OK, I admit it. I watched America’s Got Talent last night. OK, not just last night, but almost all of them. Why, because Grandma Lee, the 75 year old comedian who is living her dream is actually moving up the food chain to the Semi-Finals. This is very unusual. Older people usually get passed over in these “talent” contests.
She really inspires me with her courage to face a generally much younger audience, her talent for writing her own comedy routines; she is actually very funny. Grandma Lee is definitely old looking -- wrinkles galore -- and I love it! She looks alive, not plastic and botoxed out of her face. She looks real, and she is quite feisty.
I hope she goes all the way! Grandma Lee, I’m rooting for you.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
I am not a Senior Citizen -- I am an Elder
While perusing some elderbloggers blogs, I came across a discussion of the term Senior Citizen v.s. Elder. Language has always intrigued me, so I decided to dig further.
Did you know that Dictionary.com defines a Senior Citizen as:
An Elder, on the other hand is defined as:
Did you know that Dictionary.com defines a Senior Citizen as:
- an elderly or aged person, especially one who is retired or whose principal source of support is a pension or Social Security benefits.
An Elder, on the other hand is defined as:
- a person who is older or higher in rank than oneself.
- an aged person.
- an influential member of a tribe or community, often a chief or ruler; a superior.
- a name frequently used in the Old Testament as denoting a person clothed with authority, and entitled to respect and reverence (Gen. 50:7).
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Powerful Aging Tip #7
Good Healthcare – absolutely a must have
OK, I know it can be difficult to find a health care provider that actually listens to you and is a partner in your health rather than a demi-god from on high who dictates to you. But they are out there, and it’s critical to find one (or even better, more than one) so you can take responsibility for your own wellbeing. If you feel you aren’t being heard, find someone else.
If your medications are making you sicker than you were before you started taking them, and your doctor won’t listen, find one who will. Get second, and even third opinions until you are satisfied the course of action being proposed is in your best interest.
Read up on whatever health challenge you are experiencing so you’ll be knowledgeable about how to take care of it in the best way possible.
Here are some resources for finding alternative health care providers:
http://www.medfinds.com/
http://www.talkinternational.com/directories/health-services-directory.html
My personal favorite is Dr. Damon Miller, M.D., N.D., located in Palo Alto, CA.
OK, I know it can be difficult to find a health care provider that actually listens to you and is a partner in your health rather than a demi-god from on high who dictates to you. But they are out there, and it’s critical to find one (or even better, more than one) so you can take responsibility for your own wellbeing. If you feel you aren’t being heard, find someone else.
If your medications are making you sicker than you were before you started taking them, and your doctor won’t listen, find one who will. Get second, and even third opinions until you are satisfied the course of action being proposed is in your best interest.
Read up on whatever health challenge you are experiencing so you’ll be knowledgeable about how to take care of it in the best way possible.
Here are some resources for finding alternative health care providers:
http://www.medfinds.com/
http://www.talkinternational.com/directories/health-services-directory.html
My personal favorite is Dr. Damon Miller, M.D., N.D., located in Palo Alto, CA.
Powerful Aging Tip #6
Sex – otherwise known as intimacy
According to Dr.’s Oz and Roizen in You: Staying Young, “having monogamous, regular sex has been proven to extend your life.” Yes, sometimes (actually in many instances) women lose their libido as they pass menopause, if they have a hysterectomy, or have their ovaries removed. There are natural solutions out there. I highly recommend finding a sympathetic, knowledgeable health care practitioner who specializes in this area and get healed! One of the joys of aging is having the ability to give and receive love through intimacy with a beloved partner. It brings you touch, love and emotional connection.
In Younger Next Year for Women by Crowley and Lodge they state “Sexuality, which is the limbic component of touch and emotional connection, is more important than physical sex, and if you can’t have sex for some reason, snuggling works almost as well.”
Recommended Reading:
The Hormone of Desire: The Truth About Testosterone, Sexuality, and Menopause, by Susan Rako, M.D.
Ecstatic Lovemaking: An Intimate Guide to Soulful Sex, by Victoria Lee, Hugh Prather, and Gayle Prather
According to Dr.’s Oz and Roizen in You: Staying Young, “having monogamous, regular sex has been proven to extend your life.” Yes, sometimes (actually in many instances) women lose their libido as they pass menopause, if they have a hysterectomy, or have their ovaries removed. There are natural solutions out there. I highly recommend finding a sympathetic, knowledgeable health care practitioner who specializes in this area and get healed! One of the joys of aging is having the ability to give and receive love through intimacy with a beloved partner. It brings you touch, love and emotional connection.
In Younger Next Year for Women by Crowley and Lodge they state “Sexuality, which is the limbic component of touch and emotional connection, is more important than physical sex, and if you can’t have sex for some reason, snuggling works almost as well.”
Recommended Reading:
The Hormone of Desire: The Truth About Testosterone, Sexuality, and Menopause, by Susan Rako, M.D.
Ecstatic Lovemaking: An Intimate Guide to Soulful Sex, by Victoria Lee, Hugh Prather, and Gayle Prather
Powerful Aging Tip #5
Stress – some is necessary; too much is harmful.
One of the first things I recommend is de-stressing. There’s just so much going on in our lives, it’s become easier and easier to feel overwhelmed, burnt out and SERIOUS. Sometimes it’s stress related to health issues; sometimes to relationships; sometimes finances, you get the point.
Here are some tips to de-stress:
All these steps will create a space between the “problem” and how you think about it. You’ll get new insights about how to handle it, and discover new, more effective strategies to create what you want in your life.
One of the first things I recommend is de-stressing. There’s just so much going on in our lives, it’s become easier and easier to feel overwhelmed, burnt out and SERIOUS. Sometimes it’s stress related to health issues; sometimes to relationships; sometimes finances, you get the point.
Here are some tips to de-stress:
For example, if it’s related to weight loss see yourself in a mirror looking like you want to look, hear what others will be telling you about how great you look, and feel the emotions you’ll have when you look and feel lighter!
- Immediately focus on the present by feeling the physical sensations in your body. Become aware of your breathing and slow it down. Six breaths in, a slight pause and 4 breaths out works well for me.
- Notice the way your body feels, hear what you hear, see what you’re seeing. If it’s pain you’re dealing with, focus on the parts of your body that feel good rather than the painful area. Being present to what is stops the mind’s negative chatter.
- Stop worrying. Say to your self “ I don’t need to worry now, I can worry all I want in 5 minutes”. When the 5 minutes is up, give yourself another 5. The worry cycle is usually broken after the first 5 minutes!
- If your mind decides to focus on the problem situation anyway, see the situation resolved in the best possible way. To engage all your senses, first see what you’ll see when it is resolved, then hear what you’ll hear, and then feel how you will feel when the problem is solved.
