Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson

There was a moment at work when my body said enough.
A panic attack. Right there at my desk.
It made me stop and ask a question I'd been avoiding: What am I actually working for?
I'd always planned to wait until 70 to take Social Security. More money. More security. That was the plan.
But the plan didn't account for what I was losing in the meantime.
In my new video, I'm sharing the real numbers — my actual budget, what I gave up, and the surprising reason I didn't wait.
If you're anywhere near this season of life, I think this one will speak to your heart. 🎥
I love hearing from you — have you thought about what early retirement would look like for you? Leave a comment and let me know. 💛

1 hour ago | [YT] | 5

Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson

Thank you all for the beautiful prayers and encouragement on my latest video about early retirement! ✨

I’ve noticed many of you in the comments asking about my journey as an author—specifically how I got started with self-publishing and how I use journaling to manage my anxiety during big life transitions.

I’m thinking about making a dedicated video to answer these questions. Would that be helpful to you? Please vote or leave a comment below letting me know what specifically you’d like to hear about!

5 days ago | [YT] | 68

Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson

Last Monday morning I had a panic attack at my desk.
I have never had a panic attack in my life. And it scared me.
But over the next few days — as I sat quietly with that fear, and prayed, and journaled — something became very clear.
My body wasn't broken. It was simply telling me the truth.
Enough.
I have made a decision. A difficult one. A terrifying one. And honestly — the most peace-filled one I have ever made.
I am retiring at 64. Earlier than I planned.
Today's video is the full story — the panic attack, the week of prayer, why I'm taking Social Security at 64, and the simple, faithful life I am building here at Black Bear Cottage.
If you are somewhere between 60 and 70 and still white-knuckling it through your final working years — I think this one is for you. 💛
👉 https://youtu.be/InJrenYLU5M

1 week ago | [YT] | 37

Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson

Dear Friends,
This week I asked you what you were working on in your inner home — and more than half of you said the same thing.
Learning to trust God's timing.
That answer stopped me. Because that is exactly where I am right now too.

I woke up at 4am this week. Not because anything was wrong with the cottage. But because there is a life-changing decision in front of me — and I don't have the answer yet.
What I do know is this: trusting God's timing doesn't mean sitting still and waiting for something to happen. I think we've gotten that wrong.

Today's video is for every woman who is in a waiting season right now — wondering if God has forgotten her, whether it's too late, or whether she's missed her moment.

You haven't. He sees you. And He is working.
📖 Three scriptures. Three practical steps. All for you.
👇 Watch here: https://youtu.be/4m5UViXJPyM

What are you trusting God's timing for right now? I would love to hear from you. 🙏

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 43

Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson

Dear Friends,
In last week's video, I shared the physical corners of my tiny cottage that bring me peace. But as I’ve been reading your beautiful comments, I’m reminded that the most important space we ever inhabit isn't made of wood or stone—it’s the space within our own hearts. 🕊️

Many of you shared that you are navigating seasons of grief, starting over at 60+, or simply seeking a slower pace. It’s made me realize that while my cottage is finally 'full,' my heart was the first thing that needed to be decluttered to make room for God’s grace.

This Thursday, I want to talk to the woman who feels like she has 'everything'...the home, the peace, the routine...but still feels a quiet ache for someone to share it with. We're moving from the physical space of the cottage to the emotional space of the soul.

Poll Question: When you think about your 'inner home,' what is one thing you’re working on cultivating right now?

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 51

Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson

🏡 Welcome to Black Bear Cottage.
At 64, I sold my big house and moved into a small cottage — and it changed everything. Less space. Less to manage. More peace than I've ever known.
In today's video, I take you inside my home, share why I downsized as a single woman after 60, and read the three verses from Psalm 131 that taught me what contentment really feels like.
I'd love to know: Have you ever downsized — or thought about it? What's holding you back? Or what surprised you most when you did?
God bless you, and I'll see you in the comments. 💛

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 39

Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson

📖 When my department was eliminated, the anxiety was overwhelming. My mind went straight to the worst-case scenario — losing everything, with no way to stop the spiral.But I had two tools that have never failed me: a journal and a prayer.In today's video, I'm walking you through the three journals I use — including the $7 blank notebook where I dump every fear, and the gratitude practice that reminds me I still have agency even when the rug gets pulled out. Plus the Litany of Trust — the prayer that's become my anchor.I'd love to know: Do you journal? What's helped you through seasons of uncertainty?Thank you so much. God bless you 🙏

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 40

Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson

So many of you have asked what journals I use — I finally put them all in one place. You can find them here: amzn.to/4dFRCR1

#morning pages #gratitudejournals #5yearjournal #journals

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 62

Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson

I have moved cross country, overseas, mountains, beaches, big cities, and little villages. And each time I thought: this will be the fresh start. This city. This house. This new beginning.

It never was.

Because the problem was never where I was living. It was what I was carrying with me.

My new video is live today — and I'm sharing the three real changes that finally unstuck me. They had nothing to do with a zip code.

I think at least one of them will feel very familiar to you. 💛 I love hearing from you — have you ever tried to start over by changing your surroundings?

1 month ago | [YT] | 28

Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson

📣 A small change — and why I'm making it.
I've been doing some honest reflection lately, and I realized something: my Psalm videos and my lifestyle videos have been saying the same things. Because my faith isn't separate from my life — it is my life. They were always the same conversation.
So starting this week, I'm simplifying.
One video. Every Thursday.

Just one honest, unhurried conversation each week — sharing lessons I've learned from my own mistakes that I wish someone had shared with me when I was 30, 40, or 50... about starting over after 60... about why my faith has saved my life when I thought I couldn't go on... about the things we don't always say out loud.

I'm treating this as a four-week experiment, and I'd love for you to come along with me.
The first one goes up this Thursday, May 22. I think you're going to want to hear what I have to say.
I love hearing from you. Is there something you'd like me to talk about on Thursdays? Leave it in the comments — I read every single one. 💛

1 month ago | [YT] | 328