Monday, December 29, 2014

Social Networking

When I think about the social network and what technology has done for it, it's mind boggling. And it continues to grow constantly with new channels opening up almost daily.  Then I think about the span of time it has taken to get this big is also mind blowing. If we reflect back just ten years ago, it was nearly unheard of.  Its no wonder people today who has gone beyond fifty and extraordinary is so intimidated by it. Or if not intimidated just not as accepting as those of younger years. What has happened to the days when we really made new friends? When we really sat down to write a letter, send a card? What about when we would stand in the yard and talk to a neighbor? Oh I think those days were so much better! Now a friend is made with a click of a button. The reading of a profile and accepting it verbatim. Things are quite different now. Socializing was something we did in person. How many of you miss that?! Now it's done through a click of a button on a computer. Granted there are some awesome people out there that we read about. But are we really friends? Do you really feel that sense of friendship? My opinion is and it's just my opinion that if technology goes at the rate its going that we will be forced into a robot like world. A world where everything is programmed and controlled.  Nothing will feel real anymore. But rather more like artificial. I always enjoy the feeling of warmth you get from a true friend in time of need or encouragement. I'm sure many of us extraordinary people still have those kind.  They truly are to be cherished.  Hold them dear. They will become a rarity. Why they are the very ones who can reminisce with us about yesterday. Bring back my yesterday! If only that were possible. The truth of the matter is, that technology, although it sets us back in some ways, it is also beneficial in others.  The thing is when we are experiencing the benefits of modern technology we don't think about the positive things new technology have changed that we wished had remained the same. Like my dear old mother used to say"you cant have everything". And I used to say "why not?".  So I think it better to move ahead with the times. I must be a part of at least five social net working sites. And a piece of work it is. Like my blog here. Just another social net work.  But I do enjoy blogging. I hope I'm making some good friends and they are enjoying hearing what I have on my mind!  So I guess its true, you have to got through some of the bad to get to the good.  And if that be through social net working, then let it be!

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Finding Contentment

Finding contentment in life can bring true joy and happiness.  It's been said that contentment makes poor men rich, and discontent makes rich men poor.  But it is not something that can  be bought like merchandise. Being content means being easily satisfied and pleased with something we have presently. However contentment can cover a lot of areas in life. I ask myself how often am I personally content with most things?  When I get what I want, am I quickly looking for something  else to closely follow? Do I find it not enough? Or Do I  need something else to complete what I have just received?  Most people find contentment hard to obtain. I was pondering this and asked myself how can one find or learn this quality.  How beneficial it would be to extraordinary people and otherwise. It could mean the matter of  having good health and bad. But I find the one thing that the majority of people are discontent with is the amount they have from a material standpoint. Somehow, many think that their life will result from the things they possess until life teaches them otherwise. So I did some looking into finding and maintaining contentment as an extraordinary person and would like share it with my contemporaries. I learned that good friends add to our contentment, however, it is possible that we can have friends that can undermine it as well. I also learned that our contentment must come from things other than what money can buy. That would include having a close knit family, feeling secure and being satisfied with what you presently have, not what you are seeking to gain. True contentment comes from having an spiritual aspect in our life. Riches does not supply true contentment. Love and family contributes greatly to contentment in life. The point I'm making is this, whether we have a lot or a little materially we can have true contentment in life by loving people, keeping an grateful attitude, making the best choices when selecting friends  and having a spiritual quality in our life. So let's find contentment and embrace it, it's a good thing!!!

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Regrets

I'm destined to be an extraordinary woman with out regrets. And I'm working diligently at it. Is that how you feel? Is that even possible? We've all made mistakes  and at least committed a minimal amount of wrongdoing in our past imperfect lives.  We have learned that life can be understood by looking back but that it must be lived by looking ahead. That's why reflecting and pondering on the past can be beneficial. It teaches us as well as reprove us.  Regrets of the pass may have even been something that could not be helped or we had no control over. They are not necessarily intentional insults. And the unfortunate thing about life is we don't always get second chances to do things over again. But still we must let bygones be bygones. We cant hold on to things we feel may be error's of our past.  It does us no good.  Kinda like resentment, we must let it go.  We have to truly believe in our heart that regrets of yesterday does not have to be regrets of tomorrow.  How can that be accomplished?  Pondering this  put me into deep thought.  Because we all have some regrettable things in our life for whatever reason. So I began to ask myself a lot of questions. Many sobering questions at that. I discovered that we cant worry about answer's to such sobering questions, but rather we can use them to analyze ourselves. With this self analyzation we can make sure we are doing and giving our best to others and to those whom it is owing. Otherwise, if we don't we could be continuing in a way of life that would only bring in more regrets.  Something we definitely would not want.  So living a life with as few regrets as possible and even with no regrets is possible. It depends on our way of thinking and  how well we mentally discipline and train ourselves. Remember yesterday is gone, it's the past. Tomorrow is not here, that's why they call it the future. Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present.  Let us learn from each. The present by living life to the full now and  as joyous as we can. And learn from the past and live for the future. If we do this, it is possible, we can be extraordinary people without regrets!

Monday, December 8, 2014

Opinions!

Opinions, mine is mine and yours is yours. That's what they say. But what is said is not what is respected by some depending on whom you are sharing your opinion with. This is the case even after we have been asked to give our opinion.  It has been said that strong opinions have been the seat of great controversy. What I've come to learn as an extraordinary person and you would probably agree, that expressing our opinions as is our prerogative have destroyed a many relationships and caused  problems among family members, friends, acquaintances and even the public. From protesting to even riot's. So what should we do?  To give our opinion or not to give our opinion, that is the question. What I never understood is that  why most cant just agree to disagree.  After all an opinion is not necessarily based on actual knowledge but rather just what one thinks of something, someone or another subject. The dictionary states it best when it says: a carefully thought out conclusion based on facts, but without the certainty of knowledge. So opinion's are not right or wrong. But rather a personal thought of an individual with not necessarily enough knowledge.  But if we are to live with less stress and peaceably with the people we run into constantly and those of whom we are the closest, unless we are asked it is better to keep our opinions left unsaid. Life has taught me that expressing opinion's causes stress and anxiety in our life. And stress and anxiety is certainly something we would want to let go of. It's not healthy and it's not worth it. Being over fifty and extraordinary has taught us so much. We can live long, healthy, satisfying lives by putting into action the things we have learned. We must remember we can't sweat the small stuff. So the next time you are asked to vocalize your opinion, tread lightly. It may be even a better idea to plead the fifth. I would never change my opinion to suit others and neither should you.  We as people need to learn to respect the differences.  To keep things clam, just as I stated earlier we need to agree to disagree. That puts us on a common ground in spite of the differences.  But again this is just my opinion. I respect the fact that it may not be shared by most. Let me know what you think!!!

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Music- How sweet it is!!!

