Thursday, December 23, 2010

Seasons Greetings

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Joyous Bodhi Day, Merry Solstice, Happy New Year.

May you all celebrate the magic of the season in any way you find comforting and may we all honor the diversity of beliefs and accept that as different as we are, we are very much connected to each other. 

I wish you a magical experience on Christmas morning, a peppermint aroma as you peek out the window in the early morning light, laughter of little children and the amazement of an open heart and mind.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

A Wise Woman

I love this article!  Cindy is truly a wise woman.  Read the entire article and then say this over and over, teach it to your daughters and your mothers, repeat it often:  I am not interested in looking younger. I want to look healthy and radiant. I want to look like me.

We do have it in our power to change the perception of aging and beauty.  It starts with each one of us changing our own perceptions.  Let's do it for the sake of our daughters and for the sisterhood of all women who have lived a passionate long life and want to continue to feel beautiful as the years pass.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Golden Rule

I am still winding my way back to Spokane.  There is snow on the ground in Salt Lake City and the warm weather on this trip is gone.  But I have something to warm your hearts.  Check out this video and send it on the the special women in your life.  Take it to heart and always take care of yourself.

The Golden Rule for women:  We must do onto ourselves as we do onto others.

I send you toasty warm feet on cold nights, the smell of Christmas trees in your home and the sound of happy children running through your neighborhood.

You are amazing.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

You are BEAUTIFUL

Another inspiring article on beauty and how our society has perverted the definition that so many women have accepted as something they must strive for even if it means mutilating themselves physically and emotionally.  Make sure you watch the video at the end of the article:  Katie Makkai’s take on beauty.  Listen carefully and absorb the message.

You are on your way to a miracle.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Never underestimate..

If you ever wonder what we are capable of as we age take a look at these:

Never underestimate an old broad

Acrobatic Dance Routine

Look at these athletes!

2009

Be inspired and inspiring!  Happy day.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving

Have a wonder filled day surrounded by family and friends, lots of feasting and many giggles.  Remember to be loving and compassionate.  You are remarkable!

The Power of Love

Monday, November 22, 2010

Spiritual Warrior

Please, if you read nothing else this week, read this article.  It is fabulous and inspiring...definitely food for thought
Stages of a Woman's Life

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Engaged...

At the moment I am engaged in doing what aging women do - welcoming my new granddaughter into the world.  Right now I am encouraging her to come out and see us.  Her mommy is tired and feels huge.  If these posts are eratic for the next few weeks it will be because I am busy getting acquainted with and cuddling Cameron.  After all isn't that what grandmothers are for!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

AGE is a Three Letter Word

This is a very insightful article, A-G-E is a three letter word   Read the entire thing.  I especially like the concept:   The message here is if you want to live longer lighten up about aging and let it in.

Imagine if we opened the door when age knocked and we let it in with an embrace and a positive attitude.  We would send ripples of acceptance through society.  We could be the generation to pave the way for aging women.  So when our granddaughters are our ages they will be able to look in the mirror and love what they see: the wrinkles, laugh lines, grey hair and sagging breasts.  They will see those things as a rite of passage into wisdom, clarity and aging beauty. 

It's never too late to practice self love.  Do it for the sisterhood of all women!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Aging is Beautiful

Hey gorgeous, aging is beautiful. It sure can be if we shift our thought process.  This article lists 5 reasons why aging is beautiful.  I think it is a very short list.  Surely some of you can add to the list....Let me know.  Maybe it should be an ongoing list for those ah ha! moments when something extraordinary takes place and we realize that right in front of us is another reason to be grateful for getting older.  Here are a few items on my list of why aging is beautiful:

We now have a good reason for forgetting something we should remember
Going for comfort ahead of style
Permanent laugh lines
Grown children
We are still here

I send you a thank you card from the Universe for persevering, a long session with your favorite guru, the scent of pumpkin pie and cinnamon, a beautiful and heartfelt sigh as you look in the mirror with a new attitude. 

