have left when I did; although I missed out on the financial packages that were being offered. My mental health was saved for all the other challenges that life throws at me. Living is not easy for too many of us.
There is something very soothing and relaxing about watching your videos that keeps me tuned in. You're doing a great job ❤ Thank you.
Thank you so much!
Lol I just drank some wine first time in ages but I couldn't even finish the glass it wasn't that great but vineyard edge lol
As for listening 1 doesn't have to be a pro or licence d it's a personality trait comes with empathy and it .ca be hard not to get in our own head but that's just human
The listener can still be a good listener and very smart
@@Selfemployedmildautisticperfor You noticed the Vineyard Edge. I'm technically a light MEAD drinker. We make mead (honey wine) at home. The name comes from the band, Lifehouse. Jason Wade had a band called The Edge at the Malibu Vineyard Church in California. Maybe I should try some wine 🍷 🤔.
Thank you, so wonderfully inspirational. I love the just say yes!❤
You are an intelligent, delightful lady. I am learning so much from you and enjoying your videos.
I applaud you for experiencing a new culture and being open to it. I came to the US when I was 22 years old. I was born and raised in Sri Lanka. I went thru an arranged marriage. My mother-in-law and father-in-law moved to the US from Sri Lanka with their young children. My ex and I were different. I had lots in common with my. Mother-in-law. Long story short. I have been single ever since my mid twenties. Never had faith in a man to provide as my father. I learned to be independent and raised my son battling tooth and nail with my ex who knew the western culture and had an advantage.
So glad I found your channel! I became silver and solo 15 years ago when my husband passed away. I know I didn’t appreciate being single before my marriage. Now I feel like “ been there, done that”. I can’t say I haven’t felt a little lonely at times, but I usually snap out of it when I get started on a project or something else I’m interested in. I like classical music, which is usually not the norm for people, so being alone, I can play my music all day if I want. I can eat what I want. I can go to bed when I want ( I’m a chronic night owl). There are times I’d love some help with something, mostly handyman/fix- it stuff. But it’s hard to even imagine living with anyone else anymore. Thanks for all your tips and words of wisdom!
no experience however bad has to be a waste - th-cam.com/video/VPvT33xREY4/w-d-xo.html
So happy to see your channel growing. Loving your authentic content!
I listen to you ....because I find your speech full of wisdom...and your pronunciation very clear to me ...as non native speaker...further more it's my way to improve my language...I found your story that lead you to success with your TH-cam channel very inspirational I am trying to find my way to success with my children channel I TH-cam as well...Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Your videos are very different and I really enjoy them. Thank you Jen.
You are so welcome!
I enjoyed hearing about your time in Japan and seeing your photos. "I just kept saying yes and wonderful things happened." A good lesson for us all.
wonderful thankyou for sharing with us
Thank you for the lovely video. 🏴
I am 36 years old and currently learning English. I listen to your program every day to improve my English skills. I hope you can give me some advice and guidance on learning English
It was interesting to hear about your English teaching experience. We are colleagues, and I also said "yes" to my Asian ( and not only ) students, who shared with me the wisdom of their culture, and whose cards, gifts, pictures I keep to this day.
You speak so well, Jen, you should be a motivational or life coach. I'm older than you but I've learned a few things from you that I think have improved my view on aging, so thanks!
You are so welcome!
Great video, Jen. And this is why YT needs creators over 50. We have wisdom and experiences to share that can give hope and perspective to each other, and those younger as well.
Look at you now! Showed them. 🙂
Great story about Japan! In 2008 at the age of 58 I took a job teaching English in China. I was newly widowed and floundering about. My children were very opposed to the idea, but I needed to strike out on my own. Those 3 years were among the richest and most challenging in my life.
Excellent channel! Your content is unique and offers excellent perspectives. I appreciate you so much. I save your videos to watch when I have time to really listen actively and then think about how this applies in my life. In my life I’ve learned: my mind limits my body more than my body does (I.e., I’m physically capable of far more than I think I am), settling beneath my standards in love and friendship is disastrous and a waste of time and energy. And, like you, being open to new experiences can lead to wonderful, enriching discoveries (read: concrete thinker discovers poetry, hiking). Thank you! Much success to you! 😊
Love this, Jen. Thanks so much for your attitude of gratitude!
It's fascinating to see pictures of younger Jen...you have such a cool life history!
I'm so glad the TH-cam algorithm sent me your channel. I'm so inspired by your experience, and you inspire young adults like me. Just started my channel last month after dealing with a long illness. Can't go back to a work on a normal job so started a remote jobs channel. Thanks for your testimony.
