Mama Mia --- A Fun Movie for Boomers

I just went to see the Mama Mia movie tonight... loved it. Now, first, I must admit, it's hokey and probably a woman's movie. I saw the play on Broadway and enjoyed that too. It's always weird to see a musical completely adapted into a movie ... but once you get past that, this is great, especially the music. Now, if you weren't around in the 60's and 70's or if you blinked, then you missed Abba. Mama Mia has given them a whole new audience.

What was really fun watching this tonight was that it stars Meryl Streep, one of the finest actresses of her time. Here she is singing and dancing and gyrating sex appeal... and she's in her 50's. It also stars Pierce Brosnan as one of her lovers... he's well in his 50's. There are several others ... all boomers. They sing, are sexy, dance. I love how we/boomers show up in this movie. We are vibrant, full of life, attractive. There's lots of kissy-face.

Kids might watch this and say "yuck .. they're old" ... but we will relish every moment.

Point: No matter what your age, you are still sexy, vibrant, funny and alive with spirit ... if you want to be.

Don't be afraid to flaunt your sexuality and your beauty. Don't let anyone else put parameters or boundaries or limitations on you being youthful and sexy. You have just as much right as anyone else. And, make sure you support the theater and films that give this message out as well. Spend your money to support our cause.

So, go out and see Mama Mia. Be ready to bounce in your seat. You won't be able to sit still. Be prepared to laugh and to cry.. and just know that you will leave the theater happy. Then, go out in the street just proud to be who you are.

We boomers rock!!!
Have a wonderful mid-week.
Ann

Random Thoughts

You know, when I hear about people being bored, I just don't get it.
When I hear about people just wanting to sit around and watch TV, I just don't get it.
I am busier than I have ever been in my life and I love every minute of it.

Now, some of you might be thinking: "Well, I don't have money to do things or I don't have time or there's nothing happening where I live." Phooey. Filling your life with things that fulfill you doesn't have to cost money, take a lot of time AND you can always find those things.... if not in your town, then nearby.

Begin to ask yourself the question: What do I really love to do? What makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside?

For me, unless I'm traveling to speak someplace, I spend most of my days indoors, in my apartment ... working. I have coaching calls with clients, I am writing proposals, contracts, and completing my next book. So, yes, I work all day too. But, by night time, I'm raring to get up and out and to do things.
Take this week. Monday night I went to a class -- part of a 10-week seminar I'm taking called Creating Happiness. I look forward to every Monday night. Tuesday night, I went to see Damn Yankees (the play) with my friend Susan. Wednesday night, I went to a little club in the Village to hear poetry (it cost only $7.00) and was awesome. Tonight, for $15.00 I'm going to hear Jazz and Folk music at a local museum. My nights are full.

Of course, tomorrow night I'll probably crash and I'll be getting ready to fly out Saturday morning ... but who knows, I might still find something to do.
Yes, I live in NYC .. where there is always something happening.

I do other things. I do volunteer work with teenagers, I mentor some folks on their business (gratis.... through my professional association)

The point is this: Being active and engaging in activities that fulfill you energize you, keep you young and happy. It's a no-brainer. And speaking of brain .. it'll keep yours working!

Just some thoughts on boomers aging for fulfillment and fun ... on this Thursday afternoon.
Have a great weekend.
Ann

The Beauty of ReInvention in the Boomer years

Good Sunday morning to you,
Well, it is 11:40 a.m. and I have just returned from a long walk along the Hudson River here in NYC. For those of you who don't know me, I "reinvented myself" 2 years and 4 months ago (but who's counting). I moved to NYC, the city of my dreams, where I've always wanted to live. It's been an interesting journey, to say the least. But, one that has made all the difference to my life.

Take this morning , for example. I awoke in my cute little apartment in NYC, got dressed, got on the subway to head downtown. I got off at Houston Street and walked West to the Westside Hwy, crossed it and then walked along the Hudson River, dividing NY and NJ. It's a gorgeous walk. I walked downtown, towards Battery Park, which is at the tip of Manhattan Island. When I got closer to my destination, I just had to stop. It took my breath away --- As I stood, facing west, along the railing, I looked ahead and saw the lovely skyline of Jersey just across the river. To my immediate far left, I caught a view of Staten Island... and there, just in front of it, a perfect view of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The boats and ferries were crossing, the water was clear, the weather was sunny and the sky blue. It was an amazing moment.

Now, this is not the first time I've walked here or viewed this, and each time I marvel at how far I've come in my ReInvention.
(Lest you wonder, you'll be able to read all about my story in my book, due out late Fall, entitled "60, Sexy, Sassy and Free: Living Life on My Terms.)
Let's just say this. My first year was scary, my second a challenge and now, I'm reaping the rewards of my new life. I'm happier (even tho a little lonely at times). I have more work, I'm in the final phase of writing my book. I have so many amazing opportunities. I am getting very physically healthy -- having just recently lost 9 pounds (with at least 11 more to go) and I walk or work out nearly everyday. I feel fantastic.

