I found this video very insightful. Check it our for yourself. It's about 20 minutes long, watch it when you have the time to dedicate to listen and absorb the information.
Are you doing the things that bring you joy? There’s no time
like the present to get started.
If you have been following my blog, you know my passions are
writing and performing comedy. Quite often the two intersect. When I’m not writing
comedy sets, I’m working on essay writing or drafting a children’s book.
I posted over the weekend that I would reveal my latest
project. Here it is, drumroll please…
Coming soon, my debut picture book – Abby and Zach Pray
through The Alphabet will be published in time for Christmas. Pictured
above is the book cover.
Abby and Zach are twin siblings who learn to pray in a fun
way. Each letter of the alphabet is an opportunity to help children grow in
faith and prayer. I once taught Sunday School for six- to eight-year-olds.
Like Abby and Zach, some of my Sunday School students asked
simple questions about praying and were sometimes shy about leading a prayer. I
wrote Abby and Zach to show children that learning to pray can be as easy as
learning you’re a A-B-C’s.
I want children to feel comfortable with asking questions as
they learn about faith and prayer. They will relate to things that Abby and
Zach discover.
Do you know of a young child who would like to follow Abby
and Zach on their journey of praying through the alphabet? I’ll keep you posted
on pre-sale dates.
Parenting doesn’t end - it evolves. I used to carry my son,
now he carries himself. My son found out that having his own place comes with,
um…responsibilities.
My son called me the other day and said, “Ma, something is
wrong with my house; I left a pizza box and a glass on the table when I went to
bed. When I woke up the next morning they were still there. There was no magic fairly
like at your house?”
There was a giggle in my voice when I said, “thank you for
finally understanding. I was growing weary, cleaning and straightening things behind
you.”
I let my son in on a few secrets about having his own place,
here they are:
1.
The dishwasher is still not self-loading.
2.
Toilet paper doesn’t magically appear – someone has
to buy it, that is ow you.
3.
Groceries vanish quickly – you don’t have to eat
everything in one day.
4.
The trash doesn’t take itself out – it just sits
there… judging you.
5.
Cooking for one – somehow creates enough dirty
dishes for a family of six.
After chatting with my son, I came up with a list of
epiphanies young adults stumble upon as they’re figuring out life. Here’s the
list:
1.
Adulthood doesn’t come with a manual – you just
improvise and Google a lot.
2. Time is more valuable than money – my son was
reminded of this on an occasion where he went in person to apply for a job. He
showed up to the location as instructed, the parking lot was empty except for a
couple of cars. As he entered the industrial type building, he was met with
empty hallways and had to determine which door to approach.
He selected a door, pressed a buzzer, and someone appeared with a clipboard and a form for him to complete. The staff person left, then returned after my son completed the form. She told my son, “Thank you, we’ll send you an email.”
My son left the office with unanswered questions – what are the hours, starting rate of pay? Where is the work site location? He called me after his turn of events and said, “That was a dummy mission (a wild goose chase); I got nowhere.”
3. Comparison steals your joy – your timeline doesn’t have to match anyone else’s.
4.
Debt is real – and it grows faster than you
think.
5.
Saying “no” is powerful – and doesn’t require an
explanation – you will have to say no to some things to accomplish what you
want to get done.
6.
Success isn’t linear – detours are part of the
journey.
7.
You are responsible for your own happiness – no partner,
job, or paycheck can do that for you.
8.
Asking for help isn’t weakness – it’s strength.
9.
Joy can be found in small ordinary moments, not
just the big milestones.
10. Your
inner critic is often lying – you’re more capable than you think.
Parenting doesn’t end – it evolves. What parenting episodes
have you experienced lately – with your child, or caring for your parent?
Remember to seek to uncover humor in a difficult situation.
Have you heard of Toastmaster's? It's a worldwide club for people who want to become better at public speaking and leadership. Members meet regularly in a supportive, friendly environment where everyone has a chance to practice giving speeches thinking on their feet, and leading meetings.
Below are some fun facts about Toastmasters gathered from the internet:
Almost 100 Years Young – Toastmasters started in
1924. That means it’s older than TV, sliced bread, and definitely older than
your phone battery.
Not About Toast – Despite the name, there’s no
champagne, no wedding toasts, and no buttered bread. Just people learning to
speak without turning beet red.
