Forward From 50 podcast

Pat and some of his coworkers would go backpacking every year, which gave him an opportunity to invest extended time outdoors where he really came to appreciate God as a creator.

Jeff said participating in just one medical mission is like doing 1,000 good deeds for people who often have no access to even basic medical care, let alone life-saving and life-changing procedures.

Beverly knows how important language is not only understanding other people, but for fitting into society as well. She has devoted her life to teaching adults and kids to speak different languages.

Joseph feels called to ministry in Kenya, so he is working to develop income streams that would help finance his mission and support his family.

Without that hope, people can fall into addictions or depression when they try to numb the pain of feeling there is no hope for a better life.

Joan Turley's life changed when she started working in the salon and spa industry. Now she is on a mission to help people feel as good on the inside as they look on the out.

Yet, for nine years after becoming a Christian, Dawn did not have peace. She was still burdened by her past and controlled by fear to the point anxiety ruled her heart.  But, she kept doing the next right thing. Eventually, Dawn discovered the peace she was searching to find.

With family often scattered far and wide, Ruth shows how to maintain thriving relationships with grandchildren even from a distance.

What I admire most about Jeff’s story is that he is still setting goals in his 70s that motivate him to do something daily to reach that goal. Today, Jeff wants to help people identify and pursue their purpose, regardless of their age. So, he helped form the Institute of Purpose to show people how their lives can have purpose and meaning by simply focusing on ways to help others.

Troy admitted his faith could be much stronger and far more involved than it was. He still attended church and led marriage classes with his wife, but it seemed to Troy that he was just going through the motions of his faith. He was not engaged with God during his quiet time, nor communicating with him throughout the day. So, Troy decided to go all-in and become fully engaged.

As Allen approached his 50th birthday, he started experiencing signs of aging, which included aches and pains as well as an overall lack of energy. Allen forgot what it felt like to feel good. He knew he needed to lose weight, and he watched some friends shed pounds rather quickly on the Optavia program.

After COVID created extraordinary challenges for teachers, Mary decided to leave the classroom and start her own communications business. It was the fulfillment of a dream she harbored for years.

Brenda’s approach to self-publishing is that it opens the door for anyone to write and produce a book. However, there remains a right way to do so in order for self-published authors to ensure their books can stand next to any traditionally-published books in bookstores without readers noticing a difference.

Many men are haunted by discouragement, loneliness and depression; however, Mike said the antidote is to step out and be productive by actively seeking ways to make a difference.

When Kelly was in his 50s, the trucking company he worked for went bankrupt. Rather than be disappointed, he decided it was a good time to take his writing seriously. It was a dream Kelly harbored in his heart since childhood.

With more than 40,000 known illnesses, Susan said there are too few doctors treating many more patients. That means doctors usually can’t afford to take the time it takes to really delve into the underlying causes of an illness.

After retiring months before his 50th birthday, Chris’ new purpose involves helping people prepare for the unexpected, and contending with the post-traumatic stress or survivor’s guilt that often follows.

We can always juggle things around to cram one more activity or appointment into our calendar, but we need space to relax, unwind and declutter our minds, too.

But, before jumping into their new community, they wanted to take a year off to tackle an item from their bucket list. As outdoor people who enjoy traveling, the couple opted to go hiking.

Jen realized after she turned 50 that her whole life had been devoted to serving other people. In doing so, she had neglected the things she loved to do herself.

Today I am interviewing a man and woman from Louisiana who had it all – well-paying jobs and a magnificent house on a private 110-acre lake. But, they gave it all up to enjoy a life of adventure and helping others.

Don read a study recently that suggested 75% of people are disengaged at work, and that often comes back to a lack of purpose.

The trip was not only an adventure, but kind of a pilgrimage, both spiritually and physically, to overcome some things that had taken control of Perry's life.

When Mike felt depressed and unfulfilled in his work, he began a habit to create something new every day for a year until he renewed his purpose.