You Are the Ripple: Finding Meaning When You Feel Invisible

There is a quiet, heavy feeling that many of us face as the years pass—a sense of becoming invisible. We walk through the grocery store, navigate our neighborhoods, or scroll through our phones and feel a nagging doubt: Does my presence still matter? Will I be remembered?

These feelings are real. They are valid. We shouldn't suppress them; we should acknowledge them. But we must also refuse to let them be the final word on our value.

The Invisible Ripple

Think back to your 5th-grade teacher. For me, it was his first year teaching. He likely had no idea that his excitement for science and the joy he brought to the classroom would stay with a student decades later. He created a ripple that is still moving today.

Now, turn that lens on yourself. You have created thousands of ripples:

• The strength you showed colleagues during a difficult project.

• The kind word you offered a stranger who looked overwhelmed.

• The simple gesture of holding a door or sharing a genuine smile.

• The friends you’ve lost touch with who still carry a piece of your wisdom or a memory of your laughter.

You have touched lives in ways you will never fully know. Your value is not a tally of how many people call you today; it is the permanent mark you have left on the fabric of the world.

Reaching Out: The Two-Way Street

Sometimes we feel forgotten because others are caught in their own storms. Younger generations are often running at a breakneck pace, and peers may be struggling with their own feelings of isolation.

1. Reach out first: Before assuming they don't care, send a text or make a call.

2. Release the outcome: If you reach out and the door remains closed, it’s okay to find a new road. Your energy is precious.

3. Check the "Why": If you aren't getting out because of logistics—transportation, budget, or health—it is time to lean on the community you’ve helped build.

---

Resources: Finding Your New Road

If you feel stuck at home, there are hands reaching back out to you. You just have to know where to look:

• Mobility & Transport: Many counties offer "Dial-a-Ride" or senior paratransit services that provide free or low-cost transportation for grocery trips and social appointments.

• The Hub of Connection: Your local Senior Center is often the heartbeat of the community. They offer everything from technology classes (to help you stay connected online) to fitness and crafting circles.

• Intergenerational Programs: Look for "Foster Grandparent" programs or local library reading hours. Younger generations need your stories and your "ripple."

• Virtual Villages: Organizations like Village to Village Network help older adults age in place by connecting them with local volunteers for errands and social visits.

• Daily Inspiration: For local news and stories that keep you connected to the community right here in Western North Carolina, be sure to check wnctimes.

Final Thought

Don't let the silence of a phone define the volume of your life. You have been a teacher, a friend, a pillar of strength, and a source of kindness. Those ripples don't stop just because the water looks still.

Rock on, ladies. You are seen, and you are significant.

Let's Talk about what works for you? We all go through these times. What actions have you taken? Let us know in the comments.

This blog is not just for me to talk, I am looking for conversation! 

Marge Farrington         OWRO

 

Finding Solace in the Stillness

 It happens to the best of us—that sudden, uninvited heaviness that settles in like an afternoon fog. There isn’t always a "why." You didn’t lose your keys, the car isn't making a weird noise, and the world is spinning exactly as it should, yet there you are, feeling a bit hollowed out.

When you’re an "older woman who rocks," society expects you to have it all figured out. We’re supposed to be the anchors, the wisdom-sharers, the ones with the sturdy shoulders. But sometimes, those shoulders just want to slump.

Erma Bombeck understood that. She spent decades making us laugh at the absurdity of life, but she was a master at acknowledging the quiet, lonely corners of it, too. She once said:

"I’ve always worried about people who can’t laugh at themselves. It’s like being born without a funny bone. You’re always vulnerable."

When that untriggered sadness hits, maybe the "funny bone" is just tired. It’s okay to let it rest. Erma’s humor worked because it was rooted in the absolute truth that life is messy, and aging doesn’t necessarily make the mess any easier to sweep up—it just gives you a more interesting broom.

The Truth About the "No-Reason" Sadness

There is a specific kind of bravery in admitting you're sad when you have "no reason" to be. We tend to audit our lives: I have my health, I have my family, I have my work—I shouldn't feel this way. But Erma would likely tell you that "should" is a useless word. She lived through real scares—cancer, kidney failure, the loss of friends—and she knew that humor wasn't a way to hide from the sadness, but a way to survive it. She reminded us that:

• You don’t have to be "on" all the time. If the lead singer of the band needs a solo in a minor key, let her sing it.

