Supposing you hit a speed bump along the way, as I did? Let’s consider resilience for a moment because it’s something that everyone over 50 has certainly had to call upon at one time or another. I would like to share with you some of the important lessons I learned as I was recovering from cancer and heart disease:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. See what Ben Saunders, Polar Explorer, has to say: “If I’ve learned anything in nearly 12 years now of dragging heavy things around cold places, it is that true, real inspiration and growth only comes from adversity and from challenge, from stepping away from what’s comfortable and familiar and stepping out into the unknown…” I certainly would implore you to open the door just a little bit and take a look at “What’s Next” No one ever said transitions are easy, but with the right attitude and an open mind, we can get through them, and when we do, the rewards are extraordinary. So, go ahead. Take that first step towards creating your own “What’s Next.” I did it and I know you can do it too. Valerie is now 76 and is still creating new chapters in her life. She has recently taken on the position of Executive Editor of Fabulously 50+ magazine www. fabulously50.com. She jumped into the corporate world at age 53 after being a stay-at-home mom raising six children. She has been modeling since she turned 63, and she is the author of two books, Gracefully – Looking & Being Your Best at Any Age and Creating What’s Next – Gracefully, both written with Heather Hummel. Valerie is with Premiere Speakers Bureau. Find her on www.valerieramsey.com or email her at Valerie@fabulously50.com.
7. 8.
Learn to look at challenges as your greatest opportunities – see them as opportunities to learn, to grow, to achieve. You never really know what is good for you; what may seem like the absolute worst thing to happen to you can, in fact, turn out be the best. Have a purpose – something positive to look forward to - your “What’s Next.“ You have been through tough times before and gotten through them. Extrapolate the best from those times and draw on that inner strength. Resilience needs the expectation of success. Have high expectations. Expect yourself to be resilient and to bounce back from whatever life throws at you. Be your own best motivator. I have everything I need right here inside of me. Honor your sensuality. Keep love in your life: touch, hug, laugh, dance, hear the music! Nurture your spirituality. Meditate. A beautiful day begins with a beautiful mindset. For example: Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle. Laugh at yourself and show gratitude. It’s hard to wallow in negativity or self-pity if you’re keeping a gratitude journal. Reach out to help others. I personally have found that women (and sometimes men too) over 50 are hungry for inspiration, motivation, support, and encouragement on how to be resilient, and they want guidance on how to create “What’s Next.” These have become my favorite topics to write and speak about.
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