Energetic "Re-Firement" Beyond Self Doubt

April weather seems filled with doubts about itself. Sometimes it's spring... sometimes it's winter...sunshine and blooming flowers get covered with dustings of snow... often chill winds blow... and then, suddenly it's hot.

A steady sense of inner self-confidence is needed to exceed the vagaries of self-doubt we may absorb from the weather, the world around us, or negativity in people we encounter. For many, it is difficult to hold a steady inner compass amidst all the distractions and pulls on our energies and time.

The new field of energy psychology supports and addresses taking personal responsibility for our health and moods. Better than that, it gives us specific tools for steering through the waters of uncertainty with healthy, life-enhancing affirmations. To celebrate and encourage self-esteem in all layers of the personality, these affirmations and techniques are carefully anchored to the body and its energy system while stimulating changes in feeling, thinking, and actions.

Here's a sampling of specific things you can do to chase the clouds of self-doubt. To connect with the unlimited supply of energy that is available, you need two ready internal resources-your willingness and your intention.

· Listen to your inner dialogue that may hold twinges of self-doubt. For example, " I can't decide," "I'm too old (or too young, or whatever) for this" "I'm helpless," "There's nothing I can do," " The world is a mess," "I'm not smart/good/strong enough to cause change," "It's in the hands of others."

· Select one of these very present self-doubting thoughts with the intention and willingness to update it and make it something refreshing and upbeat. Research demonstrates that our neurons refire and multiply when we stretch our minds to new ideas.

· Treat the phrase by incorporating it into a more positive, hopeful adage. Examples: "Even though I know the world is a mess, I still deeply and profoundly accept myself and choose to make at least one positive contribution every day." "Even though I feel helpless in this situation, I deeply and profoundly honor who I am and am finding a healing path."

· Embed the new statement into the body by gently massaging the heart area. Let it resonate with each cell by repeating it as often as needed.

· Assert your right to "refire" self-doubts or old beliefs by turning negative phrases into positive ones, and trusting your energy system to integrate the new information so it can be available when you need it.

Often, I'm asked questions on the spot. Recently, a number of journalists asked me how the new healthcare bill will affect personal health when goes into effect over the next several years. I answered, after releasing fear and self-doubt about making public statements, "No amount of insurance, even when it becomes available, will guarantee good health or adequate care--taking personal responsibility for one's health is still the key. It begins with the mind: each person must ask themselves, 'Am I willing to help prevent illness in my body? Am I willing to eat nutritious foods and drop junk foods? Am I willing to exercise regularly and get 8 hours of sleep? Am I willing to affirm that I am the key to my health and stop depending on someone to do it for me?' Personal health is just that---personal, since each body is unique in its needs. When we learn to listen to the body and pay attention to what makes good sense, we can have better health."

I was quite amazed at how easily I said all that. Speaking up is an essential skill we all must practice after abandoning the ill winds self-doubt. You can refire your old patterns at any stage of the human life cycle. Empower yourself, release self-doubt, and live more fully!

Dr. Dorothea Hover-Kramer is a leading "re-firement coach" and the author of seven books about energy therapies including Second Chance at Your Dream.

Dorothea Hover-Kramer, Ed.D., RN, D.CEP
http://www.secondchancedream.com

Baby Boomers Need Help Finding Personal Meaning

Some Second-Half Seekers sometimes find it difficult to capture the full measure of meaning from their lives. In former years most of our personal meaning came from the outside, but as we mature, as we approach and move into and through middle age, and especially as we approach maturing life, personal meaning comes more from within.

At every other stage of life our culture provided us with rather clear expectations and responsibilities, both of which offered us some sense of personal meaning. Such is not the case in the years leading up to and after our first midlife transition. There are few, if any clear-cut directions that give focus to zestful mature living. This can be either a good or a bad thing; it's a bad thing for those who can't think for themselves, and a good thing for those who can.

As we gradually uncover our personal purpose, we keep our eye on the transcendent goal of life. We have faith in something bigger than ourselves; we can better shoulder the ambiguities of living our life to the fullest. Finding personal meaning through life purpose is a universal human need. A need is defined as something we must have at some level; it's a requirement of the organism. If we don't find meaning we get sick. This is a stark statement that points up the necessity for our search of personal purpose. The esteemed philosopher, Viktor Frankl believed that when, and if we fail in our attempts to find purpose, we suffer a neurosis characterized by boredom, depression, hopelessness, and loss of the will to live fully.

