Fabulous at 50, Sensational at 60!
We see the signs all around us. People afraid of aging: afraid of stagnation, afraid they have nothing to look forward to other than daily tasks, afraid of physical decline, afraid of being alone, afraid of not being needed by others, afraid of being a burden on others. In response, some try so hard to go backwards, to recapture their youth, while others choose to deny that any change is occurring. All of these feelings cause fear and uncertainty which only contributes to living your later years without the promise of all the good things that can happen with aging. Waiting for the clock to run out is depressing, demoralizing and fatalistic.
Some people think it’s not worth it to undertake any major changes later in life but I totally disagree. I must admit, I did take a pause when I turned 50 realizing perhaps for the first time in my life that I was not going to live forever. When I came to terms with that, I reflected on what 50 years of living and learning had taught me and I realized that I still had so much to learn, so much to give and many more years to live. I felt I was just getting started and I was excited about what lay ahead.
I am 64 now and I am fitter, happier and more fulfilled than at any other time in my life. I exited from a long-time career in the airline industry when I turned 60 and decided the same month to start my own business Jennifer Grant International. It's been quite a roller coaster ride but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I look forward to every day, every challenge, every success and all that happens in between. Operating a business later in life is not for the faint of heart but it is entirely doable. My heart has grown stronger and it has opened up to all of the possibilities and opportunities that I have yet to discover and experience.
Starting a business is certainly not for everyone in their 50's or 60's but there are so many other things that you might do. Perhaps you want to go back to school, learn how to play an instrument, become an artist, volunteer for causes you are passionate about, reconnect with friends and family you were too busy for when you were working round the clock to make a living and support your family. Maybe you want to travel the world and have new adventures. Anything is possible if you have a positive mindset.
I know that I don’t want to reach the end of my life, only to realize that I didn’t really live to the fullest. I don’t want to look back on my life and realize that I worried and stressed about the same things for ten, twenty, or even thirty years. I don’t want to take my life for granted and, most importantly, I don’t want to die with regrets especially concerning things that I did not do because I was either afraid or a prisoner of my thoughts.
If I can offer any advice or encouragement to anyone turning 50, 60 or beyond, it would be to embrace your future and find meaning in all that you do.
This quote really resonated with me and I hope that it might do the same for you.
“Successful aging is multidimensional, encompassing the avoidance of disease and disability, the maintenance of high physical and cognitive function, and sustained engagement in social and productive activities.” – Rowe & Kahn, 1997
I want to be that person for as long as I can and I hope you will too. If you need a jump start to the rest of your life, my Fabulous at 50, Sensational at 60 might be the perfect program for you. For more information or just to chat, contact me anytime at https://jennifergrantinternational.com/book-a-consultation
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