It is a delight to introduce you to one of NABBW’s newest members, Tammy Hader. Before you read what she shares about herself below, let me tell you a bit about what I’ve come to know about her.

Tammy, like so many of us Baby Boomers, has recently reinvented herself. After working 30 years as an accountant, where she developed what she calls an “adequately successful career,” she decided to retire and explore a totally different path. 

Being a logical thinker, she realized that before she could properly select a new career path, she had to work through some very critical questions, including:

  • Where do I want to venture from here?
  • What would be stimulating and fulfilling for the second half of my existence?
  • How can I make a difference in the world, leave a mark after I am gone?
  • Will this make me happy?

Tammy says once she started pondering these questions, she realized that finding her answers was actually not all that simple.  I can totally back her up on this, as I went through the same process back in the 90s when the advertising  agency where I had been working decided they no longer had a place for me. Having never been terminated previously, I took a full month to lick my wounds, and then focused on determining what was to be my next move.

As Tammy puts it, it is at times like this when you have to sit yourself down and ask yourself some tough, soul-searching questions. Life is full of choices, each leading to a series of options, which in turn, generate more options. 

Tammy found, as many who have also been through this process have had to realize, that the thought of figuring out what you want to do next can be overwhelming until you realize that you actually have to slow down and solve your dilemma tactically. She says she first narrowed down the playing field by setting parameters for her search:

“I took the time to be honest about what I wanted, and what I did not want, out of a new career path. I took a year off, caught up on neglected projects around the house, and determined which boxes a new job needed to tick. I figured out that I enjoy working from home, prefer to be my own boss, love having a flexible schedule, and wanted to exercise my brain to maintain cognitive health.”

Next she applied her observations to a list of potential jobs and produced a manageable number of options. Since she’s a planner by nature, Tammy knew that selecting a path that stayed within the lines she’d drawn would be helpful to the achievement of her goals.

And, after several months of thoughtful review, Tammy made an initial selection and gave herself permission to plan thoroughly — and then go with the flow. She recognized that to be successful, you have to be willing to go with the flow, “pivot,” and/or evolve your plans.

Tammy started by successfully finding a number of online publications to write for, which immediately began generating some income, and then wrote a book, which she has just released. Titled “Walking Old Roads: A Memoir of Kindness Rediscovered, it is now published in both paperback and Kindle formats. We’ve included the book cover below, as well as an Amazon link. And now that you know “the rest of the story,” we happily turn this article over to Tammy and her answers to our questions…

Using one paragraph, tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a person of quiet deliberateness, a bashful storyteller. I am an active listener who enjoys making other people’s lives better. Behind the scenes, I struggle with my desire to be content with my own existence. I am tea not coffee, beer not wine. I was born a cat person, a foodie, and a lover of purpose and order. I am a complicated woman who finds her Zen both in being immersed in the energy of rock and roll music and in the silence of a perfectly organized closet.

Tell us about your family; married, divorced, children, grands, boomerangs or parents living with you, etc.

I have been married to my husband Brad since 1994. We have no children, but we do have 2 rescue cats that we serve on a daily basis. My mother is currently in independent living nearby so I help care for her as much as I can.

What is your favorite childhood memory that is reminiscent of growing up in the 50s, 60s, or 70s?

My favorite aspect of childhood would have to be the wide variety of activities we were allowed to create on our own and with friends. Whether it was riding bikes all over town without worry, spending hours playing with my Barbie Dolls, pretending I was a schoolteacher, baking with my Easy Bake Oven, or having neighborhood kids over for a kickball game, the adults didn’t arrange our playtime. I was an active participant in face-to-face interactions with peers and we had the best time together.

What qualities do you have that speak of our generation of women?

I am a pragmatic thinker with a high level of problem-solving capability. Like many women my age, my expectation is not to be taken care of by others, but rather to be able to take care of myself. I try to be respectful and empathetic to people around me. I am disappointed when people fail to reciprocate such behavior even though I know I can only control how I behave.

What inspires you?

My grandmother’s contentment derived from living with intention inspires me in the day-to-day aspects of living life. She was one of the most practical, loving, strong, and consistent role models from my youth. She’s a topic of many stories in my new book, Walking Old Roads. As I mention in the book, she had the kind of faith that extends beyond the walls of a church, and I hope to live up to her example of a life well lived.

These days, what brings you the most pleasure in life?

Spending time with people who make me smile brings me the most pleasure in life. The older I get, the less acceptable it is for me to waste time and energy. I want to fill the remainder of my life with the most pleasant memories I can create.

Do you have any interesting hobbies?

