Just a thought… Your time on earth is limited. Don’t try to “age with grace.” Age with mischief, audacity and a good story to tell. [Case Kenny]

Welcome to a new week. If you’re like me, you’re trying hard not to focus on anything today but your own wellbeing and peace of mind. We do what we can; all the rest is out of our hands.

My friend Andrea has been here since last week and flies back into the frigid GTA tomorrow. We’ve had so many talks: from exchanges about the Let Them Theory (she brought me her hardcover copy; I’ve listened on audiobook) to excitement about a new chapter in her life and career. We’re of similar age and her dream job has just come to fruition, her child is in the second semester of university life and her husband is out of the woods after some serious medical challenges. Her time here has been like a rebirth, just as I feel about being in this peaceful pocket in a turbulent country.

One of Andrea’s favourite sayings is “Age Audaciously.” In fact, a woman she admires, Harvard-trained sociologist, author and Wayfinder life coach trainer Martha Beck talks about an acronym called WIG. It stands for Wildly Improbable Goals.

But Andrea has changed this in her own mind and life to WAG: Wildly Audacious Goals.

What difference does one word make? We’ve been talking about that very thing. See, to us, “improbable” are the odds of writing a bestselling book, while “audacious” is writing the book to begin with (yes, I’m using myself as an example). “Improbable” means, yeah, it’s not likely going to happen, but “audacious” puts the control in your own hands; it takes bravery, risk and a certain “to hell with them” attitude.

That’s why as Queenagers we’re embracing the “Age Audaciously” mantra. Wear that outfit. Take that stage. Write that email. Introduce yourself. Make new friends. Reconnect with old ones.

These last suggestions come to mind as an epidemic of loneliness and isolation continues to grip so many worldwide. Reading The Let Them Theory reminded me that I’d let a friendship in Sidney, BC slip through my fingers and I’ve reached out to start to rectify that. Instead of sitting at home waiting for life to start up, I have to get out and do something to make it happen.

Changing WIG to WAG is another way to jump start life. Sure, in the dead of winter it may not feel like you’ll want to, but this is the time to plan and build dreams. We cannot control much, but we can improve what’s at hand. And even in these darkest days, that spark of hope can be enough to keep us looking ahead.

Here’s a reminder that fellow Queenager Lisa Brandt and I will drop a brand new episode of our podcast Gracefully and Frankly this Thursday. If you haven’t caught up with episode 109 you’re welcome to do so. Remember, it’s free, it’s just a click away and we’ll keep you company no matter what you’re doing. It’s also such a joy that it keeps us sparking, too. And maybe even sparkling at times!