All these steps will create a space between the “problem” and how you think about it. You’ll get new insights about how to handle it, and discover new, more effective strategies to create what you want in your life.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Powerful Aging Tip #4
Sleep: the fundamental way we rejuvenate ourselves.
Sleep is a lifesaver, especially as we age. It is during sleep that the body repairs itself and the mind resolves issues left over from the day’s activities.
So, how much sleep is enough? We’ve been told 7 to 8 hours a night is necessary, but one size doesn’t fit all. How do you know if you are getting the right amount for you?
There are several ways:
If your mind races, take a deep breath through your nose to a count of 6, hold briefly and exhale through your mouth for a count of 4. Repeat until you fall asleep.
Sleep is a lifesaver, especially as we age. It is during sleep that the body repairs itself and the mind resolves issues left over from the day’s activities.
So, how much sleep is enough? We’ve been told 7 to 8 hours a night is necessary, but one size doesn’t fit all. How do you know if you are getting the right amount for you?
There are several ways:
- Do you feel rested and refreshed when you get out of bed in the morning?
- Are you able to stay awake later in the day while reading a book or watching TV?
- Do you feel sleepy when driving during the day?
If you answered "no" to any of these questions, here are some suggestions to help you get the sleep you need.
- Establish a routine sleep schedule.
- Avoid using the bed for activities other than sleep or intimacy.
- Avoid substances that disturb sleep, such as caffeine and alcohol.
- Take a 20-minute power nap during the day. Do it no later than 3 p.m. While this seems counter-intuitive, it really helps rejuvenate you for the rest of the day and helps you stay awake in the evening. I use a wonderful software program on my iPod called Pzziz, accessed here bit.ly/JnFBH It uses NLP and hypnosis to put me in a restorative sleep and wakes me up in 20 minutes rested and ready to take on the world again.
- Develop pre-sleep rituals that help you relax, such as a warm bath, a light snack or a few minutes of reading.
- Bedtime is a time to relax, not replay the stresses of the day. Leave worries behind.
- Keep your bedroom dark, quiet and a little cool.
- If you can't fall asleep, leave the bedroom and do a quiet activity. Go back to bed only when you're tired.
If your mind races, take a deep breath through your nose to a count of 6, hold briefly and exhale through your mouth for a count of 4. Repeat until you fall asleep.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Powerful Aging Tip #3
Food we eat – can mean the difference between life and death!
Eat an anti-inflammatory diet by avoiding refined, processed foods. They contain pro-inflammatory additives, carbohydrates and fats. So, just what foods are anti-inflammatory?
Stop eating starch; that means refined carbohydrates and the white stuff we so love like potatoes, white rice and foods made with refined flour. Why is it bad? More calories per pound and no “I’m full” signal spells overeating and poor nutrients.
Use extra-virgin olive oil when preparing your food; eat oily fish or take a high-quality fish oil supplement.
Replace foods made with white flour and sugar with those made with whole grains. Add colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet.
Reduce your chicken and red meat consumption – they contain a pro-inflammatory amino acid. Replace some of these meats with beans that are high in vegetable protein.
And don’t forget the black or green tea, high in anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Now, quantity does matter. Studies have shown that reduced caloric intake increases longevity. Something I’ve done that has proven helpful is to eat a good breakfast with plenty of protein, my main meal at lunch , and a very light supper early in the evening.
Any time you feel stuffed after eating, you’ve eaten too much. How do you stop before you’re stuffed? You eat SLOWER and with intention, noticing how your food tastes and the minute you feel satisfied, you STOP eating. It actually takes 20 minutes for you to notice the feeling of fullness, so if you stuff it down while distracted by TV, you will not notice when you are full.
Eat an anti-inflammatory diet by avoiding refined, processed foods. They contain pro-inflammatory additives, carbohydrates and fats. So, just what foods are anti-inflammatory?
Stop eating starch; that means refined carbohydrates and the white stuff we so love like potatoes, white rice and foods made with refined flour. Why is it bad? More calories per pound and no “I’m full” signal spells overeating and poor nutrients.
Use extra-virgin olive oil when preparing your food; eat oily fish or take a high-quality fish oil supplement.
Replace foods made with white flour and sugar with those made with whole grains. Add colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet.
Reduce your chicken and red meat consumption – they contain a pro-inflammatory amino acid. Replace some of these meats with beans that are high in vegetable protein.
And don’t forget the black or green tea, high in anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Now, quantity does matter. Studies have shown that reduced caloric intake increases longevity. Something I’ve done that has proven helpful is to eat a good breakfast with plenty of protein, my main meal at lunch , and a very light supper early in the evening.
Any time you feel stuffed after eating, you’ve eaten too much. How do you stop before you’re stuffed? You eat SLOWER and with intention, noticing how your food tastes and the minute you feel satisfied, you STOP eating. It actually takes 20 minutes for you to notice the feeling of fullness, so if you stuff it down while distracted by TV, you will not notice when you are full.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Powerful Aging Tip #2
Cardiovascular Exercise - Why?
To improve our ability to circulate the blood around in our bodies.
To find out your target maximum heart rate, start with 220, deduct your age and multiply by 80%. For example:
220 – 66 (age) = 154 x .80 = 123 my target maximum heart rate.
To start, get it up there for 20 minutes, 3 times a week. Work your way up to doing 45 minutes of aerobic exercise four days a week. How you ask, well speed walking is one of the best ways to do this because it’s low impact – meaning your joints will last longer and feel better. Of course, biking, hitting the treadmill, and any other activity that elevates your heart rate and keeps it there.
Always consult your health care provider before starting any new exercise regimen.
To improve our ability to circulate the blood around in our bodies.
To find out your target maximum heart rate, start with 220, deduct your age and multiply by 80%. For example:
220 – 66 (age) = 154 x .80 = 123 my target maximum heart rate.
To start, get it up there for 20 minutes, 3 times a week. Work your way up to doing 45 minutes of aerobic exercise four days a week. How you ask, well speed walking is one of the best ways to do this because it’s low impact – meaning your joints will last longer and feel better. Of course, biking, hitting the treadmill, and any other activity that elevates your heart rate and keeps it there.
Always consult your health care provider before starting any new exercise regimen.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Powerful Aging Tip #1
Strength Training is critical to the rest of your life because it increases your coordination as well as your ability to perform the functions of daily living.
Three pounds of lean muscle burns up to 10,000 calories a month just sitting on the couch. However, I don’t recommend being a couch potato!
Do strength training 2 times a week for 20-minutes using a slow motion, high intensity, and low impact method. Do it to full muscular fatigue and you’ll gain 50% more muscular strength than with traditional methods. Because muscle weighs more than fat, you may actually see your weight on a scale increase.