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Love Your Body

We should love our body at any age and it should start when we are young.  In honor of National Love Your Body Day, Andrea Parrish took 3 women (Shannon is my daughter) had them write on their bodies and then photographed them.  Great job, Andrea!

Take a look at the National Love Your Body website page: Sex, Stereotypes and Beauty.  Watch the slideshow presentation and see what we have done to ourselves and our daughters and granddaughters.  Somehow we need to shift our ideas of beauty, the female image and how we relate to society.

I send you wishes for new ideas on viewing your beautiful self, the scent of peppermint tea and jasmine, and the yearning to create a better world for all women.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Wild Woman Poster

This is unique.  It's a Wild Woman poster.  You can download it for free.  Click on the poster to see a larger view and read ALL the words.  It is fabulous and fun.  "We will love our bodies.  They are the conduits for our unique selves.  We will never again judge with numbers."

I send you a bliss filled morning with a latte and only good news!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Aging Happy

This article is refering to a Gallup poll that found we get happier as we get older.  They asked six other questions that relate to a person's immediate well-being.  Listed are my answers.

Read it then answer the questions, send them to me if you like.  Here's my take on the questions:

Did you experience the following feelings during a large part of the day yesterday?


Enjoyment:  Of course, life is a wondrous experience, just to watch people is a delight. 

Happiness: You bet!  It waltzed into my life many years ago and never left.  I just have a different kind of happiness now.

Stress: Sure, each time I have to merge into Spokane traffic.  The other drivers are very nerve wracking

Worry:  Only when I tried to remember something that I know I should remember but don't.

Anger: This election season

Sadness:  Someone dying too young

Friday, October 8, 2010

It's Not Real!

Well, here is an eye opener.  So many women are trying to be something that is not real! Watch this video.  It is so sad that we have allowed the "beauty" industry to manipulate us and an entire society.  Let's stop it here and now by affirming that we are each beautiful in our own unique way.  

I send you new eyes to appreciate true beauty with, the sound of wind chimes ringing in the distance and the scent of lilacs wafting through your bedroom window tonight.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Beauty Pressure

Let's take a moment and forget about ourselves.  There is a new generation growing up that is still being exposed to society's warped version of the female body.  It has been and continues to be a shame that we still buy into this allowing the next generation of girls to be exposed to this propaganda, the same that gave us our body issues.  Watch this video - Beauty Pressure - then talk to your granddaughters, daughters, nieces and friends about the message.

Today I send you the dream of a world that treasures and respects females, soft music, the scent of lavender on your pillow and the strength to make a difference.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Wrinkles

What a fabulous video - Why Worry About Wrinkles!  "Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been" - Mark Twain
It's not aging, it's living!  So stop bemoaning the lines.  Smile more, LAUGH.  Stop fighting the process and relax.

And one more - Wisdom.  Don't let anyone say we don't gain wisdom, beauty and deep insight as we grow older.  Each one of these people are interesting, insightful and comfortable in their own skin.  Listen to their words as you look at their faces.  Wow!

I send you a new understanding of the word beauty, more warm lazy days, a bouquet of wild flowers with a heavenly aroma and the opportunity to do what you love.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Ads

Okay, I think most advertisements are obnoxious untruths.  Check this one out.  Maybe I have to rethink my bias.  Hurray for Dove and what they are trying to do.  Any other Company ready to step up and do the same?  WE ARE BEAUTFUL!!  I read the ad was banned in the US for showing too much skin.  Oh, my!

I send you affirmations that you are beautiful as you age, aromas of fresh baked bread and the heartfelt wish that all is well in your life.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Loving Yourself

What would it be like to love yourself through every age?  To actually be proud of the age you are today?  It's just a number yet we give it so much power over us.  Let it go.  Give yourself permission to be beautiful and you will see a transformation.  Remember that you will never be younger than you are right now.  Go out and play.  Read something that will affirm your beauty and strength.  Surround yourself with people who value your worth.  Nurture yourself.  Let the falling leaves of Autumn remind you that change is always happening.  Laugh, laugh, laugh.

