Amy Malak Life Coach

A friend recently recommended From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks, and since I’ve been reading quite a bit about retirement and the second half of life, I was eager to dive in. While it wasn’t packed with practical exercises or step-by-step action plans, it gave me plenty to think about. This is one of those books that gently nudges you to sit back with a cup of tea and reflect on where you’re headed and what really matters.

Brooks’ main message is both sobering and freeing: all of us eventually face some form of professional decline. For some people, it happens early. For others, much later. But sooner or later, we all reach a point where chasing more success, recognition, or achievement becomes less satisfying. Instead, he encourages us to shift our focus toward sharing our wisdom, serving others, mentoring, teaching, and investing in relationships.

A few ideas especially stuck with me. First, stop worrying so much about building a legacy. Most of us will eventually be forgotten professionally, but the way we loved, served, and treated people will leave a lasting impact. Second, invest deeply in community. We need one another, and the wisdom we’ve gained over the years deserves an outlet. Finally, our later years can be a beautiful invitation to deepen our spiritual lives and explore what gives us true meaning and purpose.

As someone who coaches people through life transitions—including retirement—I found this message refreshing. The second half of life isn’t about becoming less; it’s about becoming different. Maybe even becoming more of who we were meant to be all along.

purposefulliving

I just finished reading Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell, and it gave me a lot to reflect on. While it’s written for entrepreneurs, the message really applies to anyone who wants to live with more intention.

A few ideas that stayed with me:
✨ You are only phenomenal at a handful of things — focus there.
✨ Every task either gives you energy or drains it. Pay attention.
✨ Schedule your priorities instead of prioritizing your schedule.
✨ Dream bigger — and get clear about what actually matters.

Buying back your time isn’t about doing more. It’s about making space for what brings life, purpose, and joy.

What’s one thing you could let go of to create more room for what you love?

TimeFreedom MidlifeReflection SabbaticalLife LivingWithPurpose

✨ A dream come true ✨

For years, my husband Hany and I have talked about what it would look like to co-lead a workshop on Dreaming Big. We’ve tossed around ideas, imagined the exercises we’d guide people through, and dreamed about what it would be like to present together.

Hany likes to say he’s a “dream extractor,” and I’ve had a front-row seat watching him help people uncover the dreams already stirring inside them. Together, we’ve often wondered… what if one day we actually did this?

So when MEC Church invited us to lead a Dream Big workshop for their women’s and men’s groups, our answer was an enthusiastic YES.

We’re truly looking forward to spending the day helping participants explore their dreams, loosen limiting beliefs, and begin setting those dreams on a path toward reality.

MEC, we can’t wait to be with you — and thank you for helping us bring one of our own dreams to life. 💛

Let “reading vacation” begin! Here is one book that I am reading. What good books are you reading right now?

Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours!

📚 Invest in Yourself 🌿

During this sabbatical, I’ve made time to nourish my mind as much as my soul. Over the past couple of months, I’ve worked my way through several inspiring books — and now, as we enter the final weeks, I’m reading “The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines into Massive Success & Happiness” by Jeff Olson.

The message feels familiar — much like Atomic Habits — that the small, consistent choices we make every day shape our lives in profound ways. Every little action compounds, for better or worse.

Today’s chapter on investing in yourself truly resonated. The author reminds us that continuous learning — paired with practice — is the foundation for growth. It’s not just about studying; it’s about doing.

Looking back, I’ve never once regretted investing in my own learning. Whether it’s been in self-development, business, language, cooking, piano, investing, relationships, mindfulness, health, spirituality, or coaching — each step has enriched my life with new skills, perspectives, and wisdom.

This morning, Hany challenged me to write down my list of 25 goals and desires. Interestingly, most of them centered around learning and growth — a gentle reminder of how deeply I value becoming more fully myself.

So I’ll ask you — are you investing in yourself? 🌱
If not, what’s one small step you can take today? Maybe it’s reading 10 pages of that book you’ve been meaning to start. Signing up for that art class. Or attending a workshop that stirs your soul.

Growth starts small… and it always starts now. ✨

Let the sabbatical journey begin!

Not quite smooth sailing, but we’re on our way.

If you want to more details on our journey, you can follow me

Happy Mother’s Day!!!

✨ Exciting News! ✨

I’m thrilled to be partnering with Black Cat Fables Bookstore in Monrovia, CA to host a live book discussion on Mel Robbins' powerful new book, The Let Them Theory! 📚🖤

We’ll meet four separate times to dive into different chapters, exploring how letting go of control and embracing authenticity can lead to real freedom. 🌱✨ It’s going to be a series full of meaningful conversations, fresh perspectives, and a few lightbulb moments 💡.

Space is limited and RSVPs are required—so be sure to secure your spot at www.blackcatfables.com!

Let’s grow together—one page at a time. I can’t wait to see you there! ✨

This is what we saw when LA County emergency phone alerts woke us up at 5am today.

The struggle in these situations is the lack of information and communication. With power down, no WiFi and cell service that barely allows texting, everyone is left guessing and making their best judgment calls.

Fortunately I had family from out-of-state who could research what was happening and send me helpful information. We gathered with our neighbors and made the best decisions we could. We weren’t even aware of the scope of the Pacific Palisades fire - let alone our own.

To everyone who reached out today to vocalize your love and concern - thank you. I couldn’t take all your phone calls, but I appreciate your love and concern.

Our family is safe- our home is safe for now. Please pray for the area - the fires are not out and we are all still at risk. Sending lots of love!