Welcome to Start Small and Thrive, a space for discovering joy in the little things and celebrating how small changes can lead to a more vibrant, fulfilling life at any age.

I’m Wendy VanArsdale, a woman in her 60s who believes that life doesn’t slow down — it expands — when you stay curious. I’m a lifelong learner, traveler, home cook, and lover of everyday adventures. Over the years, I’ve learned that thriving doesn’t come from chasing big, dramatic changes. It comes from the small, intentional things we do every day to nurture our health, creativity, and sense of wonder.

This blog is where I share the lessons and inspirations I’ve gathered; from my travels around the world to moments right here at home. Whether I’m learning to cook traditional Greek meals in a mountain village, diving in the Florida Keys, or exploring hidden gems close to home, I love bringing those experiences back and blending them into my daily rhythm.

Start Small and Thrive is an invitation, especially for women in midlife and beyond, to keep learning, exploring, experimenting, and savoring every season. Because thriving isn’t about doing more; it’s about being fully alive to what’s around us.

So grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine!) and join me as we explore how starting small can help us live more joyfully, intentionally, and beautifully than ever before.