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Use The Energy Around You

We all complain about being tired at some point because most of us are running around trying to do a million things throughout the day. We are trying to perform at our best for work, we have to maintain our home, shop for groceries, and care for our family and we are also told to exercise to maintain our health as well as finding time to unwind. Merely thinking about balancing all that can be exhausting but the answer for recharging your batteries is all around you. Let me tell you where your chargers are hiding.

The energizers

Some people have the ability to recharge us. They are the ones who know exactly what to say, they make you laugh and they can find the positive in everything. Spend as much time as you can around these people and you will feel the burdens fall off your shoulders. Even better than hanging around them, become one of them. As a teacher, I can be in a horrible mood but I know once I walk into my classroom, my students will lift my spirits as they tell stories and make me laugh.

Nature

Being outside can bring peace and relieve our stress that sometimes steals our energy. Go outside and listen to the energy around you. There are so many sounds of life around us but we are in such a hurry we do not always notice them. Being outside can be a stress reliever and since stress drains our energy being outside will counteract that.  Go for a stroll and walk to observe, not to burn calories. Look at the different styles of homes, the wide array of beautiful flowers, and notice what everyone is doing.

Music

Music can provide soothing moments and it can also motivate us with a bouncing beat. We can cry along with a sad song or sing at the top of our lungs while we make up the words. Play music to rev up your mood or to calm your soul. Music is a great energizer.

Food

Food is a natural energizer because we need it for fuel but a good meal can lift our spirits too. Food is love and enjoying what we eat is one of the greatest pleasures in life. Cooking is also a great way to relieve stress and reenergize. Something is comforting about being in the kitchen creating something wonderful to share.

Laughter

Laughing will make you feel better every time but even listening to laughter will perk you up. Notice how you react the next time you hear laughter. It is hard not to smile.

Exercise

It does not seem logical to say that expending energy can create more but any form of exercise will get your blood circulating and your heart rate up. Often at school when we are starting to fade during our planning period, we will go out for a quick walk to re-energize for our next class.

Use aromatherapy

Great smells can perk you up. Whether you use a candle that smells great, use essential oil and a diffuser or sprinkle some oil on your palms and breathe it in, smells have been known to lift our moods. Experiment and see what you like the most. I use wild orange in my palm and an oil called breathe in the diffuser. If you have a cold or a headache, peppermint oil is a great choice. I always diffuse breathe in my classroom and my students comment on how good it smells. They call the peppermint oil the magic oil because I have cured quite a few headaches and helped congested noses with a few drops.

Buy plants

There is something about taking care of plants and being surrounded by color that is energizing. Knowing that you are responsible for growing something and helping it flourish gives you a boost. 

Adopt an animal

Animals require and renew our energy. Playing with an animal or watching its behavior can pick up your mood in a minute.

Do something you enjoy

Doing something you like to do will raise your energy level. The anticipation of doing something fun can keep your energy level up all day.

There are a few things that can drain your energy instead of replenishing it and this might be slightly different for everyone. Find what fills you up and do more of it while avoiding those things that steal your energy.

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A Gut Punch of a Phone Call

I am reeling from a phone call I just received. The counselor at my old school who I also love dearly, called me this afternoon. When I saw her name come across my phone I thought she was going to give me the contact information for a student who needed tutoring, but instead she told me that a colleague in my department had passed away last night.

i felt like someone had punched me in the gut. She was 51, vivacious, always moving, involved in everything, full of life. She died from the flu within only several days. The doctors said her lungs were full of fluid.

I am in complete shock and wondering how her family is coping with her death. Her son is a sophomore in college, and her daughter is a senior in high school. I’m not sure there is ever a good time to lose your mother, but this is too early. She won’t be there for graduations, or weddings, or births. There will be an empty space in their lives.

The lesson I am taking from this is don’t pay attention to the trivial things. Love strong, appreciate every moment you have and live life to the fullest. Hug the people you love and take care of your health to the best of your ability. Don’t stay angry with friends and family and check in on them regularly.

Have you lost someone recently unexpectedly? Do you feel like it can’t be real? I am reading all the tributes to her and looking at the pictures full of memories. Don’t wait to tell someone that he or she made a difference in your life. Let people know they made an impact.

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Creating A Writing Life

Make writing a priority. I felt guilty for years if I wrote before I had taken care of all my other responsibilities, and then I was sad that I did not do something I love. If writing is important to you and it brings you joy, you have the right to make it a priority.

