WildnJoyful

100/0 Principle

2011-10-10T18:18:00.000-07:00

Watch this very short video 100/0 Principle and imagine if we all lived our lives this way. Things would be very different!

Now go out into the world and be amazing!

Steve Jobs

2011-10-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." Steve Jobs

Go out and be all you can be, regardless of your age, your looks, your education, your gender. Find a way to make your life work with joy and compassion, be wild and don't ever let other people's opinions stop you from being yourself!

Heart Journey

2011-10-04T19:59:00.000-07:00

Watch this inspiring video Song of Ascension. Let it grab your heart and take you on a journey of hope, of knowing that we each can make a difference on this earth, of feeling the connection of everyone and everything. Then go out and make a difference in the world. It really is up to us.

Be remarkable!

Another Woman for the Planet

2011-09-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

This is a fabulous speech by Sigourney Weaver as she accepts the Rachel Carson award. It's worth seven minutes of your day to watch it. Take her message to heart: as women, we can all do something to make a difference. Be inspired, become an activist for anything you have a passion for. No matter what our age is, we can let our voice be heard.

Be the change you wish to see in the world...

Wisdom from Women

2011-09-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

Wisdom from Women who made things happen is a very short but inspiring video. Take a few minutes to watch it.

I am so thankful for those intelligent, beautiful women who paved the way for me. My goal is that many years from now someone will be saying that about me.

Let's be inspiring!

Older Women Athletes

2011-08-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

Wondering what older women athletes are capable of? Read this article. If you are still very physically active and wondering how long you can continue, this will inspire you!

Older athletes, particularly women, are more disciplined, more consistent with their training, and smarter competitively because the know how to pace themselves.

This is a wonderful tribute to aging!

Stay strong and happy!

Positive Thoughts

2011-07-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

Remember, we can change how we view our own aging bodies. We can set the standard for our daughters, granddaughters, nieces and friends. We do that by setting an example, by changing the way WE think, by embracing our age, our wrinkles, and our beauty, yes, our aging beauty. Youth has its perks but so does age. If we each change the way we think eventually the rest of this society will follow. It's up to each one of us.

Thoughts become things, so if you are constantly berating the way you look, every time you glance in the mirror you will see something you don't like. Is that something you'd wish on a friend, a daughter or any female? Probably not, so stop, change the way you think. Start seeing beauty in age, believe me it's there.

This is one of the most uplifting, charming sites that I have found about changing your thought process. You can sign up for daily notes from the Universe. It's wonderful! It's encouraging! Try it.

Remember, you are fabulous!

Life - Learning Experiences

2011-07-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

I have been presented with so many learning experiences lately. It almost seems as if they are increasing as time flies by. Long ago I used to look in awe at older people, thinking that they had it all figured out. Now isn't that funny? Maybe we never have it figured out because then life would be boring.

I have been involved in a story about Penny Palfrey and her epic swim of over 40 hours. An article came out (which was found to be false) that sharks were killed to protect her and the story went viral. The environmental wackos (yes, I was once one of them) burst onto the scene acting like sharks themselves. I learned you can't trust anything you read to be 100% factual and people will say anything online.

I have met some interesting people this month who are showing me that I have so much to discover about me and everyone else.

I am constantly being challenged to be a better parent, a kinder person, and a more compassionate human being. I try to be nonjudgmental but that doesn't always work. I try to be above the push to look youthful but sometimes I look twice gasping when I glance in the mirror and see all my hair is gray.
What I am constantly reinforcing is that we are so much alike. We want to be accepted for who we are, we want to be loved and listened to, we want comfort and understanding.
So I continue on, anticipating my next learning experience and hoping it will make me a better person.

You are remarkable, don't let anyone make you doubt that!

