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.

13 Ways Growing Up as the Black Sheep of the Family Has Made Your Life Unnecessarily Hard

by

Growing up as the family outcast creates invisible wounds that silently sabotage your happiness and success.

©Image license via Canva

You always felt like the odd one out, didn’t you? The one who never quite belonged—no matter how much you tried to blend in, please everyone, or make yourself small just to avoid trouble. While others in the family might have had a seat at the table without question, you were constantly scrambling for scraps of acceptance. That kind of rejection doesn’t just sting—it lingers, shaping your sense of self in ways you never asked for.

Being the black sheep isn’t just about feeling excluded. It’s about carrying silent grief, unspoken shame, and a deep sense of not being good enough. Even now, those old patterns show up when you least expect them. You may have grown up and moved on, but those scars still shape the way you love, trust, and see yourself. Here are 13 very real ways your past as the family outcast continues to make life harder than it should be—and what it means to finally name it out loud.

Read more

Adult Kids Who Can’t Let Go of Anger at Mom and Dad Display These 10 Traits

by

Unresolved childhood wounds are pushing adult children to carry lifelong resentment that devastates family bonds.

©Image license via Shutterstock

You might assume that with enough time, childhood pain naturally fades into the background. But for many adult children, the emotional scars from their upbringing are still raw—no matter how many years have passed. These lingering wounds can quietly poison relationships, creating patterns of mistrust, silence, and emotional distance that ripple through families for decades.

Sometimes, the damage isn’t just in what happened—but in what was never talked about, validated, or healed. Adult children who carry unresolved trauma often struggle to express it in direct ways. Instead, it shows up in behaviors that can leave parents confused, hurt, or even defensive. If you feel like you’re walking on eggshells with your grown child, you’re not alone—and chances are, these signs will strike a familiar chord.

Read more

12 Surprising Ways Boomers and Gen X Approach Life Completely Differently

by

You won’t believe how these two generations clash over everything from work to relationships.

©Image license via Shutterstock

You might assume Boomers and Gen X are cut from the same cloth—they’re both analog-born, after all—but their differences run deeper than most people realize. Raised in vastly different times with contrasting cultural influences, these two generations don’t always see eye to eye. Their views on work, relationships, communication, and even money reveal just how wide the generational gap can be.

Whether you’re a nostalgic Boomer still clinging to landlines or a resourceful Gen Xer who survived latchkey childhoods and dial-up internet, you’ll likely recognize yourself in these surprising generational contrasts. What might seem trivial to one generation feels deeply significant to the other.

These quirks aren’t just amusing—they shed light on shifting values and evolving priorities. Let’s break down exactly how Boomers and Gen Xers are living in parallel universes without even realizing it.

Read more

Hate-Filled People Have Some or All of These 13 Disturbing Issues

by

They might seem angry, but these 13 disturbing issues reveal the shocking truth behind their hate.

©Image license via Shutterstock

You’ve probably crossed paths with someone whose bitterness is so intense, it nearly radiates off them. Their words sting, their energy feels dark, and being near them can be downright unsettling. But what’s behind all that hate? It’s rarely just about what’s on the surface.

In many cases, hate acts as a mask—a cover-up for internal chaos, unhealed wounds, and unresolved trauma. People don’t typically wake up and decide to become hateful. Something broke inside them long ago, and instead of healing, they learned to lash out. These 13 disturbing truths can help explain why some people seem consumed by cruelty—and why their behavior is far more tragic than it appears.

Read more

11 Alarming Signs Gen X Will Be the First Generation to Be Forgotten

by

They’re trapped between boomers and millennials, losing relevance faster than anyone expected, and no one seems to care.

©Image license via Shutterstock

You’re probably not ready to hear this, but Generation X is quietly fading into the background—and most people don’t even notice. Sandwiched between the always-discussed Baby Boomers and the relentlessly analyzed Millennials, your generation is getting squeezed out of the cultural conversation. You’re not loud enough for headlines, not young enough to be trendy, and not old enough to be nostalgic. It’s like you’ve been filed away in a dusty folder marked “miscellaneous.”

This isn’t just about being overlooked. It’s about slowly, silently becoming invisible. You’re still working hard, still raising families, still contributing—but the spotlight never seems to hit you. The signs have been building for a while now, and if you haven’t noticed them yet, you’re about to. These 11 warning signs prove just how fast Gen X is disappearing from relevance—and why that should worry everyone.

Read more

People Who Are Easy-Going and Carefree Avoid These 11 Things at All Costs

by

If you’re doing any of these, you’re sabotaging your shot at a stress-free life.

©Image license via Shutterstock

You might believe you’re a pretty laid-back person—someone who doesn’t let much get to them. But even the most chill people can slip into habits that quietly crank up their stress without even realizing it. Stress doesn’t always come in loud, dramatic moments; sometimes it creeps in through everyday behaviors that seem harmless on the surface.

If you truly want to protect your peace, it’s worth checking in with yourself and seeing if any of these subtle stress triggers are part of your daily routine. The carefree crowd isn’t just lucky—they’ve developed habits that support a more relaxed life. These 11 seemingly minor behaviors can pile on anxiety and slowly eat away at your inner calm without you noticing.

