Bay Shore NY
1-20-2026 6:56pm

Reinventing Ourselves in Winter

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - REINVENTING OURSELVES IN WINTER

Winter can be a good time for reinvention. I usually don't love winter, but this year, I'm enjoying it. I promised myself I would embrace everything about it. Even when the sun isn't shining. I've been spending more time at home and doing more thinking about what I want the next phase of my life to be like. I've been walking more in the cold weather. It feels really good to step outside and beath in the cool air. There's nothing better than being in nature.

We change with each season. I like to reinvent myself. It's a great opportunity to do better.  

What Does it Mean to Reinvent Yourself?

Reinventing yourself means to change parts of yourself that you don’t like or are no longer serving you. It could mean changing your profession, bad habits, traits, or even pursuing new skills. If you feel like you want to reinvent yourself, it might be because of one of two reasons:

1. You realize you are in the wrong path, career, or relationship. This means you have to make a shift.

2. You may have a goal, but it seems unattainable. You feel you'll never get there, but you know you have to do something different, and you don't want to give up on yourself.

The bottom line is if you want to reinvent yourself, you’re looking for a change.

Life keeps on changing for everybody, and some changes require reinvention to enable us to cope with life in new ways. Finding a new purpose and potential in your life involves reinvention. Reinvention can be vital to personal growth. It means you don't let situations and circumstances define you. Instead, you set out to learn and grow from them and evolve. 

How to reinvent yourself

Reinventing yourself is a process that requires a total change in your life. It can be tough and require a lot of sacrifices and significant changes in your life. On the bright side, it is a gratifying process if you stay true and committed to the process. Below are a few tips on how to reinvent yourself.

1. Analyze your life

It is said, "how can you go forward if you don't know where you are coming from?"

Reinvention is a journey that requires a step forward. Taking a minute to evaluate your life is crucial to figure out where you are and where you want to be in life. Life tends to put us in situations and circumstances that we don't want to be in, and in-depth analysis will help in identifying these issues. Allow yourself to take a step back in your life and find out where you at, to find traction, and have the courage and direction to move forward.

2. Get out of your comfort zone

Do you really want a change in your life? If your answer is yes, then you will have to get out of that comfortable place in your life. Changes in life do not happen just to anyone. They require sacrifices, and this means that you will have to be willing to lose something to gain. Being creatures of habit, it's common to find ourselves stuck in one place for a long time.

Reinventing yourself will require you to break old habits and use the old mold to create a new version of yourself. This means changing your point of view and be willing to take more risks in life and be open to learning. It means understanding how to overcome low self-esteem and start believing in yourself more.

3. Be an optimist

While reinvention is all about changing your life, it doesn't mean that everything is wrong in your life. Take a minute to count your blessings. This is a good starting point. Be an optimist if you need to reinvent. Choose to see the good in every situation that life throws at you, and this way, you will be open to learning and growth. Surround yourself with positive energy, and this will act as a guide during your transition, and you will realize that you achieve more is you choose to be positive.

Make an effort to stop complaining. Catch yourself early when you notice it and remember that most complaints are fruitless and only serve to work you up more. Instead, try to find the silver lining in everything and not the faults.

4. Have a plan

Do you want to know how to reinvent yourself? Begin with a plan. Write it down. Planning is essential for change to occur. Do not just have a dream, have a realistic plan. Planning helps you in setting goals for your life. Develop a realistic, practical, and achievable plan to guide you during your reinvention process. A plan acts as a compass to give you directions every time. It is the go-to when you are lost and feels like your purpose is lost. It is a guide for you to reflect on to know where you are supposed to be going. 

Create some reinvention goals, find a role model to help you stay motivated, and focus on developing and following a plan that allows you to intentionally reinvent yourself. Realistic goals are the key. You won't accomplish self-reinvention overnight. It takes time. Small monthly goals are a good start. One day at a time is my motto.

5. Learn to try things out

The beauty of life is its uncertainty. Moving on with life having hopes, dreams, and expectations are what make life worth living for. Reinvention involves getting new ideas, desires, and aspirations for your life. It means trying new things and being open to the way they turn out. Learn to try things out until they work. Persistence is key here. One failure doesn't mean that you should give up. Instead, it should be a motivation and a chance to learn a new thing. Try to work things out until you achieve success. Don't give up on yourself.