Time Passes

2011-06-15T22:16:00.000-07:00

I've been away spending time with my charming 6 month old granddaughter and celebrating my sister's 50th birthday with her. What a delightful time. I was also tweeting for my brother as he paddled his way along side swimmer Penny Palfrey, a 59 year old grandmother, as she broke the world record for longest nonstop, unaided open ocean. She swam 68 miles in 40 hours and 41 minutes! An incredible athlete. Amazing story. Check it out here.

Vibrant Health, Women's bodies, women's health

2011-05-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard Dr. Northrup watch this video. She is dynamic, humorous and very informative. She has written a number of books that are inspiring . My favorite is The Secret Pleasures of Menopause. She has powerful, insightful words. Listen and learn.
Change what you think about your health. Regardless of our past each of us has inner guidance to create vibrant health.

Healthy Aging

2011-05-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

I think it's important to stay informed about the aging process. Most posts about healthy aging say the same thing: exercise and eat a healthy diet. To that I would add stretch, not only your body but your mind too. Continue to challenge yourself in all areas. Think positive. Smile, definitely have a good deep belly laugh once a day. Find some way to counteract stress. Surround yourself with healthy, happy people. If your relationship is sick, fix it or move on. Be passionate about something. Play more. Get more vitamin D. Do something for someone else without them knowing. Be grateful. Take up Yoga, dancing, kayaking or mountain climbing - it's never too late. Call your kids just to tell them they are loved. Walk more. Learn something new. Decide you will not shed another tear over the guy who left you, your wrinkles, or a few extra pounds. Stand taller and relax. Take deep breaths and give yourself a hug.

You are remarkable!!

Change How You Look and Feel About Beauty in Aging

2011-05-03T00:43:00.000-07:00

Take a look at these tips and reasons to change how you feel about aging. It is amazing how such a simple thing as an attitude adjustment can alter how we see ourselves. Read these tips with thoughtfulness and start being kind to yourself.

Now go out and live a life of adventure, live it authentically with passion, find your bliss and hold on to it. Stop obsessing about wrinkles or sagging breasts. They are a fact of life, they prove that we have lived through much and have come out on the side of survival. Go out and be the person you always wanted to be, it's never too late!

I hope you see that you are fabulous!

Happy Spring!

2011-04-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring!

"If I had my Life to Live Over"

I would start barefoot earlier in the spring

and stay that way later in the fall.

I would go to more dances.

I would ride more merry-go-rounds.

I would pick more daisies.

-poet Nadine Stair (wrote when she was 85)

70 Candles

2011-04-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, 70 candles! For some of us that seems like a long way away, for others it might be tomorrow or for some it might have already passed them by. What ever your age take a look at 70 Candles. It was started by two women who were reaching this big milestone in their lives. They look great for 70! Browse the blog, read some of the comments and stories and watch the video. If you are approaching that age leave a comment or story. It is wonderful to have such strong healthy role models for the up coming years.

The "Jane Handly Childhood" Story

2011-04-07T22:26:00.000-07:00

The Jane Handly Childhood Story is a tender story about the daughter of a very wise mother who has spent a lifetime blossoming with beauty, confidence and bliss. Sometimes we get so obsessed with our outer selves: wrinkles, cherubic bellies, laugh lines and hot flashes that we overlook our inner beauty. Take a few moments to reflect on what you have worked a lifetime to achieve - that inner strength and wisdom. Stop selling yourself short. Feel the power, the pride.

We have learned so many lessons in the rich experiences of a long lived life. Older women have passion, guts and the experience of age. We can change the world if we set out minds and hearts to it.

Get Real

2011-04-06T22:42:00.000-07:00

I love these short and to the point videos. Watch Get Real: Wise Women Speak. My favorite line is We are meant to be whole and hopefully we get there before we die.

We gain wisdom everytime we open our minds and hearts to new ideas and to our own creativity. It is never too late!

Enjoy.