You've challenged me to start saying 'yes' again to opportunities. Somewhere along the line I've lost that. Just like me you could venture overseas alone into the great unknown but talking to a stranger for a newspaper assignment freaked you out. I get that.
I love your channel, Jen, and I'm glad BetterHelp is your sponsor - having someone to talk to in stressful times, is so important! Okay, back to watching your videos!
EDIT - Okay I wish I could give 2 thumbs up. This is really really good! [And I won't try to talk you into liking math, even though that's what I do for a living!!]
Loved this video I literally watched it all while I'm working it was very refreshing loved to hear the experience thank you for ur videos Jen ❤
So glad!
I love listening how other people's brains work, mine works in one particular way that I hadn't particularly noticed until I went to university, I found school easy and uni wasn't difficult until I had to focus on one thing only, I found I often went down rabbit holes and ended up losing focus on my intended study, when I changed one of my subjects I found I wasn't losing focus so much. Once I got away from statistics which was quite a large part of this particular subject, I was fine, so I completely understand how numbers can be somewhat confusing for you, the numbers I had to do at uni drove me nuts. The best thing I ever did was to change my major.
Love your photos in Japan, what a fantastic experience! Great perspective. I'm in the UK and one of the best years of my life was travelling solo in Australia when I was 28
I also did a year teaching in Japan. Loved it.
I am picturing the picnic under the cherry blossom trees. What a wonderful memory for you! 🌸
Still appreciating you & your channel! I work with entrepreneurs - are women, low income, disabled or living with a chronic illness, and/ or have experienced trauma.
The willingness to say, "yes" is so key.
I just created my channel today and your videos popped in my feed. I am a 45 year old following you!
Thanks for that Jen. I enjoy your channel as a 63 and going silver solo myself.
There is just so much I love about your videos. The one thing you are very consistent with is just being straightforward and honest and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you doing that. I always learn something or just find someone who thinks and feels like I do. Bravo on another great video 👏
You are a great example of a person who has embraced their own self-worth. You know who you are. 🙏 ❤
I love the story about meeting the Japanese man. I have started saying yes to new things too. Recently I accepted an invitation to visit a beautiful garden and was rewarded with several beautiful bouquets of flowers. I'm so glad I went. Thanks for reminding me to keep doing this.
I love listening to you. I did a therapy called EMDR due to some childhood trauma and it changed my entire life. Thank you for sharing your story.
One of my life-changing events was starting a family with my gay friends. I was not romanticly involved with them but we granted eachother to be parents this way. I’ve learned a lot about myself and I’m certain that I became a better person than I would have been as a mother in a traditional family, when I stayed single or became a single parent.
SO BRAVE BRAVE BRAVE 😮
Amen to knowing and trusting what your own gut tells you. As women, we often learn this to late in life.
I've not had a bad life, just not what I would have chosen if I had gotten to choose. I would not change anything--each and every thing has made me the person I am today, and I am very happy with who I am!
great video Jen. I loved that you just said yes to life without having to know how it was all going to go. In 2012 I took a trip to Europe and did it on my own. I started by visiting a friend in Scotland and then took off on my own. The next place was in France. the final destination was the the Amalfi coast. I had never travelled anywhere that far away,(on my own), also anywhere where the first language was not English. I booked my places to stay along the way and made choices of where to go and what do to on the fly. I recall the first day I was about to go out on my own from Paris. I had horrible anxiety. Then like you I had a talk with myself. I looked up in my hostel room and there was a woman from Brazil with me and she was preparing to leave. She had almost no English and somehow we communicated. Turns out we were taking the same train to the south of France. She was so glad I was with her as I could watch her bags as she bought her ticket. She spoke fluent French and helped me buy mine. when we arrived at the train she was on the front car and me towards the back. We hugged thanked each other and off we went. After that I travelled so well. when the trip ended after 5 weeks away I thought to myself," now I can go anywhere". It was the greatest feeling I have experienced. My journey was magical and I trusted myself to look after me and say Yes to life.
These chats have helped a lot. I don't do numbers well. Studied biology in collage as an encore (older) student. I loved the experience. At 61+ (silver & solo) I've considered it again.
I’m new to your channel. Great job telling ur story.
Your voice is very soothing, have you thought also about doing voice or even face and voice commercials? You are very good at advertising. ❤
LOL! Thanks!