So, how do you accomplish this gargantuan task? Certainly everyone is different, indeed, as we mature we become more the person we're intended to be, more individual and authentic. As a consequence, we appear to become more different from everyone else. Nonetheless, when we search for the vital spark of personal purpose, when we investigate deeply into our interior, we need clean-cut concepts and techniques that find surprising commonality among all "life purpose seekers."

Career Coaches can provide baby boomers with the powerful ideas, insight, wisdom, and most of all the motivation to pursue what they've always wanted but always found blocked by one "necessity" after another. Now is the time to move assertively, capture the essence of the dream that stirred you so long ago, and decide to follow it with new purpose and new determination.

The process of finding new employment (or self-employment) represents much more than a set of skills and functions; fundamentally it's your personal response to your call; it's your investment in re-starting your life. This process determines much of the environment, both physical, social and spiritual, in which you live; it selects out those special traits that you utilize most frequently, the ones that strengthen you most comprehensively. Welcome to the adventure of your lifetime!

You can read more about Dr. Richard Johnsson and ReCareer Inc., here: https://www.recareerinc.com/certification/dr-richard-p-johnson.aspx or you may call his offices directly at 636.458.0813

Research Finds Boomers Seek Deeper Career Relevancy

A fundamental shift in our perception of second-half of life living is currently reshaping our thinking about the maturation, personal effectiveness, worthwhile endeavors, and deep soul meaning of this new more mature stage of life. All of our former assumptions about life's second half are fading into obsolescence as a new day dawns on what it means to be living optimally. The worn-out search for redundant relaxation in the maturing years is being eclipsed by search for deepened relevancy. We now know that idle busyness is deadly, that endless rest is deforming not transforming, and that play can only be truly enjoyed if it's balanced by something worthwhile to live for. The goals of working over the lifespan have changed indeed.

Maturing life is no longer viewed as a forced march toward becoming "over the hill" with its baggage of creeping diminishments; no, we're on a new growth path toward capturing our genuine personhood like we've never been able to before, with an accent on gaining new wisdom, finding new arenas for purposeful action, and discovering new personal significance beyond anything experienced previously.

Researchers who study adult development have asserted for some time now that maturing adults want much more than simply surviving as they contemplate the rest of their lives. They want to thrive. This means defining health and happiness away from words like contentment and adjustment, submission and resignation, and toward goals like 'completive aliveness' and 'eagerness of spirit.' This kind of proactive health demands that we engage in the great life adventure of expressing the soul purpose that's emerging in us now. While the adventure is lifelong, its pace quickens as we move beyond our former careers and enter into new arenas of growth.

Our former jobs paid the mortgage, put the kids through school, and provided a financial foundation for daily living; indeed some of us are still there. All of this was necessary of course in those former times and stages of life, but for lots of reasons we're now looking for something more, something that scratches that deep-down itch for achievement of a different sort, something that feeds our very being.

It's hard to even put these needs into words, but needs they are nonetheless; they're requirements of our real self that push us, sometimes only softly, and at other times with a roar, but always with a surprising persistence - they don't want to go away! We can try to push them away, but when and if we do... we always pay a price. These new urges from within, these psychological wellsprings of motivation, urge and beckon us to use our personalities in new ways so we can translate these life urges and desires into a new reality.

This new adventure in living needs power, a vital energy that propels us, feeds us, and stimulates our internal "juices." We need something to "fire" us. The primary way of accessing this internal power is by identifying a goal, dream, life cause, or "life purpose" that stirs our soul.

More on Dr. Richard Johnson can be found on his ReCareer Inc founder page: https://www.recareerinc.com/certification/dr-richard-p-johnson.aspx

Network Marketing For Baby Boomers

Sociologists define those born between 1946 and 1964, or those who are currently 46-64 years of age, as "Baby Boomers".

Today, the baby boomers make up 28% of the US population.

What is one of the most impending issues with baby boomers today? Retirement. Baby boomers, on the older end, are retirement age. On the younger end, they are day dreaming about retirement. In the middle of this range are many baby boomers who are facing the reality that they are not ready.

While they may or may not be ready psychologically, we are going to discuss a financial aspect of retirement and leave the psychology to another article.

The financial aspects of retirement are huge. Just some of what someone approaching retirement needs to consider include health care expenses, living expenses in relation to lifestyle changes, children, and grandchildren. Many approach retirement before their kids are on their own. With today's economic troubles, many children are not leaving home as young as they were even 10 years ago. And, of course, baby boomers have been hearing for quite some time now that they can not rely on social security.

