Most of us spend our lives looking ahead—to the next goal, the next responsibility, or the next season. But what if wisdom begins by giving our full attention to the moment we're already living?

In this thoughtful conversation, Skip sits down with longtime optometrist, respected leader, wife, mother, and lifelong student of wisdom, Dr. Jacquie Bowen. Through stories of family, leadership, adversity, and personal reinvention, Jacquie reminds us that presence, grace, and faithful attention aren't lofty ideals—they're daily decisions.

She shares the deeply personal story of launching an optometry practice while navigating profound challenges as a young mother, reflects on decades of servant leadership, and offers practical wisdom for anyone stepping into a new season of life.

Why This Episode Matters

Whether you're approaching retirement, changing careers, becoming an empty nester, caring for aging parents, or simply sensing that life is inviting you into a new season, this conversation offers steady companionship and practical wisdom. Jacquie reminds us that identities evolve without erasing who we've been, grace is often the wisest response, and the next chapter begins not someday—but in the ordinary choices we make today.

In This Conversation

Why presence is a daily practice—not a personality trait
Learning to release old identities without losing yourself
Saying "yes" to opportunities that shape a meaningful life
Extending grace to yourself and others during difficult seasons
Habits that help us become more attentive, intentional, and fully present

More about Our Wise Guest - Dr. Jacquie Bowen

Jacquie Bowen is one of those rare people whose wisdom feels immediately livable. She calls Helena, MT her hometown but has been a Coloradan for well over 30 years. She is Doug's wife of 36 years, Ryley and Jadyn's mom, and "Grammy" to Phoebe and Daphne for a much shorter time.

As a practicing optometrist and Immediate Past President of the American Optometric Association, Dr. Bowen takes her professional role very seriously, and she's enjoyed caring for her patients through many changes in health care. But she also takes her hobbies seriously as she anticipates and designs the "third third" of her life. She loves the ocean, history, singing, walking and traveling. A committed Christian, Jacquie looks forward to service and volunteerism outside her profession as well as prioritizing health and family.

She joined us from her home in Greeley, Colorado, about an hour north of Denver. Settle in for a 40-minute wisdom conversation that will make you feel just a bit more alive, more focused and perhaps even more hopeful.

Wisdom Resources

Abide — Christian meditation and prayer app recommended by Jacquie
American Optometric Association website
Episode 142 featuring mutual friend Dr. Brad Lane

If this conversation encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who's navigating a new season of life. Wisdom grows when it's shared.

Credits

Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss

Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski

PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell

Marketing, Social Media and Graphic Design Chloe Lineberg

Brand Designer Emma Malinoski

Episode Chapters

[0:00:00] - Welcome to the practice of living

[0:06:37] - When life doesn't go according to plan

[0:15:57] - The life behind the person

[0:19:19] - Helping people see life

[0:24:05] - Jacquie reveals her main thing wisdom

[0:27:27] - The gift of an undistracted moment

[0:31:23] - Five seconds of presence

[0:32:36] - When one identity steps backstage

[0:35:15] - Just say yes

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