Most of us spend our lives looking ahead—to the next goal, the next responsibility, or the next season. But what if wisdom begins by giving our full attention to the moment we're already living? In this thoughtful conversation, Skip sits down with longtime optometrist, respected leader, wife, mother, and lifelong student of wisdom, Dr. Jacquie Bowen. Through stories of family, leadership, adversity, and personal reinvention, Jacquie reminds us that presence, grace, and faithful attention aren't lofty ideals—they're daily decisions. She shares the deeply personal story of launching an optometry practice while navigating profound challenges as a young mother, reflects on decades of servant leadership, and offers practical wisdom for anyone stepping into a new season of life. Why This Episode Matters Whether you're approaching retirement, changing careers, becoming an empty nester, caring for aging parents, or simply sensing that life is inviting you into a new season, this conversation offers steady companionship and practical wisdom. Jacquie reminds us that identities evolve without erasing who we've been, grace is often the wisest response, and the next chapter begins not someday—but in the ordinary choices we make today. In This Conversation Why presence is a daily practice—not a personality trait Learning to release old identities without losing yourself Saying "yes" to opportunities that shape a meaningful life Extending grace to yourself and others during difficult seasons Habits that help us become more attentive, intentional, and fully present More about Our Wise Guest - Dr. Jacquie Bowen Jacquie Bowen is one of those rare people whose wisdom feels immediately livable. She calls Helena, MT her hometown but has been a Coloradan for well over 30 years. She is Doug's wife of 36 years, Ryley and Jadyn's mom, and "Grammy" to Phoebe and Daphne for a much shorter time. As a practicing optometrist and Immediate Past President of the American Optometric Association, Dr. Bowen takes her professional role very seriously, and she's enjoyed caring for her patients through many changes in health care. But she also takes her hobbies seriously as she anticipates and designs the "third third" of her life. She loves the ocean, history, singing, walking and traveling. A committed Christian, Jacquie looks forward to service and volunteerism outside her profession as well as prioritizing health and family. She joined us from her home in Greeley, Colorado, about an hour north of Denver. Settle in for a 40-minute wisdom conversation that will make you feel just a bit more alive, more focused and perhaps even more hopeful. Wisdom Resources Abide — Christian meditation and prayer app recommended by Jacquie American Optometric Association website Episode 142 featuring mutual friend Dr. Brad Lane If this conversation encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who's navigating a new season of life. Wisdom grows when it's shared. Credits Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell Marketing, Social Media and Graphic Design Chloe Lineberg Brand Designer Emma Malinoski Episode Chapters [0:00:00] - Welcome to the practice of living [0:06:37] - When life doesn't go according to plan [0:15:57] - The life behind the person [0:19:19] - Helping people see life [0:24:05] - Jacquie reveals her main thing wisdom [0:27:27] - The gift of an undistracted moment [0:31:23] - Five seconds of presence [0:32:36] - When one identity steps backstage [0:35:15] - Just say yes Stay Connected with Us on Social YouTube @themainthingpod Twitter @themainthingpod Instagram @themainthingpod Facebook @TheMainThingPod LinkedIn TikTok @TheMainThingPod Help Support and Sustain This Podcast Become a subscriber. Share the podcast with one or two friends. Buy a set of Wisdom Cards Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store. Buy a book from our curated wisdom collection on bookshop.org. Become a patron and support us on Patreon with funding.