Celebrity
Toasties – Comedian Tim Allen is a Toastmaster. So technically, every time
you laugh at Home Improvement reruns, you’re laughing with us.
Cheap but Chic
– Membership costs less than a college textbook, and you’ll actually remember
what you learned.
Zoom Boom –
Now you can join meetings online. So yes, you can practice world-class
public speaking while wearing pajama bottoms.
Visit a Toastmasters club near you and see what it's all about!
It’s true, Janet Jackson and I have something in common – we’re
both women, she’s a singer, I am too (not as well, actually I sound better when
music drowns me out). Our closet connection is that we’ve both experienced a
wardrobe malfunction…in public.
If you have ever had an embarrassing moment, you will be
able to relate to my story. It happened early on a Sunday morning. I was on the
devotion team at church, which meant I stood at the front of the church with a
few other people at the beginning of service.
During devotion someone reads a scripture, another prays,
and all of us lead the parishioners in a song. Singing. This was my opportunity
to sing loudly, off key, and hope no one noticed. I sang my heart out. In my
mind I had the moves of Janet Jackson, the soulful sound of Aretha Franklin,
and the beard of Barry White.
As I was singing, the neckline of my dress felt like it was choking
me. I tugged at the fabric, but the discomfort was still there. Once we finished
singing, I returned to the pew and pulled at my neckline again. I looked at the
inside of the dress and saw writing, it was the tag. My dress was on backwards!
You may be asking, how did she manage to wear her dress backwards?
Well, my dress has the same pattern on the front and back. The tag that
identifies the size was not an actual label; there was only writing. So, I wore
my dress proudly, backwards for the next two hours, until I could get home and
pull it off.
Once I got home, I pulled on a pair of yoga pants and an
oversized t-shirt. These were the clothes of comfort that I knew would not betray.
Just for fun I grabbed my karaoke microphone and began singing one of Janet
Jackson’s songs - Funny How time Flies When You’re Having Fun. Did you
just start singing that tune in your head?
The only thing I really have in common with Janet Jackson is
that we’re that same age, and that little malfunction with our clothing.
What is something weird, funny or crazy that has happened to
you lately?
YouTube Video Credit - Women Make You Late - Andy Woodhull - Dry Bar Comedy
One day you're changing diapers ad you wonder when your child will transition of of this stages. Then come the days of after school practices, rehearsals, and travel sports. Then one day it happens...your little birdie flies the coop.
Check out my story (page 22) in the Crazy Wisdom Monthly Journal.
Have you experienced being an empty nester? What was your experience?
Happy Labor Day
Aah, Labor Day, a day of rest – not for the strawberry farmer; that’s what I call my son. The role of a strawberry farmer requires year-round work, patience, and resilience to overcome challenges like weather and pests. My son’s end goal was to eat from the fruits of his labor, literally. There was only one thing standing in his way…his brown thumb.
Last year was the first time my son tried gardening, he planted
watermelon and strawberry seeds (separately). The watermelon didn’t do so well,
but the strawberries that sprouted gave him hope to try again this year. And that’s
what he did, plant strawberries. The green thumb that my son thought he had
turned out to be a brown thumb.
During the spring season, the strawberry seeds were planted
in a container, provided with water, sunlight, and given tender loving care…according
to my son. The other day we stood outside looking at his plants, and my son
said, “I still don’t see any strawberries yet.” He pulled out his phone and
talked to AI (artificial intelligence), Gemini.
“Gemini, how long should it take for strawberries to grow?”
“It should take five to six weeks after flowering,” Gemini
said.
Looking at me wide-eyed and with a smirk on his face, my son
said, “I don’t have flowers or anything.”
My son has an app that can identify problems with plants. He
opened the app on his phone and asked, “How much longer do my strawberries need
to grow?
Gemini responded, “Those aren’t strawberry plants.”
My son says in a
dejected voice, “I’ve been nurturing weeds since spring and replanting them
with care.”
I told my son he had strawberries that refused to grow.
After consulting Gemini once more, my son learned that he could turn his brown
thumb into a green thumb. His first step was to learn more about his plants’
needs, proper soil condition, and the local environment.
