Rediscovering Wonder in Midlife: Karen Walrond on The Art of Dabbling

How Curiosity, Play & Self-Compassion Lead to a More Joyful Life

Have you ever stopped yourself from trying something new because you thought you’d look foolish?
 

Maybe you’ve said, “I’m too old for that” or “I’d probably be terrible at it.”  You’re not alone.

But what if being a beginner again — letting yourself dabble — could actually be the key to more joy, curiosity, and self-compassion in your life?

That’s what this week’s guest, Karen Walrond, believes.

Karen is the author of Radiant Rebellion, The Lightmaker’s Manifesto, and her newest book, In Defense of Dabbling: The Brilliance of Being a Total Amateur. She’s a writer, photographer, lawyer, and leadership coach who helps people find purpose and meaning through curiosity, mindfulness, and play.

In our conversation, Karen and I talk about how giving ourselves permission to dabble — to try something purely for the love of it — can transform how we experience midlife and beyond. She shares her “Seven Attributes of Intentional Amateurism,” a beautiful roadmap that includes curiosity, self-compassion, play, connection, and wonder.

We also talk about:

• Why the word amateur actually means “one who loves”

• How dabbling can help you practice self-compassion and rest

• Why play isn’t just for kids — it’s a spiritual practice for adults

• How curiosity is the gateway to joy and creative freedom
• And why it’s okay to be “bad” at something you love doing
  
  

This episode is an invitation to loosen your grip on perfection, to try that thing you’ve been secretly curious about, and to remember that joy isn’t a distraction from growth — it’s the fuel for it.

📘 Get Karen’s book: In Defense of Dabbling 

You can find out more about Karen Walrond and sign up for her newsletter at chookooloonks.com

🌼 Join the PLAYshop: latebloomerliving.com/play — Reclaim your joy and ease through play.

Because rediscovering wonder might just be the most radical thing you do in midlife.