So, why the title of this article? Why would I make a suggestion that Network Marketing should be considered by baby boomers? Well, it just makes good sense that someone approaching retirement have some kind of business of their own that brings in additional income. This helps as you prepare for retirement and also to offset some of the expenses of lifestyle changes that you make.

Why a network marketing business instead of maybe a Mom & Pop store or a bed & breakfast?

First of all, with a network marketing business, you can work as little or much as you want. Of course, your income will reflect that, especially as you are building your business, but you can decide to take off a month to go on a cruise if you choose. With a traditional business, this is not always possible. If your network marketing business is a relatively mature one, you may even make money while you are on your cruise. This is definitely not possible with a traditional business unless you have employees.

Second, usually a network marketing business can be willed to your kids. A business such as this can be a legacy that continues to grow. And, really, isn't that a great legacy to leave your kids?

Third, it's portable... You know that cruise I just mentioned? Well, if you want to bring your laptop and cell phone, you can work your business while you are on "vacation". Oh, and, yes, when you visit your grandchildren, you can do a little work there too. If you want to, that is.

Fourth, it's international. Do your retirement plans include international traveling? Many network marketing companies have offices internationally. This means that you can include some international travel into your business planning and have a growing organization in another country. Need to visit that team of yours in the south of France? That may become a legitimate tax deduction.

Fifth, there are no territories with a network marketing business. If you want to move closer to your kids, but have a growing organization in your home town...no problem. You do not lose that organization and you can start a new one in your new home town.

Those are just a few reasons why baby boomers nearing retirement may want to consider a network marketing business as part of their wealth building plan.

Reaching 60 and Improving Your Lifestyle

It's a fact that some of us have to accept we are part of an aging population, quite a few people struggle with that mentally but unfortunately looking into a mirror reinforces the truth. So what comes next? It would be nice in a perfect world to think we have worked hard, brought up our families, have a nice comfortable pension arriving each fortnight, so it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect to settle down with our lifelong partner relax and enjoy a few of the good things in life. That all sounds nice and stress less doesn't it? But unfortunately for a lot of seniors that scenario is just a fairly tale.

The picture I have painted above is one that would have been considered a normal expectation particularly for those born in the 1930's and 1940's. But of course as we all know life changes and doesn't always work out the way we had hoped or expected. In the working era of this age group superannuation for example was hardly thought about and certainly wasn't a requirement for many, consequently not a lot of provision was made for retirement years except by the very practical and foresighted.

So how do you cope when you get into your sixties and you finally acknowledge the fact that you have limited income, maybe just a government pension, your health perhaps isn't as good as it was, and you are certainly slower at getting through your daily tasks? If you have a partner who has gone through life's up's and down's the problems might not seem so bad after all you have gone through a lot together and the support of someone close in your life can make a lot of difference in how you tackle problems that are facing you. The big one here is that you are not on your own and there is an element of truth in saying a problem shared is a problem halved.

But what happens to those who reach their sixties and for whatever reasons are on their own? No support group, no partner and limited income. It would be easy to panic and worry about what was going to happen in the remaining future. But the thing to remember is that there are choices you can make as to how you want to live the rest of your life.

You can choose to worry and get depressed, which will probably make you ill in the long term, and generally doesn't attract new friends, because you tend to become focused on how unfair life is and end up being very negative, which is a draining trait at the best of times. Or the alternative is you can look at what options are available to improve your life to a point where it is enjoyable for you.

I will start with improving finances because if they are limited it tends to dominate your thoughts. I am not going to talk about budgets etc one because personally I am not good at them, so it would be a bit hypocritical to tell you to follow one, and two they don't really change the situation much just moderate it. Whatever your former occupation or even if you were a housewife and mother you will have acquired some knowledge or skills during your lifetime. Jot down on a piece of paper the things you are good at, then in a column next to that write down where you think that skill could be used.

If you like talking to people for example consider a volunteer job at a local hospital, some provide financial recompense and you get to meet new people and make new friends, possibly other avenues can open up for you.

If you aren't a people person or don't feel active enough to be going to a daily job a life saver for many has been the advent of the computer and Internet. The fact that you are reading this indicates that you are looking at options and have access to these resources. Don't be deterred by thinking you are not an expert, it's not that hard to write articles sharing your life's experience and knowledge and why not get paid for doing that? There are a number of article directories that are willing to pay for informative and helpful articles.

If you are a bit more adventurous you can look at internet marketing which doesn't have any age boundaries at all, just be careful not to get caught up in all the hype telling you about millions made in a few days as that's a good way to lose the few dollars you already have left. There is lots of information freely available as to how to get started in this arena of enterprise.