My suggestion was that he also consult his dad, who had
vegetables sprouting nicely (see photo below).
Do you think you want to start a garden? Try it, just don’t ask my son or me for advice. We can tell you what NOT to do.
Wellness doesn’t always come in the form of Kale smoothies, downward
dog poses (yoga), or meditation apps – it can come from a good laugh and a
little gratitude too. Sometimes we need to pause, clear our minds, and notice
the little silly joys in life.
Laughter can boost your mood, reduce stress, and remind you
not to take life too seriously. Here are ten fun things to be thankful for that
spark wellness and giggles.
1.
Stretchy Pants – these are the unsung heroes of
comfort and holiday dinners. Grab your favorite pair just in time for a Labor
Day cook-out.
2.
WiFi That Actually Works – it’s modern miracle
worth a standing ovation.
3.
The Smell of Freshly Popped Popcorn – instant happiness
in a cloud of butter. Sit down with a large bowl of buttery popcorn on your lap
and watch a funny show.
4.
When Your Cell Phone Falls But Doesn’t Crack –
heart attack averted.
5.
Karaoke Nights Gone Wrong (or Right?) – laughter
therapy disguised as singing.
6.
Drive-Thru Employees Who Give Extra Napkins –
because they know you’re about to make a mess.
7.
The One Song You Can’t Help But Dance To – a free
workout wrapped in joy. What is one song that when you hear it, you launch into
a full blown concert?
8.
Unexpected Belly Laughs – the kind that sneak up
on you…and cause you to snort.
9.
Finding Money in Old Coat Pockets – it’s like
winning the lottery without even playing.
10. Laughing
at Yourself – this is a healthy reminder that perfection is overrated. Don’t be
hard on yourself, find the humor in whatever is happening.
Habitat for Humanity
Here we are halfway through the month of August, and I just discovered
that this is National Wellness Month. Everything is becoming clear to me now,
this must be why Weight Watchers keeps sending me emails inviting me to join.
Once upon a time and two kids ago, I was a lifetime member
of Weight Watchers. The program worked for me, but life changed and so did my
body. If no one has told you, let me tell you, your body will change. Ladies,
your metabolism may turn on you, foods that you used to eat may affect your
body differently.
Aging is not all doom and gloom, just know that you may need
to shift some things. The things you did for health and wellness five years ago
may need to look different. Remember nutrition, fitness, and sleep all affect
your health and wellness. What do you do to be sure you have a balance of all
these things? Do more of the things that bring you joy.
As you focus on a healthy lifestyle be sure to include
activities that stimulate laughter. There are studies that say laughter can
help lessen stress, anxiety, depression, and make you feel happier.
Did you know that happiness “lowers your risk for
cardiovascular disease, lowers your blood pressure, enables better sleep, and
improves your diet.” At least that’s what Google told me. These are enough
reasons for me to use laughter as part of my self-care. I’ve found that
laughing at some of my struggles (and turning them into comedy) makes them a
little more bearable.
From weight gain to wild chin hairs, and wacky kids, humor is
always lurking in everyday life situations. My weight gain/weight loss efforts
consistently provide material for jokes. In the last couple of years, I’ve
worked with a nutritionist and a fitness trainer (at different times), yet my
body refuses to cooperate.
And my chin hairs, I get rid of them, and they find their
way back, longer, stronger…and grey.
Use this month to jump start or continue focusing on your
health and wellness and make it fun rather than a chore. I challenge you to
find something funny every day for the rest of this month.
I’ve often heard the phrase, “cleanliness is next to
godliness.” Here’s a thought to ponder, does that phrase apply to the vehicle
you drive? I’m asking for a friend…maybe. I keep my gas tank filled, have my
oil changed regularly, but washing my car…yikes. This is where my story begins.
Once upon a time in an inner-city parking lot, I met him, the
owner of a car detailing shop. He wasn’t there for me, but to take care of a
fleet of city owned vehicles. There was an instant connection, he had a
detailing shop…I owned a car. After seeing his work on a fleet of eight
vehicles, I knew he was the one…for my car.
When I told my colleagues I was having my car detailed, they
jumped on the bandwagon and scheduled an appointment too. The owner “Jake”
brought his equipment to us and began the detailing job with my car. I warned
him that my fabric seats needed extra love and attention. In other words, they
were past dirty…and my seats are a light color.