I am a member of a beer club. It’s a very relaxed organization that meets once a month at a local brewpub. We are a very diverse group of all ages coming together to enjoy the love of craft beer and the adventure of trying new things. Sometimes the beer samples are terrible, but the camaraderie always fills my heart with joy no matter what.

Do you have a favorite book or movie? If so, tell us why it’s your favorite.

This is the toughest question of all. I enjoy comedic classics like Office Space, action-adventure movies like Indiana Jones, and science fiction flicks like any of the Star Trek movies. My favorite classic movie of all time, however, is Casablanca. The idea of personal sacrifice for the greater good inspires me to look at life from different perspectives. Books are much the same. I enjoy reading Robert Fulghum’s wisdom, Stephen King’s horror, and Tom Clancy’s world adventures. One of my most favorite books is Lord of the Flies by William Golding. The chilling parallel between the adult world we know, and the evolution of the children’s island community is a fascinating examination of the fragility of humanity.

Do you travel and if so, who are your favorite travel partners and where do you like to go?

My husband is my favorite travel partner. We share so many interests such as hiking, exploring big cities like NYC and Chicago, trying new foods, and enjoying sporting events, concerts, and museums. We love experiencing things that are not prevalent in the little part of the world we call home. We are super excited about traveling to Europe for the first time later this year.

What do you stress about?

My mom’s health concerns are the biggest source of stress for me at the moment. It’s tough to watch a loved one struggling with growing older. The parent/child role reversal phase is an emotional time for anyone going through that part of life. Mom helped me a great deal in doing the research for my book. In many ways, I believe working together on the book project navigated us through the swapping of roles waters more enjoyably than either of us expected.

Is it important for you to retain your youthful looks, and if so to what degree are you willing to go?

No, retaining my youthful looks is not a priority for me. Aging is natural, and I plan to own my place in time. I prefer to focus more on staying as healthy as I can for as long as I can. I work at finding healthy recipes that also taste delicious in order to make eating right more fun to do. I know exercising must become a higher priority for me, but that’s a lot less fun than food.

Have you re-invented yourself, and if so, how?

I retired from a 30-year accounting career in 2017. After taking a year off to work on neglected projects around the house and to figure out what I wanted to do from there, I landed on becoming a writer. I started putting essays out on Medium.com and BizCatalyst360 while I read and studied writing techniques of other writers. In 2021, I contracted with WebMD.com to write monthly blog articles about living with migraine illness. I am a contributing author in the Daily Gift Book Series, and I have my own book, Walking Old Roads, coming out in June 2023.

Do you plan to retire?

As I just mentioned, I have gone through one retirement already. As for retirement from writing, I have no idea when that will happen. As long as I remain interested in writing and readers enjoy my words, I will keep going for as long as possible.

Are you doing anything to ‘go green?’

Technically, I suppose having no children has the biggest impact on my environmental footprint on the earth. I also actively recycle, and I try my best to not waste resources. Meal planning keeps grocery purchases limited to only what I need. I use reusable, washable grocery bags and sandwich bags, that sort of thing. I prefer a clean, uncluttered living environment so there is not a lot of excess sitting around our house.

Do you still have unfulfilled dreams, and are you doing anything to accomplish them?

I’m happy with the life I have created for myself through good choices and bad. My dreams change with my season, which means I tend to let go of unfulfilled dreams when the time is right to move on with new, more realistic endeavors. At the moment, my biggest dreams are to become a successful book author and to see more of the world. I’m actively working on fulfilling both of those dreams as we speak.

How do you make a difference in the lives of others, your community, your world?

I’m a good listener with a reasonably empathetic ear. I’m trying to be a kinder, better example in the present for generations to come. A stronger sense of community is important to maintaining civility in our world and I’m working on looking up and connecting with family, friends, and neighbors who are right in front of me.

If you were to have a personal mission statement, what would it be? Feel free to be as serious or fun as you choose.

Strive to remember and learn from the past, but don’t set up residence there. Make the effort to look up and enjoy the present before it fades into the future. Cherish the pockets of joy found in the cloak of everyday life.

 

SUMMARY:

BabyBoomer.org, (https:babyboomer.org) the website which bills itself as the “ultimate Baby Boomer-focused news, guide and community,” now offers online courses on topics of interest to Baby Boomers. Current topics include Caregiving, Cooking, Self-Help, and Technology. Plans for future trainings include Alternative Health, Long-Term Care, and Pickleball.