• The sadness isn't a failure. It’s just the price of having a heart that’s been open for several decades. It gets a little weathered.

• A little bit of absurdity helps. Erma used to joke about her house being so dirty she wrote "Drip Dry" on the bathtub. When the weight feels heavy, finding one tiny, ridiculous thing to acknowledge can be the first crack of light.

Moving Through the Fog

If you’re feeling it today, don't rush to fix it with a "gratitude list" or a forced smile. Just sit with it. Treat it like a guest who didn't RSVP—you don't have to throw a party for it, but you can acknowledge it's in the room.

As Erma beautifully put it: "Guilt is the gift that keeps on giving." Don't let yourself feel guilty for being human. You've earned the right to every emotion you feel, even the ones that don't make sense on paper.

The fog always lifts. And when it does, the "Older Woman Who Rocks" is still there—maybe a little quieter, maybe a little more tired, but infinitely more real.

Marge Farrington   OWRO

The Weight of Holding On: Finding Freedom in Letting Go

 

I want to talk about something many of us face as we move into new chapters of our lives: the art of letting go. Sometimes, we hold onto items not because we need them, but because we aren’t sure how to say goodbye to the memories attached to them.

I have a wonderful friend who lost her spouse a few years ago. At 67, she found a beautiful way to navigate this transition. When there are things she knows she needs to part with, she takes a picture of the item first. That photo saves the memory, allowing her to keep the "moment" without having to keep the physical object. It’s a gentle way to honor the past while clearing space for the present.

For me, the journey was a bit different. I realized I had been holding onto items in a storage unit for almost ten years. To be honest, I simply didn’t have the energy—emotional or physical—to go through it all. I kept telling myself, "Wait until warmer weather," or "I’ll get someone to help me."

But then, I had to be honest with myself. I don't have the room for it. It wasn’t worth the physical or emotional toll anymore. I had to realize that the stuff I had was already gone; it had been out of my life for a decade. I was paying money to hold onto things for... who? My kids are grown and have their own lives and belongings to manage. It was time.

Why Now is the Time

If you find yourself standing in front of a closet, a garage, or a storage unit, feeling that familiar weight, ask yourself these three questions:

• Is the memory in the object, or in me? Like my friend found, a photograph can hold the sentiment just as well as a dusty box.

• What is the "Holding Cost"? Whether it’s actual rent for a storage unit or the "mental rent" of knowing you have to deal with it eventually, everything we keep costs us something.

• Am I saving this for a version of me that no longer exists? We are allowed to outgrow our past selves.

The Peace of an Empty Space

Letting go isn’t about losing your history; it’s about gaining your future. When we clear out the "stuff" we’ve been lugging around for years, we make room for new energy, new hobbies, and a lighter way of living.

You don't need a perfectly organized plan or a warm spring day to start. You just need the honesty to say, "I’ve held onto this long enough."

Take the picture. Say thank you. And then, let it go. You deserve the space.

Marge Farrington 

OWRO

Beyond the Hump: Reclaiming the Middle of the Week

                                                                 

We’ve all heard it for decades: “It’s Hump Day!” The phrase usually conjures up images of tired office workers eye-balling the Friday finish line. But for the women of the OWRO generation, Wednesday doesn’t have to be a hill to climb—it can be the summit where we stop to enjoy the view.

Whether you are still rockin’ a career, pivoting to a side hustle, or enjoying the freedom of a self-directed schedule, the middle of the week is the perfect time to shift gears. When we aren’t tied to a traditional 9-to-5, days can sometimes bleed into one another. Marking "Hump Day" gives the week a rhythm and a reason to celebrate.

5 Ways to Make Your Wednesday Sparkle

1. The Mid-Week "Home Spa" Escape Why wait for a special occasion to feel pampered? Turn your bathroom into a sanctuary. Light those "expensive" candles, put on a face mask, and let the world wait. Wednesday is the perfect day to soak away the Monday-Tuesday stress and reset your glow for the days ahead.