Music, from any generation can be a pleasure as far back as Mozart. Today's music,  my how it has changed. So much so that we don't want to let the music of yesterday go. That's why we got old school. Even the very young today can appreciate the good music of yesterday. Something about how things were yesterday. We look back and we think that the pass was always better. No matter what we are talking about, the grass was greener,  the food tasted better, and even the literal days seemed longer and the music was better of course. I don't know why that is. My parents felt the same way about their day. But music is the one thing that tells me that I haven't changed. I still love music and in some ways it has not changed. It still does what it has always done for us. I have always been a lover of music of all kinds, that includes country, rock, jazz, classical and the list goes on and on. I learned to appreciate at an early age that truly talented people exist  in every genre.  I am so glad I did. My wedding song was a country song, because the music and lyrics were just perfect for my perfect day. And to exclude a certain type of music would be cutting our self short of a real enjoyment we could be having. Speaking of music, it is so therapeutic, it is something that is mood altering. It can take us to the highest high and bring us down to the lowest low.  There is one song that I have been hearing on occasion  my entire life that no matter how many times I hear it, it will always and forever induce me to tears. There may be a few but there is one in particular no matter the circumstances I hear it under makes me cry. Its very sad so I try to avoid it if possible. But there are others and many of them that does just the opposite and along with the lyrics will get me up on my feet every time or make me feel good. Music is good for the soul. We respond to music in a way so subtle that we are not even aware of. It's influence is so strong that we need to be careful. It can almost be likened to a powerful drug. If we choose wisely the benefits will always be good. It will bring us inner peace, joy and tranquility. It can wake us up or lull us to sleep. It makes us want to get up and move, to celebrate. I love to dance and I always will. Dancing to music is very good exercise that's good for our body and mind. I've found it beneficial to play soft background music at dinner time. It set's the mood. I've notice that family is more open and talkative. It will lift our spirits when we are feeling a little low if we play the right kind. So the next time we need a little boost in our spirits, don't hesitate to put on some good music to do just the trick. Be careful in your selections. Music will keep our outlook positive and upbeat.(lil play  on words there).  So my over fifty and extraordinary people, let music and the movement it insist on be a part of your daily activity. It's a great stress reliever and motivator. So let music do just that, keep us moving and don't stop. I'd like to share a relaxing moment with you, close your eyes and listen to the music video attached and indulge yourself for a few minutes in the serenity that it will bring you.

Monday, December 1, 2014

On Ageing !

You know reflecting back , now that I am fifty-something. I look back at this whole ageing thing and I wonder how did I get here so fast?!?!?  Does it seem that way to you too ?! Seems like yesterday I was just twenty-something. They say time flies when you having fun!!  Well based on that, I guess there have been some fun times along the way. But taking in this whole ageing thing there is a lot that goes with it. It's also said that age ain't nothing but a number. Relatively speaking that's true, because it always refer to a number,or length of time an era etc. When we think of it in this way, it kinda puts the word "age" in different perspectives. Not always on just how old we are. For instance, take us over fifty and extraordinary people. We have reached a period or stage in life where we are considered middle age. We have passed through a particular era together. Now we benefit from the wisdom of age. Some of us from appearances sake age quickly, while some of us appear to be ageless or not so quick. It's also been said that some of us improve with age. A persons level of attainment is measured by age.  Everyone as well as everything matures with age and on and on it goes. We were created with the mindset to go on.  Something we can't do without is  ageing. So I agree with the aforementioned, age ain't nothing but a number. Furthermore, I think I like it. From what I'm getting from this whole ageing process is the older we get the better we get.  Also that ageing is a good thing. Consider the alternative.  It's nothing to fear but to be welcomed. It brings many blessings in a sense. Again, it's something that requires a little adjustment in our thinking. We can stay young at heart and be active mentally and physically throughout our entire life.  Now is the time for us to be our best and healthiest and happiest. We know so much more. We are our own priority. We have come to the age of wisdom. Wisdom means the ability to use the  knowledge we have learned. This is how we are wise. I'm thinking if I had to give up everything I know now and go back to a particular age of more youthful vigor with the absence of knowledge. I think I'd choose knowledge.  In the bible the Psalmist petitioned: " show us just how to count our days in such a way that we may bring in a heart of wisdom".  What a beautiful request.  That's what I would like to do. The one thing I've learned about ageing is this. It can't be beat. Time passes, day after day, year after year.  It's something we must do gracefully. So ask yourself, to be happy, healthy and full of life " what's age got to do with it?" I say absolutely nothing!!!!

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Doing Nothing!!!

Doing nothing, you say! Over 50 and extraordinary people should never be found doing nothing. Why not? It's not about nothing, it's about being balanced in everything. Doing nothing is not a sin. It's not anything we should feel guilty about. As I reflect back,one of the biggest challenges in life for me has been finding the balance. I really think it impossible as long as we are imperfect people. By now we have worked so long and hard at doing something and we continue to work. If then doing nothing becomes a guilty pleasure, then let us indulge ourselves on a regular basis. I used to feel that as long as I was awake I needed to be being productive. I tried to push this habit on my family. My family would leave the room if they were sitting idle and saw me coming. They knew I was going to find something for them to do. How wrong I was. I have since apologized  to them and now they can at times truly enjoy the pleasure of my company.  Not that being productive most of the time is wrong, its just  about being balanced. To even things out or make equivalent on both sides, and having not to much of something or not to little even in the things we choose to do.  See how difficult finding the balance can be?!?  So when it comes to doing nothing, there is an art to it. We owe it to ourselves to find out how to master it. It may save our life one day. It has to become just as important to us, as caring  for the needs of our children, our family or even our jobs. For everything there is an opposite.  We need to set a regular time for it. When I say doing nothing, I don't necessarily mean absolutely nothing unless that's the nothing you choose for the moment, because that's ok too. But rather, I'm speaking of taking some downtime for yourself and/or your household. Putting yourself in a whole new mental zone or environment.  It may just entail curling up with a good book. It may be popping some popcorn and watching a favored movie.  It may be taking a long hot bath behind a locked door with candles and aromatherapy. Ahhhh!!! Remember to put the "Do Not Disturb sign out". When we stop for a minute and bring our pace to a halt, it refreshes us.  Doing nothing for a time helps us to continue to thrive. It clears our head and we can even make more sound decisions. Over a long period of time we can see and feel the benefits of doing nothing at times.  It's good heart health, it even lowers our blood pressure. It makes relaxing and sleep come a lot easier, in fact it encourages it. It's a stress reliever. Stress is noted to be a killer. Extraordinary people, we have come a long way. In order to continue on this journey having our fullest potential, good balance is needed. Doing nothing from time to time will help us find that balance. So never feel guilty about taking some time off from certain specific duties.  You owe it to yourself. This makes you even better at what it is you do continually. It will help you maintain your joy while having to do it. Something that makes so much sense and  famous quote I'd like to share with you is this: " The whole point of getting things done, Is knowing what to leave undone." There is a time for everything, this includes doing nothing. So develop the art of doing nothing and experience the real pleasure it will bring to you. I have.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Adult Siblings!