GALENA, ILLINOIS:  BabyBoomer.org, the leading online platform dedicated to the empowerment and enrichment of baby boomers, is excited to announce a new service: online training courses. The aim is to provide valuable knowledge and skills to the baby boomer generation. These online training courses offer a convenient and accessible way for individuals to enhance their personal and professional growth. As the baby boomer population continues to age gracefully and seek new avenues for personal development, BabyBoomer.org recognizes the importance of lifelong learning. With the advent of technology, online training has become increasingly important and the site developers want to be at the forefront of this movement, offering a wide range of courses tailored to the specific needs and interests of the baby boomer generation.

Topics for the current 24 courses include Technology, Dementia Care, Caregiving, Cooking, Leaving a Legacy, Self-Help. Future course topics will include Alternative Health, Investment Management, Long-Term Care, Grandparenting, Personal Development — and even Pickleball.

“We have an ever-growing roster of experts who will be developing and presenting the courses,” according to site co-founder Marc Joseph,  site spokesperson.

The current roster of course developers, their areas of expertise and general course topics includes:

  • Phyllis Ayman, known as the Ambassador for Aging Life Management, offers six courses on Dementia and Leaving a Legacy. Among them, two courses on “Essential Dementia Care,” and another on using music to communicate with persons with dementia, as well as a basic course called “Caregivers Guide to Caregiving,” which offers knowledge every caregiver needs
  • Adrian Berg, author of the podcasts Generation Bold and The Fountain of Truth About Aging; provides a course on Successful Aging called “Speak Out Communication: The 5-Minute Recipe for Impactful Speech”
  • Loretta Breuning, author, professor and founder of The Inner Mammal Institute offers you a two-month course with 25 video lessons and a fun title, “Train Your Inner Mammal to Feel Good Now,” which includes natural ways to stimulate the brain’s own chemicals which make us feel good.
  • Ed Brazee, co-owner of BoomerTECH Adventures, brings over a dozen “how-to” courses on using technology — and one on cooking. Everything from how to use your smart phone to taking great nature photos with your smart phone, plus iPhone Basics, Mac Basics, Zoom Basics — and cooking for one.
  • Debra Jones, known as the “Healer’s Healer,” and producer and host of the “Own the Grey” podcast, offers her Boomer audience “The Awakened Human,” a course focused on Healthy Aging for body, mind and spirit

For more information on BabyBoomer.org’s online training and to sign up for courses, please visit https://www.babyboomer.org/courses 

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By Anne L. Holmes, NABBW’s Boomer in Chief

Terese (Wallen) Tormoen, Founder/CEO Ms BigShotIn preparation for writing my introduction to this post, I did a bit of online research on Terese Wallen.

As she’s an active businesswoman, I began with reviewing her profile at LinkedIn. There, I saw that she initially describes herself as “an advocate for women at any age who are ready to change the trajectory of their lives. As a Life Coach, I help women get unstuck in any area of their lives. I have studied success and have developed courses that address mental roadblocks, mastermind-type support and a proven planning process that give women the roadmap to create whatever they want.”

Additionally, she suggests that for more information, anyone reviewing her LinkedIn profile ought to, “Check out our courses, coaching or membership at www.msbigshot.com.”

But the thing that I found most interesting on Terese’s LinkedIn profile, is an article she posted there earlier this year, which I’m sharing below:

What is Your Version 2.0?

“What if you could become a new version, more authentic version of yourself. One that is lighter, freer, risk taking, and carefree?
The beauty of us humans is we get to create whatever we want in our lives. Our minds are the only things holding us back.

“This past weekend, we spent time with our friends in Sonoma, CA. One of our friends, Judi, announced at dinner that she was now Judi 2.0. She said it more tongue and cheek but I knew there was something more to it.

“After dinner I asked her what Judi 2.0 looked like. She responded, “I’m going to be less reactive and more responsive to situations. When I respond to a situation too strongly, I’m going to notice, give myself some grace, and know next time I get to try it again.” Judi has a strong personality, but always well-meaning. She decided to have a more carefree demeaner and go easier on herself.

“After the conversation, I started thinking about how many of us could benefit from trying on our own version of 2.0. Maybe, one that has more fun. Maybe, one that pursues her dream with ease and excitement instead of heaviness and hard-work. Or, better yet, one who looks at life as a fun game that allows us to create and let go of judgement and a #work#energy #help ssumptions about ourselves and others. Now, that would be interesting… and entirely possible.

“As we step into another month of 2022, are you open to experiment with a new version of you? What will be your 2.0?

“Try on something new this year, experiment, have fun, approach life with a sense of wonder. You will be amazed the positive energy, circumstances, surprises that will show up when you step into a new space and allow the universe to step in and help.”

