Recently I had the opportunity to partake in several things I very much enjoy doing; time at the ocean, fine dining, reading, walking along the beach at sunrise and sunset, being completely playful and lots of great R&R.
I did this by taking a few days away from home. No computers, phones and anything business related were allowed on the trip. That was my main rule. The other rule, have a lot of fun enjoying each and every minute of each and every day.
Whenever I take time off I will grab 4 or 5 books to read. I normally start all of them, rarely completing any. This time, I decided to do things differently. I took only one book.What intrigued me most about what I was going to read were some of the stories of men and women in their 80's and 90's who refuse to let age stop them from living their dreams. Men and women who don't let the words, "I'm too old for that," to pass over their lips or enter their thought process.
Not only was the book a fun read, it had some great insights that are very timely for me. Having recently passed the mid-fifties mark I am aware of how essential what I think, say and do are to creating my reality including my energy, my experiences, my joy and my outcomes.
What was even more apparent about reading the book on this particular trip is how often people will reinforce how old they are, limited they are, or resistant to change they are. I heard this in many conversations in stores, restaurants and casual conversations.
The fact is, whatever is in our consciousness multiplies. Because I was focused on the information in the book things that I may not have noticed were extremely evident. Not only in others, but in myself too.
Over the last year I have done a lot of soul searching about many things in life. This has come about due to the loss of loved ones and my own mortality. What Jim so nicely conveys is it's not the quantity of time, rather the quality that matters. And when we are willing to make every day a quality day it doesn't matter what is going on around us, we are living our calling.
My commitment on this trip was to play full out, have no limits on what I would treat myself to and do all I could to make every encounter a memorable one. It didn't matter if it was when I ordered a meal, stopped into a shop or greeted a stranger on the street.
During the few days we were having the "time of our lives" I felt so much gratitude for all the wonderful things I was experiencing. The experiences didn't happen as a result of simply thinking how fun it would be to do something; like get up at 5 a.m. to go tide-pooling, power-walk on the beach, stop by Tony's Crab Shack or visit a local animal sanctuary.
Each was a result of deciding what would be really fun to do and doing it. In addition, enjoying each and every moment for simply being in the moment.
Granted, my idea of fun may not be someone else's. That's not the point. The point is, you decide and you take action moment by moment. The kind of action you take and the attitude you maintain will determine how quickly your mind will age or how youthful you will feel, be and act.
It's sad when you see someone who has the ability to do so much, but stop themselves due to a limiting belief about what a certain age means. In Jim's book, you will read story after story of people who absolutely refuse to live by the "status quo".
Something I especially like about the book is the fact that Jim Donovan walks his talk. As an extremely successful professional speaker and author, Jim gives readers insight into a time in his life when he literally slept on park benches. Coming from a life of desperation to one of inspiration makes this book a must read for anyone who is ready to take full responsibility for making the rest of your life, the best of your life.
What was even more apparent about reading the book on this particular trip is how often people will reinforce how old they are, limited they are, or resistant to change they are. I heard this in many conversations in stores, restaurants and casual conversations.
The fact is, whatever is in our consciousness multiplies. Because I was focused on the information in the book things that I may not have noticed were extremely evident. Not only in others, but in myself too.
Over the last year I have done a lot of soul searching about many things in life. This has come about due to the loss of loved ones and my own mortality. What Jim so nicely conveys is it's not the quantity of time, rather the quality that matters. And when we are willing to make every day a quality day it doesn't matter what is going on around us, we are living our calling.
My commitment on this trip was to play full out, have no limits on what I would treat myself to and do all I could to make every encounter a memorable one. It didn't matter if it was when I ordered a meal, stopped into a shop or greeted a stranger on the street.
During the few days we were having the "time of our lives" I felt so much gratitude for all the wonderful things I was experiencing. The experiences didn't happen as a result of simply thinking how fun it would be to do something; like get up at 5 a.m. to go tide-pooling, power-walk on the beach, stop by Tony's Crab Shack or visit a local animal sanctuary.
Each was a result of deciding what would be really fun to do and doing it. In addition, enjoying each and every moment for simply being in the moment.
It's sad when you see someone who has the ability to do so much, but stop themselves due to a limiting belief about what a certain age means. In Jim's book, you will read story after story of people who absolutely refuse to live by the "status quo".
Something I especially like about the book is the fact that Jim Donovan walks his talk. As an extremely successful professional speaker and author, Jim gives readers insight into a time in his life when he literally slept on park benches. Coming from a life of desperation to one of inspiration makes this book a must read for anyone who is ready to take full responsibility for making the rest of your life, the best of your life.
Although virtually anyone would enjoy "Don't Let an Old Person move into Your Body" if you are a baby boomer or near retirement, this book is especially timely. Don't take my word for it. Get a copy of your own today. When you do, you receive some very timely additional gifts. http://www.bestlifebook.com/
Kathleen,
Recently my husband and I took a 3 week vacation to visit relatives and spend time in nature and see great places too. We went to the California Redwoods, Oregon and Washington Coast, and more.
Seeing the vibrant colors and greens that only nature can provide, walking along trails or on the beach, eating delicious food, and spending time with loved ones was so special.
At 52, I now am living life purposefully- each day choosing what is important to me. Making my difference on this planet has become a top priority, as well as doing the things I always said I would like to do "someday." I've decided that someday is here! Life is now joyous and fulfilling.
Thank you for the wonderful post!
Posted by: Beth Earle | June 13, 2010 at 06:00 PM
Hi Kathleen,
Love the pic with the tiger cub. That must have been such fun! You both look so gorgeous.
I completely resonate with Jim's book title and your commentary today.
Research has also shown that when people stop doing fun things and taking action - that is they deny themselves the joy and purpose of living, they start to age rapidly and die even though they may really not be old in years.
Thanks for a great post.
Cheers
Gitie
Posted by: Gitie House | June 13, 2010 at 06:06 PM
Great post that bares deep recesses of your soul. Your sincerity is truly radiant.
Posted by: Lucky Balaraman | June 13, 2010 at 09:07 PM
Thank you for all the wonderful comments. I appreciate you taking time to share your thoughts.
Posted by: Kathleen Gage | June 13, 2010 at 09:50 PM