​Years ago, when The Bachelor first aired, I said to my co-worker, “Reality TV will be our demise.” I had no idea how true that statement would feel today. Looking around at the current state of our country, it seems like so many of us are living as if life is just one long reality show—complete with sensationalism, drama, and really bad commercials. This warped perception of reality scares me, and I feel that fear at a deep, soul level.
I’ve always enjoyed sharing on social media. I know some people probably get tired of my endless sunrise photos or posts about my latest adventures, but my intention has always been to spread a little light. When I first joined social media, I was writing a blog about my journey as a yoga teacher. It felt natural to continue sharing beauty, inspiration, and positivity on social media.
But over time, social media shifted. Even though I intentionally follow positive content, my feed is increasingly filled with posts rooted in fear, hatred, and division—often from people I know, and often from algorithms pushing content I never asked to see. It’s heavy. And honestly, it’s exhausting. The more I sit with it, the more I realize this has never really felt healthy.
I’m not writing this to position myself as some enlightened being. I am far from that. But I do practice consciousness, presence, and mindfulness every day—and I’m grateful for that privilege. As someone committed to that path, I can no longer justify allowing social media’s noise and distraction to pull me away from what truly matters.
I’ve taken extended breaks from social media before, and every time, I’ve found clarity, peace, and perspective. But this time, I don’t think it’s a break. I think it’s a goodbye.
I extend Metta—loving-kindness—to all, and it’s my hope that we heal and grow forward, together. If you’d like to connect, you can reach me through my business website, www.MedicareSolutionsABC.com, or my blog, www.TuckTheFringe.com.
Peace and blessings, Jeannine
 
Metta Prayer ~
May you be filled with loving kindness
May you be safe from inner and outer dangers
May you be well in body and mind
May you be at ease and happy

​If you could put only five things in a suitcase and carry that around with you for the day, the year, or even a lifetime, what would you choose to pack?
I posed this question to my yoga class back in 2015. This week, two things happened that feel significant: I stumbled upon the meditation I wrote back then, centered around this very question, and just this morning, I listened to a podcast that essentially asked me the same thing. I believe that’s a sign the Universe wants me to share. Oh, and as a funny side note… I’m also shopping for a new suitcase!
Imagine this suitcase isn’t filled with clothes or essentials, but with the intangible things that shape how you experience life. You get to choose not only what you pack but how you will use it as you meet the world. Did you pack patience, gratitude, hope, acceptance, and optimism? Or did frustration, bitterness, fear, impatience, anger, and resentment find their way inside?
Now picture this: you’re moving through your day, suitcase in hand. Life happens—someone cuts you off in traffic, a project doesn’t go as planned, or someone says something that stings. You get bumped. The suitcase flies open, and its contents spill everywhere. What comes tumbling out? What do others see? What do you see?
The truth is, we’re all carrying something. Often, we don’t realize what’s inside until life gives us a jolt. That’s when our packed emotions, values, and intentions reveal themselves. It’s easy to display kindness and grace when things are smooth, but what spills out when we’re shaken? That’s the real reflection of what we’ve been carrying.
This happened to me recently when life gave me an unexpected jolt, and a few things spilled out of my suitcase—things that didn’t align with the tone of my day or the mindset I thought I had. Suddenly, I felt undone, my “stuff” scattered everywhere, exposing emotions I hadn’t realized I was carrying. The chaos and exposure were unsettling. But as I paused to gather my things, I realized I had a choice: I could repack with intention, deciding what to hold onto and what to leave behind. That simple act of awareness helped me find my footing again.
So, what’s in your suitcase?
Take a moment to unpack. Examine each item. Are you holding onto something that no longer serves you? Is there space for more of what you truly want to carry—love, courage, resilience, or peace?
The beauty is, you can repack anytime. You get to choose what stays, what goes, and what needs to be folded gently and placed right on top, ready to be shared when the world needs it most.

​“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” — Mary Oliver

February brings a milestone month for me as I turn 55. This marks the beginning of what I fondly call Act III. After a reflective intermission of five years, (a story for another time) I step into this chapter with excitement and curiosity for what’s to come.
As this new month begins, I express my gratitude for the book Joyous Longevity by Sieglinde Othmer. Gifted to me by my friend Karen, who discovered it at an art fair in Parkville, this book resonates deeply with me on multiple levels—touching on my work with seniors, my love for staying active and my desire to write. Joyous Longevity, The A-Z Field Guide, guides us through life's complexities, offering wisdom on how to embrace life fully, connect with the soul, and infuse each day with joy.
From the very first pages of Joyous Longevity, I knew I would connect with Sieglinde. When she described her age—her eighties—as a magical number, I felt an instant resonance. She writes: “As we start our journey together, I’m in my eighties. I’m bringing you magic with the magical number eighty. The eight, when lying on its belly, symbolizes infinity. It signifies eternity, which we all face, sooner or later. In Chinese culture, eight means abundance, harmony, and success. It embodies balance between the material and the spiritual way of existence.”
Her words stopped me in my tracks. In 2023, when I first embraced the idea of Act III, I spoke aloud—to myself and to God—that I would like to live to 88. It felt right. An even number, the year I graduated, and when turned on its side, a symbol of infinity.
That moment in the book felt like a confirmation—one of many. Page after page, it was as if I were hearing from my future self at 80, offering wisdom and reassurance. That’s how I knew I needed to meet Sieglinde.
I was drawn to Sieglinde’s story and her vibrant zest for life. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to cross paths with wise and inspiring women—women who move through the world with a certain grace and authenticity that captivates me. Sieglinde was no exception. When I met her briefly at a book signing, I instantly felt her energy—warm, passionate, and full of life. A few weeks later, I had the pleasure of sitting down with her over coffee to talk about her book and her love for writing.
Our time together felt cozy. She was gracious and vibrant. And very curious. She asked all the questions while I simply basked in her light, soaking it all in. We talked about the writing process, our shared love of watching birds, and our passion for healthy, sustainable food. Her encouragement was both simple and profound: follow your heart, trust your desire, and let go of what writing should look like. “Just write. The other stuff will follow,” she told me in her lovely German accent.
With those words, something shifted. I stopped questioning. I stopped worrying about structure or outcome and instead embraced the idea that if the words flow naturally, they are meant to be shared.
As I step into Act III, I carry the spirit of Joyous Longevity with me—open, curious, and ready to embrace what’s next. And perhaps, years from now, I’ll look back on this moment the way Sieglinde looks back on hers—with gratitude for the journey and the stories yet to be written.

Wishing you all, Joyous Longevity!
J~
Check out Joyous Longevity and learn more about Sieglinde's writing 
https://www.joyouslongevity.com/