The Jump Moment

2011-03-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

I love this story! Traci Schauf is a brave woman. Read about her jump. There was nothing wrong with her life but she wanted something more and went after it. Now she is living her bliss. She took that leap of faith not knowing where she would land. It helped that she had a spouse who understood and supported her decision. It still wasn't easy. I know, I took that leap of faith five years ago and have never looked back. Life is awesome!!

Life is Like Coffee

2011-03-19T22:56:00.000-07:00

Watch this short movie Life is Like Coffee. Imagine the cup symbolizes your body. Then decide what is really important in life. We waste so much time obsessing over our bodies with their wrinkles, gray hair, no longer -if they ever were -flat abs. We spend money trying to hang on to youth when we know it's impossible. Let's decide to be healthy, passionate, interesting and really alive. Let the young look young. Let us be wise and strong. Hurray for aging women!!

Women's Wisdom

2011-03-15T00:18:00.000-07:00

Watch this movie Wisdom from Women who made things happen. They have inspired us throughout the years. Take a moment to offer some gratitude to those who have paved the way for us. Be inspired to make some inroads of your own. Find your wisdom and never be afraid to go after your dreams.

Read this blog about Penny Palfrey and her relentless journey to follow her dreams. Yes, her kayak guide is my brother, Jeff. He is also amazing but that is another story...

Figure out your dreams, then live them. Be bliss filled and excited about life.

Life has Secrets?

2011-02-26T20:11:00.000-08:00

I found a perfect way to start the morning! Watch this video at least twice, if not more - Life's Secrets Take a deep breath and show up for a few moments. Really give your attention to the message. It's fabulous! Enjoy!

I send all of you a burst of passion for YOUR life, a knowing that you are remarkable and wonderful!

The Secret Pleasures of Menopause

2011-02-09T00:31:00.000-08:00

If you haven't read this book, The Secret Pleasures of Menopause, put it on your list. It is fabulous. It sat on my desk for six months before I got around to reading it. Why did I wait? Dr. Northrup is an engaging writer and has a unique understanding and knowledge of the aging female body - the joys and pleasures we can continue to experience. She tells us how to stay vibrant, sexy and energetic. Hurray for pleasure, positive thinking and orgasms! Thank you Dr. Northrup!!

How Do You Feel About Aging?

2011-01-29T22:02:00.000-08:00

Keep an eye on this blog, Advanced Style. The questions are simple but I think it is important to see how other women perceive aging. Aren't the hat loving women colorful and fabulous looking? They also have delightful answers: As long as I am healthy, aging is a fascinating adventure.

Take some time and answers the questions yourself. You might be surprised.

I send you the joys of grandmotherhood, a warm ray of sunshine and a bouquet of multicolored carnations.

Now go out and be fabulous.

Playing

2011-01-26T16:41:00.000-08:00

One thing I notice about people getting older, is that many of them have forgotten or don't take the time to play. Playing can be anything from physical exertion to mental stimulation. We stay young if we continue to move our body parts and exercise our brains. Read this post, Finding My Play, by Ann Mehl.

"We are designed to find fulfillment and creative growth through play, but we so often say that we don’t have any time for it. We have been taught that the most successful person is the one with the most money, prestige, strength, speed or power. But yet, the happiest person is often the one having the best time."

What wise words! Now go and be happy, have some fun. Call your friends and ask them if they want to come out and play. Schedule a play date. Be creative, get excited. Learn, stretch, grow, laugh!

Aging gracefully

2011-01-23T08:55:00.000-08:00

Happiness eludes us when we feel embarrassed, guilty, or even shy about any part of who we are. That's what David Leonhardt shares in this article about aging. Read it - we constantly need positive input about our age in order to counteract what society throws at us.

Keep reading, keep smiling, keep telling people your age with pride, laugh more, obsess less, be kind to yourself and love every part of YOU including your age.

You are remarkable.

Wise Talk

2011-01-15T15:48:00.000-08:00

Watch this short youtube video Wise Talk, Wild Women. Read what each woman has done and has to say. See their beauty, their passion and mostly see a bit of yourself in each one. Enjoy!! Turn up the volume and you'll feel like dancing!

