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Lemonade Maker – Annee Martin's avatar

I just spent the last hour with you and 30 writers from the Story Summit community, which led me to find you here on Jubilation. I’ve been hearing about Younger for a while; it seems like everyone has seen it but me. I’m 70 years old and have had nine creative careers: therapist, chef, cookbook author, innkeeper, interior designer, vacation rental company owner, lifestyle boutique owner, and now, writer. Only the first one was planned, and all the others, I took the plunge, diving into the unknown headfirst.

Something greater would call me, and I had to answer YES, taking the plunge and building my wings on the way up, or maybe on the way down (not quite sure yet!). I still run my two businesses, but I trust that everything is unfolding as it should. I know in my heart I couldn’t have been a writer any earlier than now. I didn’t yet have the thick skin or the confidence. I’m grateful that I don’t have to rely on writing as my livelihood. I get to write to make my soul happy and fulfill my destiny, and in doing so, I hope to offer something meaningful to the world.

There are moments when I think I might be crazy, but when your soul calls, you have to answer, or as you said so powerfully, risk lying on your deathbed filled with regrets.

I recently listened to an excellent interview with Oprah and Jack Canfield, the author of Chicken Soup for the Soul. He said he was rejected 132 times. He believes that if you're given a dream or idea, it's because the Universe or God wants you to fulfill it, and if you keep showing up, the resources will follow. You wouldn’t have been given the dream otherwise. He said, "Don't give up."

Thank you for this beautiful invitation to jubilate, to celebrate who we are, and to finally rest in the truth of being ourselves, without apology, without the need to prove anything, such a gift you have given to all of us.

Pamela Redmond's avatar

I'm so glad you found it inspiring! It sounds like you've had an amazing life with much more to come.

Pamela Redmond's avatar

Thanks for writing. I love the title Lemonade Maker!

Lemonade Maker – Annee Martin's avatar

Thank you

The alchemy of bittersweet

Finding that balance ❤️

Nikki Meyler Miller's avatar

I loved Younger, and I love this word! I've had my challenges in life, but now know they are not only survivable, but act to carve out a better version of ourselves. So much truth in your words! Thank you, and I will keep using and sharing that word! Thank you!

Pamela Redmond's avatar

Thank.you so much! Glad you're here.

Debra Engle's avatar

Pamela, I loved this column even before I read it because of the name. And now that I've read it, I'm hooked. Thank you for all the inspiration of your journey to Jubilarian!

Pamela Redmond's avatar

Thank you so much, Debra!

Ronda Wells MD's avatar

Perfect name.

Pamela Redmond's avatar

Ha, I'm so glad you think so!

Teri Niadna's avatar

Jubilarian! Love it!

Pamela Redmond's avatar

Teri! Thank you so much!!

Benilde Little's avatar

Yay, you're doing it. Let's go!

Pamela Redmond's avatar

Thank you, darling!

Alisha Fernandez Miranda's avatar

I need more of your writing in my life, so YAY!

Pamela Redmond's avatar

Aw, thanks, Alisha! So happy to find you here!

Jennifer Roy's avatar

I’m in! Very excited!

Pamela Redmond's avatar

Jennifer! So happy and flattered to find you here.

Jessica de Koninck's avatar

Terrific

Pamela Redmond's avatar

thank you, Jess! I teared up a little when I saw you left Montclair. Truly end of an era.

Noel's avatar

🧙‍♂️approved & loved 💛

Pamela Redmond's avatar

Aw, thanks, Wiz. I'm gonna write about you!

Bonnie Friedman's avatar

It made me so happy to read this. I ADORED it. Thank you!!!

Pamela Redmond's avatar

Oh Bonnie, thank you, that means a lot!

Valerie Monroe's avatar

Well, well, looky-here where the Jubilarian turned up! I like it now as much as I liked it the first time I heard it (long before our midriff-baring dinner). So much fun to have more Pam in my life! xo

Pamela Redmond's avatar

Thank you so much, dear Val! And I think it was our thighs we bared.

Alice Elliott Dark's avatar

I love it and can’t wait to read more!

Pamela Redmond's avatar

Thank you, dear Alice.

CarolineLeavittville's avatar

Jubiliarian is the perfect name!

Pamela Redmond's avatar

Thanks, Caroline. Now I need to figure out everything it means!

Debbie Weil's avatar

Pam, sooo fun to find you and The Jubilarian on Substack! And welcome, is it looks like this is a new writing adventure…