Create a series of goal statements. The first is a mission statement to describe what you do and what you hope to accomplish. An example could be to be a successful writer who specializes in fitness writing. A vision statement describes where you imagine your writing career in the future. An example could be, I envision my writing appearing in major fitness magazines, speaking about fitness, and writing a book about health. A values statement explains why you do what you do and details the morals and standards you uphold. An example could be I am committed to being a professional who meets deadlines and provides excellent customer service and works with clients who have the same beliefs and morals.

Determine the best time of day for your writing. I write best earlier in the day when my energy is the strongest. I know other writers enjoy writing at night or early morning when it is quiet. I must find moments when the rest of my family is occupied because no matter how intent I try to look, they interrupt my writing to carry on a conversation or ask me for help.

 Have a writing space. I love my writing space. It is at the back of the house in a sunroom. I am surrounded by color and memories of everything I love, and to my left is a comfortable couch that my dog lies on, and to my right, I have a podium and a cozy couch for naps on rainy days. I do not have any doors in my space, but I think my family would ignore them anyway. If you need someplace outside of your house, consider the library or a coffeehouse.

 Keep a folder or notebook for writing documents. I recently had several books published simultaneously by the same publisher. The publisher and illustrator were emailing me questions, and I had to ask more than once which book the question was about. An example was when the publisher asked me to send a copy of the reader’s reviews, my dedication, and my ‘About the Author’ page. I had to ask which book he was talking about, and because I have everything stored in digital folders, it was easy to find them.

 Have another folder with signs of your success. In case you have a difficult day when you question your ability as a writer, have a folder with kind notes and complimentary reviews to remind yourself that what you are doing has value.

 Be consistent. I do not believe in the write-every-day rule because there are certain days when I need a break, and I do not want to force my writing. I do want to write consistently, though, and give my readers fresh writing consistently.

Help other writers. I frequently have aspiring writers approach me when I am vending my books. They often say, “I have an idea for a book.” I respond with, “Why aren’t you writing it?” Their response is usually, “I do not think anyone would read it. You do not know unless you try, so I will do my best to encourage anyone who wants to write. If you are a writer and something has worked well for you, share it with other writers.

 Know your rights. When you receive a contract from a client or publisher, make sure you know what you are signing. What rights do you have, and what is your client asking of you and guaranteeing for you?

 Manage finances. Keep great financial records. Create a budget and record both incoming money and expenses.

 Follow your heart. Everyone has an opinion about what you should write to be successful and make money. My husband finally understood that although I would love to make money writing, that is not my number one reason for doing it. I like to help people, and I think some of my words can do that. My work is not sexy and scandalous, but it is full of my heart. Do what makes you happy.

 Guard your energy. Several things can steal your energy as a writer. You will encounter people who want you to do work for free. Say no unless it is for a cause that you support. Decide where your energy should go. You may have to train your family to understand that you need your writing time. Develop thick skin when it comes to critiques. Realize the comments are valuable if the comments can help you to improve, otherwise ignore them because you do not need to waste your mental energy.

 Ignore the haters. First, let me separate someone who is giving you a valuable critique from a hater. When you send in your work for publication, a publisher may give you advice about improving your work. This is given with kind intentions, even though it is difficult to see your work criticized. A hater, on the other hand, only wants to demean you. It is not about you or your work; it is pure hatefulness. The best thing you can do is to ignore the comments and continue with your day.

 Be professional. Meet deadlines, answer e-mails, deliver your books on time, treat everyone with respect, and be a good human.

 Do not give up. We all have those days when we question whether we are expending time and effort for nothing. Keep going because you never know who needs to hear your words. When others do not support you, keep going if writing is your passion.

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Five Writer’s Resolutions

Everyone makes resolutions for health and wellness and financial health, but as writers, do you make writer’s resolutions? I have a vision board where I put pictures and comments about what I hope for during the new year, but guess which section is the smallest? I asked myself this morning why my greatest passion isn’t getting more of my attention and the answer led me to these resolutions.

Resolution #1 I am going to give higher priority to my writing. Most of the time I do not sit down to write until I have completed all my other responsibilities, and that often means I don’t have much energy or creativity left.

I struggle with guilt about writing. My family doesn’t see it as important, so I often feel guilty spending the time at the computer, but writing makes me so happy and peaceful. I know it is what I need for my mental health. This year I am going to draw some boundaries and let others know that I need more time to devote to writing.

