Change Happens, Now Deal With It

Change is a natural part of life.  It can be good and it can be bad.  We move to new homes, make new friends, gain weight, lose weight, lose jobs, and face the loss of loved ones.  But when it comes to living younger, it is how you deal with change that matters.

1. Acknowledge the change

All too often when change occurs we tend to stick our heads in the sand and ignore.  Either we secretly wish that it would magically go away or we feel if we ignore it, it somehow won't affect us.  A healthier, more youthful approach is to simply acknowledge that the change is occurring.  Whether it is good or bad, take note that your world is not going to be the same.  If it is a life change like the death of a loved one or the loss of a job, take some time to grieve.  Releasing your anger, sadness, or frustration can be healthy as long as you don't let it consume you or keep you from moving forward. 

2.  Develop a strategy to move on

Once you have acknowledged the change, decide how you are going to deal with it.  For example, if you need to find work after having been out of the work force for years, part of your strategy might be to acquire new skills like learning to use new computer software or learning Spanish.  If it is the death of a spouse, it may involve learning how to handle the household finances or simply learning how to live alone.  Whatever the change , having a gameplan to deal with it is essential to living with it successfully.

3.  Prepare for future changes

Keep a mindset that nothing lasts forever.  The job that you currently have could suddenly be lost.  Your dream house could go into foreclosure.  Your relationship with boyfriend could breakup.  Develop a plan to address these changes so you are not caught off guard or thrown for a loop.  This is not to say you should create an attitude of doom and gloom.  Rather you should just stay prepared for whatever comes.  In the case of financial changes, start saving a nest egg.  Prepare for romantic breakups by socializing and maintaining friendships outside of your relationship.  Also have interests and engage in activities outside of those you share with your partner.  By preparing for the future, change will be less intimidating and easier to handle.

Change is never easy.  However, know that as one door closes, another one is sure to open, and change is just another part of living younger.

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Why Beautiful Mature Women Let Themselves Go

In high school, she dated the cutest boy in class.  She was voted college home-coming queen by a landslide.  As a young career woman, she was a force to be reckoned with; charismatic and sharp.  Now at age 45, she has gained 30 pounds and spends most of her days in sweat pants and extra large t-shirts.  Why do beautiful mature women, let themselves go?

1.       They don’t have the time.  Many women feel there are just not enough hours in the day to spend on themselves.  The demands of family, work, and social obligations keep their schedules jam-packed.  If time is a dilemma, try these time saving strategies:  get a stunning low maintenance haircut, hang your clothes into fashionable ready to wear outfits, brighten up your face with a little mascara and a nice shade of lipstick, get fit by walking more and sitting less.

2.       They don’t have enough money.  We are living in tough times with rising gas and food prices.  Most women just don’t feel splurging on themselves is justified.  However, in tough times we need to be at our best just to cope.  Try to limit your shopping to items that will supplement or update your wardrobe like, a new blazer, handbag or shoes.  Color your own hair with color kits from the drugstore .   Workout to television exercise shows.

3.       They have low self –esteem.  These are the women who usually say they don’t care how they look or what others think.    Unfortunately, judgments are made everyday about your competency, honesty, and intelligence based upon your appearance.  The way you look could make the difference between finally getting the job you’ve been after, and not getting it.  Make an effort to look your best.  Show the world that you care.

4.       They don’t know how to put themselves together.  When we were younger it was pretty easy to look good.  You usually just picked up a fashion magazine and followed the latest trends.  But magazines are usually geared towards women in their twenties and thirties.  What is a mature woman to do?  If you can afford it, invest in a personal stylist.  A professional can help you develop a look that is uniquely you.  If money is a problem, look for clothes that fit and flatter you, get tips on makeup from department store makeup artists, and check out exercise DVDs from your local library.

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Did You Know. . . ?

      There may be a link between a sedentary lifestyle and an increased risk for colon cancer.  A study completed by the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Pennsylvania showed that people who are active and exercise have a 30 to 40 percent lower risk of developing colon cancer than sedentary people.

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Should You Wear A Bikini?

      It's the dog days of August and nothing would feel better than a dip in the pool.  If you are over forty, should you grab your bikini or head for the one piece.  I think the general fashion rule should apply:  If it fits and flatters you, then wear it.  If you are like the average woman over forty, you have gained some weight, lost some perkiness, and acquired some extra padding around the midsection.  In this case, cherish your one piece or at least wear a modest two piece.  However, if you have the body of forty-something Olympian swimmer Dara Torres, by all means, it's bikini all the way!

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