In this week's edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Linda Wilson on:
1. Midlife Can Be a Catalyst for Reinvention
Linda's midlife transformation began when her family forgot her 40th birthday—a moment that sparked her decision to reenter the workforce and pursue a fulfilling career in education. Her journey from stay-at-home mom to teacher is a reminder that midlife is not an ending, but a powerful beginning for self-discovery and growth.
2. Embracing Change Leads to Unexpected Joy
From moving to the country (which she initially resisted) to traveling internationally, Linda found that stepping outside her comfort zone led to some of the most rewarding experiences of her life. Whether it was earning her master's degree, becoming a teacher, or finding peace in rural living, she embraced each shift with curiosity and gratitude.
3. Relationships & Community Matter—At Any Age
Linda emphasized the evolution of relationships, sharing how she rekindled connections with her sister and childhood best friend later in life. She also built new communities through church, book clubs, and longtime friendships—proving that meaningful connections can be formed and deepened well beyond midlife.
4. Creativity & Lifelong Learning Keep the Mind & Spirit Engaged
From quilting and scrapbooking to teaching history through medieval fairs, Linda's lifelong curiosity and creativity have been key to her sense of purpose and joy. She also credits travel and continuous learning with keeping her mind sharp and her perspective expansive—even scoring at the top of her age group on a recent cognitive test!
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Grab your journal, a cuppa tea, and settle in for this week's inspiration.
Our Guest: Linda Wilson
Linda Wilson is, at heart, an Oklahoma girl. While she spent short periods living in Tokyo, Japan, and Conroe, Texas, the majority of her life has been rooted in the Sooner State. She earned her elementary teaching degree from Central State College and later completed her master's in Education at Oklahoma State College in Weatherford.
Married since 1963, Linda stepped fully into midlife (and beyond!) when she celebrated her 80th birthday in 2024. She grew up as a Camp Fire girl in Lawton, Oklahoma, later marrying the love of her life, Steve Wilson. While Steve was in Vietnam, she returned to Lawton, where they both built their careers. Linda spent her teaching years guiding sixth graders at Robert E. Lee School before transitioning to eighth grade, where she taught English and American Studies until her retirement in 2005.
In 2006, she and Steve moved to the countryside, where they found their slice of heaven on earth. A lifelong learner and storyteller, Linda brings wisdom, warmth, and a deep love of education to every conversation.
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