I checked on Jake’s progress, he was on his hands and knees,
scrubbing, grunting; I saw patches of sweat on the back of his white T-shirt.
When he stood to talk to me, I saw that his face matched his shirt, drenched
with tracks of sweat. He used the back of his hand to wipe seat from his brows.
“Hi Jake, it’s looking good, were the seats bad?” I asked.
“Yes, but the carpet was worse, I had to dig into the fibers.”
“Oh.”
I went back inside and got out of Jakes way.
This company cleaned eight buses in the time it took to
clean my 4-door sedan.
After he finished, Jake brought my keys back to me; sweat still
covering his face like makeup, and his t-shirt clinging to him like a wet
T-shirt contest.
I said, “I guess I shouldn’t ask for a discount.”
He didn’t even want to tell me the final cost; he wrote it
on a piece of paper and handed it to me.
After my car, he cancelled the rest of his appointments…went
out of business! Not really, but it was a funny thought. He did have to
postpone my colleagues’ detailing until the next day, due to time constraints
(time invested on my car).
Jake told me, “If you’re not going to clean your car often,
you might want to invest in seat covers. And your tires, I got the rust off the
rims best I could.”
When I walked outside to my car at the end of that day, it
was visibly clean. Sitting in the driver’s seat, looking through the
windshield, I could see up to Heaven. My car had been transformed. It was clean.
The end.
The moral of the story…take care of your vehicle, treat it
to a deep cleaning every now and then. How often do you deep clean your
vehicle?
The red rubber ball bounced across the gritty playground and
slid over home plate. It was game on in a kickball battle of talent and
teamwork. As my son kicked the ball it sailed between first and second base and
landed in the outfield. He sprinted past first, second, then third base. Home
run!
Aaah, the joys of summer…outdoor games, dipping your feet in
a swimming pool, and licking an ice cream cone as it melts down your knuckles.
Just because summer is drifting to an end does not mean fun has to cease. No
need to fret, pout, or stump your feet, joy in on the way in the next season.
I got a little anxious at the beginning of July when I
walked in a store and saw shelves filled with notebooks, backpacks, highlighters
and ink pens. My eyes screamed, “nooo, not yet. Where has summer gone?” After
the initial shock, I came to grips with the changing of seasons.
Since it is back to school time, I decided to go back to
school too, and I convinced my son to take this adventure with me. We have
signed up for a class…a comedy class. He has said to me on multiple occasions, ”Ma
you get all your material from us.” Now that he can mimic all my jokes, he’ll
have a chance to create his own.
I plan to “fall into fun” by letting my sense of humor guide
me. As a comedian, ideas can come from anywhere. The majority of my jokes or
stories come from everyday life, and it’s usually from something crazy, weird
or outlandish that happens.
I keep a humor journal or notebook to jot down ideas that I
may want to later develop into jokes. The first time I write a joke, it is
never considered finished. The joke may need to be shortened, words switched around
and practiced out loud at an open mic.
Here’s an excerpt from one of my humor notebooks from a few
years ago:
Talking on the phone with my youngest son,
he’s 21, almost done with college. We
set his move out date. The day he’ll move out of my house. He told me in his
man voice, “when I move out, I’m NEVER coming back.”
I asked him, “Why are you in such a hurry to be an adult? Let’s practice first. I’ll put your name on the water bill, the electric bill and let you pay one month on the mortgage. Oh yeah and don’t buy a house that has grass. Lord knows you don’t like to cut the grass.”
“Remember that time you cut the front yard and told me you didn’t cut the back because no one would see it.”
_________________________________________________________________________________
When I reminded my son about the story above,
all he could do was chuckle.
What’s new for you on the horizon for this fall? Make it something fun.
A few months ago, I participated in a Comedy Gauntlet. There
were sixteen comedians, we each had 90 seconds to sling our jokes, make folks
laugh, and hope our efforts would reward us with the title of Champion. The
competition was lighthearted, and fun. This was not the same experience with my
grocery store gauntlet.
A gave my grocery store visit the name “gauntlet” because it
fit the definition that I came across. Gauntlet can be defined as “a series of
challenging, dangerous, or unpleasant experiences – often with obstacles…giving
you a hard time.” Yep, that fits my grocery store excursion.
