Each Life Decade Well Lived
We arrive at the various stages of life quite as novices. ~ Francois de La Rochefoucauld Each decade offers obstacles and opportunities. Executive mentor Bobb Biehl, author of Decade by Decade, believes life has these predictable stages, Childhood Seek security Adolescence Self awareness Twenties Develop survival skills Thirties Career success Forties Struggles and finding significance Fifties Find one’s stride Sixties Strong strategic thinking Seventies Nurture next leaders Eighties Savor accomplishments Nineties plus Reflect and rest TheWheelofCreativity.com reports that, from birth to ten, “If we do not build trust, autonomy, initiative and industry in these early years, we end up developing mistrust, shame and doubt, guilt and inferiority instead. In short, we need to feel our world is safe, we can rely on ourselves, we are inherently good and we can do good in our world.” Wheel of Creativity adds, “as we develop social relationships outside our families, we begin to form our own identity and gain confidence in ourselves in the world. If we don’t develop this sense of self – either through too little guidance or too much control – we get confused and can spend a lifetime looking outside for someone else to tell us who we are and what we think and feel.” Of the next three decades, Carrie McEachran, executive director, Mooretown, Ontario, Canada says, “My 20s taught me the true meaning of unconditional love with the birth of my two babies. Setting goals and working hard took on a whole new meaning when I became a mom. “My 30s taught me that it’s okay to put myself first sometimes. It taught me the importance of self-care for not only my own well-being, but for my children. “My 40s are teaching me to let go of everything that has been weighing me down (negative friendships, habits, etc.). The 40s have also taught me to stop worrying about what others think.” For the grand finale, “The Ultimate Checklist for Every Decade of Your Life” recommends, After 40, find a solid mentor and take time to reflect on how you want the last two decades of your working life to pan out. … build meaningful and deep relationships with peers, friends and family. Remember, this stage is all about maximizing your own potential. From 50 to 60, stay relevant. Learn from those younger than you – and provide them with mentorship and guidance … carefully choose what you have the best shot at and commit to it. Beyond 60, maintain your legacy. … enjoy the finer things in life. Travel the world, potter around in your garden and give back to your community. Spend time with friends you never really had enough time for in the past. Tick those remaining ‘to-do’ things off your bucket list. Along the way, remember, There are three stages of life: youth, maturity, and ‘My, you’re looking good!’ ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower Aging is not “lost youth” but a new stage of opportunity and strength. ~ Betty Friedan You’ve got to get to the stage in life where going for it is more important than winning or losing. ~ Arthur Ashe NOTE: If a life stage disappointed, one resource can be NIH National Library of Medicine’s “The Recovery Process“ Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. COMMENT. Radiant Tree Books Life Well Lived offers floral photographs, wise words and invitations to see life as a garden of possibilities. This book also offers instructions for creating Illustrated Wisdoms and allows lots of space for personal notes, sketches and meditations. Here are opportunities to both enjoy life’s seasons and find enrichment. Details: 8 x 10 inches Sketch Journal [with guides and prompts] 60 Pages $20 Preview Purchase View All Books Thanks for shopping!
Your Youngest and Oldest Self
Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, and the youngest you’ll ever be again. — Eleanor Roosevelt This 15th post in Succeed and Soar’s “Eleanor’s Insights” series prompted three thoughts [let me know what you think]: First: Because, as long as we live, we, um, mature, why not honor the inevitable? As David Bowie said, “Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.” In Japan, China, India and throughout Africa, those who’ve accumulated more years are expected to have gained more wisdom and resources. Greece is a Western country that highly respects its elders, which is instilled in children and displayed through philotimo, “doing good.” Read more. Second: I wondered what advantages come with getting older. Listverse lists ten, which include: Fewer colds Less stress and worry Better sex Read more Third: How can we be happy about getting older? According to Forbes, the answer is: Grow Older. Their research shows that “happiness dips steadily until you hit age 45 or so. Then the happiness curve moves back up.” The reasons can include the perspective gained through age and better coping skills. Read more. Next week, Succeed and Soar moves to a different topic that interested Eleanor Roosevelt. This theme ends her secret to aging happily: Remain interested in life, as active as possible, useful to others, busy, and forward looking. Succeed and Soar! Let’s ZOOM chat for 40 minutes, First THURSDAY, November 4th, 7pm Lots to discuss, including thoughts about “Eleanor’s Insights” and this month’s book, Caroline Myss’ Invisible Acts of Power, Channeling Grace in Everyday Life. Zoom Link will be sent day before Chat. See you soon! Image © Can Stock Photo / vectomart Celebrate! Did you know that October is: Photographer Appreciation Month National Book Month Bully Prevention Month In addition, Wednesday, October 6 offers three fun things to celebrate: Mad Hatter Day National Noodle Day and, yum, National Frappe Day [here are 103 recipes, including a strawberry frappucino and a detox frappe made with clover honey, chia seeds, cinnamon and apples] Eleanor’s Insights Collection Succeed and Soar’s “Eleanor’s Insights” series is illustrated with photographs of ‘wild places.’ Art is available as prints, framed and on canvas as well as on journals, greeting cards, weekender bags, shower curtains, puzzles and much more. Shop Here
Beautiful Forever
Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art. — Eleanor Roosevelt Isn’t the thought delightful that we can take the blank canvas, paper, stone received at birth and learn to paint, compose, sculpt ourselves into works of art? Dapper and elegant Maurice Chevalier said, “Old age is not so bad when you consider the alternative.” In choosing his first option, remember, Forty is the old age of youth; fifty the youth of old age. – Victor Hugo While the years accrue, keep singer Gwen Stefani’s words in mind, “You’re not getting older, you’re getting more entitled to be your fabulous self.” Hebrew Senior Life reported that an older woman was once asked by a child if she were young or old. The lady answered, “My dear, I have been young a very long time.” To keep looking young as long as possible, here are tips that surprised me: Health.com suggests: Stop sipping through straws. EatThis.com advises: Finish eating before you’re full. Bona Fide Skin Care says the face can be kept from ‘dropping’ by keeping neck and chest muscles loose. One exercise involves opening the mouth wide and making silly faces. Also, roll shoulders gently. Here are maps some have found to The Fountain of Youth. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old. – Franz Kafka Those who love deeply never grow old; they may die of old age, but they die young. – Sir Arthur Wing Pinero There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age. – Sophia Loren Succeed and Soar! Let’s ZOOM chat for 40 minutes, First THURSDAY, November 4th, 7pm Lots to discuss, including thoughts about “Eleanor’s Insights” and this month’s book, Caroline Myss’ Invisible Acts of Power, Channeling Grace in Everyday Life. Zoom Link will be sent day before Chat. See you soon! Image © Can Stock Photo / vectomart Thursday, September 30th is International Podcast Day. Great timing! My first podcast just launched on Yinz Are Good. [‘Yinz’ is Pittsburghese for Y’All or You are.] Here Tressa Glover celebrates the good stuff that’s happening around town, which is what she does so joyfully during the first ten minutes. Then Marshall Cohen, Laurie Moser and I effuse about next year’s Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books. Mark your calendar for May 14, 2022. Listen in. Here’s why. This Week, Also Celebrate Sunday, September 26: Better Breakfast Day Tuesday, September 28, National Ask A Stupid Question Day Friday, October 1, Bake someone’s day on National Homemade Cookies Day Eleanor’s Insights Collection Succeed and Soar’s “Eleanor’s Insights” series is illustrated with photographs of ‘wild places.’ Art is available as prints, framed and on canvas as well as on journals, greeting cards, weekender bags, shower curtains, puzzles and much more. Shop Here