Siblings!! People born of the same parents, a brother or sister. The dictionary makes it clear. They are in a class by themselves for good reason.  Most of us have at least one or more. I come from a large family. I have lots of sisters, we could of had our own baseball team with a few extras. My parents were blessed with only one son. The youngest after having given birth to  a dozen females. His birth was classified nearly a holiday.  When I reflect back on what they were like as  youngsters, I'm not sure if I liked them better then or now. Don't get me wrong, I love them all.  But, they can be a piece of work sometimes. Sibling rivalry is something I'm all to familiar with. After all, I got a lot of siblings to rival with. I remember saying too many times to my parents : "Why wasn't I an only child?" I was trying to recall if they had changed much from being children into adults. And if they were any easier to get along with, the choices they have made as adults and other things. I did a lot of reflecting on our relationships now,their present needs, the needs of those associated with them and on and on. Most of us now are over 50 and extraordinary with an exception of a few. My findings are they are no easier to get along with now then they were at age ten. These are still the same people with the same personalities.  Some easy , some not so easy. I also found that some of their needs had not even changed. That's something, because it means that those who needed a bottle then, still need a bottle now in a figure of speech. Some are still so needy. Some want to be bosses over us. They expect us to give them what they demand or ask. And that some of them have made some pretty bad choices in their life in my opinion. But given the circumstances they had, perhaps I would have made those same choices(I doubt it) but possibly.  I had to remind myself that these people are my siblings, not my children. I'm not responsible for them or their choices.  I don't have to please them. My job is to get along with them as best I can. To help them out in their hour of need. To love and support and encourage them. To look for the best in them and to be forgiving.  I found out that sometimes adult siblings lose sight of the position we play in each other's lives. Our job is to give advice if asked and not to take offense if it is not accepted. This has been hard for me to do. Our siblings are like our children, we want the best for them. It's hard to stand by and watch them make decisions contrary the ones we would make. But it's still not our job to intervene. These are adult lives, things have changed greatly since we were kids. I think the main thing our adult siblings want from us is respect. They don't want us to judge them. They may shy away from us. We individually have the right to run our lives in the way we choose, not someone else. They have come a long way and have  changed from being a kid sister or kid brother. When you become extraordinary, you see and understand these things a lot clearer. After much pondering takes place.  It's funny how life teaches you things in time. Sometimes it take's a lot of time. My wonderful Mother used to say" what I cant teach you life will". No truer statement ever expressed. We were blessed to have a teaching mom. She constantly taught and told us the things we should say and do. If I could walk just a half a mile in her shoes, I'll be a great lady. So my over 50 and extraordinary friends, if you have siblings, hope and pray for the best, don't judge them. Stay close because they are a blessing to have around. Some thing I had to remember is that you cant raise grown people. And since we are all imperfect, we cant sit on a judgement seat. By now sibling rivalry should be gone and we should be at peace with one another.  The best things in life are not things, but rather it's the people in life we know and love. The two things we owe our siblings is love and respect. If we do this, their will be no rivalry!!!

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Staying Motivated

Motivation, a strong word. I was thinking about this word the other day. It was the end of the day and I had only done half the things I wanted to do. I still desired to do yet more. I wasn't even as exhausted from the day's activities. I just had no drive to continue. In me I felt what I thought  was a strong will to act. Isn't that what motivation means? Move to action, or encourage, or stimulate, whatever! I thought I was motivated because I strongly desired to get these things accomplished. By now in our life we have done so much between raising kids, working a job still, taking care of house and home and other peoples needs till we have become exasperated and  downhearted. And just the thought of going through the motions of doing certain things we have done forever is now too much
 to consider. Like cooking a meal.  I learned quickly that there is a thin line between having a strong desire to do a task and being motivated to do it.  Have you ever felt that way?  Being motivated takes more than just having a strong desire. It takes real action on our part and  self discipline. Discipline is remembering what we want.  It also takes real earnest effort, because it's so easy to say mentally to just forget it and we put it off. That doesn't mean our desire to have it accomplished changes. This makes us sad or it makes me sad. When we are not motivated to get things done, it's kinda like a mental illness. It affects us through and through. You can even sometimes feel it physically. It's our mind we need to get motivated for us to will and to act. Although balance is needed as in everything, It's so important to keep moving and being active. We need to be effective people. How or what helps us to remain effective people?!  I once went to see a motivational speaker, actually I saw a few in my life time. Zig Ziggler was one of my favorite, cute and extremely witty and  over fifty and extraordinary.  I have  forgotten some of the things He said that day. But whatever it was it worked. I remember coming home and being so fired up and enthused for a time. He had already reached over fifty and extraordinary and Zig found it no harder to laugh after fifty then he did  before. Exuberant  and  Extraordinary Zig was. It was Zig  who made me take a closer look at this profession of motivation  in a very positive light. He was so refreshing.  He stated the age old phrase: "Don't put off for  tomorrow what you can do today!!" The number of hours  in a day has not changed. It's life and circumstances that slows us down naturally. It can burn us out if we allow it. Some times we all need a little boost to get us going.  Choosing a strong mentor in the motivational field will help us. There's is still too much ahead of us.  Staying motivated is essential to our mental and emotional well being. We need to recognize that there are just some things we cant do on our own, no matter how good it is for us to do it.  Zig Ziggler is a fine choice as a mentor, He was for decades known as number one in America when it came to motivation. Check him out and there are others as well when you feel you could use a boost. Everyone needs a little recharging now and then, even extraordinary people like you and me.  This short video is featuring Zig, I want to share it with my Over fifty and extraordinary friends.  It's for your pleasure once again, I hope you enjoy it!

Friday, November 21, 2014

Extraordinary in Sickness and Health !!

In sickness and in health. I know that's a phrase everyone is all so familiar with. But I'm not talking about the cliche that goes along with the marital vow. But rather literally when we as extraordinary people have to deal with a health issue.  This is something that causes a great deal of anxiety.  As we reach fifty and over, it seems that declining health is in the horizon and that a new bodily pain occurs every day. We start saying to our selves, "ohh,  owie, what's that!!!" Then we start seeing two guy's. Arthur Ritis and Bur Sitis. And before you know it, shortly after the introduction we start sleeping with them. Yes, because of Arthur Ritis, and Bur Sitis ,we need a new friend Ben Gay. If it were not for Ben Gay, Arthur Ritis and Bur Sitis would be impossible to deal with together.  Now we have  become a dynamic trio. But, if it was just the two of them, it wouldn't be so bad.  I'm just here making light of something that causes adversity and to laugh in it's face. Because if we don't , we may cry instead. But if we are to be extraordinary in sickness, we need to do just that. In time other things may come up. Some very serious or even life threatening. Just thinking about these possibilities can cause us a degree of stress.  How do we cope? What should be our mind set on the subject? I have a dear friend who is now coping with such an issue. And I mean truly coping.  A very extraordinary individual. When I spend time with her, if I just didn't know of  her particular situation, I would not be able to tell. Our friendship and care for each other has not changed.  I see a strength in Her that I never saw before. She never complains and because of our close friendship, She spends more time in talking with me about my own issues, which are so much more less significant than her own and asking about others. I really admire her for this, although I cant understand how she does it. She has her good days and bad days. Of which I have to ask her what kind of day is she having?  She responds, "Everyday is a good day".  I've noticed how positive she has become or perhaps has always been, but I have never noticed as profoundly as I have now.  She sees the glass as half full.  She greets me  as she always have, with a hug and a smile. I know we can never really know how we would be under similar circumstances. But it seems keeping a positive attitude about life and others is good therapy. We need to develop the habit of being positive now. I've also  learned if we keep thinking about others, we don't have time to pity our self. If we cant move, physically, then we need to keep moving mentally. Movement is life.  She has become a great role model. She has taught me that we can never become stagnant. If we do, we are giving in to whatever it is.  This would be a great downfall. It's been said that life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it. We need to recognize that what happens is such a little part of our life. Really! If we are to be extraordinary in both sickness and health, then this is the attitude we need acquire.  Her example has shown me that no matter what side of the coin we are dealing with we can still cope. It is possible. We can deal successfully with it. Our mind set should never change. Extraordinary people are mentally strong and very positive. We have a strong support team, each other. So be extraordinary in sickness and in health has nothing to do with a wedding vow. But has everything to do with being ready, willing and able to accept and face with bold courage the challenges that comes as we continue to grow graciously in mind and spirit. You are all in my heart and mind! I'm so blessed to have her as a friend. I hope she read's this blog. And my dear friend if your are reading this blog, I just want you to know that you are the wind beneath my wings and  truly my SHE-RO !!

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Maintaining Self Esteem !