I send you eyes to love what you see in the looking glass, a deep cleansing breath, a sacred act of kindness, laughter over a hot cup of tea, the sound of a contented kitten.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Women to Women

I think this is fabulous!

Declaration of Interdependence
                  by BJ Gallagher and Lisa Hammond

We hold these truths to be self-evident:
That all women are created equal -
but each is blessed with different gifts and talents.
That all women are endowed with certain individual rights -
but each must assume shared responsibilities.

For the happiness of all
depends on the commitment of each
to support equality and individuality,
rights and responsibilities.

We declare all women to be mutually interdependent -
banding together to support one another,
sharing our experience, strength, and hope,
that all may enjoy life, love,
and the pursuit of laughter.

We agree to encourage one another in tough times
and celebrate in good times.

We commit to taking turns leading and following,
inspiring and teaching,
listening and learning.

We agree to give credit where credit is due -
including us.

We commit to loving ourselves first -
because we can't give what we don't have.

With this Declaration of Interdependence,
we set ourselves free -
free from old beliefs that are no longer true,
free from self-doubt, insecurity, and loneliness,
free from self-imposed perfectionism.

We set ourselves free -
heeding our intuition in all her guises,
loving our bodies through every change,
finding our voices to speak our own truths.

We set ourselves free -
to create fulfilling work,
to form nurturing families,
and to build great friendships.

We are strong;
we are beautiful;
we are generous;
we are wise.

We are women -
committed to creating
a world that affirms us all.
             Copyright © 2010 Simple Truths, LLC


Yahooo!!
OH, THANK GOODNESS, IT'S NOT JUST ME! was written by BJ Gallagher, and Lisa Hammond, founder and owner of Femail Creations catalog.  I have always loved her catalog and her book is wonderful too.





Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Laughter

There is always something simple we can do to help ourselves feel better.  We can exercise, take a warm bath, read a good book, call a friend, take a nap, watch an uplifting movie and even just laugh.  There is always something to laugh at even if it is just ourselves.  We need to take ourselves less seriously and have a deep belly laugh at least once a day even if we are alone.  Check out this article on the health benefits of laughter.  It's time to be silly!  Life is too short!  Don't let another day pass where you don't look for laughter and happiness.  Then spread it around.  Be silly, make people laugh, dance in the street, wear outlandish clothes.  Once my sister and I stopped at a Starbucks for a latte then walked backwards around the block drinking them.  People smiled and we met someone new.  Don't be afraid to stand out.  Laugh!  You are never too old to laugh, just do it.

I send you an unexpected belly laugh, a train ride through lovely scenery, kind thoughts for the person you are unhappy with and an adventure with a grandchild.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Healthy at 100

I am going to recommend this book again, Healthy at 100.  John Robbins looks into the secrets of living a long and fulfilling life.  He studies different cultures that have the oldest, healthiest people. 
In Abkhasia, when people lie about their age, instead of making themselves younger as is common in this country, they exaggerate how old they are.  This gives them greater standing in their community.

In the last chapter Robbins lists things we can do to be healthier: laugh often, talk about what matters to you, take time to meditate, respect all life, never underestimate your power to make a difference, be grateful and the list goes on...




Today I send you much to laugh about, a secret journal for your dreams, a field of red carnations and a friend to share a wish with.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Could Aging Be Good For Women

You need to read this article.  "Old age is not just about surviving, it's about flourishing. There is increasing evidence that most women feel a greater sense of fulfillment, self-actualization, reaching their peak- whatever you want to call it-as they grow older."  What a concept! There is freedom, confidence and fulfillment in our aging years.  So let go and enjoy the journey.

Today I send you fits of laughter, an imagination filled with fantasies, time for two lattes this weekend and the strength to delve into the unexplored region of your heart.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Another Delightful Story

Kris Radish is my favorite author. She writes for women about women. The common thread in all her books is the importance of having women friends for support, guidance, play and wisdom. It is so important as we age, to have close female relationships. This book is about Annie Freeman who, when she found out she was dying, planned her own funeral. After her death, through letters and directions, she collected her friends and set them on a journey of discovery and love. It will warm your heart, make you cry and show you what female communion is all about.


Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Greedy for Life

What an uplifting film this is, Greedy for Life.  Highlighting two incredible women over 80, this mini documentary looks at how vibrant we can be into our 80's and 90's.  It's uplifting to watch these beautiful women embrace life with enthusiasm and joy. Shirley Windward and Lavada Campbell are inspiring, exciting examples of aging with grace.

Check out this web site Beauty of Aging and be amazed at the women.  You can buy the DVD or ask to borrow mine.  I am anxiously awaiting the hour long documentary.  Go Laurie Schur!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Still Kicking

I have not seen this documentary yet but just watching the trailer is inspiring.  Still Kicking is about age and living our older years with passion.
This is what the site says about the documentary:

 Amy Gorman invited Frances Kandl to journey with her throughout the San Francisco Bay Area searching for female role models--very old women, still active artists, living with zest. While Amy chronicles their oral histories, Frances is inspired to compose songs for several of these women, many well past 90, culminating in concerts celebrating lives liberated by age.
Through their encounters, Amy and Frances unveil the possibility of aging richly, not in spite of becoming very old, but because of it.

Still kicking honors the gift of age, and poignantly illustrates that growing old can be a time of creative expression and satisfaction.

We don't usually put the words gift and aging together.  Let's be open to the possibility that aging is a gift, not only because we are on this earth longer but because it can bring wisdom, freedom, creativity and time to pursue our talents.  Celebrate your age!

Today I send you thoughts of warmth, the aroma of fresh coffee and gingerbread, the thrill of being your authentic self and lots of time for a nap.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Another Amazing Woman

There are so many impressive people out there.  Take a look at Diane Niad.  She is 60 years old and going after her dream.  Even if she does not reach her goal, she is amazing.  She just completed a nonstop 24 hour ocean swim.  Just to try something so physically daunting at her age is hard to comprehend.  Next she will attempt to swim from Cuba to Florida - 103 miles!  She tried it once in 1978 and swam for 40 hours before her coach stopped the swim.  She is going to try it again because she wants to be an inspiration to all 60 year olds.  So send her good thoughts!  Hurray for chasing dreams!

Today I send you dreams worth chasing, wild sunsets and the sound of hummingbirds with your morning coffee.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Learning to Redirect our Focus

From when we were young we have been taught that youth is beauty, wrinkles are the enemy, we should hide our age...how sad.   We cannot possibly recapture the beauty of youth so it's up to us to reinvent the beauty of the aging process. We need to be the ones embracing our faces and changing bodies.  Stand proud and see the beauty in all women.  Forget "anti-aging".  We ARE aging so let's revel in it.  Look at these pictures.  Remember this line: Why not learn to love grey, silver and delicately etched lines, even saggy pouches?  Why not embrace the transitions, the contradictions and storylines layered into a lived-in face?

Today I send you wishes for a life lived with passion, butterfly kisses, unexpected surprises and the scent of honeysuckle wafting through your dreams!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Walking

My sister, Carol, from Redondo Beach, CA will be here next week for a vacation.  What will we do?  Walk, walk, walk.  Why?  First, because we can.  We are healthy, vibrant women who live life as fully and compassionately as we can and for some reason we are always compelled to do physical things.  Second, because Carol is on a 1,000 mile trek to raise awareness to the plight of the women of the Congo.  Carol is 49 and I am 57 - watch for us on the streets of Spokane.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

The One Flaw in Women

Watch this movie when you have some time to sit down and really absorb it.  Open your heart and get in touch with whatever emotions it brings.  Smile, cry or just say ahhhh.  Realize that most of us have this flaw.  Then sometime this week tell a woman, one you don't know, that she is beautiful.  Look in her eyes and really mean it.  Tell me your stories about it.

