• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Today's Transitions

  • Home
  • Home
  • Find Help
    • Search Care Communities
    • Caregiver Solutions
    • Health Treatments
    • Search Home Caregiving
    • All Caregiving
  • Beautiful Living
    • Travel and Daytrips
    • Health and Fitness
    • Delicious Food
    • Happenings Guide
    • Home and Books
    • Technology
    • Meaningful Work
      • Volunteering
    • Money and Finances
    • Positive Mental Thinking
    • People
  • Living Options
    • Search for Living Communities
    • Home Improvements
    • Low Maintenance Living
    • Downsizing
  • The Magazine
    • Read New Issue
    • Find Magazine
  • Connect
    • Subscribe to Newsletter
    • Manage Listing (Provider/Advertiser)
    • Advertising Options
    • Subscribe to Print Magazine
    • About Today’s Transitions
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Home / People / John Boel: Finding Meaning In Work And Play

John Boel: Finding Meaning In Work And Play

June 27, 2022 · Leave a Comment

The meaning we find in our lives gives us a sense of purpose, the courage to handle setbacks, and the resilience to try, try again. Finding this purpose, however, can sometimes be as tricky as locating that last clean coffee cup in your office’s kitchen. Still, there are ways to look out for what uplifts and inspires you in your career and downtime. And author, news anchor, and troubleshooter investigator for WAVE News, John Boel, is about to give us the inside scoop. 

Discovering the meaning behind work and play is one of the areas in which John feels he’s doing well. “I do know how to find the rhythm and replenishment in life,” he says. This knowledge comes after discovering what activities work best to support his spirit so he can continue to thrive in a career he enjoys. 

“I’ve always loved my job,” John begins, “the best part is the storytelling.” The reason John started in the business, and the highlight of his day, has everything to do with writing. He says he loves being able to take the materials of his craft (the interviews, videos, etc.), put it all together, and create that final shareable product. Journalism is all about telling the stories that move and awaken us, and it’s in this process John finds meaning in his work. But he also knows being constantly immersed in a fast-paced work environment can bring on the stress and the burnout. So, he’s found a way to flee reality in search of a broader perspective. 

“You have to find out what your passion is. If you haven’t been able to find it in your work life, then you’ll need to find it outside of that.” 

“Fishing and triathlon training have been it for me,” John reveals. While his triathlon training is shifting a bit now due to a back injury, John says for decades his routine has included competing in Ironman triathlons. These triathlons require participants to compete in a series of long-distance races that consist of swimming, biking, and running — in that order. John has competed in 13 Ironmans and says he’s always training for the next. “I would structure myself around doing a long three to five-hour bike ride on a weekend, and then find a fishing hole somewhere else,” he says. It’s in this structured downtime he finds balance — and himself.

John says when he’s on his bike riding down a country road, he’s able to lose focus on everything else. Those are the moments that allow him to detach from the stress of daily life. “This is really important these days,” he says. Fishing holds a similar allure and might even rank as his favorite time-off activity. For John, fishing connects him to the deeper rhythms of nature, and he says there’s something about night fishing that he prefers. “I’m waist-deep out in the middle of a dark river, and I can hear the coyotes howling and the owls calling to one another. It’s just awesome,” he says. He goes on to say that even the simplest of sounds like the wind blowing through the trees can be therapeutic. 

It’s important to take time to schedule your own therapeutic activities so you can maintain that healthy work/play balance. John’s ritual for the last year and a half has been to finish work on Friday night and then immediately drive to his favorite fishing spot. “I fish until probably eight or nine in the morning and then sleep,” he explains. When his work schedule allows, and fishing season is at its peak, he may add more excursions because he understands the curative benefits these trips hold. “It’s been the structure of triathlon training for 15 plus years now, and then the fishing on the side that keeps me pretty busy,” John says. 

All these meaningful passions are ready to go and in place to give John purpose during retirement, too — a phase of his life he hadn’t considered entering until recently. “I never thought about retirement in my whole life until just the last couple of years, and now I’m ready for it,” he says. Not only will John have his favorite pastimes to help ease him into this next stage, but he’ll also be able to spend more time with his family. “My priorities are all about family,” he begins, “and just being a better person.”

For those still searching out meaning in work and play, John says to look to your interests. “You have to find out what your passion is,” he says. He goes on to say that hopefully you’ll be able to identify your passions, like he did with writing, and then find a career that supports that. “If you haven’t been able to find it in your work life, then you’ll need to find it outside of that,” he encourages. Next, you must make time to engage in the restorative activities you love. Studies show taking intentional pauses in your day-to-day routine helps manage daily pressures, provide a sense of balance, and bolster your self-esteem. 

