Getting Unstuck — and Moving Forward

What’s keeping you stuck right now?
Too much information? A phone that never stops buzzing? A “to do” list so long it could qualify as a novel?

Lately, I’ve been asking myself the same questions.

Over the past few months, I’ve been figuring out what life looks like now that I’m in my 50s. After a few joyful months of celebrating, I was thrown into the intense process of sorting my uncle’s estate after his death. When that finally wrapped up, I was completely overwhelmed — unsure what to do next, overloaded with expectations, and trying far too hard to “get it right” before I took the next step.

Perfectionism had me in a full-on spin cycle.

So, I did something radical for me: I pressed pause.

Instead of forcing more, I started letting go. Letting go of what wasn’t working. Unraveling the threads that had me tied up too tight to function clearly.

And here’s the funny part — I help people get unstuck for a living. Yet the harder I tried to apply my own tools, the deeper I got tangled.

I took two weeks completely off, including a few quiet days in a little cottage — no noise, no pressure, just rest, reading, and reflection. Over the past six weeks, I’ve been diving deep into an incredible psychology programme led by the phenomenal Louise Carroll. It’s helping me get to the heart of my habits and patterns — and unlearn the ones that no longer serve me. With six more weeks to go, I can feel the momentum building and the energy shifting.

And joyfully, I’ve returned to dance — my old love and my way back into embodiment. Through Caitríona Ní Ghiollaphadraig’s Embodied Brain programme, I’ve reconnected with that part of myself I left behind when I broke my back nine years ago. Twenty-one years ago, I started dancing as a meditation and a way of coming home to myself. Now, I’m finally back on the dance floor — and it feels like freedom.

Between the rest, reflection, movement, and mentorship, I’ve slowly found my way out of stuckness.

The Unstucking Process (Yes, It’s a Word)

It hasn’t been a long process — just a deliberate one. A life and work audit made all the difference.

Right now, I’m updating Living Legacy’s website (www.livinglegacy.ie) and aiming to have it ready for our third birthday on November 11th. I’m adding new programmes, improving accessibility (in line with EU standards), and making the site easier to navigate for everyone.

While you’re there, I’d love your input on the Annual Advance Planning Survey — it helps shape future offerings and keeps the work grounded in what you actually need.

What I Know for Sure

I love working directly with people. That’s the heart of what I do.
The marketing, social media, and promotional side? That part still ties me in knots. But like most things, it’s a practice — and I’m learning to lean into it.

What truly lights me up is helping people find their way through overwhelm — breaking big, scary tasks into manageable steps. Whether it’s life planning, advance planning, or just getting your affairs in order, there is a way through.

My job is to help you keep momentum — so you not only complete your plans, but also make space to enjoy the life you’re still living. That’s where the magic happens.

If you’re feeling stuck — in life, work, or just in getting your plans started — reach out. I’m here to help.
And if you’re not quite ready but curious, come follow along on TikTok @livinglegacy.ie or share your thoughts with me via this quick form.

(And honestly, if you’re reading this, you’ve already started your journey — whether you realise it or not.)

Client Updates

last month I wrapped up two Succession Planning Programmes with County Kildare Leader Partnership and Inishowen Development Partnership Participants are now submitting their draft plans — and some are already implementing them. Seeing the training translate into real-world action is a wonderful validation of this work to future proof such important services for the wider communities.

Living Legacy’s New Concierge Service

After supporting people to get their end-of-life plans in place for the past two years — and after experiencing my uncle’s plans in action earlier this year — I’ve seen first-hand the difference it makes.

That experience inspired Living Legacy’s new One-to-One Concierge Support Service.

My newest client just celebrated their 93rd birthday — active, sharp, and deeply intentional about the years ahead. We’re working together to plan care options, set up their Enduring Power of Attorney, and adapt their home for aging comfortably and safely. We’re also organising their digital footprint and backup systems so everything runs smoothly.

This service combines accountability, tailored research, and hands-on facilitation — connecting all the dots so nothing gets left undone.

If you need guidance — finding the right professionals (legal, financial, etc.) if you don’t yet have them, to practical support with grant applications, commemoration considerations, or digital planning — this concierge offering is for you.

If it sounds like a fit, email me directly at [email protected].

Events & Collaborations

This summer, I was delighted to take part in the pilot Trainer Programme with The Irish Hospice Foundation. Their upcoming initiatives will help more people and groups engage in end-of-life planning — an area close to my heart.

I also attended a Decision Support Service workshop on the new Enduring Power of Attorney and Advance Healthcare Directive process. While the new system can seem complex, the workshop was invaluable. I’m now exploring opportunities to collaborate with the DSS to bring this training to more people in an accessible way.

I'm also looking forward to collaborating with financial and wealth advisors, Everlake, who have recently partnered with Fairstone Ireland, to provide a Legacy Building workshop for their clients in January.

And coming up — I’ll be presenting at the Lifting the Lid Festival on Death and Dying on Sunday, November 16th at 11am, sharing “Legacy Planning (with a Twist).” The weekend is packed with insightful speakers and conversations about life, death, and what we leave behind. I’d love to see you there!

Getting Grounded Again

Pressing pause was the best thing I could have done. I feel reconnected, re-energised, and more grounded than I’ve been in a long time.

I’ll be opening up new one-to-one client slots from mid-November, and I’m already booking group trainings for 2026.

If you’re ready to get unstuck — or even just curious where to begin — let me share what I’ve learned and help you put your own plans in place.

As Living Legacy turns three next month, I’m filled with gratitude — for the work, for the people I’ve met, and for everyone walking this journey with me.

Here’s to clarity, courage, and getting gloriously unstuck — together.

Jen

Jennifer McConnell (Founder, Living Legacy)