Boomer Banter, Caregiving, Purpose, Connection

Ever found yourself in a situation where you have to choose between being right or being kind? Well, Wendy Green has been there, and she’s got the stories to prove it.This episode of Boomer Banter is all about the messy, unpredictable world of caregiving. Wendy shares a moment that many can relate to: when she tried to help her mom with her medications, only to end up in a classic power struggle.Spoiler alert: it involves a lot of sighing, some misunderstandings, and even a memorable moment where she had to force a pill into her mom's mouth. Yikes!But through it all, Wendy highlights the importance of compassion, patience, and learning to let go of the little things. It's not just about the medication or the rules; it’s about connection and understanding between generations. Wendy's blend of humor and heartfelt honesty makes this episode a must-listen for anyone in a caregiving role.

Life doesn't always give us the luxury of slowing down.Between caregiving, family responsibilities, appointments, and the endless to-do list, taking care of ourselves can easily become one more thing we never quite get around to doing.In this solo introduction, Wendy shares how caring for her 96-year-old mother has changed not only her daily routine but also the way she thinks about self-care. Looking for ways to restore calm in an often unpredictable day, she revisits one of her favorite conversations from the Boomer Banter archives with certified forest therapy guide Angie Stegall.Together they explore the practice of forest bathing—not hiking, exercising, or identifying trees—but simply slowing down, becoming present, and engaging your senses in nature.The best part? You don't need hours in the woods.Angie explains how even five minutes in your own backyard can help quiet your mind, reduce stress, and reconnect you with yourself.Whether you're a caregiver, recently retired, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's constant demands, this episode offers a simple reminder that peace is often closer than we think.In this episode, you'll learn:What forest bathing really is—and what it isn't.Why slowing down can actually improve your patience, mood, and sense of well-being.How mindfulness and nature work together to calm a busy mind.A simple five-minute practice you can try today, even if you don't have time for a hike.Why going outside may be one of the best ways to reconnect with yourself.Resources MentionedAngie Stegall – Forest Therapy Guide and CoachNotes from Nature by Angie StegallWendy's Substack: Thriving Through Time by Boomer BanterA description of Forest Bathing from Cleveland ClinicConnect with Wendy: [email protected] this episode resonates with you, I'd love to hear about your experience. Have you tried spending five quiet minutes outside? What did you notice?Leave a comment, share this episode with a friend, and subscribe to Boomer Banter wherever you listen to podcasts.Sometimes the greatest gift we can give ourselves isn't doing more.It's simply taking a moment to breathe.

Before my mom moved in with me, I had a morning routine, a clear sense of purpose, and a podcast I had spent six years building. Then everything changed.In this episode I'm talking honestly about what happens when caregiving reshapes your life in ways you didn't anticipate — the loss of independence, the loss of your former self, and the strange grief of watching someone you love let go of living while you're still fighting to stay engaged with life.This is an episode about transitions. Specifically, the part nobody talks about enough: the Messy Middle. That uncomfortable, murky stretch between the life you had and the life that's still taking shape. If you're in it right now — whether because of caregiving, retirement, loss, or any other major life shift — this one is for you.We'll talk about why the Messy Middle is not a sign that something is wrong, what it actually takes to move through it, and why choosing life — even on the hard days — is still a choice worth making.Links referenced in this episode:womenover70.com Women Over 70: Aging ReimaginedEmail me at [email protected]: Thriving Through Time, by Boomer Banter

Hey there! A couple of months back, I wrote a little something on my Substack called 'The Truth I Don't Want to Admit About Time with my Mother,' and it did not feel good!I had my morning routine finely tuned, after 15 years of living by myself. After my mom moved in, I had to hit pause on my podcasting and switch gears to writing—it was a big life change!But, I missed connecting with y’all. I realized that podcasting Boomer Banter, gave me a sense of purpose and meaning, and I don't want to give that up. Right now, I’m juggling, caregiving, my writing, my relationship, and taking care of my house, all while trying to redefine what makes me feel fulfilledSo I’m back, but in a different way. Instead of the usual guest interviews, I'm going for shorter solo episodes where I’ll share my real-life experiences as a caregiver and the quest for finding purpose in this stage of life.Substack: Thriving Through Time, by Boomer BanterBoomer Banter websiteEmail me at [email protected]

We all have a dream we keep tucked away — the one that feels too big, too late, or too terrifying to pursue. Shelley Dunstone had one of those dreams. After years of practicing law in Australia, she decided she wanted to sing Brazilian music. Not just perform it — she wanted to sing in Portuguese, with Brazilian musicians, in Brazil. And eventually, she did.In this conversation, Shelley talks about what it means to honor a dream even when you're afraid of it, the friends who nudged her forward, and what it felt like to finally step on stage after years of silence.If you have a dream you've been putting off, this one's for you.