Welcome to Black Bear Cottage! I'm Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson.
At 64, I'm learning to build the rich, abundant life I've dreamed ofβnot by having more, but by choosing what matters.
Here at Black Bear Cottage, I'm exploring what it means to live well in this next chapter: buying less but better, making room for creativity, cultivating friendships, enjoying my home and garden, living my faith fully, and creating a life of beauty, meaning, and purpose.
I believe a rich life isn't determined by how much money we have. It's built from the things we choose to value, notice, create, and enjoy.
π¬ THE NEWS FROM BLACK BEAR COTTAGE
Join my weekly newsletter, delivered every Saturday. You'll receive a thoughtful essay, a seasonal recipe, a book recommendation, photos from around the cottage, and a few reflections from my walks with Fawnie.
Subscribe here: suzanneelizabethanderson.substack.com
π MY BOOKS
Available on Amazon: amzn.to/48R5E1z
Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson
When I asked you what the hardest part of this season is, four out of ten of you said the same word: loneliness.That stopped me.
Not because I was surprised β but because I finally felt less alone in it myself.Here's what I want you to know: that loneliness isn't proof that something is wrong with you.
It's proof that you're built for connection. And there are quiet, simple habits that help you find it again β not by pretending the ache away, but by building a life around it.
Tomorrow I'm sharing the ten habits that did it for me. Most cost nothing. Together they changed how I wake up in my own home.If you were one of that four in ten β or if you've just never told anyone β I'd love to hear from you below. Which part of it has been the hardest to make peace with? The quiet? The mornings? The "nobody to tell about my day" feeling?You're not the only one feeling it. π
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 26
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Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson
What's been YOUR biggest challenge after 60? I want to build this channel around what YOU'RE actually walking through β so tell me below. π
Or if none of these quite fit, tell me in the comments what your biggest challenge has really been. I read every one, and it shapes what I make next.
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 29
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Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson
For years, I believed being single meant that something was missing in me. π
Then, at 64, I finally learned the truth β and it changed everything.
Being single after 60 isn't a void waiting to be filled. It's a life. A full, meaningful, chosen one. π‘β¨This week's video is the honest answer to the question I've been asked more than any other: "Why aren't you married?"
Now I'd love to hear from you β tell me what's been on your heart:
3 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 49
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Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson
Loneliness doesn't ask permission. It doesn't care if you're married, widowed, divorced, or living alone like me β it can sneak in on any of us.
In Thursdayβs video, I'm sharing the 3 things I do every single day to keep it out: a spiritual practice each morning, a physical habit every evening, and one social connection every week.
If this season of life has felt a little quieter than you expected, I hope this video feels like a hand reaching out to you. π
4 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 381
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Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson
I posted my new video yesterday and your comments are already overwhelming my heart. So many of you have lived this same story. If you haven't watched yet β come join the conversation. I'd love to hear which of the 3 mistakes hit closest to home for you?
1 month ago | [YT] | 17
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Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson
Tomorrow at noon, I'm sharing something I've been wanting to talk about for a long time.
I spent years living alone β and not really living. Going through the motions. Waiting for something I couldn't even name.
Tomorrow's video is the first episode of a new series called No Big Plans β and in it, I share three mistakes I kept making while living alone after 60. Without even realizing they were mistakes.
Some of them might surprise you. Some might feel very familiar.
It goes up tomorrow at noon. I hope you'll join me. π
In the meantime β I'd love to ask you something. If you live alone right now, what is the hardest part for you in this season? I read every comment. π
1 month ago | [YT] | 112
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Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson
β¨ A little surprise for you today!I accidentally scheduled this week's video for today instead of Thursday β and honestly, maybe that's exactly when someone needed it. πMy new video is already up: 3 Truths My Faith Journey Taught Me About Finding Peace After 60
If you've been walking through a season of uncertainty, worry, or loneliness β I think this one is for you. I'd love for you to watch and share what you're walking through in the comments. I love hearing from you.
God bless you. See you next week β on Thursday this time! π
1 month ago | [YT] | 8
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Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson
Iβve been so moved by the stories youβre sharing on my latest video about downsizing. Itβs clear that 'stuff' is rarely just stuffβitβs memories, faith, and sometimes a little bit of weight weβre finally ready to set down.
Iβve heard you loud and clear on everything from the struggle of parting with cherished books to the desire for more 'real' glimpses into this season of life. I want to make sure my next video is exactly what you need right now.
Which of these would you like to see first?
1 month ago | [YT] | 53
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Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson
It's live. π‘
After 60, I Stopped Asking 'Do I Use This?' And Everything Changed is up on the channel now β and I have to say, this one came straight from the heart.
I walked through Black Bear Cottage and finally let go of things I'd been holding onto for years. Some of it was easy. Some of it⦠wasn't.
If you're in a season of simplifying β or wondering if you ever will be ready β I made this video for you. π
π Watch it here β [link to video]
And after you watch, I'd love to know:
What's the hardest thing you've ever had to let go of β and how did it feel once it was gone?
I read every single comment. π
1 month ago | [YT] | 6
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Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson
π£ Community Post
For three years I walked through my home asking the same question: "Do I use this?"
And nothing changed. π¦
It wasn't until I stopped asking that question and started asking a different one that I finally began to let go.
Really let go.
Tomorrow I'm sharing what that shift looked like for me here at Black Bear Cottage. The things I held onto too long. The moment I understood why.
And how it felt once they were finally gone.If you've been putting off decluttering or if you've tried and felt stuck β I think this one is going to speak to your heart.
π‘New video drops tomorrow at noon. πI'd love to know in the comments: what's the hardest thing you've ever had to let go of?
1 month ago | [YT] | 14
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