I’m excited to announce that I’ll be speaking at the Cambridge Public Library in February. As I wrap up the first full year of my retirement coaching business, I reflected on my mission to help people to retire well.
Welcome to the 146th edition of The Sunday Spark, a series with weekly thoughts and highlights, nuggets of learning, and a quote of the week. In addition to helping people retire well, this week’s edition looks at generating clean hydrogen from dirty water, Norway’s high EV adoption, and concerns about microplastics research.
On my mind this week: My mission to help people retire well
A little over a year ago, I officially launched my retirement coaching business.
Starting a business has been a learning experience. The focus for 2025 was getting the word out. I had a couple of speaking engagements at conferences, and had many conversations with financial advisors, consultants, and others offering services to people in the pre-retirement demographic.
On February 14, I’m delighted to be presenting Thinking About Retirement: 7 Non-Financial Questions to Ask First at the central branch of the Cambridge Public Library. Details are on the library website.
There are so many things I could do with my time, so I often ask myself, “Why am I doing this?” Retirement coaching is a relatively new thing. The reality is most people think retirement will solve all of their problems, and they don’t give much thought to the emotional and non-financial aspects of retirement planning.
Retirement isn’t easy for everyone
The thing is, I really believe planning for the non-financial side of retirement matters. Some people transition easily into retirement and never look back. For others, though, the transition is challenging and the consequences can be devastating.
At the Retirement Coaches Association conference in September, I heard a heartbreaking story. Tony Hixon is a financial advisor and author of Retirement Stepping Stones. He was inspired to write the book and expand the focus of his financial planning practice after losing his mother to suicide six months after she retired from her job as a hospice director. During his talk at the conference, Tony said something that has really stuck with me. Speaking about his mother, he said, “She had enough money to sleep at night, but not enough purpose to get up in the morning.”
Sadly, Tony’s story isn’t an isolated one. So I’ll keep plugging away. Because if I can help just a handful of people, it’s worth it.
And I’ll take heart from a recent interview I read on AGEIST with sleep expert Wendy Troxel who said she spent the first 20 years of her career convincing people that sleep matters. Change takes time. I believe one day, having a retirement coach will be as common as having a personal trainer or financial advisor.
Please help me spread the word
Local friends, please spread the word about my session at the Cambridge Public Library to anyone you know who may be thinking about retirement.
And for any readers in the pre-retirement, semi-retirement, or retirement phase of life, check out my Second Life Vision blog for content on how to live a life of meaning, purpose and connection.
Let’s keep in touch! Join my mailing list and I’ll email you when I add a new post.
Three highlights of the week
It’s important to celebrate big milestones and simple pleasures in life. Keeping the trend going, here are three highlights and simple pleasures of the week gone by:
- On Thursday, I had dinner with some of the ladies from my group from last year’s Alpha course. It was a lovely gathering and nice to catch up.
- I was able to get out for a walk most days this week. And then the snow returned.
- My shamrock plant is flowering, and my kalanchoe is still in full bloom. Seeing my indoor plants flowering plants at this time of year reminds me that spring will come.
Things I learned this week
Life is all about learning. Here are three things I learned this week:
Generating clean hydrogen from contaminated water
Scientists at Princeton University have discovered a practical way to generate clean hydrogen from contaminated water. Until now, large amounts of ultra-pure water was needed to produce hydrogen. This innovation shows promise for industries that are hard to electrify like steel production, aviation, and fertilizer manufacturing.
(Source: Happy Eco News)
EVs account for 96% of Norway’s car sales
In Norway, EVs accounted for 96% of all new vehicles sold in 2025. Norway’s climate is very similar to ours in Canada, so it rebuts the opinions of naysayers who say, “EVs won’t work for our cold Canadian winters.” This amazing result proves that with the right long-term policies and incentives, consumers will choose EVs.
(Source: CNBC)
Microplastics research questioned
Concerns are emerging about the methods used and the validity of many of the studies suggesting the health issues related to microplastics. This terrific article from The Guardian outlines the concerns with the studies. The bottom line: more research is needed, but plastics are chemicals so caution is advised.
Quote of the week
Worry does not empty tomorrow of sorrow; but it empties today of strength.
Corrie Ten Boom
I’d love to hear what you think about any of this week’s topics. Drop me a comment below and let me know your thoughts and ideas.
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Lack of purpose is the number one issue for some military officers when it’s time to retire. Instead of identifying a new purpose, they decide to continue working until they are unable to do so due to health issues or until they reach the point where they can’t continue. Great post, and definitely an important part of retirement planning.