You can join forums and exchange ideas with others while you test the waters as to what might be beneficial or enjoyable for you to do. There are options here to keep the brain stimulated and make new friends and don't be fooled into thinking it's all a youngsters game there are many of the older generation out there improving their circumstances by having changed direction.

You could find you have a whole new lease of life and actually wake up looking forward to the new possibilities in front of you and what you might achieve in your day, and that has to be better than worrying about how you are going to drag yourself through each day. At the end of the day the choices are all in your hands.

Just Because You May Soon Be a Senior Citizen Does Not Mean You Must Sound Like One!

When I first started my business in 1989, one of the comments I would make as a guest speaker was that, although I wish I could still look 20, I was glad I didn't sound that age! 21 years later, it is difficult to say I wish I could still look 20 when I would be thrilled to still look 40! But what is fascinating about the physical aging of the body (which becomes most noticeable after 40) is that nothing is getting better with age. We wrinkle; we sag; our eyes go bad; and, we don't heal or bounce back as quickly we did in our younger days.

What is happening in my case, however, is that the sound of my speaking voice is continuing to improve even though nothing else on my body is. When I am 85, I may look it, but my voice will never give away my age. Because I have taken the pressure off my vocal folds and throat by using my chest cavity as my primary sounding board, I will never sound old. Anyone who has had good voice training knows what I am talking about. Voices like that of Lauren Bacall and Joanne Woodward do not sound 'elderly.' Both women, who are well over 70, sound fantastic because of the training they had in their early years in acting.

You do not have to be an actor to improve that part of the image you project however. If you are fighting the ravages of getting older, you can easily stop the aging to your vocal folds if you change the placement of your voice. In doing so, you will discover a richer, warmer, deeper, resonant sound that is ageless - not too old - not too young. If you were to phone me and you hadn't seen my picture, you would not be able to place an age on me. I could be 25 or 75.

What is fascinating about the voice that has had training is that it continues to improve as you age, much like a bottle of fine red wine!

You don't have to be a senior citizen, however, to sound old. While premature aging of the voice is more common among women than men, I have met many, many people who sound much older than their years and that shouldn't be. If your voice wobbles, shakes, quivers, or cracks, learn to power your sound from your chest and your voice will suddenly sound ageless, no matter how old you are or aren't!

The Voice Lady Nancy Daniels offers private, corporate and group workshops in voice and presentation skills as well as Voicing It!, the only video training program on voice improvement. Visit Voice Dynamic or watch Nancy in a brief video as she describes The Power of Your Voice.

Baby Boomers Find True Value With Fire Pits

Are you a baby boomer? If so, your parents most likely somehow assisted in moving America toward victory in World War II. This victory led to the greatest baby and economic booms in history. Think about that statement for a moment. Do you think it's a coincidence? It's not. The reason the American economy boomed from the early 80s to the late 90s was because of demographics. 70% of the economy is the consumer, and baby boomers produced and consumed beyond anything ever seen in the past.

In recent years, things have changed. Baby boomers are retiring. And based on stock market fluctuations, they're choosing to save their money rather than invest or spend it. With baby boomers on the sidelines, this will lead to a much weaker economy than we're used to. But is it all a blessing in disguise?

Look at it this way. If the economy continued to boom, what would baby boomers be doing with their money? They would be buying fancy toys, looking for the next big investment, spending time at fancy restaurants, and trying to maintain their status. Are all these things really what's important in life? Of course not. Family and friends are what's important. One benefit of an economic downturn is that it pulls people together.

Instead of spending money on a fishing boat or fancy car, many boomers have been investing in fire pits. Did that come as a surprise to you? It shouldn't. Baby boomers are beginning to realize that time spent with significant others and family members cannot be matched by any discretionary purchase. A fire pit is not a discretionary purchase, but more of a family investment. Many baby boomers are now skipping their favorite television shows, internet sessions, and whatever hobbies they might have delved into in the past and spending time by the fire pit with loved ones.

What makes fire pits so valuable is that you can use them at any time. If it's the summertime, you build a small fire in the evening to provide some warmth. In the wintertime, you can build a large fire, which will produce more than enough heat. Most baby boomers now enjoy spending time around the fire pit, reminiscing about old times. And not times that pertain to business, speedboats, shopping sprees, or their status in the community, but about family.

Fire pits do seem to have some type of nostalgic power about them, which is another reason their popularity has been exploding.

Pets Are Boomer's Empty Nest Relief

Are baby boomers going crazy? They are sending their pets to spas and resorts that offer massages, spa baths, suites with TVs and shopping sprees!

