Barrie Davenport

Co-founder of Webnosis | Certified Life Coach | Bestselling Author Barrie Davenport is the founder of Live Bold and Bloom, a top-ranked personal development website established in 2010. As a certified life coach, bestselling author, and self-improvement course creator, Barrie has inspired millions through her practical advice on relationships, mindfulness, emotional resilience, and confidence. She has authored multiple bestselling books, including two Wall Street Journal bestsellers, and her work has been featured in Good Housekeeping, Huffington Post, MariaShriver.com, and more. Barrie’s passion lies in empowering readers, especially seniors, to thrive with purpose and vitality. On Retirely, Barrie collaborates with her husband, Ron, sharing actionable tips and inspiring content to help those 55+ live their best lives.

12 Unique and Unexpected Paths to Aging Gracefully and Purposefully

July 9, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

These simple yet powerful ideas can transform your later years into your most meaningful chapter.

You don’t have to settle for a life that feels ordinary as you get older. In fact, this stage of life can be the most inspiring and fulfilling yet—if you’re open to exploring new paths. When the distractions of youth fade and the urgency to “prove” something dies down, what remains is an opportunity for true, self-guided purpose. You finally get to ask yourself what matters most—and have the time and wisdom to answer.

These 12 unique and unexpected ideas offer more than just inspiration—they’re about making your later years deeply meaningful. Instead of quietly fading into the background, you can thrive, surprise yourself, and leave a lasting impact.

12 Downsizing Secrets That Will Save You Thousands (And Countless Headaches)

July 9, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Downsizing the wrong way could cost you thousands—here’s how to do it right.

Downsizing sounds like a dream—less clutter, lower bills, and a fresh start. But if you’re not careful, it can turn into a financial and emotional nightmare. People assume it’s as simple as moving into a smaller space and tossing a few things, but the reality is way more complicated. Hidden costs pile up, sentimental items slow you down, and one wrong move could cost you thousands.

If you’ve ever stood in front of a packed closet wondering where to start, you’re not alone. Downsizing isn’t just about getting rid of stuff—it’s about making smart choices that protect your wallet and your sanity.

There are insider tricks that can save you a fortune and make the entire process smoother. Before you make a move, here’s what you need to know to downsize the right way.

Marriage or Motherhood? 12 Ways Your Senior Husband’s Acting Like a Spoiled Brat

July 9, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Retirement was supposed to be a new adventure, but now it feels like you’re raising a full-grown man-child.

You imagined retirement as a time of relaxation, travel, and enjoying life together. Instead, your husband’s acting like a spoiled brat who suddenly forgot how to function without a full-time job dictating his day. He wanders around the house aimlessly, expects you to wait on him, and seems to think “retirement” means “permanent vacation” where you take care of everything while he kicks back.

Instead of an equal partner, you now have an overgrown teenager who sighs when he’s bored, needs constant attention, and expects meals to magically appear. While retirement can be an adjustment, it doesn’t mean you signed up to be his personal assistant.

If he’s acting more like a child than a capable adult, it’s time for a reality check. Here are 12 ways your retired husband might be slipping into spoiled brat territory—and why you shouldn’t tolerate it.

12 Ways to Shut Down a Spouse Who Uses Guilt to Control You

July 9, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Guilt shouldn’t be a weapon in your marriage—but some spouses use it like a sword.

A healthy relationship is built on mutual respect, not manipulation. Yet, some spouses use guilt to get what they want, twisting situations so that you feel responsible for their emotions, choices, and even their failures. They make you second-guess yourself, wear you down with emotional weight, and keep you feeling obligated—even when you shouldn’t be.

Over time, their guilt tactics turn into control, and suddenly, your decisions revolve around keeping them happy instead of doing what’s right for you.

If your spouse relies on guilt to control you, here are some ways to take back your power and shut it down for good.

People Who Thrive the Most in Retirement Share These 11 Traits

July 8, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

They’ve cracked the code to turning retirement into the happiest and most fulfilling chapter of life.

Some people truly make retirement look effortless, joyful, and downright enviable. The truth is, it’s not about how much you’ve saved or whether you own a beach house—it’s about your mindset and how you spend your days. The happiest retirees don’t chase perfection; instead, they intentionally build a life centered on values, joy, and purpose.

