Building Something That Matters in This Season of Life | Grief & Joy

Finding Joy in Work

There’s a surprising kind of joy that comes from starting something new later in life.

Not the loud, flashy kind—but the steady, satisfying joy that comes from purpose, progress, and doing work that actually means something. For me, that joy has been showing up in two big ways: growing a small business and renovating a historic barn on my property with plans to turn it into an Airbnb.

Both projects are stretching me in ways I didn’t expect. And honestly? That’s part of the joy.

If you have been following along on this journey, you may have read the blog about me, the Founder of Grief & Joy. In that blog, I shared how I am drawn to entrepreneurism and how although I enjoy my "jobby job" at RTX, it doesn't completely fulfill me. As I am now in my 50s, I am making choices to set the stage for my future "retirement." We will talk more about that later!

Choosing Purpose Over “Slowing Down”

There’s a lot of talk about slowing down as we get older. About easing into retirement, doing less, keeping things simple.

But what if this season is actually about doing more of what matters?

Running Grief & Joy has given me a renewed sense of purpose. It’s creative, challenging, and deeply fulfilling. I’m learning new skills, making decisions daily, and building something that aligns with my values—not someone else’s expectations.

It’s work, yes. But it’s the kind of work that energizes rather than drains. The kind that reminds you that you’re still growing, still capable, still allowed to dream.

The Joy (and Reality) of Renovating a Historic Barn

Then there’s the historic horse barn project.

Old buildings don’t offer instant gratification. Renovating one requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to pivot when plans change—which they always do. There are surprises behind every wall, lessons in every delay, and victories in the smallest bits of progress.

What brings me joy is imagining what this space can become.

Turning the barn into an Airbnb isn’t just a renovation project—it’s a long-term plan. A way to create an income stream for retirement, invest in my property, and build something that can support future freedom rather than restrict it.

It’s planning with intention. And that feels empowering. Luckily, I have a partner, Ben Johnson, who also is very excited about this project, embraces the dream and vision, and also finds it incredibily rewarding. Without Ben, this project would not be where it is right now! Our relationship has already demonstrated resilience--I mean Ben is dating a widow! But this project has challenged us in new ways and we are still thriving!

Redefining Retirement

We are not building these projects so we can eventually do nothing.

We are building them so we can do what we want.

For me, retirement isn’t about stopping—it’s about choice. Choosing work that feels meaningful. Choosing projects that challenge me. Choosing flexibility, creativity, and connection.

A small business and a short-term rental offer exactly that: scalable income, autonomy, and the ability to stay engaged on my own terms.

There’s joy in knowing I’m actively shaping what comes next instead of waiting for it.

Joy in the Challenge

If you know me, you know I love a challenge!

Some days are messy. Decisions feel heavy. Progress is slower than planned.

But there’s joy even there.

Joy in problem-solving.
Joy in learning as you go.
Joy in watching an idea slowly become real.

These projects remind me that joy isn’t always easy—but it is deeply rewarding.

Building a Life That Feels Like Mine

This season of life isn’t about winding down. It’s about building wisely, creatively, and intentionally.

It’s about choosing purpose over autopilot. Creating income with meaning. Restoring something old and giving it new life. And designing a future that feels expansive, not smaller.

That kind of joy doesn’t just happen.

You build it.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Joy doesn’t arrive fully formed—it’s something we choose, build, and return to again and again.

At Grief & Joy, we believe in creating a life that holds meaning, humor, and purpose—especially in the seasons where we get to decide what comes next.

If you’re building your own next chapter, you’re in the right place.
Explore our collections, share Grief & Joy with someone who could use a little light, and join us as we keep choosing joy—intentionally.

👉 Shop the collections at griefandjoy.net
👉 Follow along on social media for real-life joy, humor, and reminders that this season still gets to be good