And remember you are beautiful too!!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Still Doing It

Menopause comes and we find ourselves worrying about wrinkles, weight gain, hot flashes and unwanted hair growth.  Secretly we also worry about sex.  Will we still want it? Can we still have an orgasm?  Will we feel sexy?  Will someone still find us attractive?  Will we find ourselves attractive?  Take a look at this site.  It's called Still Doing It.  It IS about sex so if you don't want to hear about what we have to look forward to or if you prefer not to hear about the topic don't click on the link.  If you are curious check out the movie clip.  I think it's fabulous.

Here's to sex in our 60's, 70's, 80's.....Thank you to the uninhibited women in the movie.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

The Beauty of Aging

This will leave you smiling.  It is a movie about women over 80.  They talk about attitude, loss, perspective and sex.  Yes, there are orgasms after 80!  Watch the trailer and fall in love with these women.  Let them take you on a journey away from the fear of getting older   I have not seen the entire movie and I get nothing if you purchase it.  I plan on getting one and sharing it with all my female friends.

The Beauty of Aging

Friday, August 6, 2010

Aging Gracefully

Angela Paul is beautiful and 50.  Listen to what she is really saying about aging.  Remember she is a model, it's her job to look youthful but she has much wisdom in her approach to getting older.  We should all be trying to shift our perception of what beauty looks like as the years pass.

Monday, August 2, 2010

The Absolute Beauty of Aging

No matter what her age, the beautiful woman loves being herself.  She has great posture and emits self confidence and poise.  She has a sense of style uniquely her own. 

There will always be products that claim to capture the beauty of youth but the truth is only youth can capture the beauty of youth.  We need to redefine the beauty of aging.  It includes wrinkles, laugh lines, spots, wisdom, grace, confidence, energy, and serenity.

Your treat for today:  The Absolute Beauty of Aging  Enjoy!!

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Wrinkled Ladies

It's time to redefine beauty and equate it with aging.  We need to stop taking ourselves so seriously and have a little fun with our shape as well as our age.  Lighten up! I hope this video brings a smile to your face and a lightness to your heart.  Join me - let's laugh more, stop obsessing, exercise every day, eat healthy, find friends who support us, find partners who love us.

Now give yourself a big hug and laugh out loud.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Beautiful Women

Check out this article from the Huffington Post. It is fabulous. It compares Joan Rivers to the REAL beautiful women over 50.

It saddens me to see how we continue to perceive aging as something degrading and ugly. Look at Helen Mirren, she's 64 and gorgeous. The idea is to look beautiful for whatever age you are, as opposed to trying to look something you are not. Make sure to share this article with your young daughters pointing out the beauty in age. Let's turn around our misguuided idea that youth is the only beauty. Age produces its own beauty and grace. We just need to begin to recognize that. Every time we cringe at our gray hair and wrinkles we are adding to the negative perception that society has brainwashed us with. Let's celebrate our age, our beauty, our wisdom and our differences.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Grandma

There might be lessening of physical ability, sagging breasts, crows feet, forgetfulness and weakening eyesight to sigh about but there are also many blessings that come with age. Being a grandparent is one of those. I am eagerly anticipating welcoming another granddaughter into the world sometime in November. Now I am enjoying watching my son and his girlfriend prepare for this blissful event. I am thrilled to be a grandparent and my heart sings when I hear my granddaughter yell "grandma". I can not fathom that there are women out there who dread that word because it might make them look old. I welcome it with open arms and a heart filled with anticipation and excitement. I would not miss one second of grandmotherhood.

I am healthy and joyfilled, I can climb to the top of Mt. Wilson, I can run 10 miles, I feel great and look wonderful. I am a grandma.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Mt Wilson

Yesterday, my sister, Carol and I hiked up to the top of Mt. Wilson. It's a climb of over 5,000 feet in 7 1/2 miles. It was hot and dusty and difficult. At one point I asked her when we would stop being compelled to do these hard physical feats. Her answer was short and simple: "when we're dead."