No, they are not losing their minds. Pets are no longer something to keep chained up outside or in a doghouse, but rather they are considered treasured members of a boomer's family. They are like their kids, only lower maintenance and more cooperative. They are a genuine part of the household, sharing eating, sleeping and family vacations.

Pets are so significant, that when the "real" kids leave home for college or to start their own lives, it is the pets that fill the empty nest and emotional void. Many baby boomers are no longer burdened with the cost of raising children, and are even willing to use their extra income to extend the lives of their furry friends. Boomers are opting for expensive surgeries and preventative procedures that rival human medicine, just to keep their pets around longer.

Baby boomers continue to spoil their pets as they did their children and the bond between them is growing and strong. Pets give boomers peace of mind and comfort during the difficult transition time when they must let their children "fly the coop." Pets help them feel less lonely and more needed.

Having pets has so many health benefits, too. They help reduce blood pressure, triglyceride and cholesterol levels and even reduce the number of trips to the doctor and time spent in the hospital. Research shows that you have to remain healthy since your pets are so dependent on you for walking, feeding and maintaining their healthy quality of life. Pets decrease anger, frustration, depression and reduce stress. They also give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction.

My wonderful pet, Gus, was a feral, non-friendly cat when we first met. However, he became the most affectionate, devoted and loving cat I've ever owned. He has, by far, the sweetest temperament and disposition. Not only is he a ""lap-cat when I watch TV, but he's a "curl up in your arms in bed" cat at night. The house is quieter without the kids, but just as joyful and alive with my sweet, best companion, Gus, in it.

Animals are natural born healers and they lift up your spirits and bring you a feeling of well-being that you often cannot get anywhere else. There is no better way to enrich your life than by sharing it with the unconditional love of a pet (or 2), especially when you are transitioning through the empty nest.

Amy Sherman, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor in private practice. Amy is the author of the ebook, "Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer's Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life." She specializes in issues specific to the 40+ generation and is available for telephone coaching, face-to-face therapy, teleseminars, radio and TV interviews. For more information, go to http://www.bummedoutboomer.com, sign up for her free newsletter. She can be reached by email at amy@bummedoutboomer.com or by phone at 561) 281-2975.

7 Tips to Increase Brainpower For Sandwiched Boomers

Have you found this article by surfing the Internet for topics of interest? Or responded to a Google Alert about a subject that concerns you - brainpower, aging parents, growing children, nourishing relationships, family conflicts, Sandwiched Boomers? If so, congratulations, you're boosting the performance of your brain!

According to a recent study, a team of UCLA scientists found that middle aged and older adults who search the Internet, using the web on a regular basis, activate brain centers necessary for complex reasoning and decision-making. Exercising the brain in this way - making decisions about what to click on to continue the search - engages brain circuit connections and improves mental functioning.

During an assigned Internet search, study participants with considerable online experience sparked two times as much brain activity on MRI scans as those with little prior web experience. The MRI indicated more brain activity was engaged during the Internet search than during a book-reading task. When the less web-savvy volunteers completed online searches at home, their MRI scans two weeks later indicated brain activation patterns similar to the more experienced volunteers. So, take heart - enjoy the Internet and let your brain light up!

Have you been thinking about additional ways to maintain your mental vitality? Use your creativity as you plan new ways to challenge your brain cells. Here are 7 tips to follow as you exercise your brain to keep it active and dynamic:

1. Exercise your brain with mental aerobics just as you do your body. The Seattle Longitudinal Study found that 66% of older Americans doing brain exercise activities had significant cognitive improvement. Learning new skills increases the number of neural connections in the brain and keeps them firing.

2. Explore new areas and interests. Have you wanted to learn to play the piano? Take Spanish or study computer graphics? Check out your neighborhood center, school district or extension courses at a college or university near you. Traveling to new places? Surf the web for information about educational travel in America and throughout the world.

3. Play word or number games and do crossword or jigsaw puzzles to keep your mind sharp. Researchers believe that these kinds of mental challenges and 'disorienting dilemmas' build new neural pathways that help buffer the brain against age-related losses. Injecting novelty into your everyday tasks can have a similar affect. For example, use your non-dominant hand for brushing your teeth, rearrange the furniture in your rooms or carry out activities blindfolded.

4. A U.C.L.A. geriatric psychiatrist has developed a technique for improving memory and learning new information. First, actively observe what you want to learn; next, create mental snapshots of your memories; finally, link your mental snapshots together. This technique can help you remember information ranging from the names of new people you meet to where you parked your car or left your keys.