Resolution #2 I will be more disciplined and focused with my writing time. The computer can become a black hole waiting to steal all your time. I tell myself that I will only glance at social media, but then I’m shocked when I look at the clock and an hour has gone by. I will have certain hours to work, and I will focus on my writing business for that time.

Resolution #3      I am going to ignore the haters and believe my writing matters. Haters are not always strangers. I have someone close to me who makes snide remarks about my writing usually by telling me how little money I make. This year I am going to focus on the positives and not listen to hateful comments. I will prove myself without dropping to the hater’s level.

Resolution #4  I will continue to learn and grow. I have so much more to learn, but I am eager to continue to grow. This year I am going to enter contests, go to conferences, ask questions, and read writing books.

Resolution #5 Finish what I’ve started and push forward. My brain goes in five different directions, so I have several projects going at once. Instead of starting something new, I’m going to finish current projects.

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Finding Your Writing Resources

                       Find Your Resources

You do not have to be alone on your writing journey. There are many resources to help with whatever you need and the best part is that most of them are free. Here are a few resources to investigate. Remember to keep learning. I love reading articles or books that help me grow. Keep looking for opportunities to improve. Take classes, read, attend writer’s groups, or interact with them online. Join online writing platforms and use them to improve your craft. Do not ever think your writing is good enough. Have a growth mentality instead. Here are some more specifics.

Join writing groups. Most towns and states have writing organizations that offer support for writers. They often have guest speakers and opportunities to gain experience from other writers. Here are a few to explore.

Scribophile is an online community where writers post work and receive critiques.

Writer pal is an online group where writers join small group circles for feedback.

Fictionary is an on source for free writing groups.

Facebook has many writing groups, and they offer the chance to ask questions and see what other writers are doing. Here are a few you can explore.

Writers unite                           The Write Life Community        Writers helping writers

I have used Facebook groups countless times. You can ask for advice or information, and experienced writers share their expertise.

Find the writing books that can answer your questions.

Writer’s Market is a book that also has a list of publishers and information that can be helpful. You can find everything from writing a query, controlling finances, finding a literary agent, how to blog, and how to use social media.

The Christian Writer’s Market Guide will give you publishing information for more faith-based publishers.

Book Market’s Guide for Children Writers is good if you are a children’s writer.

1001 Ways to Market Your Book by John Kremer is wonderful if you always need help with marketing like I do.

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg is one of my favorites as well as Stephen King’s On Writing.

There are so many more terrific books on writing, so enjoy reading.

 Find the right editor or publisher. There are several diverse types of publishers. You can do self-publishing through a company like Amazon, there are vanity presses which do the publishing while charging you a fee to do it, and there are traditional publishers who do not charge you except when you order books from them if they are print on demand. Do your research about which publisher will be the best fit for you.

Use feedback as a resource but learn to filter it. After years of reading responses from editors and publishers, I will tell you that some advice is amazing, some is difficult to hear, but helpful, and some can be put aside.

I am grateful to the people who took the time to tell me why they were rejecting my work, and some of the advice helped me grow as a writer. There is a certain point, though, when it is okay to be true to who you are as a writer, so when an editor tells you to only write a certain way, you do not necessarily have to listen. I received a nasty rejection that was brutal telling me that in his opinion my book would not be published. My friend said, “Jen, that is only one voice. You can choose not to listen to it.” I listened to the criticism and made the changes that allowed the book to be published, but I appreciated the support from my friend, and I do believe that an opinion is only one voice.

Online resources

You can use Grammarly for free to edit your work. Ask other writers what online programs they use. One of my favorites is Canva that I use for newsletters. Listen to podcasts and reels for great ideas.

Research writing software Here are some ideas for software that writers use.

Scrivener This is good for long-form writing projects where you want to organize chapters, scenes, research, and notes. Some users think it is complex to use at first.

Ulysees Writers on Apple devices who want a clean distraction free writing space can use this. Writers can use this for blog posts, and shorter works.

Microsoft word   This is good for standard word processing and collaboration with comments and track changes.

Google docs This is good for collaborative writing.

Atticus Authors who want both writing and formatting can use this platform.

Grammarly  There is a free and premium version that you can use to check your grammar.

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The Moments That Can Change Your Life

This one is all about you

There are moments in our lives that can change everything, but those moments are different for all of us. It’s important to reflect on those moments from time to time and think about how they have shaped us. Here are a few questions about those moments. I would love to hear your answers.