Now, would that have happened where I lived before? Maybe.But NY forces you to be outdoors and to walk all over .. and up and down subway stairs, etc. It's pushed me to confront my limits and to be open to many new things.

Point: When we do something different and outside our comfort zone, with the goal of having life on our terms ... the results can be amazing IF you're willing to do whatever it takes.

As aging boomers, we can have the time of our lives. Our children are independent, we're mostly settled in our work/careers OR ready to retire and try new things. And, many of us are healthy enough to take on more.

I'm living my dream. I'm hoping you are at least considering living your dream... whatever it may be.

Have a fabulous weekend.
Ann

Hey, What Do We Need To Do To Get a Little Respect?

Good morning,
You know, I'm a bit tired of the many articles insinuating that we are old ... and that despite our youthful attitudes, the fact that we are in (or approaching) our 60's automatically means that we are old and will begin to have many health challenges.

I read an article today that said the following:

The average U.S. head of household is now nearly 50 years old (49.5, to be precise). But here's the bigger story: More than 80% of the growth in the number of households in the next five years will be among those headed by people 55 and older. That's pretty scary stuff for the youth-obsessed.
Furthermore, it said:
For one thing, it fosters more risk-averse behavior. It says to consumers: "Better be more careful with your spending, because you will never be as healthy or have as much money as you've had in the past." (To read the whole story, go here: http://adage.com/article?article_id=128181)

Now, I grant you, this is a consumer-watch article, so thay look at spending trends. Well I say ... hurry up and get us now before we tighten our belts, hit the nursing homes and close our pocket books.. Ha!
How about instead, they capitalize on what we are spending money on and start to attract us with those things -- I mean really tap into our desires. We'll whip out those checkbooks to fulfill our longings ... for travel-related interests, for sports cars, for exercise-related items, for entertainment, for sexual enhancement. Go after us -- offer all of these and more at bargains and we'll become loyal followers.

I can't speak for anyone but me, although I sometimes try, but even (read that again ... EVEN) if I begin to have health concerns, I'm not about to give up that which fulfills me and brings me pleasure. I'll keep on buying sexy clothing, going to Broadway shows, buying good workout sneakers as I continue getting healthier.

Point: Don't flush us away because we're getting older; embrace us, sell to us, give us wonderful opportunities to buy what you're selling .. but do it from OUR perspective of why we want it. Cater to us. Get to know us, really know us ... on our terms. We are a very viable force. And, we're fabulous. And, don't forget, we are still parents and grandparents and we BUY for our underlings ... probably YOU.

Have a happy Monday everyone.
Thanks,
ann

Independence Day Thoughts ... One Day Later

Yesterday was the Fourth of July... an important day to all of us. We live in a country that affords us freedoms that we take for granted. Once a year, however, it's important to remember how lucky we really are.

This isn't a sappy Patriotic statement, but said more from the standpoint of our personal everyday opportunities.

We have so many chances to do what we want in life. We can work for others, work for ourselves. We can live in houses or apartments or in communes, or cities or in the country. If we have a lot of money, we can live in more than one place. Now, before you get on your high horse, I'm talking about opportunities that I know are NOT available to everyone ... but not because they don't have the freedom. The down side is we are still a "class" system and there are many who don't feel the freedom and are barely able to survive. I am a social worker, I know that. And, I do what I can to help there, when I can -- to help people get a leg up so they feel they have more choices.

We also have an abundance of choices in the realm of what we can purchase and what we can do with it. We can shop in millions of stores, buy things from all over the world. We are far from limited in any way.

And, we can choose our lifestyles -- our sexual lifestyles, without fear of retribution (well, in most parts of the country), our fashion styles, the colors we paint our homes (except where neiborhood associations prohibit that), our use of language.We can choose to live where we need a car or where we can rely on public transportation. We cn choose to recycle or not (although we "should").

You get my drift. We live in a country where we have many chances to express ourselves and to be FREE. We can thank our forefathers for that, as well as many who followed them and passed legislation that fostered our continued growth.

I am grateful for my life. I am young for my years, I am healthy, I can buy whatever I need to help me be more attractive. I choose to live in NY, without a car -- doing my part to help the environment. I recycle all that I can. I volunteer to help others. I position myself in such a way that my voice sometimes inspires other.
Life can't be much better than this .... well... not entirely.
There are some things missing still: I'd love to be in a fabulous relationship with an amazing man, I'd love to have a bit more disposable income, I'd love to travel and explore this world more.

So, I urge you this weekend to look at the freedoms you have AND to acknowledge what you are grateful for. And, lastly, in the words of John Kennedy, "ask not what your country can do for you ... but what you can do for your country!" How can you volunteer in ways that use your talents to be of service to others. The right to volunteer is another of our freedoms. And, as baby boomers, volunteering is in our DNA.