You are fabulous! See that next time you look in the mirror!

Favorite Books

2011-01-06T18:47:00.000-08:00

Someone recently asked me about my favorite books. I've read a lot and love so many of them but I must say one of my absolute best reads is A Sunday List of Dreams. If you are looking for something interesting then pick up this novel. It is about sex, relating to our adult children, sex, women, orgasms, and relationships. You'll laugh and cry and probably relate to someone in the story. Kris Radish writes with a deep understanding of women's issues and feelings. She will take you on an enjoyable journey that you won't forget.

Older, Wiser Women

2011-01-05T21:35:00.000-08:00

Hurray for older, wiser women! We do owe them for opening doors that had never been opened to women before. They made it easier for us as we are making it easier for our daughters and granddaughters. Let's honor them and see their beauty. Remember, we are right behind, on our way to even more wisdom and to the beauty of aging. All we need to do is recognize it.

Need Inspiration?

2011-01-02T21:21:00.000-08:00

Looking for inspiration? Take a look at Dorothy Kloss. What a classy woman she is! She has a passion for life, a youthful attitude, a fabulous body and lots of energy. She is a delight. She is showing us that aging can be as fun as it is unlimiting.

Ah, isn't life wonderful? Jump in with both feet and have a blast!

Happy 2011 goals

2011-01-01T15:11:00.000-08:00

It's here-2011- and I am concentrating on my goals for this year. I want to live more authenically, closer to my values of aging joyfully and wildly, of being an environmentalist and of helping as many people as I can to find their path to bliss. I am starting the year happy, anxiously looking forward to adventures with my granddaughters, discovery with my husband, learning with my children, fulfilling moments with friends and engaging in stimulating conversations with many people.

I will be 58 this year and am not intimidated to tell everyone. I am healthy, eager to see what the future holds for me and to see what I hold for the future.

I wish you an abundant year filled with whatever makes your heart sing.

Peace and love to all of you. Namaste

Seasons Greetings

2010-12-23T20:51:00.000-08:00

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.

A Wise Woman

2010-12-16T20:23:00.000-08:00

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.

Golden Rule

2010-12-07T17:36:00.000-08:00

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.

You are BEAUTIFUL

2010-12-01T12:17:00.000-08:00

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.

Never underestimate..

2010-11-26T21:42:00.000-08:00

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.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

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

Spiritual Warrior

2010-11-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

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

Engaged...

2010-11-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

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!

AGE is a Three Letter Word

2010-11-07T21:19:00.000-08:00

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!

Aging is Beautiful

2010-11-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Love Your Body

2010-10-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

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.

Wild Woman Poster

2010-10-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

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!

Aging Happy

2010-10-17T19:54:00.000-07:00

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

It's Not Real!

2010-10-08T20:14:00.000-07:00

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.

Beauty Pressure

2010-10-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

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.

Wrinkles

2010-10-02T21:53:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-09-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

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.

Loving Yourself

2010-09-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Women to Women

2010-09-23T22:31:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

Laughter

2010-09-21T19:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Healthy at 100

2010-09-15T21:34:00.000-07:00

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.

Could Aging Be Good For Women

2010-09-10T22:28:00.000-07:00

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.

Another Delightful Story

2010-09-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

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.

Greedy for Life

2010-09-01T22:32:00.000-07:00

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!

Still Kicking

2010-08-30T22:29:00.000-07:00

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.

Another Amazing Woman

2010-08-23T22:37:00.000-07:00

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.

Learning to Redirect our Focus

2010-08-19T21:27:00.000-07:00

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!

Walking

2010-08-17T22:14:00.000-07:00

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.

The One Flaw in Women

2010-08-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

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!!

Still Doing It

2010-08-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

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.