Who was the person who first saw your passion maybe even before you realized it?

We all need a person in our lives that sees our potential and believes in our ability to achieve it. There will be plenty of people who tell you that what you dream of is impossible, but somehow when one important person tells us we can, it suddenly is in reach.

What words have lifted you up and sustained you on the hard days?

I write down kind words and save sweet notes so I can remember them when I have one of those days when I doubt my ability to do anything right.

What events or decisions changed your life?

There are certain decisions that completely change the path of your life. What made you choose the path you did?

What people or failures made you stronger even though the experience was laced with negativity?

Toxic people and situations are never fun to navigate but they teach us valuable lessons such as resilience. We have to decide to allow toxicity and failure to overwhelm us or find a way to overcome it.

What has been an obstacle or challenge?

We all have those things that stand in our way. The obstacle could be financial, it could be fear, and it could be a lack of self-esteem.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

We all need a few people in our corner who always have our back.

What are you proud of?

What are your greatest achievements? Describe those moments when your hard work was rewarded.

How has your family influenced who you are today?

Do you have the same beliefs and morals as your family? What do you want to do differently?

Our lives are formed by so many different choices, circumstances and decisions. I hope you enjoyed reflecting on what shaped yours.

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Ask for Writing Help

Asking for help is a sign of intelligence because it means you want to learn. Most people are honored when someone asks them for help. Asking for help is a chance to collaborate on something great.

Pay attention to the successful writers.

I originally titled this ‘Pay Attention to Veteran Writers,’ but a fresh voice from a new writer can also help us. Listen to the advice the successful writers share and adapt that advice to your writing. Why are they successful? What are their readers saying? Do research about what makes some writers successful and do what you can to adapt those ideas to your writing.

I owned a bookstore at one point, and my town had a mentor program for small business owners. You were paired with an experienced business owner who could walk you through everything you needed to know about starting a business. Check to see if that is a resource where you live.

Learn from other creators.

Ask questions not only of other writers, but of other creators. Ask them what works well, where do they find inspiration, what creative ideas have helped them with marketing, and what advice they would give to other creatives. When I am vending at our local craft market, I am doing my best to sell my books, but I am also observing what the other venders do that works. I have borrowed and implemented many ideas.

Ask editors and publishers for advice. I am blessed that I found an amazing publisher who has helped me to grow. He has told me kindly when he does not think an idea will work, and he helped me learn how to write children’s books. He brainstorms with me, offers advice but tells me I do not have to take it, and supports me as I enjoy my passion.

Sometimes editors or publishers will offer you some advice. Often that advice includes ways you can change your writing to be more attractive for publication. Don’t be offended because an editor suggests changes. Ask yourself if the advice will help you grow and if it will then thank the person for the advice and make the changes.

Listen carefully when a publisher gives you a second chance. I sent in a book hoping for publication and the publisher found quite a bit wrong with it and wanted to also change the format, but he gave me a second chance to send it back in for another look. He also said he understood if this would be too much work for me. I decided I was going to do my best to change my book for the better. 101 Tips to Lighten Your Burden is now the book I hand to someone when I know they are struggling, so I am glad I was willing to accept help and put in the work.

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Beginning Your Writing Journey

At least one person each week approaches me for writing advice at the artist market where I vend my books. They ask for advice in diverse ways, but most of them are paralyzed with fear. They are afraid of failure, afraid they are not good enough, and they are unsure of how and if they should take that first step to start writing. Here are my action steps for you.

  • Overcome imposter syndrome. I remember how long it took me before I could call myself a writer. I did not think I was good enough. Imagine how much that attitude held me back, and I know I am not the only one who feels this way. I was afraid of showing my writing to anyone because I did not want to be told how bad it was. Putting your thoughts on display sets you up for judgement and critique, but your words could enlighten, enrich, and save someone.

Instead of worrying about not fitting the writer’s mold, find joy in expressing yourself. If you love to write follow your passion without worrying about the opinions of others.

  • Believe you can. Part of overcoming imposter syndrome is proving to yourself that you are a good writer. We would rather stay stagnant in our comfort zone than fail at what could help us grow. We cannot grow until we step out of our comfort zone, but often that first step is terrifying. Positive thinking can send out strong energy and when you use positive words of affirmation, the results are amazing. After you prove once or twice that you are capable of being a good writer, you will gain confidence and continue to be stronger. Keep positive notes and reviews that send you the affirmations you need. Creatives are usually doubters unless they have concrete proof of their abilities.
  • Know why you write. Remembering the reason you write will be crucial. I was complaining to my husband about not making much money with my writing. He looked at me with that look he reserves for me which means he does not understand why I do not see what he sees clearly. He asked, “Why do you write?” I answered, “Well, I have something to say, I love writing, and I believe I can help people with my experiences. Mostly, I enjoy helping people.” He then said, “Well then, stop thinking about the money and write.”