Research tells us that people with a clear sense of purpose and their own “why” usually live longer and find greater satisfaction with who they are. So, when you find the “rhythm and replenishment” in your life, look out for the positive changes it creates. You might uncover what truly exhilarates and motivates you — as John has done for himself. “What matters is the sunrise, and your family, and sitting around a campfire telling stories. Those are the things that matter,” says John. 

By Tonilyn Hornung  |  Photos by Erika Doll

P.S. We all need help.

Filed Under: Featured, Meaningful Work, Passions, People

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search for Care Communities

Sponsored

Booms In The Bluegrass This July

Something Special is Happening at Hosparus Health

Resource Directory

Make Time For Fun And Sun This July

Search

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • x
  • linkedin
  • subscribe

ttcaregiving

“We can take a lot from Satchel Paige’s attitu “We can take a lot from Satchel Paige’s attitude: ‘Age is a question of mind over matter,’ he would say. ‘If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.’” Read more from Bob Mueller about the lessons we can learn from sports heroes about our view of aging.
When you or a loved one needs to navigate life in When you or a loved one needs to navigate life in a wheelchair or scooter, it can be a challenge to find places to go that are truly accessible, with adequate parking, accessible restrooms, and a navigable interior. Members of the disability advocacy organization Gathering Strength put together a list of fun outings around Louisville for people who use a wheelchair. ⁠
⁠
@gathering_strength ⁠
@iroquoisamp ⁠
@waterfrontparklou ⁠
@waterfrontgardens ⁠
@louisvillezooofficial ⁠
@bernheimforest ⁠
@uoflhealth ⁠
@gotolouisville ⁠
@speedartmuseum ⁠
@noblefunkbrewing
“There are four foundations for brain health: sl “There are four foundations for brain health: sleep; nutrition, which includes hydration; how you manage stress; and your activity level,” says Dr. Bryan Davis, clinical health psychologist at Norton Neuroscience Institute. Learn more about these foundations as well as new technology for brain and mental health at the link in our bio. {link in bio}
Create moments that matter! The Power of Moments s Create moments that matter! The Power of Moments shows how you can actively shape life’s peak experiences — through small acts of elevation, insight, pride, or connection. By intentionally breaking the routine, celebrating milestones, recognizing courage, and deepening bonds, you can turn ordinary moments into unforgettable breakthroughs.
🌞 Our Summer Issue is Here! 🌞 ⁠ ⁠ Kindne 🌞 Our Summer Issue is Here! 🌞 ⁠
⁠
Kindness isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s as essential as food, water, and sleep. Giving it and receiving it is like breathing in and out. ⁠
⁠
This issue is packed with stories to inspire kindness in your life:⁠
✨ Meet people making a difference for kids in our community.⁠
🍪 Discover ways to share — from tasty treats to your creativity and home.⁠
🌱 Find inspiration in giving, whether it’s plants from your garden or support for your own mind.⁠
⁠
Throw someone a lifeline of kindness today—and remember to show it to yourself too. 💕⁠
⁠
Read more in the latest issue at the link in our bio.
Discover tech tools that unlock your creative side Discover tech tools that unlock your creative side—whether you're into digital art, podcasting, or simple journaling, there's something out there to help you express yourself. Start small, experiment with beginner-friendly apps, and watch your ideas come to life! 🎨🎙️⁠
⁠
{link in bio}
You just might get excited about cleaning your gut You just might get excited about cleaning your gutters with this affordable, game-changing tool. Check out our other picks to make yard work a breeze.⁠
⁠
#techtools #springcleaning #springclean #outdoor #home #hometools #homelandsape
Whether you are working, retired, or caring for so Whether you are working, retired, or caring for someone, finding an outlet for creative expression can be a great way to focus on what is important to you, connect on a deeper level with loved ones, and find a sense of peace from the chaos. Consider these tools as a source of your inspiration at the link in our bio.⁠
⁠
#tech #newtechtools #newtech #techgadgets #caregiving #caregivingtools #caregivinglife #trythis #creative #creativity
Small spaces can still bring maximum function and Small spaces can still bring maximum function and beauty: Check out how professional organizer Kentuckiana Professional Organizer arranged the kitchen of this client’s 1,200-square-foot home in Mount Washington. (You won’t believe how good a ‘junk drawer’ can look!) ⁠
⁠
{link in bio}⁠
⁠
#homeorganization #lovelyspace #interior #interiordesign #kitchen #kitchendesign #homedesign