As I entered the store and tried to grab a cart, I
discovered a great deal of strength was needed to pull the carts apart. I don’t
know who my grocery store has retrieving carts from the parking lot. I imagine
the person to have the physique of the Incredible Hulk, and his temperament when
jamming the carts together.
My attempt to pull the carts apart reminded me of playing
tug of war as a child. I planted my feet in a firm stance, placed one hand on
each cart. I began pulling one cart toward me, while pushing the other in the
opposite direction. I’m pretty sure I was grunting loudly. After a few tries, I
gave up on that row of carts and moved to the next one.
My first stop was at the produce section where I immediately
became immersed in a math problem, fractions. For the love fruit smoothies in
the summer, I was trying to determine the best deal on blueberries, the one pint
for $6.99 or the 9.8 ounces that were two for $8.99.
You may look at that scenario and say, “that’s easy math” or
“it depends on how many blueberries you want”. The bottom line was that I didn’t
want to think, I just wanted to grab enough blueberries to get me through a
week of smoothies. Now, if you love math, here’s a story problem for you.
If little Angie wants to make three smoothies in a week
and she uses a ¼ cup of blue berries in each smoothie, how many 9-ounce containers
of blueberries would she need?
When you have the answer to the story problem, post it for
me and I’ll take the info along on my next shopping trip.
The next ingredient for my famous smoothie was strawberries.
They looked fresh, then again, it could have been the overhead lights that made
them look appealing. The price was right, they usually cost $5.99 per
container, but were on sale, two for $6.99.
I grabbed the strawberry deal, but knew it meant I would
need to make more than smoothies in the coming week. Experience has taught me
that when strawberries are on sale, they are near the end of their shelf life
and will need to be eaten within a few days.
I was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed in the fruit
section, but I wasn’t giving up yet. I was in the midst of my grocery store
gauntlet; faced with one challenge after another. I still needed to select my
melons, not for the smoothie, but just because I want other fruits for my
meals.
Ah, the melons – watermelon and cantaloupe were what I wanted.
Off I went to inspect the melons – sniff, thump and listen. I thumped the watermelon, listened for a
hollow sound, and hoped I had selected a sweet, ready to eat melon.
My grocery store gauntlet was NOT fun like the Comedy
Gauntlet. I made it through because I knew I would transform the situation into
humor at some point.
What exciting, wacky, or odd things have you encountered at
the grocery store? Don’t stress about it, laugh at it.
A week without a razor, can you imagine what that looks
like…if you have a menopausal mustache? I nearly experienced such a travesty on a
recent vacation. I am grateful
that I had my pink Gillette double blade razor.
I won’t get into the debate over the use of razors versus
tweezing or waxing. I will say that when it comes to hair in unwanted places,
my motto is “hair today, gone tomorrow.”
On a trip with friends, I had many opportunities to express
gratitude. One morning as I was washing my face with the white hotel washcloth,
I noticed something white left behind under my chin. It looked like a small
piece of cotton. I attempted to wipe it away, but my effort was futile.
Upon close scrutiny, with my head tilted back, chin in the
air, and leaning toward the bathroom mirror, I came to a conclusion. What I
thought was cotton, was really one, lone grey hair, fighting for survival.
Well, not on my watch. I grabbed my Gillette double blade razor and swiped it
away.
Satisfied with my temporarily smooth chin, I put the razor
away. Those annoying hairs would return before the end of the week, but I would
be ready.
It seems as I age, my hair grows where I don’t want it and
disappears where I do want it. If you stand too closely in my personal space,
you may notice that hairs have shifted from my eyebrows down to my chin. I am grateful
to my chin for being so accommodating and welcoming. However, I’d rather the
hairs disappear…like my waistline.
I’m not complaining, just navigating the maze of life
through steamed eyeglasses due to hot flashes.
If I could choose a superpower, I would want it to be
laughter. My cape would have the letters ‘LL’ branded on it for Lady Laughter.
I would go around brightening people’s day by making them laugh. Wait. I do
that now, with comedy.
I am grateful for humor, laughter and the opportunities that
arise for me to share a giggle.
