The time between 2009 and 2010 is a split second, yet it announces an end to a year and the beginning of a new decade.
Everything is possible in this new decade. It is for us to explore, define and act. It is interesting to recognize that what we wish for today is very different from what we wished for ten, twenty or more years ago. As the world evolves, so do we. As we age and mature, so do our desires and dreams. But it remains up to us to drive our dreams to fruition.
What better time to reflect on your accomplishments of this past year and to dream of what you wish for during this new year and decade.
Write these desires and dreams down on a sheet of paper today. Make them as honest as possible, not worrying about “how” they might evolve. For the moment simply define them and write them down. Save this paper where you can read it every few months. The simple act of writing your desires and dreams helps you to make them happen.
Bonnie For the Soul, Holidays action, desires, dreams, new beginning, new decade, New Year
“What’s going on?” I asked my husband as we went through yet another security check in Amsterdam. This time they tapped down the body of every single person even though it seemed as though we had already removed as much clothing as was decently possible. And as each bag rolled out of the scanning machine it was opened, searched and often emptied.
My husband and I were on flight NW0243 from Amsterdam to Detroit on Dec. 27th, the day following all the excitement on a similar flight between those same cities.
Our flight was smooth and uneventful, but we were among the first to experience the new security measures for air travel. – Regulations that we did not yet understand, such as remaining attached in our seats with no access to hand luggage or toilets during the last hour of flight with blankets and pillows already gathered…
It was while we awaited our connecting flight in Detroit that we learned of the terrorist attempt the previous day. Then chatting with crew on our Florida flight we learned that there had actually been three incidents the previous day, though only one made the news. In fact a fellow passenger on our Florida flight had brought one of the other two incidents to safe closure when he brought down the terrorist!
Meanwhile, our flights were smooth with graceful landings and excellent crews.
Yes, we are pleased to have arrived safely!
Bonnie In The News Amsterdam, Detroit, flight NW0243, security, terrorist
One of my favorite card over the holidays is copied below. – Not the message on the card, but the message of the sender.
Why is it a favorite? Because the words of June, the friend who wrote it, express how she puts her AgeEsteem to daily use via her
- acceptance of her present health,
- positive attitude,
- gratitude for what she has,
- social contact with others despite not getting out and about,
- interest in the lives of others and what is happening,
- continued purpose and contribution to others.
Precious Ones,
I hope all is well with you and your family and that you will be together for a Happy Festive Christmas…
Things here are ok. I’m having to use the walker all the time to get around and don’t go out, only to the doctors. My son and his wife were here the first of Nov. and took me shopping for necessities but that’s it. I’m just happy I’m here where there are people and I have a nice warm room and plenty to eat, and at 93 that is a lot – Especially when I think of how many older people aren’t warm or have enough to eat.
I finally finished the 60 Hats of Love, (for Cancer patients) and 80 ski caps (for the needy) – my fingers don’t do quite as good as they did – and gave them all away – know they will keep some heads warm even if winter is cold…
June is a wonderful example of AgeEsteem for all ages.
Bonnie AgeEsteemers, Happiness at Every Age AgeEsteem, Christmas, contribution, gratitude, positive attitude
Home Alone
Are you alone for the holidays? It happens more frequently to us as we get older. Loved ones have died. Family is far away.
There are two ways to look at being home alone for the holidays. First is to feel alone and lonely. If that is your case, then take control. Tune into your AgeEsteem. Shake out of your lonliness by inviting others in.
- Attend holiday programs and services. Many offer a pick-up service. Or invite a friend who drives to accompany you.
- Invite other singles to your home for some holiday cheer. Some may feel as lonely as you.
- Organize an event with neighborhood children. It can be as simple as hot chocolate and a story. Parents will be pleased to have some free time for their own preparations.
- Volunteer in a soup kitchen or shelter.
- Dress up as Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus and visit neighbors to deliver homemade cookies.
The second way to look at being home alone for the holidays is to see it as being with yourself. You are in your own company and able to enjoy the time by yourself. Plan activities that relate to the holidays.
- Watch The Christmas Story.
- Listen to your favorite holiday music.
- Get out your photo albums and renew the joys of past holidays.
- Begin a journal of happy memories of holidays past.
- Make yourself a special meal and savor it.
Being home alone can be peaceful, joyous and loving. Let your AgeEsteem attitude shine through and enjoy!
Bonnie For the Soul, Holidays AgeEsteem, attitude, home alone, lonely, own company, with yourself
It is always lovely to receive a package to unwrap with anticipation of discovery.
The greatest gifts are those that come from the heart and the gift of self. Are you wondering what to offer someone? Offer yourself!
- Offer your time to do something with your children or grandchildren that they are dreaming to do with you; take a half day vacation.
- Offer to teach a friend how to use all of the bells and whistles on their mobile phone.
- Offer a box of homemade goodies.
- Offer to help your partner create a winter garden.
- Offer a page of special photos.
By offering your time and talents you also offer yourself several keys to AgeEsteem: purpose, social contact, learning something new, celebrating with people of other generations…
Bonnie Holidays AgeEsteem, gift of self, grandchildren, greatest gift
Are You Web-Savvy?
About a decade ago one of the major internet suppliers had an ad showing three grey haired people looking at a computer screen in awe. The message was that anyone can learn the internet. It brought a smile to the people who viewed it. Who would expect older people to use the internet? After all, it was modern technology!
According to an article on eMarketer last month, data from the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing (CTAM) shows that seniors were more likely than any other age group to conduct e-commerce activities today.
Children born today are familiar with computers in the same way that their parents were familiar with the television controls.
An important key to AgeEsteem is to keep up with modern technology and to continue to learn something new daily. The internet offers an opportunity for both of these.
Not yet Web-Savvy? Why not consider these ideas to strengthen your AgeEsteem and your ability with the web.
-
Investigate classes at the community center or local library. It can be fun to learn with others.
-
Solicite the help of a grandchild or a neighborhood youth to teach you the ins and outs of the internet. It will help build their confidence (and AgeEsteem!) to do this with you and will create a new dimension to your relationship.
-
Hire a private tutor or learn the basics on your own using one of the multitude of books available. Once you have the basics you can use on-line tutorials to learn more.
Bonnie Across-generations, In The News AgeEsteem, CTAM, e-commerce, eMarketer, technology
Do you say “Thank you”? Of course you do. You say it multiple times a day. But do you say it mechanically without any real thought or feeling or do you say it with enthusiasm and a special lilt or timbre to your voice?
Thank you isn’t enough. Part of being thankful – and we AgeEsteemers know it is important to our well-being – is to acknowledge what we are thankful for. So why not try the following.
- The next time you say “Thank you” add what you are thanking the person for. It might be “Thank you for making it fun to shop here, for your cheery smile, for letting me know you like my singing, for opening the door…
- When you say “Thank you” make eye contact with the person you are thanking and smile.
- Put some spice and rythym into your voice. Sing the words. Add that spark of pizzazz!
Bonnie Happiness at Every Age AgeEsteemers, pizzazz, thank you, well-being