The Beauty of Aging

2010-08-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

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

Aging Gracefully

2010-08-06T17:45:00.000-07:00

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.

The Absolute Beauty of Aging

2010-08-02T23:45:00.000-07:00

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!!

Wrinkled Ladies

2010-08-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

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.

Beautiful Women

2010-07-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

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.

Grandma

2010-07-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

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.

Mt Wilson

2010-07-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

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.

Carol

2010-07-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

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...

Jeff

2010-07-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

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/

Change

2010-07-03T22:21:00.001-07:00

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!

Walk for Water

2010-06-18T21:27:00.000-07:00

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

Life

2010-06-17T00:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Really want to change?

2010-06-12T20:32:00.001-07:00

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.......

Longer Life

2010-05-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

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

Falling apart?

2010-05-12T22:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Shine

2010-04-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

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.

What's Important

2010-04-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

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!

A Hero

2010-04-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

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!

A Beautiful Body?

2010-01-18T21:28:00.000-08:00

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.

Wrinkles

2010-01-08T13:08:00.000-08:00

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.

Memory

2010-01-07T10:21:00.000-08:00

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.

INSPIRATION

2008-10-03T10:45:00.000-07:00

I am back, willing to find ways to inspire women on their journeys through life. I've decided (again) to live an inspired life filled with passion and grace while making a difference in the world. I'M TRYING! Inspiration is everywhere: a child's laughter, an elderly grin, gorgeous flowers, a downpour............but I need more! I crave stories about the human spirit (please share yours). I want tips on how to look fabulous and ideas on how to act silly and move out of my comfort zone. Any suggestions are welcome!

STOP!

2008-04-10T13:08:00.000-07:00

You know that a portion of this is our fault. Older women are unappreciated and not seen as beautiful by this society partly because we don't see it ourselves. By keeping our magnificence a secret we have allowed generations to overlook us. It's never too late but it must start within each of us. We must know that at whatever age we are, we can be an expression of wisdom and beauty. We need to feel it, walk it and talk it! Let self acceptance and self love override the embarrassment of telling our age or trying to hide our wrinkles. The only way others will see our beauty is if we see it ourselves. Let us pave the way for aging women. Let us help each other find our wise, gorgeous selves that we seem to have lost along with our youth. It's still there! We just need to coax it out. So instead of wasting time bemoaning our age or trying to get rid of our wrinkles or age spots let's eat healthier, exercise, appreciate others, learn something new every day and dream BIG! After all we are gorgeous, remarkable, wise and witty women. The world needs us and we need each other.

Never Stop Dreaming

2008-03-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

Creative dreaming can and should happen at all ages. What's left if we stop? Waiting to die? Being bored with life? Let's just say NO to those questions and continue illuminating our paths with BIG plans. They can be short. One fabulous dream I read was, "I want to live every moment as a prayer." Beautiful, isn't it? Other dreams can go on for pages and pages. Length is irrelevant, creating is important. So start today and list those dreams.

Here are a few of mine:

I want to always have the courage to celebrate who and what I am and be comfortable in my own skin. I want to continue to write freely and inspire women with my words. I want live in the moment, sometimes being wild and crazy, and never be afraid of what others think of me. I want to live a healthy lifestyle and run another marathon. I want to inspire others to be kind and compassionate to people, animals, and the earth. I want to feed my soul with stories about how other people have improved their lives and gone on to help others achieve their dreams. I want to teach the world to dance. I want to release all judgements and know that we are all exactly where we need to be.

We Need to BE the Change We Want to See

2008-03-26T01:22:00.000-07:00

How do we go about believing there is beauty in aging? Find aging role models. There are so many successful, fabulous, and beautiful older women. Some are famous and some are not. I have a fantastic role model. Her name is Bonnie and she is gorgeous. She has beautiful white hair with a spattering of grey. She has an uncanny sense about what looks good on her and what colors show off her tan. In her 80's, her positive attitude is infectious and her smile is contagious. I look at her and know that's what I want to be like in my 80's!

