The Unhurried Arrival of the New Year

There is a specific kind of noise that happens every January. It’s a frantic, high-pitched hum of people trying to outrun their shadows, making lists of things they want to fix, change, or delete about themselves.

As women who have seen our share of winters, we know better. We know that the calendar turning is not a magic wand, and frankly, we’ve worked too hard on our souls to treat them like projects that need "fixing."

Standing here at the edge of a new year, I don’t feel the need for a "clean slate." I like the marks on my slate. They are proof of the life I’ve claimed. Instead of resolutions, I like who I am!

One of the favorite parts of this stage of life is that the "approval seeking"  has stopped.  This year, I am looking forward to the luxury of selective presence. I am no longer interested in being everywhere or knowing everyone. I am looking forward to the deep, quiet satisfaction of choosing exactly where my energy goes—and, where it doesn't. There is a fierce, quiet joy in being "unavailable" to the trivial so that I can be fully present for the profound.

Finding the "Deep Resonance"

In our youth, everything was new, but nothing had context. Now, we have the gift of recognition. When we see the first light of a January morning or feel the cold air on our skin, it is a weather event, and an experience, a memory. 

This year, I’m looking forward to living in the "thick" of things—listening to music that makes my ribcage ache, having conversations that skip the weather and go straight to the heart, and noticing the intricate beauty of a life that has been well-worn. We aren't just passing through time anymore; we are the keepers of it.

The world expects older women to either become invisible or become brittle. I choose neither. I am looking forward to a softened edge. A conscious decision to remain malleable. I want to be surprised. I want to change my mind because I’ve learned something new. I want to be the woman who laughs too loud at her own jokes and wears the velvet coat just because it feels good against her skin.

We are "Older Women Rock" not because we are trying to stay young, but because we have finally mastered the instruments of our own lives. We know the chords. We know when to belt it out and when to let the silence speak.

So, let’s leave the "New Year, New Me" talk to the amateurs about starting over; it’s about finally playing the music exactly the way we want to!

Marge Farrington OWRO

☘️ Older Women Rock On: Why Three is the Magic Number for Clarity and Fun!

It’s Not Luck, It’s Irish Logic!

Like many of you, I have roots that stretch back to the Emerald Isle—40% Irish, to be exact! My mother was fiercely proud of our heritage, and recently, a brilliant professor popped up on my YouTube feed who has made me feel even closer to those roots: Professor Kate Chadbourne.

She’s a Professor of Irish language and folklore, and she brings the ancient world to life! In fact, she even speaks the historical tongue of the sagas—the rich, complex language known as Old Irish (or Sean-Ghaeilge).

Professor Chadbourne recently shared a fascinating concept: the Triadic Structure (or Thinking in Threes). This isn't just folklore; it’s a powerful, ancient system for organizing our chaotic, beautiful lives. Forget complicated five-step plans; we just need three!

Section 1: The Sacred Rhythm of the Shamrock 🍀

In Irish culture, the number three is everywhere and represents wholeness, balance, and flow.

You see it in the art, like the beautiful Triskele spiral, and in the religious symbolism of the Shamrock.

This love of three is actually a deep cognitive tool. Our brains love three. It’s the Goldilocks number: one is too simple, four is too complicated, but three is just right.

Think about how every good joke or story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. The third element provides the satisfying closure!

The Rock-On Takeaway: Thinking in threes gives your brain a ready-made filing system for life's complicated details, making everything instantly less overwhelming.

Section 2: Three Things to Remember Every Special Time (Holiday Edition!)

We take photos, but the true feeling of a special day often fades into a blur. We can prevent this loss by borrowing the power of the Triad to crystalize our memories.

This idea is especially powerful for busy times like the holidays or any big upcoming event, when moments can rush by! Instead of trying to document everything, you can actively decide, "I will capture just three things." This prevents the memory from becoming an overwhelming jumble of facts.

The next time you are enjoying a milestone, a gathering, or a holiday dinner, consciously commit to remembering just three things. This is the Memory Triad:

1. The Sensory Detail (The "Feel")

Why it works: It ties the moment to your immediate senses.

What to Remember: The specific smell of the pine or a special meal; the sound of a loved one's unique laugh; the way the firelight warmed the room.

2. The Core Emotion (The "Why")

Why it works: Emotion is the glue of memory.

What to Remember: Name the single strongest feeling: Joy, Peace, Pride, or Connection.

3. The Defining Action (The "What")

Why it works: It captures the event's climax or a unique interaction.

What to Remember: The exact quote someone said that made you laugh; the final, triumphant cheer; the first bite of a special meal.

Pro-Tip for the Holidays: Before your next big event, decide what three things you hope to capture. This focused intention will make the day richer, and the memory crystal clear later!

Section 3: The Triad of an Organized Rock-On Life

Let's put this Irish wisdom to work! We can use this simple structure to tackle daily life, projects, and even big problems.

1. Organize Your To-Do List:

Stop making endless lists! Use the Triad of Action:

Capture: Brain Dump every thought onto one page.

Group: Cluster it into three categories (like Home, Work, Self).

Act: Pick the top three items from those lists—and only do those three things today.

2. Structure Your New Habits:

New habits can feel daunting. Give them a framework:

Pre-Game: Prepare for success (e.g., Lay out your workout clothes.)

Main Event: Execute the task (e.g., Do the walk.)

Review: Solidify the habit (e.g., Stretch and plan the next walk.)

3. Handle Any Problem:

When a challenge pops up, don't let anxiety take over. Define your path in three parts:

The Problem: State it clearly and simply.

The Fear/Challenge: Acknowledge the obstacle or emotion.

The Next Step: Name the one concrete action you will take today to move forward.

Conclusion: Rock On with Three!

The Irish gave us amazing stories, powerful music, and—lucky for us—a secret weapon for mental clarity. We don't need complicated systems; we just need the power of three!

By embracing the Triadic Structure, you’re not just being efficient, you’re connecting to an ancient, satisfying wisdom that brings order to your mind.

What three things are you going to focus on today? Share your most recent 'Memory Triad' from a special moment in the comments!

You Can Check Professor Kate Chadbourne's Video  Here

Marge Farrington OWRO