I believe she's right. I will be 60 in three years and feel I have many more difficult, challenging miles to conquer. Hurray for the wisdom that comes with aging.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Carol

Now I have two siblings who are on adventures for charity! My sister, Carol, soon to be 50, has just kicked off her 1000 mile journey to bring awareness to the plight of the women of the Congo. Yes, she is walking the 1000 miles before the end of the year. Hurray for her for dedicating her time to a very worthy cause and for showing us that the limits we think of in regard to aging can be overcome. Check out her vision and help if you can.
As the older sister, it makes me think I should be doing something too...

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Jeff

My brother is at it again. In his quest to raise awareness for the need of fresh drinking water around the globe he is racing today. Since he can find no one to race him, he is racing the sun. On Oahu, Hawaii he is racing around the island, running, biking and paddleboarding. The idea is to get around before the sun sets. He is amazing. At 50 years old he laughs in the face of age limits. Check out what he's doing and donate if you can. http://www.kozhawaii.com/

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Change

Please tell me someone else thrives on change! It seems the older I get the more I want change. Any kind, something as simple as changing the furniture around in my living room, cutting my hair, learning a new way to do something. Maybe I am scared of getting stuck in a rut. It is actually a wonderful thing. I am always in a flux, a change mode, a "who knows what's next" mood. Life can be as exciting or boring as we make it. I want to experience every drop of passion, excitement and awe that I can as I move into these next years. We all know aging is not for sissies so why act like one? I wish you bliss and passion and adventures every day of your life, no matter how old you are!

Friday, June 18, 2010

Walk for Water

This Monday I am doing an 8 mile beach walk. Big deal, right? Well, not really the distance, for someone who has danced 6 days a week and run marathons. Of course that was a few years ago. I will be walking with my sister Carol and brother Jeff. We are trying to raise awareness about the need for fresh drinking water globally. Check out Jeff's website and do what you can! www.kozhawaii.com

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Life

Life is changing all the time. It is flying by while most of us stand in front of the mirror bemoaning what life has done to our faces and our bodies. What a disservice we do to ourselves and women everywhere when we ourselves don't honor aging. That doesn't mean that we shouldn't always strive to look and feel our best. Age carries a beauty of its own and if we can't see it no one else will either. So let's stop obsessing and crying about wrinkles and weight gain, instead lets go outside and make more friends, read more books, have more adventures, be silly, laugh, love,and experience everything we can. Embrace your age and your grey hairs. In other words love yourself.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Really want to change?

If you are trully interested in making a positive change in your life, living longer more vibrantly with purpose and grace and health, read this book by John Robbins, Healthy at 100. Forget liposuction, botox, face lifts and any other unnatural thing this society can manufacture to give the false hope of not aging. It's
time to get real and make a change.......

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Longer Life

Explorer and author Dan Buettner has discovered the secret to a longer life. Finding ways to slow our aging is not the answer. We need to change our lifestyle. He has researched cultures around the world to see why others age differently than we do and the possible reasons for this. He found that a mostly PLANT BASED diet, natural exercise, stress management and the way we connect with each other play a huge part. Check out this story about Blue Zones: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-secret-to-a-long-life.html

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Falling apart?

Ever feel like your body is falling apart? This can happen at any age but when you're over 50 it really hits home. I've been training for a half marathon later this month and have had a sore knee for over a week. I don't think I'll make the race. I was running it to raise money and awareness for the Blue Planet Run Foundation so it will be a big deal if I can't make it. I really shouldn't complain. My body has allowed me to do many things including dance and run 20 marathons. Is it telling me it's time to rest? No, I hope not, because my mind hasn't caught up with that idea yet. I am grateful for all the things I have done and look forward to the things I will do in the future.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Shine

Do you ever look in the mirror and wonder what happened to that young, attractive woman? I’m sure this is a struggle that goes on inside every woman as she approaches an age that is considered by society to be old or older. How can we be sexy, beautiful and passionate if we are old? The better question is how can we not? We have shed so much of the mundane and the worries. It’s time to embrace the wisdom, the confidence, the not caring about opinions. We can still dance, sing, create, celebrate, learn, and find passion. It is NEVER too late.
Marketing is designed to appeal to youth or scare us into believing we need to look and act as young as we can as if there is something wrong with aging. What we do need to do is look healthy, vibrant and interested. We can still find ways to express ourselves and forge new pathways of self fulfillment. We can find ways to be energized by living. There is still so much to feel and do.
Remember that old song by Anne Murray – “I am Woman, Hear Me Roar” Let’s change that to “I am an Older Woman, See Me Soar”
So go out and let your light shine because if you do that will make it easier for the rest of us.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

