Stay Flexible Mentally and Physically in Midlfe
As we age, we tend to get set in our ways. Rigid. Inflexible. Closed-minded. Callused. If we succumb to negativity too long, we become hags, nags, and drags. No man wants to come home to that. And you wouldn’t want inaugurated into Heartless Bitch International, would you?
I pondered my flexibility in life this week on top of my SUV.
Men, the apple doesn’t fall far from the sapless tree. If your wife or children have grumpy old man on their speed dial instead of your name, try making the shift from tyrant to tender. Your family deserves more TLC and less TNT. Lose the soapbox or Archie Bunker rhetoric and show some broad-minded mental and physical embraces.
Let the Big, Bad Wolf Huff and Puff all He Wants
When life throws bricks, use it to build a stronger house (like the smart third little pig did to fend off the Big, Bad Wolf), instead of losing your temper, your humor, or your nimbleness. Practice yoga, meditation, walks in the park, singing in the choir (or car), and unplugging from the world to help you regain your fluidity of mind.
What’s your secret to remaining more like a willow tree in the wind instead of petrified wood? Or do you play the victim card? Complain, whine, and verbally throw up on any one who will listen? (FYI: Here are five ways to avoid whiners and reasons why they habitually whine).
Mind Like Water
There’s a Zen saying, author David Allen of the famed book “Get Things Done” reminds us of, Mind Like Water.
In karate there is an image that’s used to define… “mind like water.” Imagine throwing a pebble into a still pond. How does the water respond? The answer is, totally appropriately to the force and mass of the input; then it returns to calm. It doesn’t overreact or underreact…
The power in a karate punch comes from speed, not muscle… So the high levels of training in the martial arts teach and demand balance and relaxation as much as anything else. Clearing the mind and being flexible is key.
How Will Your Obituary Read?
Part of my Damels in Success Webcast’s homework is writing your obituary. (Sign up now under my Webinar tab, it’s April 12th at 6 PM CST).
What will your obit say? “She was always smiling and laughing regardless of what life threw at her” or “She was a woman that saw things her way or the highway. You didn’t dare cross her without losing a body limb or your life.”
What’s your take on this subject? Are you getting better with age or more bitter and disconnected with your family and social network? What makes you smile and reach out? What makes you tense and lash out?
Why so deep, Brenda? A yoga questionnaire I filled out this week spurred this blog. It asked how my practice has made me a better person, how I’m giving back to the world, and a dozen other important questions I encourage you to consider the first two with me. Let me know your answers, I love to hear from each and every one of you. Pretty please, be kind and chime in. It makes my day!
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Category: Health & Happiness
I channel Dharma, Meg Ryan and Erma Bombeck while helping boomers find their groove and mojo. Light some incense, drink wine, bang your drum and love this part of your life with all your soul. It's time to shake you Boho bon bons honey.
At the risk of being called “Pollyanna” AGAIN, I must say that I am getting better with age. I am a “Hard Partier” survivor. During my 20′s I partied HARD. Loved to go out every night dancing and drinking shots of tequila. Loved the good looking bad boys (especially if they played in a band…wink). But in my 30′s, something clicked and I thought, “I really can’t go on like this forever” and I started thinking about healthier habits. In my 40′s, I decided to become an athlete (SNORT). I started running and lifting weights. But then my back blew out, so I turned to yoga. Now in my 50′s, thanks to yoga and Pilates, chiropractic care and good nutrition (and that Pollyanna personality), I feel leaner, stronger and, dare I say, sexier than ever. This shit really works. If you aren’t taking the time for yourself, DO IT NOW. Life is SO much more fun when you feel good.
You’ve lived large and look beyond great. Thanks for being a role model to me and so many women with you attitude, yoga, pilates, and nutrition practice.
I too am getting better with age…I feel just like Kelli does….I’m going to hit the big 50 this year and I am in the best shape of my life…physically, spiritually, emotionally, finicially….strong in so many ways. I’ve lived through some tough times and assume I’ll go through a few more but I’m grounded and really know what’s important. Brenda….you are awesome…I think I’ll try to write my obit…sounds like a great excercise to persue. Love all the thoughts you share!
You are definitely getting better. Your smile, positive attitude, and healthy living should be an inspiration to all women.