Don’t look at your weight, look at your “waist” measurement. If you carry fat mainly around your waist, you are more likely to develop health problems than if you carry fat mainly in your hips and thighs. Women with a waist measurement of more than 35 inches or men with a waist measurement of more than 40 inches may have a higher disease risk than people with smaller waist measurements because of where their fat lies.
It also:
Try it, you’ll like it and, once you see and feel the results, you’ll love it.
Three pounds of lean muscle burns up to 10,000 calories a month just sitting on the couch. However, I don’t recommend being a couch potato!
Do strength training 2 times a week for 20-minutes using a slow motion, high intensity, and low impact method. Do it to full muscular fatigue and you’ll gain 50% more muscular strength than with traditional methods. Because muscle weighs more than fat, you may actually see your weight on a scale increase.
Don’t look at your weight, look at your “waist” measurement. If you carry fat mainly around your waist, you are more likely to develop health problems than if you carry fat mainly in your hips and thighs. Women with a waist measurement of more than 35 inches or men with a waist measurement of more than 40 inches may have a higher disease risk than people with smaller waist measurements because of where their fat lies.
It also:
- Increases your basal metabolic rate (BMR).
- Increases your body’s blood sugar tolerance and help prevent adult onset diabetes.
- Increases your bone density.
- Increases your body’s ability to regulate its’ internal temperature.
- Decreases your percentage of body fat.
- Lowers your cholesterol/HDL ratio.
Try it, you’ll like it and, once you see and feel the results, you’ll love it.
Friday, February 20, 2009
10 Things I've Learned from the Recession
I hope this inspires you to find your own blessings in these challenging economic times.
1- Spending time with family and friends is more important than anything I could ever buy.
2- I was wasteful with money and didn't even know it.
3- People are there to help you when times get tough; you just have to ask. And, if you ask and it isn't forthcoming, remember that they have their own problems to deal with and the timing just wasn't right -- no blame, no resentment.
4- Helping others stay positive during this economy is one of the most rewarding things I can do to help others get through it.
5- Eating home cooked meals we prepare together is not only fun, it's healthier, and I can lose weight!
6- I find gratitude in knowing I have a roof over my head, a warm bed, and wonderful food. It could be much, much worse.
7- Lying awake at night imagining the worst isn't helpful; getting 8 hours of sleep IS.
8- Simple pleasures like reading, playing games, sharing with friends, hanging out with my sweetie and our dog, and being available to help others brings more joy than any TV show.
9- Giggling with my husband every night before we go to sleep makes everything seem OK.
10- Perfection is -- what is.
1- Spending time with family and friends is more important than anything I could ever buy.
2- I was wasteful with money and didn't even know it.
3- People are there to help you when times get tough; you just have to ask. And, if you ask and it isn't forthcoming, remember that they have their own problems to deal with and the timing just wasn't right -- no blame, no resentment.
4- Helping others stay positive during this economy is one of the most rewarding things I can do to help others get through it.
5- Eating home cooked meals we prepare together is not only fun, it's healthier, and I can lose weight!
6- I find gratitude in knowing I have a roof over my head, a warm bed, and wonderful food. It could be much, much worse.
7- Lying awake at night imagining the worst isn't helpful; getting 8 hours of sleep IS.
8- Simple pleasures like reading, playing games, sharing with friends, hanging out with my sweetie and our dog, and being available to help others brings more joy than any TV show.
9- Giggling with my husband every night before we go to sleep makes everything seem OK.
10- Perfection is -- what is.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Afraid of aging?
Don't read this is you are afraid of aging and only want to confront it when you take your last breath. This won’t be for you; it might make you wake up and create a life worth living.
I’ve started reading the book, “What Are Old People For?” by William H. Thomas, M.D., and he says many of the things I've come to believe (and experience) around the aging process. We both agree is is a NATURAL part of life; just like birth, childhood, adolescence, young adult, middle-aged adult, and MATURE adult (think old, but without the cultural crap associated with that word).
As we age we accumulate a lifetime of insights, challenges overcome, strategies for living -- just plain wisdom -- which we now have access to as we continue to live our lives. What a splendid gift; both for ourselves and for others younger who would, given an open mind and heart, reap the benefit of our experience.
As Dr. Thomas so wisely points out, “aging requires life...being alive is a continuous prerequisite for growing old...given a choice between aging and death, we choose to grow old.” Amen! I choose to grow old and to do it powerfully, and make it fun and fabulous.
One of the first things I recommend is de-stressing. There’s so much going on in our lives it’s become easier and easier to feel overwhelmed, burnt out and SERIOUS. Sometimes it’s stress related to health issues; sometimes to relationships; sometimes finances, you get the point.
Here are some tips to de-stress:
1- Immediately focus on the present by feeling the physical sensations in your body. Become aware of your breathing and slow it down. Six breaths in, a slight pause and 4 breaths out works well for me.
Notice the way your body feels; hear what you hear, see what you’re seeing. If it’s pain you’re dealing with, focus on the parts of your body that feel good rather than the painful area. Being present to what is stops the mind’s negative chatter.
2- Stop worrying. Say to your self “ I don’t need to worry now, I can worry all I want in 5 minutes”. When the 5 minutes is up, give yourself another 5. The worry cycle is usually broken after the first 5 minutes!
3- If your mind decides to focus on the problem situation anyway, see the situation resolved in the best possible way. To engage all your senses, first see what you’ll see when it is resolved, then hear what you’ll hear, and then feel how you will feel when the problem is solved.
For example, if it’s related to weight loss see yourself in a mirror looking like you want to look, hear what others will be telling you about how great you look, and feel the emotions you’ll have when you look and feel lighter!
All these steps will create a space between the “problem” and how you think about it. You’ll get new insights about how to handle it, and discover new, more effective strategies to create what you want in your life.
It’s worked for me, and I’ve started to sleep better too! More on sleep in the next post.
I’ve started reading the book, “What Are Old People For?” by William H. Thomas, M.D., and he says many of the things I've come to believe (and experience) around the aging process. We both agree is is a NATURAL part of life; just like birth, childhood, adolescence, young adult, middle-aged adult, and MATURE adult (think old, but without the cultural crap associated with that word).
As we age we accumulate a lifetime of insights, challenges overcome, strategies for living -- just plain wisdom -- which we now have access to as we continue to live our lives. What a splendid gift; both for ourselves and for others younger who would, given an open mind and heart, reap the benefit of our experience.
As Dr. Thomas so wisely points out, “aging requires life...being alive is a continuous prerequisite for growing old...given a choice between aging and death, we choose to grow old.” Amen! I choose to grow old and to do it powerfully, and make it fun and fabulous.