5. Develop your creative talents. Scientists have found that, as you challenge yourself to look at things in a new way and try novel behaviors, you exercise important parts of your brain. Women in their middle years have taken up a wide range of creative activities such as painting, acting, writing poetry, photography, making jewelry.

6. And don't forget that physical activity helps keep your mental powers sharper too. Plan your schedule so that you can participate regularly. Choose an activity that you enjoy and find engaging - walking with a friend, working out at the gym, biking with your partner. A daily brisk 20 to 30 minute walk will allow you to feel better emotionally and think more clearly.

7. Increase your physical activities and include aerobics, flexibility and strengthening exercises. Fast walking, jogging, dancing, biking or climbing stairs are all good. Studies at Columbia University indicate that aerobic exercise brings more blood and oxygen to your brain cells, encouraging the growth of new nerve cells and connections between them. Improve your mood, control your weight and protect yourself against cognitive loss, all at the same time.

As you incorporate these brain exercises into your daily routine, you'll notice you are becoming more alert and engaged. Let your creativity be a guide and generate additional innovative techniques for adding to your brain power. The world - virtual and concrete - is wide open to you, so jump on and enjoy the ride.

Boomer Women - Blazing a New Trail After the Loss of a Parent

Isn't it the strangest feeling when your last parent passes away? I have been fortunate enough to have 3 loving parents. My birth father, my mother and my step father were each wonderful parents in their own ways. They all left this earth in the above order.

As of several days ago I am a 58 year old woman, with no living parents. It's just the oddest feeling. I also know that I am very fortunate that I had parents later in life as I have. I am blessed with that because I know many of you have lost parents much earlier.

Once the 'to do list' is done with figuring out estates and trusts, once household items are divided among my sister, step sister and step brother, once the condo is sold and other pieces of the "have to's" are done, we will go on living our lives.

In many ways it will feel like I am blazing a new trail. I am the matriarch and with that it seems comes responsibilities. I am not sure exactly what they are or what that means yet, but I am sure it will become clearer over time.

Probably one of my biggest worries is handling our cottage in Ontario, Canada without any parents. They knew it inside out and used to be up there from Memorial Day to Labor Day. I just showed up and enjoyed. Now what? It's a lot to manage from so far away. I am in Colorado and my sister is in Ohio. We have had this cottage since 1966. Trust me, it needs lots of work!

Do we do the needed work? Do we sell it? OMG. Just thinking of that makes me sadder than ever, but the alternative is a bit overwhelming also. And my daughters would shoot me if I did sell it!

There will be many decisions that I haven't had to make until this time in my life. I will make them with the best of my ability at the same time knowing they won't all be the right decisions. This is where I feel like I am blazing new trails. It feels extremely independent in some ways and maybe that's simply the best way for me to approach this 'new' stage of life.

I know it will have its ups and down, I know I will feel great loss at the oddest of moments. I also know that this is part of life and that I can handle it. I am a big girl now.

Boomer Women - How Important is a Relationship in Your "Golden Years?"

I believe times have changed. Don't you? In getting ready to write this article I have done some research. I personally only knew what I had lived with as far my mother and other women her age. Being married was more of an expectation or possibly a need. Being single was not desired by most of these women in this generation.

Granted, women live longer than men so it's not a surprise that the older we get the more 'single' women there are. If you think about this though, these women didn't really have a choice. Her husband simply passed before she did.

The women I am referring to are in their 50's, 60's or even 70's, and they have made it a choice to remain as single women. Do you fit into this group?

Have you been married before but, either through divorce or the death of your husband, you are currently single and plan to stay that way? Or have you simply never married in the first place?

In the articles and blogs I have been reading, it was very clear to me that our generation is doing this piece differently. (As well as many other pieces we do differently!) There is not the societal pressure on being married that our mother's generation had. Women of our generation do see being single as a choice and as an option.

More women are working and supporting themselves very successfully, so they don't need a man to support their lifestyle. The single women I know and the women I have been reading about love their single life. They love the freedom it brings and feel more options are open to them.

Now, hear this loudly and clearly, this does not mean they don't enjoy being in a relationship. Having someone to go to dinner with, go to the movies or travel or just be a good friend, is important to most. It's the marriage piece that doesn't feel as necessary as it may have in the past.

Women of our generation are independent and savvy. We have broken through many glass ceilings and will continue to do so. We have choices that women before us may never have had. Hopefully, the stigma of being a 'spinster' is in the past and will remain there. These choices have opened up worlds of endless possibilities and being single does not get in the way of any of that.

Again, this is not about being anti-male or against being in a marriage. It's about the option of having that choice and knowing whatever choice you make you will be able to find much support.