2. The "Spa & Sparkle" Soiree Everything is better with friends. Invite a couple of your best girlfriends over for a "Spa Afternoon." Tell everyone to bring their favorite polish or a new sheet mask. It’s low-pressure, high-connection, and a lot cheaper than a resort!

3. The Mid-Week Treat Make Wednesday the day you visit that specific bakery, florist, or coffee shop. By designating a "Wednesday-only" indulgence, you create a bright spot in the literal center of your week.

4. The "Check-In" Tradition Use this day to call one person you haven’t spoken to in a while. Since it’s not the busy start of the week or the frantic weekend, Wednesdays are usually the sweet spot for a long, meaningful chat.

5. The Pivot Ritual Take five minutes to "clear the deck." Look at what you’ve accomplished since Sunday and celebrate it! Then, pivot your energy toward whatever makes you feel most alive for the days ahead.

The Bottom Line: We don’t just "get over" the hump anymore—we own it. Wednesday is our reminder that we are halfway to a new adventure, and we’re doing it with style, silver hair, and a rock-and-roll attitude.

How are you marking the middle of your week? Are you masking up or meeting up? Let’s hear it in the comments!

Marge Farrington                             OWRO

The "Invisible" Woman: Finding Your Light When the World Feels Dim

Have you ever walked through a room and felt like a ghost?

It’s a strange sensation. For decades, we were the ones everyone needed. We were the fixers, the builders, the keepers of the calendar, and the "emergency contacts." But as the years roll by, the phone gets a little quieter. The kids are busy with their own whirlwind lives, friends drift into different circles, and sometimes it feels like the world has simply… moved on.

If you’re feeling a bit invisible lately, let’s take a breath and talk about it.

The Mirror of the Past

Before we let the sting of loneliness settle in, let’s do a little "time travel." Think back to when you were in the thick of it—working, raising a family, or building a career. Do you remember an older relative or a neighbor you hadn’t called in months?

It wasn't that you didn't love them. It wasn't intentional. You were just busy surviving your own life. Often, the people we miss the most today are simply caught in that same whirlwind we once occupied. Understanding that it’s rarely personal can be the first step toward healing.

The "Whose Turn Is It?" Trap

We’ve all played the waiting game: “I texted her last, so it’s her turn to reach out.” Pride is a lonely companion. If you’re waiting for the phone to ring to prove you matter, you’re giving away your power. Yes, if you’ve reached out repeatedly and received nothing but silence, it’s okay to redirect that energy elsewhere. But if you’re holding back out of a fear of rejection or a "scorecard" mentality, you might be missing out on a beautiful reconnection.

Be the Light You’re Seeking

Here is the secret to rocking on: Don’t wait for the invitation to exist. If you’re feeling like you don’t matter, look around. There is almost certainly someone else—perhaps a friend you haven't spoken to in years or a neighbor across the street—who feels exactly the same way.

• Reach out again: They might be going through a "season of silence" you know nothing about.

• Make the first move: Send a card, a text, or an email just to say, "I'm thinking of you."

• Find new orbits: If the old connections have truly faded, it’s time to find a new tribe. New hobbies and local groups are waiting for your wisdom.

The Bottom Line

You are not a ghost, and you haven't been erased. You have a lifetime of stories, humor, and resilience that the world still needs. Sometimes, to find the light we’re looking for, we have to be the ones to flip the switch for somebody else.

Let’s keep rocking, sisters. You matter more than you know.

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Have you felt this way lately?

Marge Farrington                                                                                OWRO

Marge Farrington                                                                         OWRO

 

Is it Friday? Let’s Make it a Friyay!

 

Let’s be honest for a second: When you aren't punching a clock every morning or chasing kids out the door for school, the days can start to look… well, a little bit the same. Have you ever woken up and had to check the newspaper or your phone just to see if it’s Tuesday or Thursday?

We’ve worked hard for this freedom, but sometimes that "freedom" can make the week feel like one long, continuous loop. Remember that Friday afternoon feeling? That "TGIF" spark of excitement? I say we bring it back—even if our "office" is now our favorite armchair!

Let’s turn Friday into Friyay.