Thanks for sharing your life journey with us! I learn a lot from you even though I’m older at 79. Your wisdom and calm demeanor make my heart peaceful. I grew up as an introvert but was lucky to be given a mother-in-law who was the opposite. I marveled at how easily she approached strangers and engaged with them. By osmosis I gradually became less introverted and was not scared to put myself out there. I have a friend who’s always telling me she can’t understand how I can have conversations with strangers. I’ve come a long way. By the way, I also majored in English. I loved some Math and planned to major in it but Calculus convinced me that was the wrong path. Have a blessed day.
I loved your stories with this video! Listening to them inches me further into a secret dream that I’ve never told a soul. You’re living the life you want and that is so inspiring.
Good morning. Thank God for you. More people should be like you. Great perspectives. Thanks for sharing.
I couldn't have said it better. Inspiring and hopeful, even to me...a woman in her 8th decade.
Good morning!
Love your video! I am a nurse practitioner (peds)and deal with children daily who have anxiety and depression.
Your words and stories are refreshing. This is the real world. Take care. At sixty I am facing unemployment and it’s harder than I thought it would be. As a single woman I am shitting bricks. But I sense that I will be ok. Take care everybody.
@@ruthmarner6582 you will be!
Thankful for your story!!!! I’m just starting out this year with TH-cam… but I’m also learning! Thank you again for all your insights 😊 my name is Jac !!!
This video was so fascinating to me. I love hearing people’s backgrounds and seeing some snippets from their past. Thanks for sharing! I am trying to stay optimistic in spite of chronic health problems since cancer years ago. I do believe anything is possible! It helps to hear your stories of getting through and past struggles.
How interesting! I spent the summer between my junior and senior years of college teaching in a small town, Kawamoto-cho, in Matsue-shi. I've never regretted the experience. ❤ Continuing to enjoy your channel to the point that I have to become a patron! Thanks for such great content!
I was terminated after 43 years at age 60. They restructured . I was depressed but I got a better job with a little more money eight months later. It was so hard but I’m good now. I’m sorry that happened to you. God had a better plan for us.
Loved hearing about your experiences in Japan! I embraced similar adventures throughout my younger life also, and I’m so glad I did.
That is such a cool story. I love that you had that opportunity in Japan. My husband really wants to go to Japan some day and he's been teaching himself Japanese for quite a while now, but has a lot more to go. I hope we get to go there! Those shrimp sound delicious, and I'm not a shrimp gal!
I like your stories
This was so interesting! Thanks for sharing!
You are so welcome!
Jen many thanks for sharing your experiences with us. I love listening to you. As a fellow introvert I think you’re incredibly brave but I guess bravery brings rewards both large & small.
My whole life nature & wildlife are my one great love & I hiked everywhere until let’s just say a small prick which was necessary as part of my occupation left me disabled. I lost my career, I lost my home, I lost my good health & basically aged 38 had to start again trapped in a body that doesn’t function as it should.
I was encouraged for years to Sue but having lost so much I did not wish to wake up each day in battle mode for what would equate to one years salary. I decided every day I would seek out small blessings that brought me great joy.
I can no longer walk up mountains but I can use my car as a portable bird hide & seek out beautiful things in nature to photograph & enjoy.
A positive attitude most certainly helps, oh & books, lots of books. Did I mention books😂📚🦅🐦⬛🦆🪿🦉🐞🐝🌲Annie🏴
Love hearing your life experiences. Mine are many but will keep this short. My life growing up was hard, harder than most, however the most life long greatest valuable lessons that shaped me to who I am. I like who I am, good with my own being, perfect no, happy yes. Would not be who I now am without what was. You are your best life story 😊 and everyone can be.
Thanks for sharing!!
I’m Silver , Solo, And 60+ following and love your channel!
Also an introvert
Awesome! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your story about Japan!
Thank you for the channel. It gives us a chance to sharpen our listening skill. ❤
Good morning. I can totally relate to this video
Dicovered your vlogs yesterday and I am hooked! Happy to find a likeminded woman. Thank you.
Welcome!!
I'm a little older than you, but you have become my spirit animal! ❤️🔥
What a wonderful video summarizing some of your life adventures up to this point. How very interesting and inspiring it was for me while I listened. Thank you for sharing.❤️
Lovely video Jen, and again such a great way to share your life experiences. And I am so happy your channel now got sponsored ! The Sky is the limit! How are we ever do the same ? You are the best teacher for all of us who are + 50 and trying to get better. Thank you🌻
Me again! Meant to tell you that I didn't know about blvd's and streets running perpendicular to each other, either🤣
Loving your journey on TH-cam! I'm following along closely as you inspire my own creative quest. Congrats on the sponsorship 🎉
Thank you!! 😊