Where do you fit in here? Are you single out of choice or due to death or divorce? How important to you is a marriage situation or is being in a relationship without the legalities a better fit?

Kim Kirmmse Toth lcsw, acc is a Transitions Strengths Based Coach and Trainer specializing in CEO's, Executives and Entrepreneurs: Life after Work. If you are ready to begin creating the next big transition in your life, to ensure it's as successful as your career get your Free Top Ten Secrets to a Successful Retirement now at http://www.redhotretirement.com or visit http://www.positiveaginginc.com.

Boomer Women - How is Your Relationship With Your Parents?

If you are fortunate to have one or two parents still walking this planet, what is your relationship with them? Is it caring and loving or is there friction that may be left over from years back? It may not be a subject we think about that often, we have so many other things that occupy our time and energy. But since the majority of the women who read my articles are over 50 years old, I think it's something important for us to pay attention to.

One of the hardest pieces is that more often than not you don't live near your parent's. In our family all 4 kids are all over the country while Bud is in south Florida. How do you keep up with your parent's? How to reach out and stay connected with them? Do you think you do enough? That is always a big question isn't it? Am I a 'good enough' daughter? What is 'good enough' anyway?

As the 'sandwich' generation you may still have children at home as well as one or both parents. That to me has to be the toughest of situations. How do you manage and keep your sanity with all those balls in the air? Here are some Tips that I hope are helpful. I believe one of the most important pieces is simply keeping in touch.

- Call frequently. They don't have to be long calls, but they will know you are thinking of them
- Email, if they email and many, many do
- Send cards for no real reason other than to say they are in your thoughts
- Send a small gift now and then: a book or item that will have meaning to them
- Have the grandchildren keep in touch more

I know this last one can be tough. It's easier if your children are still living with you but once they go off on their own, it gets harder. I hear not just from Bud but from other grandparents. It's great when all the grandkids call them or visit when they are sick and not doing well, but wouldn't it be nice if they made contact even when things are going well?

The other important piece to keep in mind is that as moms and daughters you are role modeling to your own children. Do you have relationships with your own parent/s that you would like your children to have with you? I don't need to tell you the power of what you do as mothers and daughters. Is there something you might share about how you deal with the challenges of your aging parents? I would love to hear.

Kim Kirmmse Toth lcsw, acc is a Transitions Strengths Based Coach and Trainer specializing in CEO's, Executives and Entrepreneurs: Life after Work. If you are ready to begin creating the next big transition in your life, to ensure it's as successful as your career get your Free Top Ten Secrets to a Successful Retirement now at http://www.redhotretirement.com or visit http://www.positiveaginginc.com.

Baby Boomers - People Born After the World War II

Baby boomers are the persons who were born during Post World War II baby boom. "Baby boomer" is occasionally used for cultural context, at times used for describing a person that was born at the time of post-WWII baby boom. So, it is not possible to attain a wide consensus of a particular definition, even inside the given territory.

Generally speaking, baby boomers were associated to a negative response or redefinition of the traditional values. Though, there are many commentators who have disputed to the extent of rejection, noting that the pervasive continuity of the values of older together with younger generations.

In North America and in Europe, boomers were commonly associated with the privileges as lots of them grew up on the time of privilege circumstances. In groupings, they have been the healthiest and the wealthiest generation during that time, and they were the first who genuinely grew up anticipating the word to change and improve within time.

Another unique feature by the Boomers was their tendency of considering themselves as the special generation and very far from those who had come prior to them. In 1960's, as large numbers of those young people had become teenagers and then young adults, together with those people around them have made a very definite rhetoric surrounding the cohort and changes that they were about to bring into.

This rhetoric has had important impact to the self perception of the boomers the same as their penchant for defining the world into the generation terms that are somewhat new phenomenon. These baby boomers have been described as the "shock wave" and "the pig in the python".

Learn to understand the nature of Baby Boomers. For more info, visit : http://BabyBoomersAndAging.com

Biography Video Or Memorial Video - Which One is Best?

Often we hear the terms 'biography' and 'memorial' video used interchangeably. There are some differences that make each type of video distinctive.

A biography, by definition is an account of the services or events making up a person's life. Typically biographies are written by another and most often published. We now accept biography videos as accomplishing the same purpose; telling a person's life story. A good biography presents facts, and adds relevant details using interviews or notes from loved ones, friends, co-workers, neighbors; those who had personal contact with the subject.

Deeds, public records, certificates, degrees, etc., can confirm facts. Photos, newspaper articles, film clips, and other forms of documentation may be included in a biography to add credibility.