Self esteem. Something so vital to our very existence. Even more so now that we have become extraordinary. This is something we need to maintain in high quality. We now have a role in boosting it in others  especially our young who will one day become over fifty and extraordinary.  Yes, that's right our job is ongoing. We have to infuse this strong mental power in others. In whomever our lives continue to touch. This blog goes along with my blog on loving thy self. With the proper measure of it , we can move figurative mountains. With too little of it, it can rob us of our very life. It can take away our joy without us not really knowing its the culprit. Its invisible, but it manifests itself in our outward attitude. This like many other things is a mind set. We have to believe first in our self and that we can and we are important. We are the same person we have always been just older and wiser. Even so, many today lack this important quality. Where does it come from? And how do we acquire it? Its one of those things that starts at home. It's been fed to us from our environment and the people who have shared it with us. From our closest associates whose influence have had the greatest impact on our life. Our parents, friends and relatives.  Do we need more of it? I remember times in my life when I had a great deal of it and then there were times when not nearly enough of it were present. Well I've learned the good thing about self esteem is that it can be lifted up. It can grow at any stage of life. Not only in self , but we can be instrumental in helping it to grow in others. This is part of our role as mentor's and  role model's. We help contribute to building a strong happy healthy mental society.  A society of which we are now the leaders. To gain more we all have to change our thinking. It's been said if you change your thinking you change your life. Sometimes it will take constant mental adjustment's in many areas. It doesn't matter if it's something we never had enough of yesterday.  Tomorrow we can be on our way to having plenty. Let's keep it in big supply. We need too. How? By thinking positive of self and others, giving praise and commendation and encouraging others. I guess my pondering this thought, it taught me that in the game of life the rules never change and never really will. It's always been the way we play the game. What will change is the quality of life we give our self when we play hard and correct. And by playing fair and square to our self and then to others. Playing fair in this way will naturally boost our self esteem and keep it there. Now is not the time to let our self esteem diminish. Have a wonderful day my over fifty and extraordinary people!! You really are SUPER!!

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Talking

Talking, just like listening is an art. Either we do it really well or we are just so so. That would include talking to our inner self as well as to others. Talking is not always easy. Putting our feelings and ideas into to words remains still quite a task.  Even for us extraordinary people. And  if we are not so challenged our self in  this area, then there is just getting the other party with whom we are trying to converse to hold up their end of the  conversation.  I've learned finally at my age that it is so vitally important to learn how to talk. It is something we will have to do for the rest of our lives. What kind of conversation will we be having? Will we build up,or will we tear down?  What will be our topics? Some things should never be talked about with  certain people. Therefore we should be wary of gossiping or even listening to gossip. It actually in my opinion show us  to be weak individuals. When learning an art, it  is something we want to do well.  We want our influence to be positive on others. I have seen the effect of catty remarks, they are not good. So much these past decades have taught me.  My biggest challenge is learning how to use the things I've learned in a way that will make me the role model I would like to be. I'd like to encourage all the extraordinary people to do the same. Verbal jabs could knockout any relationship worth keeping. Its been said that our speech could stab like a sword. But it has also been said that when a person can talk to us  to the point of feeling understood by us, its equivalent to giving them air.  That's a profound statement. It's actually saying that we kill a person figuratively when they don't feel understood by us, it's like cutting off their air supply. This is not something that we would intentionally do.  We all know how our speech should up build rather than tear down.   Let's remind ourselves that we have all learned this art of talking.  Applying the  things we have learned about this art is what makes us extraordinary. We know there is no need to learn it the hard way anymore.  Winning in a verbal conflict is never important.  Our goal is to be understood by others and to understand them. The bible says" as an apple in gold carvings, so it  the word spoken at the right time." In this way we wont hurt feelings and destroy the very relationships we want  to hold dear to us. So to learn the art of talking, the art of listening must come first.  Sometimes we learn this a little late in life. Sometimes it takes decades. The point is its never to late to learn something new. After all better late than never. Especially if its something that could benefit us going forward. Just something I had been reflecting on I wanted to share with you. Hope you agree, share your opinion. I'd love to hear it.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Encouragement & Praise


Encouragement and Praise go hand in hand. When we give others praise they are encouraged by it. Encouragement is something we all need a little bit more of. But also something we as extraordinary people can impart to others. We can and should take the lead in doing so. At our stage in life now, we have learned how important this is. We have either had the right amount of encouragement we needed or we have suffered the lack of it. When we encourage, it stimulates others to work harder in their personal efforts. It also boost the moral of the ones closest to us. It will  improve our relationships. It will let others know we approve of them. And approval is something that is needed by others to help them thrive. With all the things lacking in the world today, giving encouragement or commendation to others  is among one of the greatest.  Recently, I heard of  a person of authority on a job just rip up one of its hard working employees in the present of others employees for no valid reason. I felt more sorry for the person of authority than did the one he ripped apart. And so did he. A person who cant give encouragement but rather discourages is one who is probably starving for encouragement himself.  And as the saying goes misery loves company. When we find our selves making others miserable or rather discouraging rather than encouraging we are not treating others the way we want to be treated. Life is gonna deal us some bad hands sometimes anyway. But when things are going okay, lets keep a positive word in our heart for others. And when we find ourselves in need for encouragement, that kind word will be returned to us. None of us are perfect, but its true some of us just try harder. We need to give people the praise they deserve, some work really hard for it. And the benefit is when given they will work even harder. A little praise goes a long way. It changes attitudes. If we want to live out out days with as little stress as possible we need to be encouraging. Lets try an experiment . For the next 90 days, offer a word of encouragement to one or more persons daily.  At least one.  By the end of the 90  days, lets re-examine our relations, our mentality and see just how much it has improved. By then encouraging others will have become a habit. The positive things we say to others will be fed to us as well. So by giving it , we will get it right back. We are encouraging, that's one of the things that makes us extraordinary!!!! Try it for ninety days and share how it has changed your life!!!!

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Careers

I have found reading about some of  the great careers of both men and women to be very interesting.  Some have chosen very noteworthy ones and as a result have become career diplomats. By the time we have reached the age of the extraordinary, we have been following a course of a certain occupation quite some time. Our careers have even expanded over decades now. But looking back, kinda reflecting on the time and energy put in it.  Do we have any regrets? What did we give up to there? How great were out sacrifices? Did we do what we really loved?  Often time, we as woman juggle two careers. Both very demanding. That's the raising of the family and the job at the same time. Yes, the home front, a steady occupation in itself. Today many woman have to work outside the home, just to help make ends meet. Its a challenge, but usually successfully met.  If we had to do it all over again, would we? These are personal questions we each as individuals have to ask ourselves. Careers are and can be wonderful things. I think they define us in some way. They give us a sense of importance. And when we read about the great careers of both men and women, sometimes they are to be envied. Certainly although, I do believe that any career chosen, family life or outside occupation has its perks. If we self examine and end up with positive answers to the questions, then we have done well. I feel learning to live life with as few regrets as possible to be very satisfying. The thing about life is you don't get to do it over again.  Its a work in constant progress then we die. We've made some mistakes along the way and will to a certain extent continue to do so. That's not so bad, we are only human. And yesterday's gone, we managed to get through it. So whether we have regrets or not, we can move forward. We have a wisdom now like never before. Even if we have never chosen an outside career, and we wished we had done so, why not now? No better time than the present if our circumstances permit. There is nothing to fear but fear itself.  I believe over fifty is the perfect age.  Most likely our children are grown. Our focus would not have to be divided. Its all a state of mind. Its been said" If your mind can conceive it, then you can achieve it". IF that is your desire. The point is no matter what we have done with our life or not done today, it makes no difference. Yesterday's gone. Its going forward, what will we do tomorrow? It may be the start of a new career or something else. We want to be here tomorrow. We want to continue living and pursuing the beauty of an extraordinary life.  How sweet it is !!!