My challenge to you is to flip the script on any challenging
situation this week. Instead of being frustrated, take a deep breath, and find
the funny,
Are you old enough to remember
the old TV show, Gilligan’s Island? The lyrics of the song went like
this, “just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a faithful trip…”
This is a story about the moments
when vacation ambition meets reality. My faithful trip started with good
intentions. I preplanned in my head, that I would workout and make healthy
eating choices.
The first day of my trip was a
travel day, a twelve-hour ride in a van, with stops for gas, food, and the
occasional restroom break. I packed healthy snacks to sustain me throughout the
weeklong trip. I had done so much sitting that I was happy to spend time in the
hotel fitness center the next morning.
I stepped onto the elliptical for
a ten-minute warmup. Panting and puffing
I made it through the warmup, then walked around the room to steady my breathing.
My eyes locked on the sign on the wall that read, Fitness Center Rules. Let
me break down some of those rules.
Rule #1 This facility is not supervised.
Use of the equipment is the responsibility of the guest.
The first mistake the hotel made
was to assume I am responsible and to trust me to be unsupervised.
Rule #2 Guest is responsible for knowing
his/her own physical limitations.
Hmm. My physical limitation is
that I need to learn how to put my fork down and push away from the dinner
table.
Rule #3 Please, no wet bathing suits or
bare feet.
First of all, I’m not about to
put on a dry bathing suit (let alone a wet one), until I can transform
some of my flab to fit. And bare feet? I know better than walking around a
fitness center with bare feet. I hesitate to walk bare foot around my house. I’ve
stubbed my toes enough to know how to walk cautiously.
Rule #7 Use at your own risk.
This rule should have been listed
first. I had already broken several rules before reading number seven. The
moment I waved my room key and entered the fitness center; I was on my own.
During my weeklong vacation, I
was in many buffet lines. I enjoyed sampling the flavors of the area I was
visiting. I ate meals without regret because I also walked a lot while visiting
museums and other attractions.
From the buffet line to use of the
barbells in the fitness center, finding balance is key. I caution you…don’t
stress over being perfect. Laugh a little, have fun, and keep showing up for
yourself.
Share a humorous tale you have experienced.
Grumpy is easy to achieve, but so is being grateful…well, it
should be easy. Now that I think about it, expressing gratitude can require
practice, especially when frustrating circumstances pop up. I like to flip the
switch on a grumpy day by using humor and expressing gratitude that the
situation was not worse.
My son once told me, “Ma, you’re the most positive person I
know. If I tell you, I broke my toe, you’ll say, ‘at least you have nine other
healthy ones.’”
That is not a totally true statement. I strive to practice
positivity, but there are glitches in my system. Sometimes complaints flow from
that hole in my face, called a mouth, like a waterfall.
I’ve come home from work to dirty dishes in the sink, mail
scattered on a table, and so many shoes at my front door that it looks like we’re
part owner of a Footlocker shoe store. Before I even make it to my bedroom, I
stop to straighten couch pillows, straighten shoes, and move random dishes to
the kitchen. I do all of this mumbling and grumbling.
Instead of stressing myself over the little things I decided
to flip the script. I set my mind to resolve this situation with humor tactics.
The President of the United States has the State of the Union address, I
created the State of the House address, and it’s not the House of
Representative.
My State of the House address would include the following (directed
to my offspring)…
Fourscore and 20 years ago we moved into this house. A
declaration was created, giving you unalienable rights. However, those rights were
under the discretion of “The People” hereafter known as “The Parents.” Article
7 Clause 2 says Honor thy mother and father…oh wait, that statement is from a
different book. But follow it anyway.
If you look at the photo attached to this article, how many
people would you think reside there? If you guessed any more than three, you’d
be wrong. The reason they are so neatly arranged is because I organized them
for the photo.
I no longer get frustrated when things are out of place. I
enjoy the company of laughing with my son and turning his shenanigans into
comedy. And I wish him well when he has kids. Just to prepare him for what is
to come, I demonstrated when I visited his house.
My son had a few pair of shoes neatly lined up at his front
door. I said, “Oh, your shoes re so neat.” I gave each pair a little kick, “Now
that’s better.”
My son looked at me and rolled his eyes.
You may have heard it before; Laughter is good medicine; it
can turn your day around. The next time you’re having a grumpy day, stop, take
a deep breath, then engage in something that will make you laugh.