After I started vending at the local craft market, he questioned my why because he saw the time, effort, and money I was putting into my writing career. He said, “What are you trying to do? What are your goals? You are not going to make a profit with this.” I replied with another version of my why. “The market allows me to use my books to minister to people and help them. I can make connections and interact in a personal way. That is priceless.” Interacting with people face to face is a great way to market my writing.

During the next month, he saw the amount of people I helped with mental health. There were hugs and tears at my booth and I passed out copies of my 101 Tips to Lighten Your Burden book.I helped countless new writers by giving them action steps to start writing. I talked with people about life and I sold some books. One day, my husband said, “I understand why you do this now.” It helps if other people understand your why, but it is not a requirement.

When you become discouraged or frustrated, when haters are hating, and the negative thoughts creep in, your reason may be temporarily lost. Document the comments from your readers who say your writing helped them. When you start to question if your writing is good, take those comments out and read them. Keep writing and regroup when needed.

  • Decide what type of writing you will do. I hear the advice all the time that you should find your niche and stick to that topic. I am sure that it works for many people, but I want to write about a lot of different topics. At the moment, I have two self-help books, a running book, a romance, a teaching guide, and five children’s books. This will be my eleventh book, and I am working on another running book and a middle grade reader. You do not have to be stuck in a box. Write about what you enjoy but also step outside of your comfort zone and do something that will make you grow. Staying in your comfort zone feels safe, but what if you find a whole new, exciting genre or topic to explore? When my grandson was one, my daughter asked me to write a book about him. I said yes immediately, but my inside voice was saying, “I have no idea how to write a children’s book!” Luckily, I have an amazing publisher who helped me learn how to do it.

Stay open to ideas. Two qualities that will help you as a writer are being a good observer and listener. Topics are everywhere, but you must slow down and be open to them. Here are a few spots to look for ideas.

Conversations. I often find my ideas from simple conversations. One of my best running articles came from a conversation with my husband about approaching a marathon differently from a 5k. My husband described the marathon as an entirely different beast, and that became the title of my article to help runners with their first marathon.

 Suggestions. Once your friends and family know you are serious about writing, you will hear them tell you all sorts of ideas about topics to explore. Brainstorm with them when they suggest a good one.

Media.Television, magazines, newspapers, and music all offer writers topics. Keep your eyes and ears open and carry a notebook to write down ideas.

Go to workshops and conferences. Part of being successful at anything is making contacts and connections. Workshops and conferences offer you a chance to learn more about your craft, meet and brainstorm with other writers, publishers, and editors. You also have a chance to present your work to the people who could publish it.

Find inspiration. Stay open to inspiration because you never know when or where you might find it. Some of my ideas come from conversations, or something I see on television, or something I read.

Do not limit yourself. The best way to grow is to take the jump into that spot outside your comfort zone. Do not only do writing that feels safe. Take some chances and do some things that scare you.

 Start writing. I read a wonderful writing guide called Writing Down the Bones that was full of great writing tips, but at one point in the book, the author said, “Eventually, you need to stop reading this and start writing.” Writing those first words is your beginning as a writer, and that is scary for many people. Once you take that first step, you are on your way.

 Create a writer’s footprint. This was the best advice I received when I first started writing. When you pitch your writing, editors and publishers often want to know what else you have written, so find every opportunity to put your writing in front of people.

 Build a portfolio your way. What you put in your portfolio depends on what type of writer you are. If you write books, put a copy of a chapter or several pages from your children’s book. If you write articles, include those. If you also illustrate your work, put some of your work into your portfolio. Include reviews of your work. The portfolio is a chance to sell yourself.

 Read. Reading gives you fresh ideas, and it is an opportunity to learn how to craft a story from experts. Reading also shows you what you can create for others.

 Be patient. This is not easy, as you want to see your writing published, but the writing process can be lengthy, and you need to take your time to produce quality work.

 Keep a journal. Write down ideas and thoughts to use later. Brainstorm topics to discuss.

