Episode #124: Finding Strength in Adversity

Finding Strength in Adversity with Caren Paskel

In this inspiring episode of Aging With Purpose and Passion, Caren Paskel shares her extraordinary transformation from a shy, anxious teenager to a woman of unshakable self-belief. Her journey began with yoga, a practice that sparked a spiritual awakening and became her anchor through life’s storms. When she met David—her soulmate and a bold dreamer 12 years her junior—Caren’s world expanded. Together, they built a life and businesses filled with purpose, defying doubts about their age gap.

Everything changed when David was diagnosed with brain cancer. Caren opens up about the raw reality of caregiving, running businesses during a pandemic, and leaning on community support to survive. “When you share what’s really going on, people know how to help,” she says. After losing David, Caren channeled her grief into action—selling their home, letting go of possessions, and moving across the country to pursue dreams she’d long deferred, honoring his legacy by living boldly.

Caren’s philosophy of seeking “blessings in disguise” offers hope to anyone navigating life after loss. “When I choose to see the blessings, more keep coming,” she reflects. Her story is a powerful lesson in resilience, especially for women over 50 facing grief, transitions, or the urge to rediscover purpose. Caren proves it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and live with passion.

Key Takeaways from From Finding Strength in Adversity with Caren Paskel

Introverted and Creative Nature (Childhood): 

Caren shares that she was the “baby” in a loud, chaotic household with older siblings and teenagers. As an introvert, she tended to stay to herself, watching the action around her rather than participating. She was described as “the little pitcher with big ears,” implying she absorbed everything around her. She also describes her natural artistic and athletic interests, preferring solitary creative projects over group games, which marked her childhood and laid the foundation for her later personal development.

Introduction to Yoga and Spirituality:

Caren describes how, at 16, she began experiencing panic attacks and anxiety, which led her to explore yoga at the suggestion of her mother. Although she had some exposure to religion (e.g., Sunday school and temple), it wasn’t until yoga that she discovered a deeper sense of self and spirituality. This journey marked the beginning of her spiritual awakening, drawing her inward to seek peace and greater self-understanding.

Unhealthy First Marriage and Self-Love Journey:

Caren reflects on her first marriage, noting that she entered it due to low self-worth, relying on her partner’s love to fill her own emotional void. Over time, through her evolving spiritual journey and understanding of universal laws (especially through yoga), she recognized the toxicity of the relationship. Realizing that staying in such a relationship stunted her growth, she ultimately let go, learning to prioritize her own self-love and independence.

Finding True Love and Compatibility:

After spending time alone and focusing on self-love, Caren met her soulmate under serendipitous circumstances. Their connection was instant, marked by mutual admiration and a shared drive for personal growth. Despite their differences in age and background, they complemented each other, supporting one another’s growth in meaningful ways. Their relationship blossomed into a partnership where both could continue evolving and expanding, with shared values of personal growth and exploration.

Shared Business Ventures and the Shock of Illness:

Caren discusses the early success of their businesses and their deep connection, with both partners thriving in their respective fields. However, their life took a drastic turn when Caren’s husband experienced a medical crisis. After an initial seizure, it was revealed that he had a brain tumor, later diagnosed as a grade two astrocytoma. Despite the shock, they faced the situation with optimism, with the surgery initially showing good results. However, as time passed, the tumor’s return and progression led to devastating news about his prognosis, marking a life-altering moment for both of them.

Facing the Devastating Diagnosis :

Caren recounts a harrowing trip to South Africa with her husband, where his health declined and he experienced seizure symptoms. Despite her best efforts to care for him in an unfamiliar and isolated environment, his condition worsened. Eventually, they received the heartbreaking diagnosis of a grade four glioblastoma, with a prognosis of only 9 to 12 months to live. This devastating news marked a turning point, leaving Caren in shock and grappling with the reality of the life they had built together, now threatened by illness.

Self-Care and Boundaries:

Caren talks about the importance of maintaining self-care practices (yoga, meditation) even during overwhelming times and setting boundaries with others for her well-being.

Tapping into Confidence and Resourcefulness:

David’s illness prompted Caren to discover a deep confidence and resourcefulness within herself, realizing her ability to handle more than she previously thought.

Yoga Community Support:

Caren explains how her yoga community provided immense emotional and practical support, and the power of transparency and sharing her struggles with others.

Reinventing Life After Loss:

After David’s passing, Caren talks about letting go of the past, including moving out of her large home, scaling down, and embracing change—something that David had encouraged her to do.

Connect with Caren Paskel

Connect with Bev:

Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenover50rock

https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverleyglazer/

Need advice? Schedule a time to talk: https://calendly.com/reinventimpossible/15min