You don’t need a fancy reservation or a plane ticket to make the day feel special. It’s all about intention. Here are a few ways we can make Friday the undisputed champion of the week:

1. The Friday "Creativity Kick"

Designate Friday as your day to explore. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try watercolor painting, or perhaps you want to finally start that scrapbook. Make Friday the day you say "yes" to your inner artist. No chores allowed during "Art Hour"—just pure, messy fun!

2. The Movie Night (Solo or Social)

Reserve Friday night for a "Feature Presentation." Pick a film you’ve been dying to see, pop some popcorn, and dim the lights.

Pro-Tip: If you’re watching solo, call a friend on Saturday morning to give them your "review." It gives you something fun to look forward to and a great conversation starter for the weekend!

3. The "Cheat Treat"

We all try to stay healthy, but Friyay is the perfect time for a little indulgence. Maybe it’s that one specific pastry from the bakery down the street, or a fancy piece of dark chocolate you’ve been saving. Savor it. You earned it!

4. The Friday Refresh

Switch up your routine! If you usually have coffee in the kitchen, take it to the porch on Friday. Put on your favorite upbeat playlist (you know, the one that makes you want to dance in the kitchen) and let it play all morning.

The goal is simple: Give yourself a reason to get excited when you see that "F" on the calendar.

How are you going to celebrate Friyay this week? Are you trying a new recipe? Taking a long walk in a new park? Or maybe just finally cracking open that book you’ve been eyeing?

Drop a comment below and let’s inspire each other to make every Friday a celebration!

Rock on, ladies!

Marge Farrington    OWRO

The Magic of the Mark: Why Picking Up a Pen is a Power Move for Your Brain

 Hey sisters! We all know Grace as our resident tech expert. Usually, she’s the one with the latest gadget or a keyboard under her fingers. But lately, you might have spotted her at her favorite local café, tucked away in a quiet corner with something a bit more... "analog."

Grace has traded her tablet for a leather-bound journal and a classic pen, and she’s discovering what neuroscientists have been shouting from the rooftops: Your brain is wired for the nib, not just the click.

While we love our digital tools, the science shows that handwriting is a fountain of youth for the brain—and a vital tool for the younger generation, too! Here is why Grace is making the switch, and why you might want to join her.

1. Igniting the "Thinking" Brain

When Grace types, she’s performing repetitive motions. But when she writes, her brain has to execute complex, unique strokes for every single character.

• The Science: Handwriting engages the Reticular Activating System (RAS). This acts as a mental filter, putting the focus squarely on the task at hand.

• For All Ages: For us, it keeps our cognitive firing pins sharp. For the younger folks, writing notes by hand leads to significantly better memory retention than typing. It’s a brain hack that never goes out of style.

2. Grace’s Emotional "Pressure Valve"

There is a profound psychological connection between the hand and the heart. In the middle of a busy day, Grace finds that "Expressive Writing" is her best stress-reliever.

• The Science: Putting pen to paper helps the brain move stressful experiences from the "emotional" center (the amygdala) to the "rational" processing centers.

• The Result: It’s like clearing the cache on a cluttered computer. Once Grace puts her worries onto paper, her brain stops looping them. It lowers cortisol and provides immediate mental space.

3. Slowing Down to Speed Up

We know Grace has a rock-and-roll attitude and moves fast, but handwriting forces a natural "lag" that is pure magic.

• The Science: Because you can’t write as fast as your thoughts fly, your brain is forced to summarize, prioritize, and synthesize information on the fly.

• The Benefit: This leads to deeper understanding. Grace isn't just recording her day; she’s reflecting on it. It’s a moment of pure mindfulness in a noisy world.

4. The Ultimate Digital Detox

At the café, Grace leaves the notifications behind. A notebook has no "low battery" warning and no social media pings.

• The Flow State: That wonderful feeling where time disappears is much easier to find with a pen. It creates a sacred, quiet space for her thoughts to breathe, away from the digital noise that can exhaust any generation.

The Takeaway

You don't need to write a novel. Even five minutes of journaling or a handwritten letter to a friend can sharpen your focus and settle your spirit.

Take a page out of Grace’s book—literally! Grab a notebook, find a quiet corner, and let’s show the world that writing your own story is the best way to keep your spirit vibrant.

Pick up that pen and let your brain rock on!

The timing is great for those who are inside staying warm!

Marge Farrington                   OWRO