One of the first things I recommend is de-stressing. There’s so much going on in our lives it’s become easier and easier to feel overwhelmed, burnt out and SERIOUS. Sometimes it’s stress related to health issues; sometimes to relationships; sometimes finances, you get the point.
Here are some tips to de-stress:
1- Immediately focus on the present by feeling the physical sensations in your body. Become aware of your breathing and slow it down. Six breaths in, a slight pause and 4 breaths out works well for me.
Notice the way your body feels; hear what you hear, see what you’re seeing. If it’s pain you’re dealing with, focus on the parts of your body that feel good rather than the painful area. Being present to what is stops the mind’s negative chatter.
2- Stop worrying. Say to your self “ I don’t need to worry now, I can worry all I want in 5 minutes”. When the 5 minutes is up, give yourself another 5. The worry cycle is usually broken after the first 5 minutes!
3- If your mind decides to focus on the problem situation anyway, see the situation resolved in the best possible way. To engage all your senses, first see what you’ll see when it is resolved, then hear what you’ll hear, and then feel how you will feel when the problem is solved.
For example, if it’s related to weight loss see yourself in a mirror looking like you want to look, hear what others will be telling you about how great you look, and feel the emotions you’ll have when you look and feel lighter!
All these steps will create a space between the “problem” and how you think about it. You’ll get new insights about how to handle it, and discover new, more effective strategies to create what you want in your life.
It’s worked for me, and I’ve started to sleep better too! More on sleep in the next post.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
How I stopped trying and started living
My mind was racing - again - as I thought of the thirty odd things I had to do; all of them seemingly critical to our success. As I talked on the phone to my friend Patty, I whined about how much work I’d had to do on getting her courses up and running on our online scheduling system; I whined to my other friend, Carol, the organizer extraordinaire, about a visit from an old friend that had created more unfinished work for me to do. In retrospect, It seems like I whined to every unfortunate soul I came in contact with today - ick!
As I listened to myself, I began to feel uncomfortable at how un-resourceful I sounded, how I sounded like a freaking victim -- which I definitely am not! I stopped in my tracks and looked at what work I was doing and realized how much I had accomplished and that much of it I actually enjoyed; I could even say it was fun and challenging.
I had allowed an old habit of not being present to what was actually happening sidetrack me from noticing what I was doing in that very moment, moving from one task to the next intuitively and gracefully and enjoying myself.
As I let my ideas and old habits drop away, I became still and saw the absolute perfection in what I had chosen to do in that moment. Past moments dropped away, future tripping stopped and I took my dog, Max, for a walk -- I simply let go and followed the flow of what was right in each moment, and it was perfect and effortless and fun.
The older I get, the better I get at seeing the unconscious moments and moving out from them. I really like aging!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
I was tagged for a meme by Sharry of Embodied Aging
My blog friend, Sharry of Embodied Aging, invited me to blog about this meme, so here I go.
- If you could do anything you want to, what would it be?
I’d write stories and metaphors that had the power to change lives for the better and create programs that would spread them far and wide, and it would be fun and easy!
- If you could paint the (whole) world one color what would it be?
Green, so my favorite foliage would always be vibrant and full of life.
- Would you rather be an animal or a person?
Definitely a person for this life. Although I love animals, especially elephants, so perhaps being a great Elephant Matriarch would also be very cool! This is a Libra-like answer....
- If you said animal, which one?
See above answer.
Now to add mine -
- How do you stop yourself from doing what you answered in the first question?
I put everyone and everything else first and burn myself out being a caretaker. I neglect to do what nourishes me. I find it difficult to delegate, and can be critical. Ouch! That hurts. I guess I’d better change.
Thanks, Sharry, for helping me see myself -- again.
- If you could do anything you want to, what would it be?
I’d write stories and metaphors that had the power to change lives for the better and create programs that would spread them far and wide, and it would be fun and easy!
- If you could paint the (whole) world one color what would it be?
Green, so my favorite foliage would always be vibrant and full of life.
- Would you rather be an animal or a person?
Definitely a person for this life. Although I love animals, especially elephants, so perhaps being a great Elephant Matriarch would also be very cool! This is a Libra-like answer....
- If you said animal, which one?
See above answer.
Now to add mine -
- How do you stop yourself from doing what you answered in the first question?
I put everyone and everything else first and burn myself out being a caretaker. I neglect to do what nourishes me. I find it difficult to delegate, and can be critical. Ouch! That hurts. I guess I’d better change.
Thanks, Sharry, for helping me see myself -- again.
Friday, February 08, 2008
I've discovered I'm not Superwoman - shocking!
I haven’t blogged for over a month while we moved our fitness studio out of the back yard converted workshop into a commercial space three times bigger. This has been one of the most difficult moves I’ve ever done -- and I’ve done a lot of them. It was basically my husband, James, and myself with one day of help from a dear friend and my son and his significant other.
I’ve always been able to do anything I set my mind to, and I’ve been accustomed to taking care of pretty much everything other than the physical stuff -- arthritis being a factor. This time I felt stretched well over my limits and there were times when I wanted to go back to bed and pull the covers over my head. Kinda’ like when I was a kid and it seemed safe and cozy and warm in there.
Well, I survived and I’m a much wiser person for it. Now I know I need to get more help, not just to move but in the business itself. This one-woman army is looking for a team to work with. I’m not Superwoman anymore!
I’ve always been able to do anything I set my mind to, and I’ve been accustomed to taking care of pretty much everything other than the physical stuff -- arthritis being a factor. This time I felt stretched well over my limits and there were times when I wanted to go back to bed and pull the covers over my head. Kinda’ like when I was a kid and it seemed safe and cozy and warm in there.
Well, I survived and I’m a much wiser person for it. Now I know I need to get more help, not just to move but in the business itself. This one-woman army is looking for a team to work with. I’m not Superwoman anymore!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Finding Gratitude
I realized I hardly ever notice what I have to be grateful for -- I’m generally focused on what’s missing, on what I need to get or achieve, on feeling lack instead of fullness. So tonight I will list some of the many things for which I am grateful.
- I’m grateful for the warmth of the little electric heater by my feet; that I am not cold, but warm and cozy even though it’s very, very cold outside.
- I’m grateful for the absolute loyalty and love of my little dog, Max, who follows me everywhere and makes me feel like I have some purpose for being here.
- I’m grateful for my husband and his beautiful guitar playing in the next room. It makes him so happy to play and I love seeing him smile and laugh.
- I’m grateful for the love of my three sons, who love me even after I hurt them deeply by my absence when they were growing up.
- I’m grateful for my friends who have so much faith in me and who encourage me to fulfill my highest potential -- who give me their truth, their love, their time and energy.
