The Accidental Guru: How Life’s Twists Led to Holistic Aging Expertise

It all started in the most unexpected place—a high school classroom in Ontario. As a Family Studies teacher, she never imagined her career would take many twists and turns. But life has a funny way of pushing you in directions you never planned.

After two divorces and a stint in corporate training, she yearned for something more meaningful. She packed her bags and embarked on a cross-country journey from Ontario to the rugged beauty of British Columbia and then to the serene shores of Nova Scotia. Along the way, she dabbled in various ventures, including owning a bookkeeping business.

But it was in the digital realm that she found her true calling. With no formal training in technology, she developed her website and started writing blogs. What began as a hobby quickly became a passion for creating digital products supporting women 55+. Her unconventional path to becoming a holistic aging expert was marked by curiosity, risk-taking, and a relentless pursuit of personal growth.

She embraced the role of an “accidental guru,” using her diverse experiences to offer unique insights into personal development. Her authenticity and relatability set her apart, making her an irresistible force in the field. She shows that expertise can come from the most surprising places and that the journey to self-discovery is as important as the destination.

I like to talk about myself. So, read on if you want more information.

Hello My Lovelies

My name is Chris Cole, and I am pleased to serve you.  I am a former high school teacher and training coordinator for a major corporation.  

Throughout my life, I have gone through loops and climbed ladders, thus the name of my site - Loop See Ladder.  So, I speak from experience.  Change has been the name of my game - in terms of personal growth.

If you are a woman 55+ who is befuddled about your life and needs to know where you want to go, what you want to do, or how to get there, I would be delighted to help you.  

Your next steps are just ahead of you.  

Please review my Archives to get an overview of the various blogs I have published to support your journey. 

I am open to any suggestions for what kind of help you would like to receive. I want to help you resolve an issue—big, small, or in between. Just reach out.

Teaching is in my DNA.

I know those mind loops are maddening.  I can help you find the growth ladders to encourage you to climb out of the spiralling and the thoughts that go around and around.  

You can experience new perspectives.  I can help you find your passion, purpose and joy.

When you read my content, I hope you find inspiration to make positive changes in your life.  Frankly, my blogs have done that for me and many more women.  Learning is growing.

I write blogs and design worksheets and checklists.  In the future, I will create a podcast and design courses.  I will also offer one-on-one consultations.  I email updates every two weeks to inform subscribers about what is happening.

Formal Education:

I am a woman of a particular vintage. :) As I write this, I am 73 years old.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts (Honours Equivalent) from Brescia College, the University of Western Ontario.

I earned my Bachelor of Education (Home Economics and Physical Education) from Althouse College, the University of Western Ontario.

I have taken many courses and learned so much because I believe in lifelong learning and am curious about how to enjoy life and live it well.

Digging Deeper - The Why of What I Do:

My life has been filled with many changes and responsibilities, which created loops and spirals. Yet, throughout, I have found ladders to climb to new growth.

During and after transitions in my life, I learned to process change as I experienced reinvention and transformation.

My Takeaways:

• There are so many opportunities to create joy and ignite our passions.

• Life can be full of expected and unexpected changes.

• Change can bring both difficulty and growth.

• Having life experiences can help assist others in similar situations.

My Career Path:

I have experienced many different careers.

• Teaching high school in Parkhill, Waterloo and Cambridge.

• Working in a customer service office of a large insurance company.

• I moved to the corporate headquarters in the Human Resources department of that insurance company. I worked in the Training and Development department, taking courses, designing, and leading courses. I designed the training manual/course all employees were expected to take. I also created and taught other trainers and staff the “Challenging Change” course. My title was Ontario Training Coordinator.

• Owning my own business - ‘Chris’ Bookkeeping - The Shoebox Organizer.’

• Back to teaching adults in Cambridge.

• I returned to teaching high school - in Mississauga and Brampton. I developed curricula, courses and lessons. I taught Family Studies and worked in Special Education. I loved the Family Studies courses I taught because they were about everyday life and being human.

• After retiring, I developed this website, Loop See Ladder and became a blogger and digital product designer.

Personally:

• I always thought I was the oldest of six. A few years back, I discovered I have a half-sister who is older than me.

• My family was dysfunctional, and it affected me deeply.

• Despite that, I completed University and Teachers’ College.

• I moved from London, Ontario, Canada, to other towns and cities in Ontario - like Parkhill, Cambridge, Oakville, Mississauga and Toronto.

• It was then on to Vancouver and Coquitlam in British Columbia.

• I have landed in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. There may be one more move in my future.

• I have been married twice.

• I raised a wonderful daughter.

This is to say that I have experienced much change and many kick-ups on the growth ladder of life.

Change has been forced on me, and I have also invited it into my life. I confess I have only sometimes handled it well.

But the times of transitions - small and large - have proven to be excellent teachers. I have learned how to process change and transformations. And I have grown so much as a human being. I am grateful for the lessons.

I can leverage my experiences and help you get unstuck so you can live your life with more intention, purpose, and joy.

"Chris is kind, knowledgeable and helpful. She understands women's unique challenges and is here to offer support and guidance. Whether you're looking to develop a roadmap for your journey, learn self-care skills, or connect with like-minded individuals for ongoing inspiration, Loop See Ladder has you covered with resources to help you see it through.

Chris’s workbooks are thoughtful and well-designed guides you will want to use - which means they work!

Loop See Ladder is highly recommended to any woman 55+ looking to grow and thrive. Be part of an incredible community that genuinely cares.”

Jen and Michael

Tidbits:

• I have a black cat named Roger, who has been my companion for ten years. He is a bit ornery and a bit chonky and is coming up to maybe fifteen years old. We are not sure because he is a rescue.

• I drive an old dark grey Volkswagen Beetle, which I call Lucy. It was a poor purchase, but there you have it. I live with my decision. Le sigh!

• I have a crooked smile.

• I like to study the moon’s cycles from an astrological perspective. 

• Walking in nature is one of my favourite things.

• I also love shopping for and enjoying good food! I love to be fed.

• I enjoy watching Korean, Chinese and Japanese dramas.

Why I Can Help You:

1. I can tell stories to help you know I understand you and your situation. 

2. I can give you information you can use to fit your life.

3. I can create focused exercises that may be difficult to complete but will help you get unstuck through step-by-step guides designed to help transform your life.

4. I have lived much of my life and accrued wisdom and experience.

5. I love to learn, and I love to simplify the complicated.

6. I like to organize spaces and ideas and think outside the box.

7. I am interested in people.

8. I collect way too many recipes.

9. I am going to pick up knitting again.

10. I am on a self-growth journey - always.

There is a lot of good living to experience.

Living with intention, purpose, passion, and joy is key.

So, let’s get on with it.  

Reach out to me at any time with any comments, questions, or suggestions.