Thanks, Edward. It’s sad how much of our identity is wrapped up in our jobs, and how difficult it is for people to adapt when they no longer have that job.
Some of the US retirement coaches I’ve connected with through the Retirement Coaches Association work exclusively with law enforcement and ex-military. It’s definitely an area where support is needed.
Absolutely! I think people need to start thinking about their personal mission statement and purpose at least five years prior to retirement. Visualization is key, at least, that’s what helped me.
For sure. I tell people that 2 to 5 years before retirement is the right time to start creating your vision. And, before you retire, you need to start taking steps—even small ones—to create the life you want to live. People often think things will magically fall into place on day 1 of retirement, but that is rarely the case without some planning and thought.
Congratulations on your anniversary, Michelle! It’s been such an honor to watch you jump into retirement coaching and show us all how to tackle challenges and help others. So inspirational!
How cool about Norway’s car sales! Have a great week, Michelle!
Thanks so much Wynne. I can’t believe it has been a year.
I agree that Norway’s success in EV adoption is extraordinary. We can learn a lot from them.
Congrats on the retirement engagement with the library. It’s a great community to get into as there is an increased focus on personal finance, older adult programming in public libraries. Wishing you all the best with it and hope it leads to more!
Thanks, Ab. The program is targeted at age 55+ so I hope we get a good crowd.
Older adult programs work well for us in Toronto. In case you didn’t know this, June is Seniors Month a libraries tend to do lots of programs at this time too. So something to think about as you continue to build and promote your business. Good luck! 👍
That’s good to know, Ab. I will have to reconnect with our other local libraries to see what they have planned for June. Thanks!
It sounds like that retirement coaching is a good idea and is needed. Everyone needs a purpose in life and I think some people feel lost when they retire. Also, I remember years ago being told by my grandparents that they know a few people who died within a couple of years of retiring!
Yes, sadly that happens all too often, Rachel. I think many people feel lost without their jobs and the decline can be rapid.
Lots of good stuff here Michelle, especially the upcoming seminar! All the best for this one and I hope any upcoming classes you have planned. I’m having a hard time with plants here. Light conditions aren’t great and humidity is almost nil. Thankfully younger daughter has lots of starts so I can replenish… Inspiring to see the numbers out of Norway. Clearly they have invested in the infrastructure to support people and encourage moving to EV’s.
Thank you, Deb.
I’m fortunate to have a big, south facing window so my plants get lots of sun, even in winter. Although I learned that some of them don’t like too much sun, so I had to move them.
Yes, Norway has done a terrific job in supporting the move to EVs. We could learn a lot from them.
Love, love, love that you have a library presentation upcoming, Michelle! You know I love those…and I already know you’re going to help and guide many with your thoughtfulness about retirement considerations. So good! 🥰❤️🥰
Thanks Vicki. I hope we get a good crowd. The timing isn’t the greatest. It’s on Valentine’s Day, and the Saturday afternoon of a long weekend. Fingers crossed people will want to escape the cold.
💚
I think it might be perfect! A great Valentine’s Day gift to oneself! ❤️❤️❤️
What a great way to look at it! I can always depend on you to be a bright light! 🌟❤️⭐️
Awww! You make it easy! ❤️🥰❤️
Congrats on the speaking opportunities! LA is right, people need purpose. I always notice the discrepancy between my father-in-law who spends 12+ hours per day in front of the TV versus my uncle who volunteers at the children’s hospital and a historical landmark plus plays pickle-ball and golf, all on a weekly basis. I bet you can guess who is happier.
Thanks Erin. It sounds like your uncle is living his best life. And emerging research shows he will likely live longer, happier, and in better health. As for your father-in-law, I saw a stat that many retirees spend 40 hours or more watching TV. They basically replaced their full-time job with TV time. It’s very sad when there’s so much more they could be doing.
Yes, I agree–he’s one of the happiest people I know, keeping busy and active and social while giving back to the community. What’s unfortunate about those glued to the TV is they are not only less healthy does to inactivity, but most are grumpy and irritable because so much of what’s presented on TV is depressing to meant to rile people up… it’s really not healthy. You’re doing important work, Michelle!
Right. I can only watch about 20 minutes of TV news before I’ve had enough!
People don’t realize how retiring affects their lives other than financial. If you don’t have outlets, goals, a purpose of can be very difficult
Exactly! It’s sad to see people who had successful careers struggle when they lose the purpose and identity that was attached to their job. Days can be very long if you don’t have a sense of purpose.