- I’m grateful I found the most wonderful photographer, Diane Varner (http://www.dianevarner.com) whose digital photography can bring me to tears of wonder and joy.
- I’m grateful I have the means to eat, to have shelter, to listen to beautiful music, to play with my digital camera and my computer.
- I’m grateful I’ve had all the experiences I’ve had -- the challenges, the imagined suffering and pain, and the opportunity to use these to continue to learn and grow.
- I’m grateful for the time I spent in India at the Rajneesh Ashram and in Oregon at Rajneeshpuram, and for all the amazing people I met and loved, and even those who were the most difficult to be around, for they taught me so very much about myself and my capabilities for forgiveness.
- I’m grateful I found my last spiritual teacher, Gangaji, experiencing THAT in her presence in 1996 and seeing no separation between myself, others, and this planet.
- I’m grateful for my coaching clients, their faith and trust in me and the journey we are on together to create lives of passion and purpose.
- I’m grateful I found the NLP and Coaching Institute of California and Tim and Kris Hallbom -- it changed my life in ways that are still being revealed and rid me of the last vestiges of my attachment to my old stories.
- I’m grateful I have a warm bed to get into now, and great books to cuddle up with as I make my way into delicious sleep.
- I’m grateful for the warmth of the little electric heater by my feet; that I am not cold, but warm and cozy even though it’s very, very cold outside.
- I’m grateful for the absolute loyalty and love of my little dog, Max, who follows me everywhere and makes me feel like I have some purpose for being here.
- I’m grateful for my husband and his beautiful guitar playing in the next room. It makes him so happy to play and I love seeing him smile and laugh.
- I’m grateful for the love of my three sons, who love me even after I hurt them deeply by my absence when they were growing up.
- I’m grateful for my friends who have so much faith in me and who encourage me to fulfill my highest potential -- who give me their truth, their love, their time and energy.
- I’m grateful I found the most wonderful photographer, Diane Varner (http://www.dianevarner.com) whose digital photography can bring me to tears of wonder and joy.
- I’m grateful I have the means to eat, to have shelter, to listen to beautiful music, to play with my digital camera and my computer.
- I’m grateful I’ve had all the experiences I’ve had -- the challenges, the imagined suffering and pain, and the opportunity to use these to continue to learn and grow.
- I’m grateful for the time I spent in India at the Rajneesh Ashram and in Oregon at Rajneeshpuram, and for all the amazing people I met and loved, and even those who were the most difficult to be around, for they taught me so very much about myself and my capabilities for forgiveness.
- I’m grateful I found my last spiritual teacher, Gangaji, experiencing THAT in her presence in 1996 and seeing no separation between myself, others, and this planet.
- I’m grateful for my coaching clients, their faith and trust in me and the journey we are on together to create lives of passion and purpose.
- I’m grateful I found the NLP and Coaching Institute of California and Tim and Kris Hallbom -- it changed my life in ways that are still being revealed and rid me of the last vestiges of my attachment to my old stories.
- I’m grateful I have a warm bed to get into now, and great books to cuddle up with as I make my way into delicious sleep.
Friday, December 07, 2007
My story - 6 years ago - Called "Turning 60"
I am living a life today that just seven years ago I considered impossible. But this miracle is one I created for myself – by making new choices, I have made a new life. I hope by sharing my story, others will realize they can do this too.
Right before I turned 60, I felt deeply depressed about my life. Actually, I felt I had no life and realized I had to change my health or die. I had developed Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 36 while living in the religious commune of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh in Rajneeshpuram, Oregon. I had watched it progress from some intermittent right hand pain to full-blown Rheumatoid Arthritis, eventually claiming my right hand, left hand, neck, jaw, elbows, wrists, knees, ankles and toes. It seemed as if there was virtually no place in my body that wasn’t on fire with a toothache-like pain that was unremitting. With its’ accompanying constant feeling of weakness, depression, and loss of life energy, I began to over identify this illness as who I was. For more than twenty-five years I existed in a living hell, with no real hope of ever emerging again. I tried every known, and many unknown, remedies! All failed me, creating an ever-deepening cycle of despair and hopelessness.
In 1999, I was somehow managing to hold down a full time job at Stanford University, but the disease had progressed to the point where I was unable to walk even half a block, and I was in bed by 6:00PM each evening. On Mother’s Day the year I was 59, I was so sick I had to cancel a visit to my beloved youngest son in Albany, a mere 50-minute drive. I touched a depth of sadness I had never reached before, and had thoughts that death was a preferred alternative to the life I was living.
My dearest friend, Katrina, had been telling me for several years about a nutritionist who had helped cure her of her allergies, but I hadn’t actually been ready to pay money to heal myself; I guess I didn’t feel worthy. I had also tried so many different methods to cure this nasty disease that I no longer believed that there was any cure out there. But now I was morbidly desperate and willing to do anything to feel better so I went to see Dr. Harold Kristal, a Metabolic Nutritionist in San Rafael, CA. After a series of lab tests and psychological assessments, he determined my metabolic type was a “Slow Oxidizer”, and recommended very specific dietary supplements and foods tailored to me. He also told me that sugar was poison for me, something I actually knew because every time I ate sugar-laden foods my joints became very painful. However, I had lapsed into emotional eating as my only real pleasure in life, so I had continued to eat foods that I knew intuitively were bad for me. I began my new dietary regimen immediately upon leaving his office and actually felt better that same day. I was at least 65 pounds overweight at that time, and lost 9 pounds the first week. I finally had energy and could walk more than one block! My joint pain decreased so that I was able to cut my arthritis medicine injections in half. I followed his program religiously and to the letter. Once I began to feel more energy and less pain I knew I could never go back to the old way of eating and living – healthy living is now an absolute requirement for me.
I had to learn all about metabolic nutrition in order to fully accept this program; I had previously failed so many other so-called “diet plans”. I bought Dr. Kristal’s book and proceeded to learn all I could. Once again, necessity and the drive to learn kicked into high gear. I became so knowledgeable, and was so successful in losing weight (50 pounds and counting), increasing my energy level, and ameliorating my arthritis symptoms, my example inspired many friends and acquaintances to go see my nutritionist as well. I learned that I could inspire and motivate people to change, both through example and knowledge of the subject.
Now that I had energy, my Rheumatologist recommended I start doing slow motion, low impact, high intensity strength training, something I never thought I’d be able to do -- the standard gyms and spandex-clad exercisers years younger than me were not at all appealing. However, I wanted to be able to open car doors, reach into cupboards and get plates, get in and out of a bathtub by myself, so I decided to put my objections aside and start the strength training. I was very gratified to discover that this particular type of strength training was done one-on-one with your own trainer, usually in private sessions. The results have been nothing short of amazing, even to my Physical Therapist. Over a span of two years, I went from not being able to walk half a block to walking more than three strenuous miles, leg pressing 340 pounds (more than twice my body weight), and back pressing 140 pounds. I also gained 10% bone mass!