If you're feeling old, you are not alone. Check out Mike Paramore's Dry Bar comedy special for his humorous perspective on feeling old.
YouTube Video: Grandmama said
Grandmothers are wise, funny, and have their own special style
Welcome to the weekend! With summer knocking at our door, I thought this would be a good blog post to share again. I first posted this one over a year ago...
Have you
ever heard advertisers make the statement, “get your body summer ready?” If you
are beyond a certain age of maturity, this is not as easy as some people make
it sound.
Let me paint
a picture for you using the canvas of my experience. Some women say, “Oh, I
don’t tell my age.” Not me. I will tell you my age, my credit score, my social
security number, but I will NOT tell you, my weight.
Due to my
menopausal midsection, my jeans have betrayed me. Trying to tuck in my tummy
rolls is like working with a clump of clay. Trying to put a popped can of
biscuits back into the container would be less taxing.
Before you
begin working to get your body summer ready, answer this question: What does summer
ready mean if you’re in your Golden Years? Here are three ideas of what a
summer ready body means for the over 50 ladies.
1.
A
body free of aches and pains.
2. Being
able to rise from a chair without grunting.
3. You
have bathing suit confidence. In my mind this is the moment you realize that the
perfect beach body means having a body and going to the beach.
4. Sweat
acceptance - this means you made peace with the fact that you’ll be perpetually
glistening (due to hot flashes).
5. Being
a Yoga Yardie – this involves stretching out with morning yoga in your backyard
enjoying the peace and tranquility of nature.
Now that you
have an idea of what it means to have a summer body, what are the steps to get
there? Well, I’ve worked with a fitness coach, a nutritionist, practiced yoga, and
meditation. Yet I feel like I’m in a fight of my lifetime…against my
metabolism. Why can’t this journey be a little easier? Well, it can.
Three steps
to get your body summer ready:
1. Change
your mindset – accept your body the way it is, bumps, lumps, and imperfections.
Make small changes for steps toward the body you want. Give yourself time.
2. Pamper
yourself – when you feel good, you look good. A foot massage, full body
massage, a facial, all good methods for pampering and taking care of your body.
3. Laugh regularly – just because it’s fun and it can relieve the stress of worrying about whether your body will be summer ready?
What are
your tips for getting your body summer ready?
My little piggies wiggled with excitement at the thought of
being in the open air, ready to boogie to a beat. There was just one thing I needed
to do before they were exposed to the world – treat them to a pedicure. I
grabbed my flip-flop shoes and off I went to my favorite nail salon.
Once I arrived at the salon, there was an empty massage
chair waiting for me. In a split second, my shoes were off, and I pressed the power
button on the massage chair. The rollers in the chair pounded gently on my
back, and I dipped my big toe in the water. The temperature was exactly right –
all my toes dived in.
The nail technician pampered my feet and gave all my toes special
attention. She didn’t even frown at the sight of my thick toenails or the
bunion on that one toe. The experience was true bliss. I would not have gotten
that type of treatment at home. Just ask my son.
I was so pleased with my pedicure that when I got home, I
told my son about my euphoric experience. His vision of my visit was a
flashback to a time when he was in elementary school, and he agreed to give me
a pedicure. He grabbed a large bath towel, large nail clippers, and put on swim
goggles. He wanted to protect himself from any flying clippings.
I confess, my toenails are a little thick. Given my toenail history my son asked, “did you go to a pedicure shop or a tree trimming place?”
I let my son have his laugh, then I told him, “Some things
are hereditary, and you’re like your mama in many ways.”
Have you let your toes out to explore the fresh air lately?
Treat yourself to a pedicure, dig your toes in cool sand, or walk across warm
grass barefoot. Whatever you choose, be kind to your feet, they do a lot for
you.
It’s a rainy Friday night, and you have been invited to an
event – do you go, or do you stay home in your pajamas? Here are your
parameters – you’re over fifty, you’ve just worked all day, and the event
starts at 9pm. If you have ever experienced this scenario, you are eligible for
the I’m tired club.
Here’s my story…
I signed up for a comedy open mic; after it was confirmed
that I made the list, I sent a text message, “by the way, what time is the
show?”
“Nine o’clock.”