It turns out thriving in retirement is an art form, and those who’ve mastered it share common traits that can inspire the rest of us. If you’re approaching retirement or already in it, learning and adopting these habits could completely shift how fulfilling this chapter becomes. These 11 qualities aren’t secrets—they’re guiding principles that anyone can lean into, starting today.

If Your Spouse Treats You Like a Second-Class Citizen, Do These 11 Things Pronto

July 8, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

When your spouse views you as inferior, don’t allow yourself to play second fiddle in your own marriage.

Does it ever feel like you’re just an afterthought in your own marriage? Like your spouse holds all the power while your voice barely registers? You find yourself going along to get along, tiptoeing around decisions, and brushing off dismissive remarks to keep the peace. But beneath the surface, a slow erosion of your confidence begins, and one day you wake up wondering how you lost your sense of self.

If you’re tired of being treated like a second-class citizen in your relationship, it’s time to shift the narrative. Reclaiming your value starts with bold yet thoughtful action. These 11 game-changing steps will help you rebuild your confidence, restore your boundaries, and demand the respect you deserve—starting today.

Grandparents Who Do These 10 Activities with Their Teenage Grandkids Win the Cool Gran Award

July 8, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

These simple activities create unforgettable bonding moments that’ll have your grandkids begging for more time with you.

If the thought of spending quality time with your teenage grandkids has you bracing for awkward silences and indifferent shrugs, rest easy. Building meaningful connections with teens doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful—it can actually be incredibly rewarding and genuinely fun. The key is finding laid-back, engaging activities that allow your relationship to grow naturally. You don’t need elaborate plans or extravagant gestures; teenagers just crave genuine moments of shared enjoyment, understanding, and a bit of adventure. By tapping into activities they find exciting, you’re not just creating memories—you’re solidifying bonds that stand the test of time.

There’s a surprising joy in discovering how much you both have to offer one another when stepping slightly outside your comfort zones. You might be amazed at how quickly a simple afternoon or weekend outing transforms into cherished memories filled with laughter and connection. Teens truly appreciate adults who take the time to enter their world, listen without judgment, and embrace experiences with openness and enthusiasm. With these ten thoughtfully chosen activities, you’ll effortlessly become the grandparent your teenage grandchildren genuinely enjoy spending time with, making each visit something both of you look forward to again and again.

13 Common Sense Truths Boomers Knew All Along That Millennials Are Just Discovering

July 7, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Millennials now agree with these Boomer values that make their lives better.

You know that feeling when something your parents always said finally starts to make sense? It sneaks up on you, often after you’ve lived through a few hard knocks yourself. Boomers have carried around a lot of life wisdom for decades, often dismissed by younger generations. But now, many Millennials are reaching that stage of life where those old lessons suddenly feel relevant. The world may have changed dramatically, but some truths stay the same no matter how many new gadgets, apps, or trends come along.

More and more Millennials are discovering that the principles Boomers lived by still hold up today. Whether it’s about money, relationships, or personal well-being, these common-sense values are proving to be timeless. Here are 13 classic Boomer lessons that Millennials are finally embracing as they navigate adulthood, careers, and family life.

If You’re Over 65 You Need to Ditch These 13 Things Making You Miserable As You Age

July 7, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Clinging to these habits could rob you of happiness, health, and independence as you age.

Are you unknowingly standing in the way of your own happiness and freedom as you enter your golden years? Once you reach 65, there’s a subtle shift that can happen if you’re not careful. Certain habits and patterns that may have once served you start to work against you. What once brought comfort can slowly chip away at your physical health, mental sharpness, and sense of purpose. It’s easy to fall into routines that feel familiar, but some of these very routines can quietly limit your joy, flexibility, and independence over time.

The good news is you have far more control than you might think. You don’t have to surrender to the narrative that aging automatically means decline. Instead, by consciously letting go of these limiting habits, you open yourself up to new experiences, richer relationships, and a stronger, healthier version of yourself. The sooner you release these anchors, the more vibrant and fulfilling your years ahead can become.

13 Genius Ways to Handle a Cheap Husband Who Guilt-Trips You for Spending

July 7, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Stop letting his penny-pinching ways ruin your happiness, and learn how to take back control.