What's Important

Think about it, either you age or you die. The way I see it is that then we should be grateful that we are aging. So why not choose to age not only with grace but as healthy as you can? Yes, that means eating right AND exercising. There are many people who are choosing healthier lifestyles as they get older. They are pushing limits of what we perceive aging means. We can all participate in that. We can learn, we can teach, we can reach milestones, we can feel good. So look in the mirror and ask yourself what your goals are when you wake up in the morning and realize that you have been given another day to do with as you will. Be bold, be generous, be blissful. Go out and live!

Friday, April 23, 2010

A Hero

At the moment, I have a new hero. Her name is Penny Palfrey, a 47 year old grandmother, who within the next 20 hours she will attempt an epic swim. Her goal is to swim over 72 miles across the Kaieiewaho Channel. It is the only Channel in the Hawaiian Islands that has never been crossed while swimming. Her projected finish time is between 30-40 hours. If she completes her goal it will be the longest unaided, nonstop open ocean swim in history. When a reporter asked her why she is doing this, her answer was simple. She said it is because no one has done it before and she was told it was not possible.

What is amazing about her is not that she might finish but that she is willing to try. She must contend with winds, ocean swells, the depth of the water, sealife and possible hypothermia. She's brave, daring and maybe a little crazy. You can watch her progress: www.kozhawaii.com

I send her my positive thoughts and the knowledge that she is in good hands. My brother, Jeff, 50, is her paddleboard guide and his friend Bill Goding, 57, is the alternate guide. Although not old, they are pushing some of the perceived limits we have about getting older. YEAH!

Monday, January 18, 2010

A Beautiful Body?

What exactly is a beautiful body? Well, it has nothing to do with age, size or shape. Not if you really think about it. What really matters is if the body is capable of feeling, does it have a connection to bliss, to the heart, to the soul? Is it able in its own way to dance, bounce, move, giggle? Forget anything about "supposed to" when it comes to your body. Love it no matter what it looks like. Don't buy into society's silly expectations.

Just listen to someone battling a debilitating illness and you will see that they are not obsessing about a flat stomach or wrinkles. Their perspective is different. It has moved from the trivial to the real. So let's get real. All of our bodies are beautiful. We just haven't realized that yet and when we do there will be one long collective sigh. A sigh that will mean we finally understand, we can finally stop being so petty and mean to ourselves. The time is close, the pendulum swings. We need to be the change we want to see.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Wrinkles

In our society today, wrinkles are supposed to be something we need to hide or get rid of or be ashamed of. Well, what a stupid concept. They will eventually happen to everyone and it's about time we started looking at them as badges of honor.

Really now which ones would you trade in anyway? Maybe the laugh lines you got from giggling for years at the antics of your children? Maybe the sad lines that appeared after ages of seeing the homeless, senseless wars and starving children, those feelings that reached up from your soul and gave you compassion? Maybe you now wish to go back and live a passionless life without caring and feeling? That would be the only way to avoid those characteristics. So instead let's embrace them. Let's show all the women to come that life is about living with emotion and feeling and passion. That's what gives us character. We are beautiful just the way we are. How dare society see us any different than that.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Memory

Happy 2010!
For those of us who have been around a long time, it's hard to believe that this year has arrived. How are your resolutions going? Make any? I made lots of them but already have forgotten some due to the fact that I didn't write them down. What an excuse! Never used that one before. Another gift we receive with the aging process: memory lapses. What can we do? I suppose we can remain silent so we are the only ones who know. I sure don't like that nonaction. Or we can erupt in a deep belly laugh and make everyone around us including ourselves feel better. I'm all for feeling better! Now go into your day ready to fill it with laughter.