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Adult Children

Who are these guys?!?! No, who do they think they are?!  And why do they keep calling me Mom?! If so, what happen to the beautiful little loving and adorable creatures they once were?!  Oh, bring back my yesterday, somebody pleeze!  Once our children become adults these are questions we cant help but ask ourselves. Oh they think they have a new role, called parents to us. We need to keep reminding them that at the time of our birth, they were not present. Parenthood, first time, a joy such as never before. I remember  being told its a whole new level of love. It will change your life. No truer words has ever been spoken.  It has changed my life and I think its still trying. Our adult children, in spite of the transitions we have watched them through, they still mean the world to us. When we reflect back to the day they were bought home from the hospital, brand new, so needy, so tiny, it seemed as though they would be babies forever. We even hoped they would. Those sleepless nights seemed unending.  But we were determined to meet every demand no matter the cost physically, mentally and emotionally we had to bear as parents. Nothing was more important than that child.  And we did, we loved and nurtured and we sacrificed, we taught and we trained and we supported, we waited patiently for everything we needed back for years and years until they one day became these adult people or even young parents themselves. We even  made them marketable subjects to society. After all this, they still  think we still owe them something. WHO ARE THESE GUYS?? Oh let me get a grip!! I know, I know, precious they still are and they will remain the loves of our lives forever. But I got a question, the same question they use to ask us over and over again: Are we there yet?!? Aren't we done?  There is a reality check in order due here.  They need to be put in their place, not as babes, but as the mature adults they have become.  We need to enjoy them as adults , the same way we did as infants or children. Of course we need to respect them as adults and not treat them like children or try to run or control their lives. It works both ways.  But I feel there is only one way to do this.  They need to be informed affirmatively. What we owe them when they were minors, we no longer owe them as adults.  If they are to grow into extraordinary people, we need to be solid role models or mentors. We need to be firm in insisting on them accepting their new roles or obligations. We can't let them make us feel like their responsibility is ours. Its not. We need to get back the love we had at first when we first met them as infants. Its possible, after all , they are the fruit of our loins!!!!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Love Thy Self

I remember  being taught as a little child by my mother who always said," Everything starts at home and then spreads abroad". At first I didn't understand this statement, it took me a while. She was trying to teach me and my siblings that  the most important things needed to be practiced at home among each other and than we would spread the goodness to others beyond our household. I often think of that statement when it comes to being kind to yourself.  Does not the golden rule say," Do unto to others as you would like others to do unto you. YOU are the primary person of that phrase. We all want to be treated with kindness and consideration, but reflecting back so many times, we lose sight of  our self. We are sure to show kindness to others but fail to love thy self. I'm not saying that we should not be self sacrificing and put others needs in front of our own. There are times when this is necessary but certainly not all. But in order to love other people really well we need to love thy self first. Just because we have grown into extraordinary people over fifty our needs have not changed. Is passion only for the young? Not by long shot. By loving our self we assure that we will get the things needed most for us as individuals. Whether  that be the putting our self first and making others wait. Indulging our self in some type of luxurious treatment. Taking that day off when you have the time and been wanting to.  Not holding back when we know we are deserving. I've learned as well as noticed that others will love us only as much as we love ourselves.  Its kinda like self respect, we need to show respect for self then others will be prompted to do the same. A boss will respect us more when we show we are not gonna allow our self to be treated unfairly.  By the way we speak up for  ourselves  to the way we enter into a room will determine the way others treat us and respect our needs and desires. When we love thy self , we show we are worthy to have the things we deserve. And  others are quick to give it to us. But when we don't, then the natural tendency is to allow others to short change us and they will, especially the ones closest to our hearts.  When we have self love we wont allow others to take advantage of us.  Life has taught me that we only gain the love and respect of others when we show love and respect our self. Yes!!Love Thy Self !! Everything starts with us. We say I am somebody by doing so.  It keeps our self esteem in  the right place. And when we love our self we wont go unnoticed. Every one will see.  And the happier we will be for doing so!!!

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Transitions

Changes, everything changes. Change is good. And acceptance of the things that change is healthy for us.  That's what keeps life and the world so interesting. But once we are over fifty and beyond, the word itself changes and now the new word for changes is Transitions.  It takes on a whole new meaning for us, because now we may be touched personally by it due to a new or changing circumstance in our life.  Any new life event, from a change of life birth baby to death of a spouse. We may need to leave things that were once very comfortable  and secure for us. It may be our job, our home our life style. Even more profound living without a loved one. Suddenly change becomes very frightening for some. I've seen many go through different transitional periods. Some handled it well, others not so well. Now that I'm over 50  I have found that mental preparedness is a real good thing. Especially for the inevitable. These kind of transitions, no matter what are not easy. There are all kinds of  advice and self help books for these transitions.  But as most things in life, a lot easier said than done. I feel now is the time where human compassion really need to be put into play. Others need to be good listeners. Having a confidante helps. No matter what the transitions is when we have someone to talk to about it makes it a little easier.  We need to tell people what we need and not have them tell us.  My mother used to say a closed mouth never gets fed. And people can't read our mind. For sure we are all going to face them, I think this becomes a realization when we become one of the extraordinary people. Because now we know we have reached a plateau in life and we most likely wont live as long as we have already.  The truth is we have been transitioning every single day of our lives. With changes that we have openly welcomed, but now the new changes we experience  at this stage of our lives are met with fear and challenges.  Life changes take place everyday no matter what.  Having a strong sound mind could be of great benefit to us if we give it a little forethought. Transitions shouldn't frighten us today no more than they did twenty years ago. But they might. We have to remain mentally strong and self confident that come what may, we can and  will be successful at coping with it.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

On Marriage !!

Marriage, can be a wonderful thing. Two becoming one. Till death do you part.  Although there have been many challenges. I love the state of being married.  Not all can  say that. Because for many, once we find ourselves over fifty we have have experienced a lot of changes in this department. Perhaps we have been divorced or separated. Experienced more than one marriage, widowed or presently married. This is the biggest commitment in our life. And should always remain that. I believe everyone goes into it with the best intentions.  Hoping and wishing all their fairy tale dreams will come true. What does it really mean to become one?!  Looking back on the experiences that have been fed into my life and watching things others have experienced, is that some don't take their  vows seriously enough. To be one with anything means to be in the same line of thought and agreement. That's what makes us one. This is a challenge and can be quite difficult to do being that backgrounds and cultures differ. The way we are raised and the things we are taught to believe. This grand commitment it  is not fully realized. So as a result marriages end in divorce.  Inspite of the circumstances that separate the two. Its an inborn desire of  most to want to belong to another or have someone to share their life with. This is because in the beginning, it was said by the originator of marriage: "It is not good for man to continue alone, I am going to make a helper for him, to complete him".  Or  compliment him. We compliment our mates.  So now we are over fifty, we find ourselves alone and to remarry or stay single is the question. Perhaps we have made mistakes in this area in the past.  But mistakes is just hard evidence that we did try. Hind sight is 20/20. We cant believe that since it failed once, it will happen again. Whomever we choose to marry again, we cant go into it with the idea, if it don't work out we will just get a divorce. We are now older and wiser. Our choices are now built on stronger foundations. We have come to learn what it means to be fully committed to someone.  For better or for worse! Lets explore that phrase, it means your life and everything in it may become better as a result of marrying this person or it may become worse. That's what we agree too. We hope for the best. And we cope with the worse. That's it. Studies have found that married people live longer. Their lives have richer meaning. So as an extraordinary person and you have the chance to begin again, take that chance. Why not???   Companionship is good for our souls. We are never to old for anything.  We gotta learn to live life like we have never been hurt. Yesterday is past, tomorrow is the future, today is a gift, that's why they call it the present!!! Everyday is a new beginning for all of us!!  We should never stop living life to the fullest, no matter what circumstances we find  ourselves in.  It is a personal choice and it should be respected. But I do believe it is something that will bring all of us a great deal of happiness for the right reasons.  Living life to the full will keep us extraordinary people strong!!!!  Let me know my over 50's, what's your view of marriage after fifty!!!!!!

