Thrive Beyond 55 May/June A Better Way Through Crisis

Prime Minister Mark Carney recently shared a powerful insight: “You build your way out of a crisis, you don’t cut your way out.”

Though he was speaking in the context of national recovery, the message carries wisdom for all of us—especially those of us in the 55+ community—as we face personal challenges and crossroads in our own lives.

There comes a time when it’s tempting to shrink back—to cut expenses, cut commitments, even cut pieces of ourselves that once brought joy, in hopes of simply making it through the day. When we face loss, illness, financial strain, or loneliness, retreat can feel like the safest option.

But Carney’s words call us to do the opposite: to build.

Building doesn’t always mean grand gestures or starting something from scratch. Sometimes, it’s about laying one small brick each day: picking up the phone, walking a little further than yesterday, trying something new, or rekindling an old passion. It’s about saying, “I’m still here, and I still matter.”

Whether it’s nurturing friendships, exploring creative pursuits, or volunteering in our communities, building gives shape and purpose to our days. It gives us something to look forward to—and something to leave behind.

Yes, building takes energy and hope. But after decades of life experience, we know that the things worth having are rarely handed to us. They’re built, day by day, moment by moment. And there’s still time—plenty of it—to keep shaping a life that feels meaningful.

Cutting back might seem like a way to stay safe. But we weren’t meant to disappear. We were meant to create, to connect, and to contribute.

So as we face whatever lies ahead, let’s not focus only on what we must let go of. Let’s ask: What can I build now? A stronger body? A richer connection? A new chapter?

Because whether it’s a country or a person, the path through crisis isn’t paved with cuts—it’s built with courage

And we’ve still got plenty of that.

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Come join us at our annual 55+ Lifestyle Show at Pearkes Recreation Centre in Victoria on May 13th , from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m..

Bob McDonald, host of CBC Radio’s Quirks and Quarks, will be speaking at 11:30 a.m. on “Just Say Yes” based on his recent memoir. Autographed books will be available to purchase. |

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