Have a new take at your finances, for example. Reinvention may mean a career change for you or even retirement. Money is crucial on this path, and to achieve total reinvention, you will have to learn to control your finances to achieve your dreams. This may be tough and may require a lot of sacrifice on your part. However, when you focus on your goals, you will realize that you have to stick to your plan and work your financial issues to achieve success in your reinvention.

Also try to learn new things. This goes back to the point of going out of your comfort zone. For example, if you've never meditated before, try learning meditation on your own at home.

6. Sum up courage

It is said that we are our own most significant asset and our worst enemy. Self-doubt and fear are common during reinvention and can cloud our judgment. Everyone can feel fear and hen taking on new and challenging issues. Courage is crucial during reinvention and personal growth. Courage is what gets you going. Learn to let yourself control negative feelings and not allow them to define you. Courage is the willingness to endure when things are not working out. Learn to have the courage to stick to your plans and ultimately change your life.

Courage can come from building confidence. And confidence comes from competence. What are the things in your personal life that you're really good at? How can you carry over that competence into new areas of life? That will give you the confidence, and thus courage, to make those bold changes and start moving forward.

7. Change your routine

How to reinvent yourself? Change your routine. It is common to feel stuck up in a routine, especially as an adult. Life becomes a cycle, having you just working, going home, sleeping, waking up again and repeating the same cycle. Reinvention is all about breaking the cycle, and this means changing your routine. With new goals set, aim at changing your routine. Begin with slow but progressive steps. Simply begin by waking up early and indulging yourself in an activity with a morning routine. Take a walk or read a book, fix yourself some breakfast. Just do anything that pushes you to your new goals. A new life means putting yourself on a new path.

Don't forget about your evenings as well. Create a nighttime routine that allows you to finish your day on the right foot and prepare you for a good night's rest. Sleep is key to health.

Ensure that you are persistent with these small activities. Do this more often and crack the cycle. Routine changes can be hard, and it's okay to seek help if need be. Reinvention is a process, and you will be amazed by how simple routine changes help you steer towards your goals faster when you learn how to embrace change.

8. Prioritize your tasks

One crucial step in 'how to reinvent yourself' is learning to prioritize your tasks. Prioritizing your tasks is one way to avoid procrastination. Reinvention doesn't happen overnight. To achieve success during reinvention, set aside some quality time during your day to work on your goals. Prioritize your goals and dreams and work on them every day. Draw a timetable and a to-do list to help you with time management. Ensure that you stick to the timeline and work on your dreams and goals consistently to achieve them.

9. Surround yourself with the right people

The world today is built on connections. That is the whole point of social media, social networks for more global and dynamic connections. Reinvention will require you to surround yourself with the right people who will challenge, inspire, guide, and correct you during your reinvention. The right people make it easier for you to succeed and lead a happy life. They encourage you to keep on working on yourself and correct you when you get out of the set path.

Cut out the dead weight and rearrange your circle if you want to reinvent yourself. You are what you surround yourself with, and finding the right people from your circle will help you in your reinvention process. Hang out with or around people who inspire you or those who have a positive impact on your life. Use connection, such as the internet and social networks to find the right crowd for you.

10. Find a mentor

This is something I find vital to making change. A mentor is someone who shows you how to move about in life. They act as a light that guides you during darkness. A mentor will help you make an important decision and inspire you to stick to your set path to achieve success. They check in with you. Find a mentor in your niche and allow them to inspire you during reinvention.

There are different types of mentors; direct and indirect mentors. Direct mentors are those mentors that are in front of you and physically guide you during reinvention. Indirect mentors do not exist physically in front of you but can be accessed through books, audio, or video. Learn to listen and adhere to what your mentor is saying. A mentor should be ahead of you in life and should challenge you to be the best version of yourself. Reading books on reinvention and podcasts are great ways to stimulate your new view of yourself.

