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Christine, a retired educator who now splits her time between the United States and Portugal, has built a life that reflects curiosity, creativity, and resilience. After decades of teaching wellness and coaching in public high school, university-level health and administration courses in the U.S., she’s now using GetSetUp to explore passions she once set aside, including art.
“I think as a retiree, GetSetUp is just a wonderful program,” Christine said. “It helps me be creative and look at things a different way.”
She found GetSetUp shortly after the pandemic, through her health plan via a SilverSneakers benefit.
“I honestly think I would pay even if it wasn’t through my health plan,” she admitted. “It’s that good.”
Christine’s path to artistic expression hasn’t always been smooth. One early experience haunted her for years.
“I had a discouraging experience in art,” she shared. “Two art teachers literally took the brush from my hand and finished my paintings. They were both trying to help, but the message negatively impacted my artistic self-esteem. I subsequently never took the opportunity to grow creatively through art.”
That changed when she found Guide Deana, one of GetSetUp’s most beloved art Guides.
“I happened upon Deana, and she’s an amazingly gifted teacher who often stays after class to invite her students to share their progress. Her classes are well-conceived and beautifully instructed, with such positive feedback for each student who is brave enough to share their work!”
Christine started taking painting and journaling classes and began to view the world with new eyes.
“I take more pictures now of flowers, architecture, and scenery now. I look at patterns differently and even enjoy zentangling. I have a whole new perspective on creative possibilities. I now have the confidence to share my work with Deana, because she is always so helpful and encouraging.”
She even incorporated her Portuguese language lessons into her artwork, using drawing to reinforce what she’s learning.
Christine tried a few exercise and technology classes, but it’s the creative offerings that keep her coming back.
“I rave about the art classes. I’ve done journaling, and I’ve toyed with a few others, but I gravitate back to art.”
Still, GetSetUp offers something she values deeply: the freedom to choose what nurtures her mind and spirit.
“I’m happy to be part of this. It’s something I was always interested in but never had the opportunity to go explore. Now, I have the space to discover and create.”
Christine’s story spans continents. She grew up a “navy brat” on military bases, later settled in Illinois, then Florida. Most recently she moved part time to Portugal after years of dreaming about traveling in Europe.
“We met our British friends in Portugal and spent a week golfing outside Lisbon in Cascais. I’ve always wanted to travel in Europe, and we discovered we really enjoyed the culture here.”
Her passion for family is just as strong. She helped raise her grandchildren when they were young and is now preparing to celebrate turning 75 with a Rick Steves family tour across London, France, Switzerland, and Italy.
“Our 11 and 13-year-old grandchildren, and our two daughters’ families are coming to celebrate this year—it’s a family adventure of a lifetime for us!”
Christine earned her doctorate later in life, with a focus on chaos theory.
“My philosophy became: embrace the chaos or die. There is order in chaos, and I am still learning how to find joy in it” she said. “I turned in my whistle and picked up the books.”
Now, she’s applying that mindset to learning and creating with GetSetUp, blending structured creativity with spontaneity.
“It’s about trying new things and letting yourself explore. I really enjoy playing with creativity!
Whether she’s reflecting in a journal, sketching Portugal’s flowers, or preparing for a multigenerational trip through Europe, Christine is proof that wellness, growth, and creativity have no expiration date.
“I think it’s a wonderful program,” she said. “And I’m happy to share the joy I have found in lifelong learning with everyone!”
Explore more at getsetup.io or check your health plan benefits today.
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