This inspired my husband to learn how to train others in in this method, which in turn led to a mid-life career change for him. Once again I learned the power of inspiration and example in changing lives. We both wanted to share this safe, effective and powerful strength training method with others so we opened Alive! Whole Life Fitness Studio where we specialize in private, one-on-one slow motion, low impact, high intensity strength training we call SafeStrength® . Now, as a Health & Wellness Coach, I want to inspire more people over age 50 to live healthier lifestyles and remain active, productive members of society throughout their lifespan.
I’m also ardent about helping women approaching 60 (and beyond) understand that aging is NOT a disease--this is the most incredible time of our lives. I've been so inspired to help other women like me, I went back to school and became a life coach so I could have the skills to motivate and coach others about the tremendous possibilities available to us. Second Adulthood is a time when we can create passionate lives around our deepest dreams and values, coming alive to create communities of older wise women where our wisdom is shared and we make a difference in the world. I want to coach women who want to age with pride, vigor, passion, commitment, and joy.
Now, instead of being crippled by my arthritis and depression, I have so much energy and excitement about life that I can't stop thinking about the things I want to do.
P.S: It’s 2009 now and I’m 66. Most of this is still true, although my coaching doesn’t specifically focus on Health & Wellness any longer. My husband has developed his own strength training protocol -- SafeStrength®, and started a training program to train trainers in the method.
I’ve done a lot of NLP trainings from which I’ve become certified as an NLP Coach & Health Practitioner, as well as a WealthyMind™ Trainer. My latest certification is in Hypnosis from the NLP Institute of California. I just can’t seem to stop learning! And I love NLP for absolutely changing my life and how I see myself in it.
Right before I turned 60, I felt deeply depressed about my life. Actually, I felt I had no life and realized I had to change my health or die. I had developed Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 36 while living in the religious commune of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh in Rajneeshpuram, Oregon. I had watched it progress from some intermittent right hand pain to full-blown Rheumatoid Arthritis, eventually claiming my right hand, left hand, neck, jaw, elbows, wrists, knees, ankles and toes. It seemed as if there was virtually no place in my body that wasn’t on fire with a toothache-like pain that was unremitting. With its’ accompanying constant feeling of weakness, depression, and loss of life energy, I began to over identify this illness as who I was. For more than twenty-five years I existed in a living hell, with no real hope of ever emerging again. I tried every known, and many unknown, remedies! All failed me, creating an ever-deepening cycle of despair and hopelessness.
In 1999, I was somehow managing to hold down a full time job at Stanford University, but the disease had progressed to the point where I was unable to walk even half a block, and I was in bed by 6:00PM each evening. On Mother’s Day the year I was 59, I was so sick I had to cancel a visit to my beloved youngest son in Albany, a mere 50-minute drive. I touched a depth of sadness I had never reached before, and had thoughts that death was a preferred alternative to the life I was living.
My dearest friend, Katrina, had been telling me for several years about a nutritionist who had helped cure her of her allergies, but I hadn’t actually been ready to pay money to heal myself; I guess I didn’t feel worthy. I had also tried so many different methods to cure this nasty disease that I no longer believed that there was any cure out there. But now I was morbidly desperate and willing to do anything to feel better so I went to see Dr. Harold Kristal, a Metabolic Nutritionist in San Rafael, CA. After a series of lab tests and psychological assessments, he determined my metabolic type was a “Slow Oxidizer”, and recommended very specific dietary supplements and foods tailored to me. He also told me that sugar was poison for me, something I actually knew because every time I ate sugar-laden foods my joints became very painful. However, I had lapsed into emotional eating as my only real pleasure in life, so I had continued to eat foods that I knew intuitively were bad for me. I began my new dietary regimen immediately upon leaving his office and actually felt better that same day. I was at least 65 pounds overweight at that time, and lost 9 pounds the first week. I finally had energy and could walk more than one block! My joint pain decreased so that I was able to cut my arthritis medicine injections in half. I followed his program religiously and to the letter. Once I began to feel more energy and less pain I knew I could never go back to the old way of eating and living – healthy living is now an absolute requirement for me.
I had to learn all about metabolic nutrition in order to fully accept this program; I had previously failed so many other so-called “diet plans”. I bought Dr. Kristal’s book and proceeded to learn all I could. Once again, necessity and the drive to learn kicked into high gear. I became so knowledgeable, and was so successful in losing weight (50 pounds and counting), increasing my energy level, and ameliorating my arthritis symptoms, my example inspired many friends and acquaintances to go see my nutritionist as well. I learned that I could inspire and motivate people to change, both through example and knowledge of the subject.
Now that I had energy, my Rheumatologist recommended I start doing slow motion, low impact, high intensity strength training, something I never thought I’d be able to do -- the standard gyms and spandex-clad exercisers years younger than me were not at all appealing. However, I wanted to be able to open car doors, reach into cupboards and get plates, get in and out of a bathtub by myself, so I decided to put my objections aside and start the strength training. I was very gratified to discover that this particular type of strength training was done one-on-one with your own trainer, usually in private sessions. The results have been nothing short of amazing, even to my Physical Therapist. Over a span of two years, I went from not being able to walk half a block to walking more than three strenuous miles, leg pressing 340 pounds (more than twice my body weight), and back pressing 140 pounds. I also gained 10% bone mass!
This inspired my husband to learn how to train others in in this method, which in turn led to a mid-life career change for him. Once again I learned the power of inspiration and example in changing lives. We both wanted to share this safe, effective and powerful strength training method with others so we opened Alive! Whole Life Fitness Studio where we specialize in private, one-on-one slow motion, low impact, high intensity strength training we call SafeStrength® . Now, as a Health & Wellness Coach, I want to inspire more people over age 50 to live healthier lifestyles and remain active, productive members of society throughout their lifespan.
I’m also ardent about helping women approaching 60 (and beyond) understand that aging is NOT a disease--this is the most incredible time of our lives. I've been so inspired to help other women like me, I went back to school and became a life coach so I could have the skills to motivate and coach others about the tremendous possibilities available to us. Second Adulthood is a time when we can create passionate lives around our deepest dreams and values, coming alive to create communities of older wise women where our wisdom is shared and we make a difference in the world. I want to coach women who want to age with pride, vigor, passion, commitment, and joy.
Now, instead of being crippled by my arthritis and depression, I have so much energy and excitement about life that I can't stop thinking about the things I want to do.