So now that you know a bit more about how Therese thinks, I’m sure you’ll be quite interested in her answers to our standard NABBW blog questions. So without further ado, “take it away, Terese!”

What is your favorite childhood memory that is reminiscent of growing up in the 50s, 60s or 70s?

My fondest memory as a child was playing in our life-size playhouse my grandfather built for us in our backyard. He was a carpenter by trade and built this playhouse to look like our parent’s home. It was quite special. My sisters, neighbor friends and I would play for hours in it. We would pretend to “play house” constantly.

My most vivid memory was one time playing school. This memory came back to me during a workshop I offer in my business (She Created a Life She Loved) whose purpose is to help women reclaim their interests, desires, and passions. The funny thing is I never became a teacher, but I am a trainer and coach.

What qualities do you have that speak of our generation of women?

One of the qualities is that I’m a great listener. Maybe it’s a quality of the times, I’m not sure. This skill has been a tremendous asset in my life, work, relationships and especially my relationship with myself. It’s also the reason I chose a career where I get to actively listen to others and coach them.

I’ve also learned that my “love language” is words of affirmation. I love inspiring others to go for their dreams, to use their unique experience, talents and skills to do work they love and create a life they love.

What inspires you?

What inspires me is learning more and more about how powerful our minds and bodies are in manifesting what we want. I’ve learned how to let go of limiting beliefs, change my perspective, and more importantly become a creator of my life. That realization, combined with the techniques I’ve learned, has been a real game-changer.

These days, what brings you the most pleasure in life?

The things that bring me the most pleasure are the little things in life. Spending time with our young adult children and watching them navigate and find their way on their journey of life.

Do you have any interesting hobbies?

There are a couple hobbies I’ve been wanting to start. Tango lessons with my husband and Agility training with our dog, Cashew. I know both will bring a ton of joy and laughter.

Do you have a favorite book or movie? If so, tell us why it’s your favorite.

I have many favorite books, but the most recent favorite is “Into the Magic Shop” by Dr. James Doty. It’s his story of overcoming a tough home life of alcoholism and poverty to become a famous Neuro-Surgeon.

It’s an amazing story. He credits all his unbelievable success to a woman who took the time to teach him how to control his thoughts, connect to his heart, and visualize his desired outcome.

I found it so impactful, my husband and I bought a copy for each of our children last Thanksgiving.

Do you travel and if so, who are your favorite travel partners and where do you like to go?

My husband and I love to travel. Our big trip last year was to Paris to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We also like to travel within the states and many times, plan a quick weekend with our long-time friends (my husband’s friends from 1st grade and their wives). In fact, we just got back from wine country, Sonoma, with them.

What do you stress about?

My biggest stressor — but also my biggest driver — is me asking myself whether I am living up to my fullest potential. I’m always learning new ways to look at life, and to not follow society’s norms on what someone my age “should” be doing.

Is it important for you to retain your youthful looks, and if so, to what degree are you willing to go?

I believe it’s important to retain my youthful looks, so that I feel good about myself. I think the best way to do it is to love my life. When I am happy, fulfilled, inspired, I look different because I feel different. I also am a huge believer in being proactive about my health. I eat well, meet with a Naturopath to maintain my health through vitamins and minerals, do Pilates and walk everyday.  

Do you plan to retire?

I don’t think I will ever call myself retired. As I mentioned above, I love to think I am always creating in my life.

Are you doing anything to GO Green?

I am really passionate about doing more and more to be green. I do small things such as when I take our dogs for a walk, I bring an extra bag and pick up any garbage along the street. I also am adamant about bringing used batteries and electronics to Best Buy for recycling. The plastic bottles are a huge problem and I hope we have a replacement for that soon. I really love to see the young generation taking this matter seriously.

Do you still have unfulfilled dreams, and are you doing anything to accomplish them?

My dream is to continue to help women through my business. My business, Ms. BigShot, helps women go for their big shot in life. I offer workshops, coaching and courses to help women discover what they really want and then give them the tools, support and roadmap to make it happen.

I know when a woman is happy and fulfilled, she can inspire so much goodness in her family and the world.

How do you make a difference in the lives of others, your community, your world?

I make a difference in the lives of others by running a business I love. I like showing my children there are many ways to make money and following your passion is important.

We are not taught as kids and in school how to be creators of our lives. Ms. BigShot helps women discover what they want, then gives them the tools, path, support and the mindset to accomplish it. It doesn’t matter what age you are!

If you were to have a personal mission statement, what would it be? Feel free to be as serious or fun as you choose.

My mission is to inspire and empower others to create lives they absolutely love.