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