P.S: It’s 2009 now and I’m 66. Most of this is still true, although my coaching doesn’t specifically focus on Health & Wellness any longer. My husband has developed his own strength training protocol -- SafeStrength®, and started a training program to train trainers in the method.
I’ve done a lot of NLP trainings from which I’ve become certified as an NLP Coach & Health Practitioner, as well as a WealthyMind™ Trainer. My latest certification is in Hypnosis from the NLP Institute of California. I just can’t seem to stop learning! And I love NLP for absolutely changing my life and how I see myself in it.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Crusader Rabbit and Anti-Aging Potions, Lotions, and Injections
Because my husband’s nickname for me is Bunny, I’ve decided my current moniker is Crusader Rabbit. What’s my crusade you ask -- it’s to debunk all those creepy myths of aging and get us to embrace the process instead of fear it. Ooops, my husband just commented on my new title; he hopes it doesn’t become Rabid Rabbit. I’m sure you’ll let me know if it does. But hey, sometimes it takes a lot of energy and forcefulness to overturn the kind of aging stereotypes we’re subjected to on a daily basis.
I’m sure you’ve noticed those ubiquitous television commercials where women are encouraged (coerced) to use various “anti-aging” potions, lotions, and injections. It’s as if our natural aging process is somehow flawed or a disease that needs curing by our friendly pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies. It reminds me of the old 1960’s menopause myth perpetrated by a male MD who made a natural process, menopause, a disease and, with the help of the drug companies, got millions of women to medicate themselves unnecessarily with a potentially carcinogenic synthetic estrogen. A drug which by the way, was created at the expense and inhumane treatment of ccountless numbers of pregnant mares.
Did you know that innocent animals are subjected to the botulinum toxin that makes up Botox in order to make it safe for us? And that they are injected with Botox at various doses to see what doses paralyze them? If they aren’t paralyzed, then the Botox dose is considered too weak. However, the animals that receive too much Botox become paralyzed to the extent that they suffer horrible deaths from the paralysis of their respiratory muscles. How can we use any product that makes a fellow creature suffer like that? I, for one, will live with my wrinkles -- I’ve earned every one of them!
Now, Botox also works on your face to reduce those pesky wrinkles by paralyzing your facial muscles - hence the robot-like expressionless appearance of the Botoxee’s. Moreover, the treatment is temporary, which means once started if you want to maintain that “permanent pressed” look, you’ll have to continue to inject yourself with the botulinum toxin. Oh, by the way it’s made from the bacteria that causes botulism, a potentially lethal illness that can lead to paralysis and death!
Now, I’m not advocating doing nothing to keep your skin and body beautiful and healthy. I’m advocating doing it naturally and out of LOVE for our bodies rather than fear of “looking old”. By naturally, I mean eating the foods and taking the supplements that nourish our skin from the inside out. So, what are these supplements? According to the December issue of Nutrition Action, the vitamin C in fruits and vegetables and the linoleic acid in foods like nuts, soybeans, and oils may protect the skin from aging. The vitamin C apparently reduced the wrinkled appearance and dry skin usually associated with aging. The linoleic acid helped reduce skin atrophy and dryness.
I use some botanically-based, not tested on animals product (a Swiss formula) from Arbonne International called NutriminC RE to keep my skin as soft and as smooth as nature allows. Their products work extremely well and no animals are harmed, no animal products are used, and no mineral oil either. My only complaint is that they’ve caved in to the “anti-aging” advertising virus and call them anti-aging products.
Now, I do have wrinkles, and so what. They’re a natural part of the aging process. Vive la elder Diva!!
I’m sure you’ve noticed those ubiquitous television commercials where women are encouraged (coerced) to use various “anti-aging” potions, lotions, and injections. It’s as if our natural aging process is somehow flawed or a disease that needs curing by our friendly pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies. It reminds me of the old 1960’s menopause myth perpetrated by a male MD who made a natural process, menopause, a disease and, with the help of the drug companies, got millions of women to medicate themselves unnecessarily with a potentially carcinogenic synthetic estrogen. A drug which by the way, was created at the expense and inhumane treatment of ccountless numbers of pregnant mares.
Did you know that innocent animals are subjected to the botulinum toxin that makes up Botox in order to make it safe for us? And that they are injected with Botox at various doses to see what doses paralyze them? If they aren’t paralyzed, then the Botox dose is considered too weak. However, the animals that receive too much Botox become paralyzed to the extent that they suffer horrible deaths from the paralysis of their respiratory muscles. How can we use any product that makes a fellow creature suffer like that? I, for one, will live with my wrinkles -- I’ve earned every one of them!
Now, Botox also works on your face to reduce those pesky wrinkles by paralyzing your facial muscles - hence the robot-like expressionless appearance of the Botoxee’s. Moreover, the treatment is temporary, which means once started if you want to maintain that “permanent pressed” look, you’ll have to continue to inject yourself with the botulinum toxin. Oh, by the way it’s made from the bacteria that causes botulism, a potentially lethal illness that can lead to paralysis and death!
Now, I’m not advocating doing nothing to keep your skin and body beautiful and healthy. I’m advocating doing it naturally and out of LOVE for our bodies rather than fear of “looking old”. By naturally, I mean eating the foods and taking the supplements that nourish our skin from the inside out. So, what are these supplements? According to the December issue of Nutrition Action, the vitamin C in fruits and vegetables and the linoleic acid in foods like nuts, soybeans, and oils may protect the skin from aging. The vitamin C apparently reduced the wrinkled appearance and dry skin usually associated with aging. The linoleic acid helped reduce skin atrophy and dryness.
I use some botanically-based, not tested on animals product (a Swiss formula) from Arbonne International called NutriminC RE to keep my skin as soft and as smooth as nature allows. Their products work extremely well and no animals are harmed, no animal products are used, and no mineral oil either. My only complaint is that they’ve caved in to the “anti-aging” advertising virus and call them anti-aging products.
Now, I do have wrinkles, and so what. They’re a natural part of the aging process. Vive la elder Diva!!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
The "Me First" Principle
I woke up at 5:00AM this morning with these thoughts pouring out of my brain. This could be from an overactive imagination or manna from heaven -- you can decide!
I’m sure most of you’ve been on an airplane at least once, and remember the flight attendant giving you the emergency instructions; the one about in case of loss of oxygen, the parents should place their own oxygen mask first and then put one on their children. Makes sense doesn’t it because the parent first needs to be capable of helping the child.
This not only applies on airplanes, it applies in our every day lives. We are so busy taking care of others, and bringing in the income to support our families, that we forget to first put on our own “oxygen mask” so we are able to help others with theirs.