Living with someone who views every purchase as a moral dilemma can feel like walking through a financial minefield. You tiptoe around lattes and hesitantly replace worn-out shoes, constantly bracing for the next lecture. Yet you deserve more than guilt-ridden scrimping; you deserve a life that balances practicality with pleasure. By acknowledging his frugality, setting compassionate boundaries, and injecting a bit of lighthearted strategy into your relationship, you can transform money talks from tense standoffs into cooperative planning sessions.

Armed with humor, thoughtful tactics, and a dash of empathy, you’ll learn how to honor both his thrift and your need for occasional splurges. These thirteen strategies will help you find equilibrium—so you can sip your latte, buy those shoes, and still keep your partnership intact.

13 Masterful Phrases That Instantly Shut Down Judgmental People

July 7, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Judgmental people won’t know what hit them when you say these phrases.

Have you ever felt cornered by someone who just can’t stop judging you? It’s like they’re peering over your shoulder, nitpicking every detail—your choices, your style, even your smile. That constant critique can wear you down, leaving you defensive and on edge. You deserve to hold your ground without losing your cool, and these phrases are your secret weapon to do exactly that.

When you deploy any of these lines, you’re reclaiming control of the conversation. You’ll stay centered, composed, and thoughtful—forcing the judgmental person to pause and reconsider. Use them as gentle but firm boundaries, and watch as your confidence shines through.

14 Iconic ’70s TV Catchphrases That Wouldn’t Fly Today

July 7, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

These famous phrases once defined TV, but today they’d spark outrage.

You might want to sit down for this one—your favorite TV catchphrases from the ’70s are officially on the naughty list. Decades ago, these quippy lines brought the house down with laughter and became iconic staples of television history. But in today’s world, things have changed. With evolving cultural sensitivities, sharper awareness of bias and representation, and a zero-tolerance approach to stereotyping or verbal jabs, these lines wouldn’t just flop—they might ignite full-blown online outrage.

These catchphrases are now relics of a time when humor was less filtered, and audiences weren’t as tuned into the impact of words. Looking back, some lines feel downright uncomfortable, even if they once came from a place of harmless fun. Others carry the weight of outdated roles, implied mockery, or subtle putdowns that would never fly in a writer’s room today. From cringe to classic, here are 14 vintage TV phrases that made history—but probably wouldn’t make it to air now.

People Are Spicing Up Their Retirement With These 13 Outside-the-Box Activities

July 7, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

You won’t believe how much excitement these creative retirement activities can add to your life.

Think retirement means endless naps and the same-old hobbies? Think again! For many, retirement opens up the kind of freedom we haven’t experienced since we were kids. It’s an invitation to rediscover what sparks your curiosity, what makes you laugh out loud, and what you’ve always secretly wanted to try. This chapter of life doesn’t have to be quiet or predictable—it can be thrilling, imaginative, and full of unexpected fun.

If you’re itching to break free from the ordinary, these 13 creative retirement ideas are going to flip your expectations upside down. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to delightfully quirky pastimes, there’s something in here to reignite your joy and stretch your comfort zone just enough to keep life fresh. Try one or try them all—you may just stumble upon a new passion that makes every day feel like an exciting possibility.

11 Toxic Habits of People Who Hate Their Bodies

July 7, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

These harmful behaviors could be ruining your self-esteem and keeping you from ever feeling confident in your own skin.

You may not even realize it, but the things you do every day might be sabotaging your self-esteem little by little. These aren’t dramatic or obvious actions—they’re often subtle habits that feel normal or even responsible. Yet, when done repeatedly, they can carve deep grooves of self-doubt and discontentment. The world around you hasn’t made it easy to appreciate your body either. We’re constantly surrounded by impossible beauty standards and airbrushed ideals that reinforce the belief that we’re never quite good enough as we are.

The good news? You’re not stuck. When you begin to recognize these behaviors for what they are—learned, damaging patterns—you open the door to self-compassion and genuine confidence. You don’t need to completely overhaul your life overnight. But letting go of even a few of these habits can bring immediate relief and build a foundation for authentic self-acceptance. So if you’re tired of feeling uncomfortable in your own skin, read on and learn what’s been holding you back—and how to let it go.