Visiting a loved one—whether in person or virtua Visiting a loved one—whether in person or virtually—can brighten their day, especially when you come prepared with thoughtful questions and engaging activities. Learn how to make your visits more meaningful in Part 3 of the "Building Good Moments" series at the link in our bio.⁠
⁠
#caregiving #caregivingsupport #caregivinglife #caregiver #support #supportlovedones #supportfamily
Engage your senses and immerse yourself in nature Engage your senses and immerse yourself in nature this season. Here are some ideas to bring nature closer in your yard and even inside your home.⁠
{link in bio}⁠
⁠
#nature #invitenaturein #spring #springtime #springseason #immereyourself #getoutside #getoutdoors #outdoors #outside #springflowers #flowers
Her fitness routine helps her get nine solid hours Her fitness routine helps her get nine solid hours of sleep a night! At age 61, Lynn Knepshield of Baptist Health/Milestone Wellness Center is a fitness inspiration. Read more about how she got started and how she stays so active at the link in our bio.⁠
⁠
#fitness #fitnessinsp #stayfit #moveyourbody #walk #dailywalk #walking #exercise #baptisthealth #louisville #louisvilleky #ky #kentucky
Here’s why it’s worth it to plan a trip with m Here’s why it’s worth it to plan a trip with multiple generations of family – and how to manage the planning and costs. {link in bio}⁠
⁠
#travel #traveltips #takeatrip #multigeneration #multigenerational #memory #memories #makememories
For many of us, decluttering can be an emotional e For many of us, decluttering can be an emotional experience. It’s not always easy to part with possessions we have an emotional connection to, making a real clean-out challenging.⁠
⁠
“Home is not just a place we live, but a reminder of memories, with each item telling a unique story,” says professional organizer Alison Moulder of Simplicity and Style. “The difficulty comes in gently guiding clients through the process of letting go while respecting their emotional needs.” ⁠
⁠
Learn more at the link in our bio for professional tips on making a spring decluttering effort manageable.⁠
⁠
🧹: @simplicityandstylehome⁠
🧹: @the_love_of_order
The answer is... yes, no, and sometimes, maybe. Ca The answer is... yes, no, and sometimes, maybe. Caregiving expert and educator Karen Stobbe unpacks this question and covers what you need to consider at the link in our bio.⁠
⁠
#caregiver #caregiverlife #caregiversupport #caregivingexpert #caregivingquestions
In our rush for newer, quicker, better, we seem to In our rush for newer, quicker, better, we seem to be missing out on what we fundamentally crave: a calmer, gentler, sweeter and more grace-filled life. Is it easy to achieve such a life? Definitely not. Is it possible? Absolutely, positively, certainly, yes. Follow the link to read this month's article from Bishop Bob Mueller.⁠
⁠
{link in bio}
Are your blinds open right now? Or perhaps the bet Are your blinds open right now? Or perhaps the better question is: if they aren’t, do you want them to be? If the view out your window isn’t exactly inspiring, here are some ideas to spruce it up — no matter your landscape or budget. {link in bio}
Most of us know there are sometimes beautiful mome Most of us know there are sometimes beautiful moments in the midst of bad days or horrible weeks. But how can we capture them? How do we keep the bad, the boring, and the disappointments from overtaking the good? Here are two strategies that can help you find positivity and purpose in each day of caregiving. {link in bio}⁠
⁠
#caregiving #caregivinglife #caregivingsupport #beautifulmoments #moments #support #goodthings #goodthingshappen
Kangaroo burgers, wood-fired pizza, big breakfast Kangaroo burgers, wood-fired pizza, big breakfast spreads: these local eateries won’t disappoint when you need a little break from caregiving or you want to take your loved one for a delicious bite. ⁠
⁠
📍: @jackfrys_ky⁠
📍: @thecafelville⁠
📍: @proofonmain⁠
📍: @garageonmarket⁠
📍: @gamerestaurants⁠
After being a church pastor for many years, George After being a church pastor for many years, George Ross is now focusing on creating a community for those over age 55. George shows kindness daily by delivering treats, making music, sending texts (“I can cover a lot of ground with texts”), and just being available to “do for one what I wish I could do for all.” Read more about how he keeps the kindness flowing at the link in our bio.
Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • Small Steps For Vibrant Wellness
  • Chill Out: Tips For Managing Summer Stress
  • Try This Unique Way Of Seeing Portions Of The Bluegrass State
  • Kindness And Creativity In Oldham County
  • Check Out These Three Accessible Places To Visit This Summer (Part 1 of 3)

Manage Listings · My Account · Caregiving Listing Help
Privacy Policy · Terms of Service
© 2025 · Barrett Jacoby Publishing, LLC · Built by Breakaway Analytics