Someday Never Came—And That’s a Good Thing

I’ve been asked, “How can you stay passionate about life for so long without getting bored or burnt out?”

The answer is simple: I’ve made it a journey filled with fun, meaningful challenges, and plenty of growth along the way.

One of the biggest traps I see people fall into — and I’ve fallen into it myself — is living for someday.

Someday I’ll travel. Someday I’ll slow down and enjoy things. Someday I’ll feel truly happy.

But someday is a moving target.

And “success”? It’s one of the most ambiguous words out there.

To me, success started the moment I launched my very first business — a print newspaper for singles in my state. Just sending out that first issue felt like a win. That business grew to the point where I sold it, but the real success came from what I experienced along the way — meeting new people, learning new skills, celebrating other people’s milestones, building friendships that lasted.

If you’re not finding joy in the journey, someday can feel like forever.

So how have I stayed passionate after all these years?

I live in the present.

I don’t live for someday. I build joy into today — through the habits I form, the choices I make, and the challenges I take on. I stay focused on a simple mission that has guided me for years:

Make people happy. Nothing more. Nothing less.

When I stay aligned with that purpose, everything else falls into place.

Even writing this post brings me joy. Whether one person reads it or a thousand, I’m doing what I love — sharing something I hope helps someone else. And that’s enough.

I’ve Built a Life, Not Just a Resume

My work has always been part of my life — never the whole of it. I made sure of that from the beginning. I raised two daughters who are now incredible adults. I’ve planned, traveled, laughed, and made time for the people who matter most.

I’ve also learned to let go of things that no longer bring me joy. I don’t backpack or hike for miles anymore. I no longer sell real estate or serve as a politician. And that’s perfectly okay — those seasons served their purpose and made room for new ones. Like writing cozy mysteries. Like creating gifts for people going through hard times. Like showing up at the senior center for lunch and discovering that the best friendships of my life were waiting for me there.

Even the things I love have evolved as my life has changed. Because if it’s no longer fun, why keep doing it?

I Embrace Life’s Curveballs One Day at a Time

Of course life throws challenges at us all. No one gets a perfect ride. I’ve had loss, sadness, illness, and setbacks. I’ve lost my husband of 63 years and learned what it means to rebuild a life around a hole that doesn’t close.

But I’ve learned to live with those moments, to accept them, and to keep moving forward.

They don’t define me.

What defines me is how I choose to live — curious, creative, and still excited to try new things. Maybe they’ll lead somewhere. Maybe not. But I love the process. And I keep finding joy in it.

The Secret?

The more I enjoy what I’m doing — and the more of myself I pour into it, even the quiet ordinary parts — the richer my life has become. The more people I’ve been able to help.

To me, that is the most underappreciated secret of a life well lived.

Not someday.

Today.