Have a fabulous weekend.
Ann

Yes, Let's Keep Boomers Working

I read a very great article this morning called I Brake for Boomers in the Workplace. Go here to read it all: http://www.fistfuloftalent.com/2008/06/dont-be-bum-rus.html?cid=120556616#comment-120556616

The point of the article is to acknowledge that many boomers are a) not ready to retire yet and b) that companies still need their input. It alludes to the fact that companies also need the technology talents of the Gen Xers. That's true as well.
The key here is that age needs to not be a divider, but rather we need to highlight the strenths of both and learn from one another.

One of my driving passions is to work with companies to improve on the culture and thus the productivity and team spirit of their employees. I mostly work with managers. I see that there is a substantial need for management teams to address the ways that the generations can work together AND to really focus on how to engage the boomers -- to keep them working as long as possible.

While there is often reference in recent articles that boomers HAVE to keep working because of the economy being tenuous at the moment. Let me make a statement here about that. I REFUSE TO BUY IN TO THE ECONOMY BEING BAD. The more the media tries to scare us about the economy, the more they drive us into panic. I'm not going there. We are an incredibly resilient country. We've been in lean times before and we always come out strong. This is not a time for companies to tighten their belts and stop offering growth experiences to their employees.But, rather, it's a perfect time to get creative, look for new and effective techniques to "bring out the best" in their teams. An analogy is the employee who gets fired and instead of panicking about unemployment, he takes his savings and goes back to school to expand his talents. Companies should do the same.Focus on expansion and growth. Get more creative.

If you'd like to see more ideas about how to engage the boomers and keep them longer, go to http://www.itsboomertime.com/reports.php and download my special report. It's filled with ideas.

So, boomers -- keep on trucking and working and teaching and mentoring and being fulfilled. You are the knowledge base of your companies, the backbones. Don't leave before you're ready and by all means, don't let them push you out of the nest before you're ready. Instead, be a mentor, a teacher, a leader and help to ensure that the succession will have an easy transition.

Have a great Sunday.
Ann

I Will Never Understand Men

You know, it's a lovely Saturday morning and I'm stuck in thoughts about a man, and a date I had and why I don't hear from him. I feel like I'm 16. It's ridiculous... but I want to get it out of my system.

For more than 10 years, I stayed in a loveless marriage and I held my tongue, didn't speak up much and just settled for a mediocre life. When I left that life, I promised myself I wouldn't do that. So, I'm more outspoken.But, when it comes to relationship, I seem to lose my tongue, for fear that if I say the wrong thing, I'll end the possibility of being with that person.

Well, here it's "up" for me again. I've had a few dates with a man I like a lot. He's attractive, he's smart, he does meaningful work in the world, he knows himself, works on himself. He's great... not to mention he showed a lot of interest in me at first.
Our last date was nice. We inched a bit closer to knowing each other better... got a little more intimate. When he left, however, I felt he might not be back. I couldn't really put my finger on it, but just my gut saying something.

I sent him a thank you email in the morning for the dinner, the date and told him I look forward to doing it again. I didn't hear back at all.... until a week later. He sent a text saying he was confused and apologized for the silence. I wrote back that I respect that and asked to talk. Now, it's two days later.... no response.

A couple of years ago I read that dreaded book, "He's Just Not That Into You." I hated it. But, you know, when someone doesn't call or really keep in touch, I guess I have to assume they're just not into me. But here's the rub. I'm a big girl ... fairly secure with myself. If he's not that into me, he should just say it and we can both move on. But, if he is still interested and wants to have some breakthroughs in relationship with me, then he might tell me that. With nothing, little communication, I know nothing.

Now, yes, I'm reasonably secure, but like many women, when a man stops being around me, I immediately wonder and judge what I've done and how I look. Obviously he didn't stick around because of those 20 extra pounds ... I'm not attractive to him. Or, my big mouth got me in trouble again. I totally move into the fact that if he's not interested then it's "all about me." How stupid is that. It could, of course, just be his own "angst" and issues. Maybe I remind him of someone else that he didn't like, or maybe he really does like me but is afraid of getting hurt. The list could be endless.

Here's the point: When you are in a relationship with someone, even if it's new -- it would be great to start off with open, clear and honest communication. Let each other know where you stand. It's pretty simple.

Life is too short!
Two nights ago, I went to the symphony. It was awesome. As my girlfriend and I were leaving, I lost my footing and fell down half a flight of stairs. I was embarrassed and have huge bruises on my arms and legs to prove it. BUT.... we never know from one moment to the next what will happen to us. Yes, we ARE in charge of our lives, but I still think that the unexpected happens.

I want to live life for the NOW. I want to enjoy my experiences with people and not over analyze (as I'm sometimes accused of doing.) I just want to love, be loved, give and receive and most of all have fun.

I wish this man could let me know what he's thinking. I hope he does. I'm giving him space -- to connect further or to move on ... but it would be nice to know what he chooses.
Me... I'll continue working on living and enjoying for the moment and relinquishing expectations (not an easy task.)
Life is about discovering, learning about ourselves and LIVING with passion and ease.
Have a glorious weekend.
thanks for letting me vent.
Ann