Do not always say yes. When I first started writing, I wanted to create a footprint for my writing, so I wrote for several publications for free. Not only did it allow me to build a portfolio, but it also helped me improve my writing and create contacts. Eventually, though, I decided I wanted to focus my time on paying jobs. Decide where your time and effort are best spent.

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A Progressive Running Program

Adjusting your training where you are

I coached high school cross-country for years and have been an avid runner since my twenties. A good running program depends on where you are as a runner because in spite of the belief that running is just putting one foot in front of the other, much more is required to do well at a sport that is vital to so many. I would love to guide you through a few ideas that might help you depending on where you are on your running journey.

The first thing you should do is identify why you want to run. On rainy, cold mornings when you don’t want to leave your warm cocoon of blankets, or you are struggling with motivation, it helps to hold your why close, and your why does not have to be similar to anyone else’s reason. You can use running to eliminate stress, lose weight, prove how strong you are, work on mental and physical health, or do anything else that works for you.

If you are new to running, here are a few suggestions.

  • Start slowly. Don’t expect to get in shape in a day. You will end up sore and discouraged if you do too much too soon. During the first week, run a minute, walk a minute and keep doing that for 15 minutes. Increase it each day by 5 minutes. During the second week, run for two minutes, walk for one. A good rule is to not increase your weekly mileage any more than 10%.
  • When you start to run, focus on relaxing and dropping your shoulders. Many new runners scrunch their shoulders resulting in shoulder cramps.
  • Practice breathing in and out. New runners tend to hold their breath, so focus on your breathing.
  • Hold your hands as if you are carrying an egg. Don’t tighten your fist.
  • Keep your head up looking 10 feet ahead.
  • Keep your knees slightly bent and relaxed.

If you are struggling with motivation, tell yourself you will start and workout for ten minutes and if you still don’t want to do it you can stop, but I have a feeling you will keep going.

Use a few tricks to help yourself become stronger. Instead of thinking you have to run for a mile, run to a certain spot without stopping and keep increasing the distance.

Keep a growth mentality and know that you will see progress if you keep working on becoming stronger. Be consistent with your workouts but also take at least one rest day to recover. Make some goals like doing a 5k race in two months.

As you become a stronger runner find some new ways to challenge yourself. Run some hills, do some sprints, join a running club so that you also have a new community to support your goals.

Learn how to protect your body with strength training and cross training. Doing a variety of different exercises will strengthen your body and help prevent injury.

Understand the power that your mind plays in your performance. Practice positive self-talk when your run feels hard.

There is basic equipment that will support your running adventure. Find a foam roller to roll out sore muscles. A good pair of shoes is helpful. A gentil massager is also good for your muscles.

If you start to race there are a few tricks you can use.

  • When the course turns, cut the corner tight to shave seconds off your time.
  • Don’t start off too fast. Work on a comfortable pace.
  • Find someone to be your rabbit. Don’t let that person out of your sight and do your best to pass that person. Keep picking new people.

When you are injured, don’t keep going. Have the attitude that you need to run another day, so rest and recover. It’s a great time to cross train.

There will be times on your journey when you think you have to hang up your sneakers, but instead of quitting, adjust. Find a different way to train.

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5 Ways To Stay Healthy As You Age

Age does not have to determine your health. There are a few steps you can take to keep your mind and body healthier longer even though your age keeps rising. Here are five of those steps.

  • Don’t talk badly about your body, it can hear you. I heard a doctor say this and it struck me how true it is because our thoughts influence our body, and if are constantly saying negative things about ourselves it could influence our health. When you feel a negative thought creeping in, do your best to change it to a positive. Here is an example. My friend and I ran a race last weekend. As older runners, our finishing times are slower these days. My friend was discouraged with his finishing time, so I took him to the finish line so he could see all the people who were still finishing. Many of them were in their twenties. I told him that although we wished we were faster, we were still beating twenty-year-olds. It’s all how you look at a situation.
  • Keep moving. Don’t sit in a chair and molder. Go for a walk, a swim, or whatever you enjoy doing, but don’t slip into a sedentary lifestyle.
  • Do something new. It’s proven that doing something new will stimulate your brain. Try a new craft, take music lessons, or anything else you have wanted to try.
  • Lift weights. The weights don’t have to be heavy, but doing strength training will keep you strong and protect you from injury.  
  • Eat mostly clean. Stay away from heavily processed foods and eat plenty of fruit, veggies and protein. That doesn’t mean you cannot have a burger and fries once in a while.