Why did Walt Disney say, “If you can dream it, you can DO it” – instead of you can HAVE it? Could it be because your dreams are ultimately not about having something, they’re about doing something and sharing it with the world. One important thing to know is that your dreams and your goals are not somewhere “out there” – they’re inside of you. They’re already there. Look at your passions, your talents, and your natural gifts. What do you love to do, right from the bottom of your heart? What are you good at? And how can it...
That Transformation Called Retirement
Is retirement creating an identity crisis for you? For so many people, retirement is really scary transformation. While at work, you felt like you were part of something. You were productive and useful. You had an identity that was all wrapped up around what you did and what you accomplished. Now what? The vast unknown looms over you and you’re lost and confused. Let go A quote by Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu is relevant here. He said, “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” What a brilliant way to look at the transformation...
Goals: results or process-oriented?
Goals have been an important part of my life as far back as I can remember. I’ve always known what I want to achieve, and then taken action to get there as directly and quickly as possible. After all, how could you get anywhere if you don’t know where you’re headed? And what good are goals if they’re not specific and results-oriented? (Yes, I’m a Type A over-achiever!) Recently, I came across this coddiwomple concept: do something purposefully, but without knowing where it will lead. What an amazing idea! And what a relief to know that I don’t have to...
Rise Above Impossible!
Why do we let others decide what’s possible or not? How do they know? And what’s their motivation? So often it’s fear, conformity, or lack of imagination. At one point, people said it was impossible to run a mile in under 4 minutes. Then Roger Bannister did it – and so did others. Clearly, we can rise above impossible! Look at all the Olympic athletes performing their personal best. They are not all setting world records, but so many are rising above their own impossible. I especially love the stories of the para-lympic athletes competing and winning medals despite major...
Do or do not: really?
Do or do not. There is no try. I’ve always lived by Yoda’s mantra. When something excites me, I let my heart propel me full steam ahead, and never let something the size of a speed bump become a roadblock. I’m on a quest – a mission to achieve that dream, to conquer that skill, and do whatever it takes to get it right. Achieve at all costs. The trouble is, between do or do not, there is, indeed, a middle ground (or so I’ve heard!) People tell me it’s a beautiful place, full of balance and harmony, where all...
My Inner Critic Speaks Up
Do you ever wonder why you remain filled with fear, uncertainty and doubt, no matter what you achieve? And do you ever wonder why feeling happy seems so dependent on people and events around you? That’s because of me, your Inner Critic. I make sure you keep looking for that happy feeling from praise and achievements. But it’s oh so temporary, isn’t it? I just love that roller coaster ride of emotions you go through. Happy and high for a bit, and then poof! It’s gone and you’re down craving that next achievement. As your Inner Critic, it’s so much...
How to make walking more interesting
Does your daily walk around those same paths or streets get boring? It doesn’t have to be that way! Here are some ways to spice things up and make walking more interesting. Walk with a friend or join a walking club. A friend of mine does this and it really works! Not only does it give her people to socialize with, it’s motivating. Members of the group motivate each other and hold each other accountable, so “I think I’ll skip today” or “it’s cold out today” doesn’t cut it. This is peer pressure put to good use. So find a...
Barriers or Challenges?
There are so many different types of emotional, physical and mental barriers in our life! A big one for many newly retired people has to do with that feeling of having nothing to do, no purpose and no place to go. Freedom feels like a barrier instead of an exciting challenge. What about you? Is there something you wish you could do, but don’t dare? Look again: are they barriers or challenges in front you? So many well-wishers have said, “Don’t limit your challenges; challenge your limits.” Easy to say, not so easy to do! I often have this crazy...
Pre-Performance Anxiety Reinterpreted
Pre-Performance Anxiety Reinterpreted “Research published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology shows that instead of trying to calm yourself down, ‘reappraising pre-performance anxiety as excitement’ is often advantageous. When you suppress pre-event nerves, you are inherently telling yourself that something is wrong. Not only does this make the situation worse, but it takes emotional and physical energy to fight off the feeling of anxiety – energy that could be better spent on the task at hand… Simply telling yourself ‘I am excited’ shifts your demeanor from what they call a threat mindset (stressed out and apprehensive) to an opportunity mindset...
Minestrone
Get Out of that Hole!
Cool Seniors Doing Cool Things
How Old Are You?
It’s Never Too Late to Learn to Dance
Wendy Suzuki: The Brain-Changing Benefits of Exercise
How do you keep your brain sharp after you retire? Give it a workout! No, not a mental one – a physical one. In this humorous and entertaining Ted Talk, neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki recounts her personal experience as well as scientific research on the benefits of exercise on brain structure and function.
Go Away Limiting Beliefs – I Can Do It!
Go Get Those Dreams!
How to Feel Wonderful
Ready to Fly