S6, Ep. 08 Seasons of Formation: Teresa’s Story of Grief, Creative Expression, and Renewed Purpose in Your 60s and Beyond

What does it look like to slow down and give space for both grief and creativity? In this episode, Teresa is sharing her story as we continue our series on seasons of formation. Teresa reflects on her faith journey and transitions from childhood to being exposed to more diverse backgrounds in college, and how ongoing experiences of grief, loss, and lament became a long-term theme in her formation. Teresa also traces a parallel theme of creative expression—music, worship ministry, entrepreneurship, and writing—now shaped by practices of slowing, deep rest, and “release,” including camping rhythms and her weekly “Rest Notes” writing commitment. She challenges those in their 60s and beyond to keep giving back as mentors and spiritual leaders.CLICK HERE for your free resource on life stage questions.CLICK HERE to learn more about a personal download or subscription to oneLife Maps.00:00 Welcome and Series Setup01:47 Teresa Today at 6505:17 Early Faith and Church Camp08:14 Infertility and Loss Theme09:00 What Grief Taught Me11:49 Creativity as Formation16:25 Rest and Slowing Down19:00 Creating With God25:14 Capturing Seasons in Writing30:10 You Are Not Done Yet32:05 Wrap Up and ResourcesLIFE MAPPING TOOLSGain clarity at life’s transitions and know yourself and God better through our visual life maps. CLICK HERE to learn more about oneLife Maps. Now available digitally!JOIN REALIFE CONVERSATIONS!REALIFE Conversations is our monthly 90-minute live call where you’ll engage in deep discussions facilitated by Sibyl Towner and Lindsay Sterchi. CLICK HERE to learn more and to sign up.JOIN OUR FREE COMMUNITYCLICK HERE to become part of the FREE REALIFE Process® Community! Connect with Teresa & Lindsay and other podcast listeners, plus find additional content to help you discover your best REALIFE.READ TERESA’S BOOKBanish busyness and discover a new way of being productive around what truly matters. Learn more at DoWhatMattersBook.com.About Teresa McCloy:Teresa McCloy is the founder and creator of the REALIFE Process®, a framework designed to empower individuals and groups with the tools, training, and community needed for personal and professional growth. Through the REALIFE Process®, Teresa is on a mission to help others grow in self-awareness, establish sustainable rhythms, and enhance their influence and impact by integrating faith and work into their everyday lives.She lives with her husband of over four decades on their 5th generation family farm in central Illinois and enjoys great coffee, growing beautiful flower gardens, and traveling as much as possible. Connect with Teresa on Facebook or Instagram.About Lindsay Sterchi:Lindsay Sterchi is the Spiritual Formation Director at the REALIFE Process®. She also writes about habits and rhythms for the Mind, Body, and Soul for a holistic approach to spiritual growth and formation at lindsaysterchi.substack.com.She lives with her husband Tyler and elementary-aged twin daughters. She has an M.A. in Transformational Leadership from Bethel Seminary, and her background is in church ministry.When she’s not working or spending time with her family, you’re most likely to find her reading a good book. Connect with Lindsay on Facebook or Instagram.