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Friendship

Friendship, a very close relationship in support of another person. A wonderful thing. I think it could almost be called a marriage of sorts. They really should last till death do friends part.  But like marriages they break up. The closest friends makes the worst enemies, so they say. But why is that? What is it about the bond of friendship that once its broken can be very volatile ?  Probably the fact that when we are close, we share everything. Our dying secrets. All the pinkie swears. Completely exposing our self to them.Things we would not dare share with the world. Now that the friendship has ended we feel so violated.We cant take back the things they know about us our families or the things we have done in support of them. Now we are angry. Its like love and hate, a very thin line. An extraordinary person I once knew told me that friends were harder to gain the older you got. I don't know if I agree with her, but there may be a measure of truth in that statement. But I would think the older we got, we would be a lot wiser when it came to choosing our friends. When we were young and we first began to make friends, our friends meant the world to us. It never occurred to us that they would or could  one day hurt us. But when they did, remember how crushed and betrayed we felt?! arghhh!! I remember it well. But as we matured and grew older we soon learned that everyone calling himself a friend is not necessarily a friend. So as a result we lose many along the way. But a bible proverb says, there is one friend that will stick closer than a brother. Fortunately, I still have a friend I have been close to for nearly fifty years. She is the funniest thing. She makes me laugh today the same way she made me laugh nearly fifty years ago as lil kids. I cherish that friendship because it has stood the test of time. A friendship like that is very rare. The same as a marriage today lasting fifty years or more a rare thing. But both truly are blessings. Friends, how many of us have them?? Friends we can really depend on, ol faithful ones as they say. Whats makes a good friend? Certainly not a computer click. A true friend is someone we spend time with. One who we can talk to confidentially as well as honestly. Someone we show genuine care for and who we treat the way we want to be treated. They should be people of all ages and backgrounds. And since nobody's perfect, we all need to be forgiving. So I think a good friend can be made anytime in life, no matter how old or young we are. We just need to extend our circles at the same time being selective in our choosing. Can we be friends?! Please post a comment if we can be friends.  I'd love to become friends!!!

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

On Getting Older !!

I am a day older today then I was yesterday.  So What does that matter ? Actually, I am very happy to be able to say that. And if I add 364 more days to today I will be exactly one year older.  Its a real blessing to keep counting our days.  Age ain't nothing but a number, and a state of mind they say. I might add, its a math problem also. No matter how old we are, the important thing is how we count our days, what we do with them. How we choose to stimulate our mind and body.  I agree wholeheartedly with that. I feel the same today mentally as I did when I was in high school. In my head I am still that young person I always knew. I still feed myself the same mental thoughts. Its true my body has changed and my physical ability has decreased. But I am a mental giant. I am certainly no less intelligent but the more so. The older we get studies have found that our brain actually grow. Did you know that? We can not  allow our age or the older we get to become a stigma. Our mind plays a vital role in everything.  We become what we think we are. What can we do to experience the true beauty of aging?  We need to maintain or increase the functional activity of our mind and body. This is what keeps our intelligence sharp. Up until now no doubt we had a family to care for , perhaps a job or something. Functional activity of the mind and the body came by force.  We had to make quick decisions and sometimes not so quick. We had places to go, things to do, people to see. Now it no longer happens that way. We have to go seek it out. The kids have grown and the job is behind us. And  we need to keep going. Our brain is like a muscle, when its worked it stays strong.  We can't lose interest in the world and the living. If we do our body and mind will pay for it. Our quality of our life will erode greatly. Now is the time for a new enrichment so to speak. To seek out the things of interest to you. Pick a new hobby. Take up gardening. Get a pet. Stay connected with people. They don't have to be familiar to you, just human.  Animals are good companions, but they cant appreciate our intelligence. Share the wisdom you have acquired with others every chance you get. Let them see you are over fifty and extraordinary. So don't slow down, keep on moving ,don't stop!!  Remember, life is 10 percent of what happens to you and 90 percent of how you react to it. Getting older is only part  of  the 10 percent of what happens. That being the case, let's do it with grace!!!

Monday, November 3, 2014

Being Resilient !


 Hello my over 50's, today I'd like to blog about resilience. That word in itself is not a word  we stop and think about specifically or even often. But by the time we have gotten over fifty, we either have acquired or have not  acquired this quality of resilience. Our being resilient will be present for others to see and easily observed throughout trying times. It will become the label we are recognized by. She has a resilient nature, it may be said of you. Life hasn't  always been a bowl of cherries and it will continue to give us some  pits until the end of it.  As individuals we have  been through many hardships and have suffered many set backs stemming from a death of a loved one, an illness of self or another, a divorce, a financial need, loss of home or other material possession. Just one set back after another. Like the saying goes, its always something! Or if it ain't  one thing its three more. We were born with a certain degree of resilience by nature. Mankind was instilled with the power of recovery to a certain extent.  Within us is that natural ability to throw off trouble. You can recall how a child bounces back quickly or easily from what seems to us as impossible adversity. This is a wonderful quality. You heard it said that what doesn't kill us makes a stronger. That's resilience in motion.  This quality of resilience is so beneficial for us to maintain.  Being  resilient has a lot of hidden benefits such as it promotes our very own longevity. Helps us to be cheerful,  shows our inner strength and even fights off disease. How so?! Well being resilient decreases our stress levels, our attitude is more positive there by warding off sickness and disease. As a result this is a quality we need to work on or improve at this stage of our life. One motivational speaker made this statement: "If you are going through hell, keep going!" In time you will get through it, there will be light at the end of the tunnel and you will see it. So let us develop this quality in a fuller measure. To be resilient is an extraordinary quality to possess. It all starts with our mind. Making the needed adjustments and continuing on in the forward march. Yes, we are not fifty and extraordinary for nothing.  These are credentials we have fully earned through the blood sweat and tears that came with it.We are strong, we are invincible, we are resilient!! I hope you enjoyed this blog, please share what you think!

Saturday, November 1, 2014

For Your Entertainment !!



Hello my Over 50's!  I hope this day finds you in an exquisite mood! I came across this adorable video of these African children dancing. I love how they really seem to be enjoying themselves. So instead of the normal topics of discussion, I thought I would share something entertaining. Something that would likely bring a smile to your face. I hope you enjoy this brief video as much as I have. This is something I will have to put on my bucket list. To learn to move like this and have as much fun. But the good we can take from this is dancing is a good way  to  to stay fit and trim and you get a lot of other benefits also. And its so much fun doing it. So in the words of  Le Anne: " If you have the chance to sit or dance, I HOPE YOU DANCE!!!".

Friday, October 31, 2014

On Discipline

They say hind sight is 20/20. Given  the chance, who of us wouldn't go back and do a few things a little differently?! We all make the statement and say if I knew then what I know now, I would have done it this way.  We could have never known then what we know now. That's what makes us extraordinary. We only acquire this wisdom once we are over fifty. Unfortunately,we can never go back. By now we have reaped what we have sown.  A society of poorly disciplined people who will learn only as time passes by and maybe never learning at all.  Young parents as a whole seem to fall short in this area. Discipline  for the young is in poor supply and quality. This is a job that once the training is done, the job is over. Taking the priceless advice from the experienced (over 50)is never an  option. No one wants to be told how to discipline their children. Why?! I don't know. So we just keep our mouth shut and mind our own business. As we watch the next generation grow in disrespect, irresponsibility and laziness. There is too much permissiveness and there seems to be a role reversal in the home. Children are taking on the role of the parents in their actions. Parents are allowing this to happen. I overheard a conversation this week between a parent and a minor and I hope and pray that it was not a blast from the past of me and a minor in my charge. Children should not be talked to like the command their being given is optional or even negotiable. We love our children and always want them to be happy. We did or do what we think is/was best. Having their best interest at heart sometimes meant that we could not always be friends. It still means that, even as adults. Children need firm discipline or training and honesty. What we can't teach them, life will. Except it wont be kind,gentle or loving.  I heard it said once that: "A bad experience is better than good advice." There may be some truth in that statement. It may be the only chance left for those not properly trained to learn something beneficial.  The best thing about this for us is, that most of us over 50 now does not have to deal with this issue of discipline. Its behind us. But we can share with those who will allow us the things we know and perhaps save some from having regrets or making the same mistakes we did.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Resentment- To Have Or To Have Not ?