Now, I can hear the objections already. Some of you may be saying to yourself: It’s selfish to think of myself first. I’m not a good person (wife, mother, grandmother, you name it) if I put my needs before others. Well, consider this. Do your family, friends or business associates deserve a tired, unhealthy, “not present” you who is overwhelmed, burned out and basically exhausted? Or -- do they deserve someone who is healthy, giving, present, energetic, and even FUN? Which person would YOU rather be with?
Also ask yourself, do your loved ones have a role model who shows them how to take care of themselves in mind, body and spirit? Do they have someone who shows then how to serve from a fullness of spirit or one who is cranky, always tired and too busy to spend time with them. You decide because it’s up to you.
We need to take care of ourselves! Show up for ourselves and we’ll be able to show up for others and it will spread. What if everyone showed up full of life, health, vigor and wanting to be of service to one another. This would be a very different world.
Really examine what it is you are putting first in your life and if it’s not your health (body, mind and spirit), your greatest asset, you are shortchanging yourself and those you love and care about. Don’t make your life about quantity -- make it about quality.
Busy is the name of this game. We hear it a lot at our fitness studio -- I was too busy to walk that mile today, or I have to cancel my appointment because I have to work late, or I’ve got a last minute errand to run. As long as we believe we don’t have enough time to take care of ourselves, we’ll behave as if we don’t have the time. Our behavior follows our beliefs -- it’s a law of life. What limiting beliefs are you carrying around with you?
I’m sure most of you’ve been on an airplane at least once, and remember the flight attendant giving you the emergency instructions; the one about in case of loss of oxygen, the parents should place their own oxygen mask first and then put one on their children. Makes sense doesn’t it because the parent first needs to be capable of helping the child.
This not only applies on airplanes, it applies in our every day lives. We are so busy taking care of others, and bringing in the income to support our families, that we forget to first put on our own “oxygen mask” so we are able to help others with theirs.
Now, I can hear the objections already. Some of you may be saying to yourself: It’s selfish to think of myself first. I’m not a good person (wife, mother, grandmother, you name it) if I put my needs before others. Well, consider this. Do your family, friends or business associates deserve a tired, unhealthy, “not present” you who is overwhelmed, burned out and basically exhausted? Or -- do they deserve someone who is healthy, giving, present, energetic, and even FUN? Which person would YOU rather be with?
Also ask yourself, do your loved ones have a role model who shows them how to take care of themselves in mind, body and spirit? Do they have someone who shows then how to serve from a fullness of spirit or one who is cranky, always tired and too busy to spend time with them. You decide because it’s up to you.
We need to take care of ourselves! Show up for ourselves and we’ll be able to show up for others and it will spread. What if everyone showed up full of life, health, vigor and wanting to be of service to one another. This would be a very different world.
Really examine what it is you are putting first in your life and if it’s not your health (body, mind and spirit), your greatest asset, you are shortchanging yourself and those you love and care about. Don’t make your life about quantity -- make it about quality.
Busy is the name of this game. We hear it a lot at our fitness studio -- I was too busy to walk that mile today, or I have to cancel my appointment because I have to work late, or I’ve got a last minute errand to run. As long as we believe we don’t have enough time to take care of ourselves, we’ll behave as if we don’t have the time. Our behavior follows our beliefs -- it’s a law of life. What limiting beliefs are you carrying around with you?
Saturday, November 24, 2007
What is Powerful Aging?
Powerful Aging is the antithesis of anti-aging. It’s not against aging, it’s a mind set of seeing aging as a natural and worthwhile process. It’s a process which brings us wisdom, the courage to finally be who we really are, and the impetus to continue to evolve and serve others and our planet.
I get upset when I see the stereotypical presentation of aging in commercials that show somewhat silly and obviously inept older people. I also decry the commercials that make us want to inject our bodies with foreign substances so we can look younger, and somehow be more acceptable to our peers and those younger than we. There are ways to help our bodies age gracefully, beautifully, and naturally that don’t involve the drug companies.
There are so many ways we can embrace the aging process and make it just one more phase of a fulfilling and enjoyable life.
One of the most important things we can do as we age is to improve our health. Since we replace all the cells in our body every seven years, we continue to have the opportunity to create new and better cells until the day we die. Yes, I said the “d” word. From the moment we draw our first breath, we are on a great journey towards death. What a tremendous opportunity to create a meaningful life! If we remember our time on this earth is limited, we will live as we are meant to live -- with passion, purpose and in service to making the world a better place.
How do we do this? We start by making our bodies stronger through consistent exercise -- if we aren’t already doing so -- by doing both strength training to keep our muscles strong and some aerobic exercise to keep our heart and lungs strong. This will allow us to remain functionally fit throughout our life-span and have a quality of life that’s worth living! Of course, we’ll probably live longer, and we deserve a life where we feel vibrantly alive while we are living.
We look at the foods we put into our bodies for fuel and cell replacement, and if they are lacking, we make better food choices. If our lifestyle needs updating to provide more sleep, we create strategies to get the sleep we need to regenerate. If we have become so busy we’ve forgotten how to make time for friends and family, we make time because it’s in our social interactions that we continue to find a reason for living.
I’ll have more tips for powerful aging in future entries, but now it’s time to get ready for that much needed rejuvenating sleep!
Taru
I get upset when I see the stereotypical presentation of aging in commercials that show somewhat silly and obviously inept older people. I also decry the commercials that make us want to inject our bodies with foreign substances so we can look younger, and somehow be more acceptable to our peers and those younger than we. There are ways to help our bodies age gracefully, beautifully, and naturally that don’t involve the drug companies.
There are so many ways we can embrace the aging process and make it just one more phase of a fulfilling and enjoyable life.
One of the most important things we can do as we age is to improve our health. Since we replace all the cells in our body every seven years, we continue to have the opportunity to create new and better cells until the day we die. Yes, I said the “d” word. From the moment we draw our first breath, we are on a great journey towards death. What a tremendous opportunity to create a meaningful life! If we remember our time on this earth is limited, we will live as we are meant to live -- with passion, purpose and in service to making the world a better place.
How do we do this? We start by making our bodies stronger through consistent exercise -- if we aren’t already doing so -- by doing both strength training to keep our muscles strong and some aerobic exercise to keep our heart and lungs strong. This will allow us to remain functionally fit throughout our life-span and have a quality of life that’s worth living! Of course, we’ll probably live longer, and we deserve a life where we feel vibrantly alive while we are living.
We look at the foods we put into our bodies for fuel and cell replacement, and if they are lacking, we make better food choices. If our lifestyle needs updating to provide more sleep, we create strategies to get the sleep we need to regenerate. If we have become so busy we’ve forgotten how to make time for friends and family, we make time because it’s in our social interactions that we continue to find a reason for living.
I’ll have more tips for powerful aging in future entries, but now it’s time to get ready for that much needed rejuvenating sleep!
Taru
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