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

He insinuated that I was YOUNG

Well, believe it or not ... I"m back. I've been traveling all over, being crazy busy and just haven't taken time to write. I miss this process; so here I am.
I hope you're enjoying the beautiful Spring that is upon us. I can't guarantee that it's all over the country; but it's here in NYC and I'm loving it. So, I went outside this morning to run some errands and do some shopping. All the stores are outside here -- no indoor malls. So, when you're shopping you get to be outside walking between stores or subways to get to stores.

I went to a shoe store and it was mobbed. It's one of those wonderful shoe stores that carries healthy shoes (European and expensive). I tried on about a dozen pairs. At one point I checked out a pair that looked really comfy and the salesman looked at me and said, "no ... you can buy that in about 20 years... but not now." He was insinuating that it was "an old lady" shoe. I loved it. I told him I agreed and put it down. Now, he had no reason to say that. it could have even cost him a sale. He was being complimentary and I guess that's good for selling. He did sell me two other pairs -- one of which was probably more than I've ever spent on a pair of shoes before.

Point: One person's positive comment to me that acknowledged that I looked young made my day.
I'm lucky. I don't really look (nor act) my age. People are often shocked when they read that I was born in '46 and that I'm 62. Truly, I'm shocked too. Maybe it's the family genes; however, in some ways I hope not. Although my parents might have looked young, they both died young. I certainly don't want to experience that.
Truly, I think it's my attitude. I refuse to be old. My body feels old sometimes, my wrinkles are increasing, my energy isn't what it used to be; however, I still feel young.

What do you do to contribute to people's perception of your age? Do you stretch your attitude and experiences and keep on learning and trying new things? Are you playful and fun? Do you smile a lot? All of that helps.
I say we all take on being as youthful as we can... within moderation, of course. I don't think it's appropriate for us to wear hot pants and platform shoes. However, we can look elegant and attractive (especially when casual). But, most importantly put on the attitude of a young person. Life is a blast. Enjoy it.
Have a wonderful weekend.

Aging with Delight and Grace

Good morning,
I want you all to know that I'm determined that it's up to each one of us as to how we age. There have been many times in my life when I did things "kicking and screaming." I would deny and fight the reality. It wasn't fun, but I suppose it fit a purpose of some sort. Well, now that I/ we are aging, I thought I'd examine the "how to age" concept a bit.

I wrote a couple of weeks ago about having knee surgery. I'll spare the details; but the previous year took a toll. It started with a fall and a hematoma on my shin, then, I hurt my knee, etc. For nearly a year, there was little exercise. I gained a good 10 pounds, on top of 10 pounds too much that I already carried. I got flabby. I felt very unattractive and insecure about my body. I would try to tell myself -- hey, you look pretty good for a 61 year old. That was true -- I certainly dress well, have a good sense of presence and know how to conceal the pounds. But, I knew. I ranted about getting older and how it's not fair and how the body isn't what it used to be, etc.

What I didn't do, however, was take responsibility at that point for all that had happened to me - my fall, my injury, my weight gain, my eating habits, etc. I just made excuses and whined. I dated some, but wasn't in a long-term relationship and not having a lot (or when I was having it, it wasn't "great") sex -- so I would say, "Look, I hardly drink, I don't do drugs, I'm not having sex -- don't take my fu....ng FOOD away from me." It was my joke --- but I didn't admit it was my joke on myself.

After my knee surgery, my doctor said, "you have to lose weight". I cried and felt it was a daunting task -- even though it's about 20 - 25 pounds (as opposed to people "really" overweight.)

This morning, I read an article about Jamie Lee Curtis ( the actress). She's turning 50 and will be in AARP magazine soon. Here's a quote: "I want to be older," she tells the magazine. "I actually think there's an incredible amount of self-knowledge that comes with getting older. I feel way better now than I did when I was 20. I'm stronger, I'm smarter in every way, I'm so much less crazy than I was then."

I love what she says. She goes on to take responsibility for how she looks. I'm doing the same.
I have a new boyfriend. He's a couple of years older than me. He's thin, fit, trim, athletic, a great/ healthy eater. What an inspiration. He's attracted to me as I am AND he's open about wanting me to be healthier so I can live longer and maybe share a longer life with him. How cool is that.

For the first time, in a long time, I'm motivated about looking good BECAUSE it will mean I'm healthier. I love to look good -- always have. Like I said, I dress well, am sexy and desireable (with my clothes on) ... but, I've fooled myself too long.
I'll keep you informed of how I'm doing.
To start, I'm walking longer each day as my knee heals, I'm making much better food choices. But, most importantly, I'm not making excuses ... just taking action.

Point: We, and only we, are responsible for how we age. We can approach it with disgust OR we can be delighted about the mystery and adventure of aging and face it with delight. I choose the later.
Happy aging with Grace!