Welcome back to my Blog, my over 50's, Hope your day is going well! You know I was thinking the other day about this word.  Resentment. So I thought I'd do a blog on it.  At the moment I was feeling a little annoyed about general stuff.  The more I thought about it the worse I felt.  So I came to the conclusion that it is better to have not than to have. Resentment, that is.  It puts a hold on everything, nothing can move forward as long as resentment is a part of it. Relationships cant progress, it can actually cause a marriage to fail. Its like a ball and a chain, no matter how you would like to move ahead its a constant restraint (IF you don't let it go). It keeps you back. Its an awful feeling because you replay over and over in your subconscious the injury or  insult and those same feelings pop up every time. And you feel the exact pain every time it comes across your mind.  That's mental abuse. Its an assault against your own body. I thought to myself, what's the difference between someone assaulting me or me assaulting myself?  An assault is an assault no matter how you look at it.  BUT actually me assaulting myself is far worse.  I am learning that when we hold on to resentment we are hurting our self more than anyone else. LET IT GO! IT IS TRULY BETTER TO HAVE NOT! Being Over 50 and extraordinary has taught us these kind of lessons in life. So lets learn to benefit from the things we have been taught.We can only flourish in the absence of it. We need to forget and move forward. Resentment is a thought process, we need to change our thinking. That calls for humility and making adjustments on our part. We need to laugh sometimes in the face of adversity. That will help us to get through it. By now we should have learned that it is not worth it. So free yourselves and continue living the extraordinary life you've earned!! Agree or disagree? let me know, follow me on facebook at: #jogates.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

On Laughing !! LOL

Make the sounds and movements of the face and body that show amusement! Suggest the feeling of joy!!! That's how the dictionary defines laugh .  Hello  my over 50's and extraordinary, I hope you're laughing or at least laugh often. Its such a feel good thing! Did you know that when you laugh, it massages your insides?!? And a massage is oh so so wonderful !  There is so many things in life that will make us do just the opposite. But we have to search out the amusement and joy, really seek it. If we don't we will lose our laughter. That would be tantamount to losing the sun of our body. Its our light and needs to be shared. Being joyful keeps us healthy and youthful. We will attract happy people, yes its contagious, it spreads. I remember once when I was younger, I acquired a really good friend through laughing. That was all it took. She always told me, "I loved your laughter". Nothing feels better than being in the company of  joyful happy people.  Its the group people are looking to join. So when we really seek something , we go after it.  So whatever it is that you find funny, make time for it. Do you remember the little section in readers digest book called 'laughter is the best medicine".  I found that section to be so amusing and I loved reading the short stories so full of humor. Some of which I will never forget. You can hardly find that little paperback book in that form today. Yes laughing is good for our soul.  We need to always see the funny side of the street. It doesn't have to be sunny. Consider the lighter side of things, if we do we will feel so much better.  So try these tips: "How to laugh more" 1. If a person makes you laugh, call them more often. 2. Read a funny story, watch a funny movie 3. Watch a funny video (youtube is full of them) 4. Ponder the funny things that have happened in your life and laugh again. 5. Read a spoof on your adversity,such as " The joy of being broke" by Ben Goode  6. Laugh together with your mate  more often. 7. Buy tickets to see your favorite comedian. 8. Play a sweet joke on a loved one. 9. Go to an amusement park. 10. Try an activity that always give you a thrill, like tobogganing or a roller coaster. Try these and tell me what you think!!!! I hope you laugh!!!

Monday, October 27, 2014

EBOLA- As I see It !!

Ebola, the most understated  epidemic of the 21st century!!  This is not a normal blog for my over 50's. But today I wanted to share with them  something that's on the minds of many.  That's putting into perspective the Ebola Virus epidemic from my own personal viewpoint.  In spite of the devastating footage the media has displayed, the horrific stories of individuals and families whose lives have been touched by it, here and abroad  and even more extreme the victims  whose lives that was abruptly snuffed out by this deadly disease. Not to mention the stories in the media to control its spread, whats being done to prevent an outbreak in this country, protocol to follow, research for vaccines etc. etc.,  it still  remains one of the most understated epidemics of our time. There remains many unanswered questions such as how it is spread in the natural environment?  Disaster's, whether human or natural up to the present times has been measured in terms of the lives it claims.  Such as the Spanish Flu or the Flu of the 20th century. It wiped out nearly 5% of the worlds population. It was deemed the greatest medical holocaust ever. Does the Ebola carry that same quality potential? The Ebola Virus is an extremely highly transferable flu.  It has very similar symptoms and many of the same as did the flu of 1918, including the time or season of the outbreak. Many similarities  exist between the two, frightfully so !! The real truth about the Ebola has not been fully exposed to an already fearful public.  But knowing the truth could cause a new kind of panic of epic proportions. Something like what would be considered a perfect panic and could change the life the way we know it today.  Putting the Ebola Virus into perspective. The Ebola Virus is the Spanish Influenza of the 21st  century. The Ebola is not a new virus but has been on the scene for nearly 40 years.  The world is now experiencing an outbreak that has claimed the lives of two and a half times of people in the last twelve months than it has claimed in the last nearly 40 years since it's discovery in 1976. Its much smaller on the worlds territorial scale, but just as deadly with the fatality rates up to 83% and climbing of those who contacted it. Whereas the fatality rate of the Flu epidemic was 20% of those who contacted it. These statistics makes the Ebola itself even more deadly.  The government has decided to quarantine individuals who have had  some kind of contact with an infected person so as to keep the cost down in treatment of those with the potential threat of contacting the disease as well as to  decrease the spread.  Thus making Ebola inherently a matter of money or cost.  In recent news a health worker was put into quarantine as a result of close contact although showing no symptoms  threatened to sue due to the conditions of the confinement and was released as a result.  This release was in spite of the fact the required amount of time for isolation had not been met. What kind of message does this send to the public? It tells me that in this situation, irregardless of the threat possibly present, that the threat of being sued takes first place. The ugly truth is Ebola is a natural war on health. More threatening even than most know it to be. The cost and casualties unknown. Without containing this deadly disease, it has the potential to become in statistics the same as the Spanish Flu (Flu) nearly one hundred years ago.  Could the world ever recover? The slightest ray of hope that remains is that pathogenic  viruses become less lethal with time. We can only hope and pray that this will be the case with the Ebola.  So even tho the Spanish Flu is gone but certainly not forgotten and just maybe rearing its ugly head in this latest epidemic with a new name "The Ebola Virus."

Sunday, October 26, 2014

On Happiness !!

