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Are We Using AI Chatbots for Information… or Connection?
This Christmas, my family came to visit me in my new state. My sister, my two late-teen nieces, and their dog. I was excited! But honestly, I was also a little scared. For the last 13 years, I’ve lived alone. Not counting my dog of course. Which meant my time was my own — no…
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Let Yourself. A Different Kind of New Year’s Resolution.
Yesterday was the first day in six months that I actually wanted to write again for Courageously Independent. Honestly, actually wanting to do it, wanting to create, wanting to contribute to the world, wanting to hope, wanting to revisit my dreams… Well, it shocked me. Because the last six months…. have been a lot. I…
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The Counterintuitive Cure to a Bad Day
Deep breaths, booze, a hot bath, crying in the closet, breaking something, punching someone in the face, getting a hug, going for a walk, a cup of herbal tea, or visualizing just letting it all go… all solid options for managing the sadness, frustration, or pain of a bad day. Because let’s be honest: everyone…
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“Being Alone” Isn’t Just for Single People
We think that once we’re in a relationship, we don’t have to worry about being alone anymore.That’s the lie. If you’ve ever felt resentful, drained, or powerless in a relationship, the answer isn’t just to fix the relationship or blame the other person. It’s to strengthen your sense of self outside of it. But this…
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“Locus of Control”? The Key to Happiness in a Solo Life
I just turned 48 last week. There, I said it—it’s official! 😂 Actually, I no longer think of 48 as “old.” Not because I’m here now, but because of the incredible, independent, thriving women I’ve built connections with. Most are in their 50s, some in their 70s, and they’re killing it—from launching new businesses to…
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Blogs, Podcasts, and Books for Single Women Over 40 (Dare to Change Your Perspective)
When I speak with women struggling to come to terms with being on their own—whether for a season or forever—they often bring up the same old narratives we’ve all heard: married people are happier, healthier, and (of course) live longer. Guess what? That’s not the full story. New research from experts like Dr. Bella DePaulo…
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How To Make New Friends as a Single Woman Over 40
If you’re not 110% convinced (and understand why) thriving as a single woman over 40 means finding other single female friends your age, check out my last article, #1 Thing Every Single Woman Over 40 Needs. In it, I explore how spending time with our married or coupled friends can be wonderful, but also leave…
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The #1 Secret to Happiness for Single Women Over 40
“Are you dating anyone?”“Oh, you’re attractive, smart, fun… you’ll find someone soon, don’t worry.”“I know this guy—I should set you up!” After my breakup—a 14-year relationship that was divorce in every way but the legal one—I turned to my amazing family in rural Wisconsin for support. It was a safe haven for me; I grew…
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Alone, Backed by Many: Building Your Ultimate Support System
A single female friend of mine recently said, “I need to find some guy friends here.” She had just moved to town. I understood. Men can be a different kind of friend than women, bringing a different, welcome dynamic. Still curious, I asked, “Why?” “Well, for things like…in case I need to move something heavy.”…
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What’s Really Keeping You From Five Minutes of Calm?
While chatting with a life coach friend recently about doing things that scare us, she said something that stuck with me: “You’d be surprised how terrifying it is for people to take just five minutes a day to sit in silence.” She wasn’t talking about climbing Everest or public speaking—just sitting. She explained that for…