Read more

12 Compelling Reasons Your Adult Child’s Failure to Thrive Is Not Your Fault

by

Blaming yourself might be the biggest mistake you’re making—and it’s hurting both you and your child.

©Image license via Shutterstock

If you’ve found yourself lying in bed at night, racked with guilt over your adult child’s struggles, you’re not alone. That inner voice whispering, “Where did I go wrong?” can be relentless. But here’s the truth—it’s time to stop carrying a burden that was never meant to be yours.

Blaming yourself for their failure to thrive not only keeps you stuck in emotional quicksand, but it also prevents your child from stepping into their own responsibility. Parenting never really ends, but it definitely changes. The sooner you stop trying to rewrite their story with your guilt, the sooner you’ll both find room to grow and heal. Let’s walk through the reasons their struggles are not your fault—so you can finally let yourself off the hook.

Read more

13 Things to Do When You Realize You’ve Wasted Your Life on a Husband Who’ll Never Change

by

You’ve been married decades and now know he is forever set in his ways.

©Image license via Shutterstock

There’s a moment that hits harder than expected—the one where you realize the man you’ve invested years in isn’t going to change. Not next year. Not when things settle down. Not ever. You’ve begged, you’ve bargained, you’ve blamed yourself. But the truth keeps circling back, louder and sharper every time: he is who he is, and you’ve been holding your breath in a life that doesn’t make space for your happiness.

The grief is real. So is the rage. But buried underneath all of that is something stronger—freedom. You didn’t waste your life. You just forgot you had permission to live it differently. The future is still wide open. You can take your time, reclaim your voice, and start building something that actually reflects your worth. If you’re done pretending things will change, here are 13 things that can help you start again—on your own terms.

Read more

The 10 Best Dog Breeds for Boomers Who Want Companionship Without the Chaos

by

They’re the perfect mix of love, loyalty, and low-maintenance, making your golden years truly stress-free and joyful.

©Image license via Shutterstock

Finding the right dog in retirement isn’t just about picking a pet—it’s about welcoming a loyal companion who fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. As we age, we want comfort, companionship, and a bit of fun, not extra stress or constant chaos. Fortunately, there are several breeds out there that bring unconditional love without demanding the energy of a hyperactive puppy.

Whether you live in a cozy condo, enjoy long walks in the park, or prefer weekend snuggles on the couch, these dogs know how to match your vibe. They’re affectionate without being needy, fun without being frantic, and best of all, they’ll remind you daily that life’s better with a furry friend by your side. Here are ten of the best dog breeds for Boomers looking for the perfect four-legged companion.

Read more

13 Unforgettable Songs That Take Boomers Back to the Best Moments of Their Lives

by

These timeless tracks will transport you straight to the golden days of your youth.

©Image license via Freepik

You know the feeling—one song plays, and suddenly, you’re back in your first car, windows down, living your best life. Music has that magical way of teleporting you to the moments that shaped who you are.

For Boomers, certain tracks are more than just hits; they’re the soundtrack of unforgettable memories. From carefree summer nights to life-changing milestones, these 13 songs will stir your soul and remind you why those days were the best.

Read more

13 Household Tasks Your Grandparents Did That Would Blow Your Mind Now

by

They survived without modern gadgets, but these chores will make you grateful for today’s conveniences.

©Image license via Wikipedia

You think housework is exhausting now? Try stepping into the shoes of your grandparents for a day. Back then, there were no automatic machines, digital timers, or smart home hacks. Daily chores weren’t just about tidying up—they were grueling routines that took hours, tested your endurance, and demanded real physical strength.

From labor-intensive laundry sessions to cooking without modern stoves, their lives revolved around keeping the home running through sheer grit and resourcefulness. These old-school chores weren’t just tasks; they were survival strategies. Once you see what they went through, you’ll never take your dishwasher or central heating for granted again.

Read more

13 Things a True Southerner Would Never Dare to Throw Away

by

These timeless keepsakes prove that Southerners never let go of their roots.

©Image license via Shutterstock

A true Southerner knows that some things are worth keeping forever. It’s not just about nostalgia—it’s about tradition, practicality, and a deep respect for the past. Some items hold memories, while others have been passed down for generations, carrying stories only a Southerner can truly appreciate.

Getting rid of them? Unthinkable. If you grew up in the South, you’ll probably recognize every single thing on this list. And if you didn’t, well, now you’ll understand why they matter.

Read more

After Decades of Hard Work, Celebrate Retirement with These 15 Dreamy Travel Adventures

by

These jaw-dropping destinations will make your retirement celebration unforgettable.

©Image license via Shutterstock

You’ve spent years building a life, working hard, and fulfilling responsibilities. Now it’s finally time to put yourself first and start living on your own terms. Retirement marks a brand-new chapter—one filled with opportunities to discover the world, meet fascinating people, and create unforgettable memories. And what better way to celebrate your well-earned freedom than by treating yourself to a dream trip?

Whether you’re in the mood for sun-soaked beaches, rich cultural history, epic landscapes, or peaceful hideaways, this list of 15 extraordinary destinations will stir your wanderlust. Each location is packed with beauty, charm, and experiences that are perfect for this exciting new phase of life. So dust off your suitcase, grab your passport, and start planning the retirement celebration you truly deserve.

Read more