Isn't it funny that before we were over fifty and extraordinary our view of happiness was what we now consider a silly fantasy?? Maybe so, but I loved what I dreamed what happiness would be for me. Happiness for most was always some future reality. I often  remember hearing so often the statement "I'll be when.... Whether it was for a new job, weight loss, vacation etc. etc. etc.  Well one thing we have learned for sure that happiness is quite clever. It eludes most everyone.  Or does it really? Were we happy and didn't realize it? Or was it just our perspective of what happiness is  all wrong? One good thing about growing older , like fine  wine,we  get better and better.  They say hindsight is 20/20. Because we see things truly from different perspective.  We accept the reality of things and we kinda lose the dream.  Or at least we put it in a different perspective. At our age we kinda reconsider what happiness is. Happiness and its meaning has changed greatly since I was a younger woman. Its now good health, safety and well being of our loved ones and things like these. Its not what we would have called happiness then but it certainly is now.  So my friends strive to be happy, if we could just have whats its turned out to be, happiness can no longer elude us.  So if you know what happiness in to you, clap your hands!

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Technology

Technology, a wonderful thing. Its why we are where we are today!!! Without it life would be very complicated. For we would still be riding a  horse and buggy. Using candles for light, and getting up to turn the channel on the TV.  God forbid, what would would happen then!? The most widely accepted form of change in technology with no talked about negative side effects.  Modern conveniences, yes that's right, they make our life so easy so quickly. We get so dependent on them its scary.  Our smart phones, computers, laptops, seat belts . How did folks of the past generations get along without them?!?! But at the same time technology can be so intimidating.  Now the term  latest technology to many of us over fifty it is just plain frightening. We find it intimidating just to operate a VCR, well now that's  become obsolete, its the DVD player. Technology changes so quickly we cant keep up with it.  Forget about the smart phone, the tablet! We act as though we may be bitten. Well I know for sure the smart phone or the tablet don't  bite.  And the smart phone is not so smart, if it rings, it doesn't know how to answer itself either.Then we have this morbid fear of change and worry  the towers  will stop picking up signals,( I swear some of that's happening right now). Or the computer might crash and everything we have will be frozen.  We have to view latest technology as a sign  of the changing times.  And we must change with the times. Technology has always been the same, it has always bought something new and improved. Have to admit that some of the side effects can be scary.  Even to our parents, the latest technology represented a threat to their comfort or to what they were use to. Truth is Technology is a very good thing. Its our friend. Think of the pluses , we live longer as a result of latest medical technology,  our homes are more convenient and comfortable  as a result of modern technology,(oh those big screen TV's and theater seats !), we get information a lot quicker and we can travel faster. We even live more secure.  All due to the latest in technology  in different areas.  So let us embrace the ever changes technology will continue to bring to our lives.  Not fearing it but rather moving, growing and sharing as much as we can as a result of it. Technology is our friend, none of its too difficult to grasp.  Through the use of it, some of us maybe  even able to fulfill something on our bucket list. Now that's a good thing!!

Friday, October 24, 2014

The Bucket List

Ahhh, the bucket list ! The infamous bucket list. Do you really need  a bucket list?  I never thought I did but I am putting one together now.  What is a bucket list? Why is it important that we have one? Well they say you only live once. Life is so full of things to do and most never even scratch the surface. Why is that?  Just like everything else along the way, we put off to a more convenient time  or are we just procrastinators by nature? Sometimes the fear of doing something will  hinder the things we'd  like to accomplish. Even our life circumstances. I know when our families are young, we are afraid to take unnecessary risk out of fear of something happening  to us and then who would care for our young ?  But now at this stage in life we understand how fear has exercised  a restraint over us. There is nothing to fear but fear itself!!!  Sometimes tho fear has nothing to do with it, but we are more concerned about what others may think. So we allow ourselves to remain in their comfort zone. How unfair to us!  Even though we are of an extraordinary group, there are certain challenges we now need to face. We need to learn to live life with as few regrets as possible. Seize the moment ! Time is precious, should a door or window open take the opportunity to explore the possibilities now that you have the chance.  For you may not be presented with such an opportunity again. Yes, the bucket list is necessary!! Lets get it out, let it be filled till it overflows. Always remembering that fear is only False Evidence Appearing Real!!! Whats gonna be on your bucket list?!?!?  Are you gonna jump out of a plane? Write a novel? Extreme or not, its on your list. I'd love to hear. Please share!!! Follow me on twitter at jogates15 and niftyafterfifty.blogspot.com.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Think Fit !!!

While being extraordinary is great, but that doesn't make us fit.  Fitness is one of our greatest challenges. A challenge we all must conquer.  It is also one of our best allies. Because its our helper or supporter for good health, which promotes longevity.  Recent studies show women to be the most health conscience in their fifties.   We get regular screenings and taking part in activities regularly such as walking,spinning, swimming, changing eating habits, lifestyles and more. Studies have shown and proven  the greater risk in unwanted Illness's  are through inactivity and weight gain.  This is the age where the metabolism slows down and the pounds are much easier to pack on and making it  much more difficult to lose weight.  We know movement is life, no matter what the diagnosis is, we can educate our self  and find an exercise program that's suitable for our condition.  Remember, we are on a mission and  ain' t no stopping us now, we are on the move.  The single most thing we can do to lose weight and keep it off  is to exercise.  So lets buddy up, get on the road to fitness, develop healthy eating habits, remember change starts in the mind. Take time out to relieve stress and really learn how to nurture our well being.  Because we can!!!  Id love to here about your new fitness goals, please share!!

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Extraordinary in Wisdom !!!

Ahhhh, wisdom, what a wonderful word!! By the time we are over 50 and extraordinary we have acquired so much wisdom. This wisdom keeps us mentally and emotionally stronger. The ability to use the knowledge we have learned in life is now a real asset. Others notice it too. Don't you know what you like with out having to think twice about it?!? They've come to know we don't care what they think.  Many find our stance intimidating. With the the knowledge we now possess, we know the sky's the limit. When I was younger , I use to think women over fifty were old. I never knew they had so much to offer. I now realize how young I really am. I'm just getting started.  There is so much more to life for us. We finally learn to let go resentments, and know  there is wisdom in that. Something we couldn't understand long ago. We have a lot of wisdom to share, we make the best mentors. For the younger women, we are super role models with five decades of life experience behind us. How many others can say that?  Women over 50 have no shame, we see the  humor in our own imperfections. What a feeling!!  As the saying goes: " dance like nobody's  watching and sing like nobody is listening! " Now for once in our life , we have the world eating out of our hand.  And it feels grand !!  So if you haven't done away with the traits of the ordinary, fuel those powers from within and become one of who you are "the extraordinary" and live life well. Ladies, don't deprive yourself, you've earned it!!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Being Beautiful

I've finally learned and truly believe that being beautiful is a state of mind and condition of the heart. It has nothing to do with our outer appearance.  Although we can look beautiful too, it comes from within. We come to learn after all these decades that beauty comes from the inside. Once we achieve that belief  and feeling the outside works naturally in harmony with what we feel.   So yes girls,  we all are as beautiful as we want to be, its always been within our power to be!!  All those years spent on trying to feel beautiful by adding more and applying more and never quite feeling  the way we expected, what a waste of time little did we know. Always feeling something was  lacking when  the power to be beautiful was ever present. Being over 50 and extraordinary  I've  learned we control our own beauty.  We have learned so much at this stage that we can have a supreme happiness that sets us free from all those little things that never made a difference anyway. We need to ponder these things. So be beautiful today, and share your exuberance with the world! Over 50 and finally extraordinary!! You truly are!!!

Romance after 50

Romance, books, movies but most importantly life! Girls have you noticed that you still feel the same now about romance as you did when you were sixteen? our dreams of being romanced have not lessened. Isnt it funny it took us all these years to learn that upon arriving here we would still feel the same!? The feeling you get from a rose , a walk or candle lit dinner has not been changed by the passage of time ! Tell me after all these years the one thing you love that has not changed!!! I'd love to hear form you, so please share!! follow my blog at: justniftyafterfifty.blog.com