Not only should we find role models but we must also be them. Stop being envious of youth and start singing the praises of wisdom and wrinkles. Don't let another day go by without telling our daughters there is so much beauty in the older years. Start believing it! Remember you will never be younger than you are today. Revel in every day. Life is so short, don't spend one more second wishing you were younger. Love and accept who and what you are. In that loving you will find more reasons to improve - eat healthier, exercise your mind, body and soul, laugh often, and make peace with that reflection in the mirror.

Aging in a Society that Believes Only Youth is Beautiful

2008-03-18T00:53:00.000-07:00

We grow older, breasts sag, wrinkles appear, energy levels change. Why do these things terrify us? Why do we spend so much time attempting to unnaturally forestall the physical manifestation of the aging process? It is shameful that as women we have turned our power over to an industry that's only use for us is our money. We are constantly bombarded with the mantra that "youth is beauty." We have bought into it - literally. We spend time and money trying to hold onto youth. What a waste! We are botoxed, face-lifted, breast augmented, fat sucked, peeled, dyed, and scared women.

On some level we know that this society does not have much use for us. How easy it is to lament this fact, to point fingers at a society who only sees us as aging old crones. It's time to take back our power! Society will never change if we don't change first. We must be the change we want to see. We can do that by seeing our own unique beauty, by imaging a society that respects age, that sees beauty in wrinkles and value in wisdom. Let's change that mantra to "aging is beauty." Let's embrace it and believe it! It has always been true. The problem has been that we have allowed that truth to be translated into a lie that makes a few wealthy and the rest of us feeling powerless and useless. Let's walk with our heads high, complimenting each other for our beauty, our power, and our wisdom. Don't worry about the rest of the world. They will eventually catch on if we persist.

How do we affect this change? Our daughters need aging role models who see their own beauty with pride. We need to compliment older women we see, daily. Mostly we need to embrace the changes we are going through and know that age brings a different kind of beauty, joy, and wisdom. Let's not spend one more minute apologizing for our wrinkles or hiding our age. Instead, let's wear them as badges of honor! We should be concentrating on healthy eating, exercising and learning new things every day.

WildnJoyful

100/0 Principle

Steve Jobs

Heart Journey

Another Woman for the Planet

Wisdom from Women

Older Women Athletes

Positive Thoughts

Life - Learning Experiences

Time Passes

Vibrant Health, Women's bodies, women's health

Healthy Aging

Change How You Look and Feel About Beauty in Aging

Happy Spring!

70 Candles

The "Jane Handly Childhood" Story

Get Real

The Jump Moment

Life is Like Coffee

Women's Wisdom

Life has Secrets?

The Secret Pleasures of Menopause

How Do You Feel About Aging?

Playing

Aging gracefully

Wise Talk

Favorite Books

Older, Wiser Women

Need Inspiration?

Happy 2011 goals

Seasons Greetings

A Wise Woman

Golden Rule

You are BEAUTIFUL

Never underestimate..

Happy Thanksgiving

Spiritual Warrior

Engaged...

AGE is a Three Letter Word

Aging is Beautiful

Love Your Body

Wild Woman Poster

Aging Happy

It's Not Real!

Beauty Pressure

Wrinkles

Ads

Loving Yourself

Women to Women

Laughter

Healthy at 100

Could Aging Be Good For Women

Another Delightful Story

Greedy for Life

Still Kicking

Another Amazing Woman

Learning to Redirect our Focus

Walking

The One Flaw in Women

Still Doing It

The Beauty of Aging

Aging Gracefully

The Absolute Beauty of Aging

Wrinkled Ladies

Beautiful Women

Grandma

Mt Wilson

Carol

Jeff

Change

Walk for Water

Life

Really want to change?

Longer Life

Falling apart?

Shine

What's Important

A Hero

A Beautiful Body?

Wrinkles