A biography conveys a sense of objectivity. That objectivity should support and define underlying themes that highlight a person's life. Famous people often have multiple biographies written by different authors who focus on a variety of aspects of a person's life, and thus draw unique conclusions.

The purpose of a memorial video is to preserve remembrance. They become a possession that has captured the essence of a person's life so others can remember, learn about, feel close to, understand, and feel connected to those who have passed.

In a memorial video, much of the same material used in a biography helps fulfill the intent. It's common to include personal stories that resonate with viewers who knew the subject personally while they were alive. Personal stories help keep cherished memories alive and are valuable because the demonstrate characteristics that made the subject unique.

Touching, first hand stories by those who had an ongoing relationship or were directly impacted by the actions of the subject are particularly powerful. When I was in college, the father of one of my sister's best friends died a premature death. He was a businessman and entrepreneur. He also was active in the school system, pioneering the effort to computerize student records in our county.

At his funeral, 29 people showed up who were strangers to the immediate family. One by one they approached the family to pay their respects and express gratitude. Quietly, without telling anyone, this man had extended his hand to each of these people and paid all of the expenses for them to attend college. They did not know each other. An act of generosity changed their lives forever. This story personified one man's passion to serve others and support mankind in his own personal way.

Both biography and memorial videos have the advantage of creating a huge impact on their audiences with the addition of music, photos, old film footage, mementos that were prized, pets,plants, art, objects, interviews, etc. Written dedications at the beginning or end, and editing also help turn 'rough' pieces into works of art to be treasured for years to come.

Kimberly Schenk is the owner of My Story Studios, in Boulder, Colorado. We help people all over the US capture the essence of loved ones. We assist people in telling their personal stories on video to be played on DVDs. Today's technology allows everyone to chronicle their life, turning points, achievements, even sorrows to connect with future generations. These videos inspire viewers and become family treasures. We guide you through a confusing (to the public) video production process and prepare your project to keep costs affordable.

We can help you create legacy videos, tributes, web videos, memorials, engagement videos and so much more.

visit: http://www.mystorystudios.com

Baby Boomers, Do You Want to Be a Regular or a Special Club Sandwich?

Many Baby Boomers are finding ourselves stuck in the middle of a very tasteless sandwich. No matter which way you butter or slice it, the sandwich is very hard to swallow! Bread is dry and tasteless, the meat is old and seen better days, and the lettuce and tomato is lifeless. This usually sums up how the sandwich generation/Baby Boomers are feeling when they are faced with adding the care of their aging parents to their everyday life and responsibilities.

Aging baby boomers are now finding themselves sandwiched between all the responsibilities that go with the life style they have created - spouse, children, careers, and financial obligations and their parents or parent that is aging and requiring more of your time and assistance.

Thus you are the "stuffing" between both factions, trying to accommodate everyones' needs and expectations. As much as you want to be everything to everyone in your life, it becomes extremely difficult as time goes on. So, is there an answer to the original question; Sandwich Generation, do want to be a regular old sandwich or the Special Club Sandwich? It might be difficult but if you and the family work at it I think the Special Club Sandwich is possible!

Nothing is perfect, as much as we try. Be prepared to have the regular sandwich opened up by the different people in your life. They may try to pull off the tomatoes, add cheese and pickles, scrape off the mayo, smother with mustard, or even cut the crust off the bread! Yes there will be times when you feel that you are being pulled from both directions. You just need to stop, step back, and decide what the right decision is right now!

I do believe, however, that with some planning and testing, the Special Club Sandwich can be created, instead of a regular old sandwich! It will take effort on everyones' part to make it happen and although it might not be perfect. You, the person in the middle, will hopefully be less beat up and more appealing in the end than expected.

To come up with the perfect recipe:

• Be brutally honest with yourself, your family, employer and parents about what is going on right now with your life and what you want to do.
• Come up with a plan of action and meet with everyone involved. Ask for their help and support and be willing to compromise and be flexible.
• Remember there will be times when an emergency comes up and you will need to disappoint someone and they will need to understand - not criticize.
• Accept help wherever you find it.

You want to create the perfect "club sandwich" that will allow you to mix your immediate family, parents, financial, and career. A beautiful, satisfying club sandwich that can be very carefully cut into quarters and arranged neatly on a plate for everyone to share. This will be far more appealing and satisfactory to everyone involved. You will be able to spend quality time and effort on everything that needs your attention and not be pulled apart and thrown away.

A perfect, tasty club sandwich is far more appealing that a regular, dry sandwich - ENJOY!