Sometimes, we just need someone to listen to us. Start with opening your heart to reinventing yourself. Trust yourself in the process. Remember that reinventing yourself doesn't happen overnight. It requires patience and persistence. Don't be afraid to talk about it with your family and friends, a mentor or therapist. They just might have the advice you've been wanting to hear.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, we can take liberties in reinventing ourselves that perhaps we didn't have the courage to do at a younger age. Go ahead, take the plunge.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

My pick of the week is the Winter Show: Art, Antiques, and Design Fair at New York Armory.

The Winter Show is America’s leading art, antiques, and design fair, held annually at the Park Avenue Armory and showcases works spanning 5,000 years. Over 70 internationally renowned dealers present fine and decorative arts, from paintings and furniture to jewelry and contemporary ceramics. The Winter Show is known for its rigorous vetting by 120 experts, the Fair ensures the highest standards of authenticity and quality.

Founded in the mid-1950s as a benefit for East Side House Settlement, the Show has become the premier event of its kind in the United States. All ticket proceeds support East Side House’s education and workforce development programs, helping communities in the Bronx and Northern Manhattan break the cycle of poverty and enter into the economic mainstream.

For information, visit www.thewintershow.org

SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The highlight of the week was taking a walk in Gardiner Park in Bay Shore. This wonderful county park is just the perfect respite for the winter blues. The sun was shining brightly.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

As we embrace the cold of winter, let us remain present in the beauty of it. Amen.

SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK

English: Winter is a time to be still and reflect.

Italian: L'inverno è un momento per riflettere.

SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK

Everyone has a particular style that they like to bring into their home. Dont' be afraid to mix styles. Mid-century modern can go very well with antique furniture. The contrast can make a room very interesting. Go ahead, be brave.

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What does it mean to reinvent yourself?

Please put your answer in the Comment section under my post. I'd love to hear from you.

OF NOTE

The passing of Bob Weir this week was especially sad. I became a fan of The Grateful Dead late in my life. I saw them a couple of times when I was in my 20's while dating a major Dead Head and was mystified by them and my Dead Head hippy boyfriend. But I didn't like the drug culture that was attached to them and him. At this time in my life having seen hundreds of bands and having an affection for the jam band, I can appreciate the Dead's keen musicianship and the band that invented the jam. Rest well, Bobby Weir. You felt like a good friend. I'll miss you very much.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - CASSIDY by THE GRATEFUL DEAD

Bob Weir wanted the song, Cassidy, sung at his funeral. He expressed that this song, which reflects themes of life and death, was significant to him. I was unable to find a version on YouTube that would give me the rights to play it here in my newsletter. Here are the lyrics:

Cassidy

One, two
One, two, three, four
I have seen where the wolf has slept by the silver stream
I can tell by the mark he left you were in his dream
Ah, child of countless trees
Ah, child of boundless seas
What you are, what you're meant to be
Speaks his name, though you were born to me
Born to me, Cassidy
Lost now on the country miles in his Cadillac
I can tell by the way you smile, he's rolling back
Come wash the nighttime clean
Come grow this scorched ground green
Blow the horn, and tap the tambourine
Close the gap of the dark years in between
You and me, Cassidy
Quick beats in an icy heart, catch-colt draws a coffin cart
There he goes now, here she starts, hear her cry
Flight of the seabirds, scattered like lost words
Wheel to the storm and fly
Fare-thee-well now
Let your life proceed by its own design
Nothing to tell now
Let the words be yours, I'm done with mine
Fare-thee-well now
Let your life proceed by its own design
Nothing to tell now
Let the words be yours, I'm done with mine
Flight of the seabirds, scattered like lost words
Wheel to the storm and fly

MY BRAND - SKYLARK LIVE

I created my brand, Skylark Live, when I turned 60 years old and noticed a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. I am open to conducting in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. To be continued.

Skylark Live Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, 60 and Beyond with Skylark - Living Life Inside and Outside the Home, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, goals, motivation, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I open to ideas of what to write about, so let me know. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter! You can also become a paying subscriber.

Skylark Live Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog is a recap of the articles I've written in my newsletter throughout the previous month. Then, I introduce a unique topic for the current month's vlog. You can find some of my vlogs on my YouTube channel. I also post them on my social media platforms. Just click my YouTube channel link below to subscribe: www.youtube.com/@christineskylark

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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!


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