I was glad we were corresponding through text message
because my eyes said, “oooh, that’s late.”
I stopped by my mom’s house to relax before heading to the
show. I pulled off my shoes and melted into her faux leather recliner.
It was early evening when I started calling friends and
family to see if anyone wanted to ride with me. It was a local venue, but I
like to have someone ride with me to late shows.
My brother was my first call. When I asked if he wanted to
go to the show he said, “It’s raining outside, what time is the show?”
“Nine o’clock.”
He said, “Oooo, I’m under the covers. Call ne back if you
can’t find anybody else.”
My mother was in a recliner next to me, drifting in and out
of sleep. I called out to her, “Ma, do you want to go to a comedy show with me
tonight?’
“Mmmm, no I have to get up early tomorrow.”
“You’re retired, and tomorrow is Saturday.”
That was strike two.
I was beginning to feel like I was in a fairy tale where
something happens three times before success is achieved. You know, like Goldilocks
and the Three Bears or The Three Little Pigs.
There was one more person I could ask, my son. He agreed to
hang out with me, but he had just gotten off work and had to go home and change
clothes. I was already dressed but feeling like I wanted to reunite pajamas.
We finally made it to the venue, mingled with others, indulged
in the snacks provided – popcorn and alcohol-free beverages. I didn't want a
pop, so I tried a mango-flavored sparkling water; it was bubbly and tasty.
I sipped on that 16-ounce Mango beverage throughout the
night as I enjoyed the comedy show. It was a good night…until I tried to sleep.
It was 11:30pm, I was snuggled under warm blankets, but my
eyes were wide open. I tossed and turned until after midnight.
The next morning, I read the side of the can of the Mango
water; the word ENERGY now jumped out at me, along with the statement 200 mg of
caffeine. The reason behind sleep avoiding me was clear. I don’t drink energy
drinks, and never would have tried one at 9pm, close to my bedtime.
Reading is fundamental. I should have read that beverage can more closely or better yet, stayed home in my pajamas. But then I would have missed all the fun.
What would you choose on a rainy Friday night, a night out
or pajamas?
YouTube Video Credit: Dry Bar Comedy - The Craziest Police Stop You Ever Heard - Sam Adams
Check out Dustin Nickerson's take on being (almost) old.
YouTube Video Credit: 30 Isn't Old, But It is Almost Old. Dustin Nickerson - Dry Bar Comedy
It’s National Reading Month! That’s right March is
celebrated as National Reading Month. It’s a good excuse to curl up with a good
book, relax, and tune out everything around you. Think of it as a form of
self-care.
In addition to reading, there are other ways you can
celebrate reading month. Below is a list of 7 Ways to celebrate National Reading
Month.
1.
Support local bookstores.
2.
Read to a child.
When my sons were in elementary school, their
school had a program called D.E.A.R. which stands for Drop Everything And Read.
They had designated times during the day allotted for this program. There was
also a day where parents could visit the school and read to the class, or maybe
that was a different program I’m thinking about. Either way, reading to a child
or with them can open their minds to new things.
3.
Listen to an audio book. I like listening to an
audio book when I have a long drive somewhere. It helps the drive go by faster.
On a recent four-hour drive to a conference, I listened to one of my favorite
authors, Mary Higgins Clark. It was a good “Whodunit” mystery. In case you’re interested,
the title of the book is Where Are You Now?
4.
Host a reading challenge – set a goal for the
month and invite friends and family to join in. Have a prize or celebration at
the end of your challenge. Better yet, reward yourself. Purchase a new book, a
book light, or something else bookish.
5.
Follow an author – learn more about your favorite
writers and explore their works. You could even try reading something by an
author new to you or read a different genre than you typically read.
6.
Start a reading journal – keep track of the
books you’ve read and write down favorite quotes or reflections.
7.
Write a book review – share your thoughts on a
recent book, to help others discover great books.
Just for kicks and giggles here are some book related jokes
I came across while surfing the internet.
1.
Why did the book join the police?
It wanted to go undercover!
2.
What’s a book’s favorite drink?
Tequila Mockingbird.
3.
Why don’t books ever get cold?
They wear book jackets.
No matter how you participate, National Reading Month is an
exciting time to embrace the joy of books and lifelong learning.
