Blessings Throughout the Year
In the Christian religion the star is a sign of Peace On Earth Good Will Towards All. Christmas is a time of celebrating our Lord’s love. Many traditions surround it in our family: baking and decorating cookies, making gifts to give to others, decorating a tree, family gatherings and a midnight candlelight church service on Christmas eve.
Whether your religious beliefs and traditions are similar, different, or non-existent, my wish for each of you is that you experience blessings of love, joy and peace throughout the whole year.
Bonnie Fatio
No More Masks On Halloween
If you are keen
On Halloween
And favor Treats
To tricks,
Then just be seen
With Age Esteem
And no more masks
To fix!
Written by Alexandra Taylor for AgeEsteem®
An Intergenerational Vacation
Why is it that so many older people book cruises for their vacations?
When my husband and I took a cruise in the Caribbean I found many answers to this question.
Despite the fact that cruises are not free, they can be relatively inexpensive if you book last minute deals, or very early. Since almost everything is included in the price, you can get by without investing in extras.
And there are bonus advantages:
- You stay in the same room and only need to unpack and repack once. – Your temporary home carries you to your multiple destinations.
- The food includes all dietary wishes.
- Multiple activities are available to play, learn and exercise.
- Ease of contact with people of all ages.
If you choose to, you can interact with little ones and teenagers as well as those closer to your own age or older than you.
I believe this last point is especially important to feel confident and competent as you age. A key to age esteem is to be in contact with people of other generations and cultures. It is an excellent way to gain a new perspective and understand what is important to younger and older people, as well as have an opportunity to share your own views.
Why is this important for your age esteem? When we interact with people of other ages, rather than isolate ourselves with adults of our own era, we become comfortable being with and dialoging with other generations. Take teenagers for instance. If we do not have regular contact with teenagers, we can easily be more critical of them simply because we do not understand how they see the world. When we take time to converse with them and listen to their interests and ideas, we begin to appreciate who they really are. We no longer categorize them as having the same traits simply because they are teenagers. Instead we get to know them as individuals. – And they see us as unique individuals as well.
My dad used to open conversation with young people easily. He was genuinely curious and interested to know what they thought. Sometimes the youth would be leery of him in the beginning, but they soon found themselves in conversation. They could tell that his interest was sincere. It may not be as simple as that for people who are more timid. However, vacation is a great time to be with, and get acquainted with others of all ages.
Bonnie Fatio
Happy Mother’s Day To All Women
My mother was an exceptional, loving, positive, intelligent and gifted woman. Each memory of her is special. I am thankful that she was my mother and for all she taught me and the example she provided.
I am equally thankful for the other women who were my guides, teachers, supporters and role models. Many of them were not “mothers” as a result of giving birth; however each mothered me in some way. The same is true for our daughter. Many other women play an important role in her life. For both of us these other precious women were, and continue to be, teachers, scout leaders, aunts, cousins, godmothers, and friends who step in to show the way and to advise and model.
To each of these women and to each of you I say, “Happy Mothers Day!”
Bonnie Fatio
Valentine, I Love You!
Valentine’s Day is coming up,
Get out your porcelain loving cup,
And plan to kiss the ones you love,
(While thanking all the stars above).
All the love poems have been written,
Every heart already smitten:
Loving words have all been said,
Roses still remain as Red;
Still, it’s nice to hear anew:
“Valentine, I do love You!
Written by Alexandra Taylor for AgeEsteem
My 15 Age Esteem wishes for you during 2015
- Live each day fully.
- Stretch your body, mind and spirit.
- Inhale happiness and love; exhale pain and fear.
- Embrace new experiences.
- Build play into your day.
- Share your talents with others of all ages.
- Learn something new each day.
- Laugh often.
- Celebrate frequently.
- Love yourself unconditionally.
- Seek the positive in each person and experience.
- Give thanks for the blessings of your life.
- Meet new challenges with a sense of adventure.
- Greet each new day with anticipation and zest.
- Become a living model of Age Esteem for those who meet you!
Happy Age Esteem 2015!
Bonnie Lou Fatio
May the blessings of Christmas
be with you and your loved ones every day of the year!
Bonnie Fatio
What a wonderful reminder to give thanks on this special day for all the blessings that surround us.
I am especially thankful for the people in my life who make my heart brim with love.
- My granddaughters who remind me how to play and laugh with abandon,
- Our daughter and her husband who are cascading the love and values of family to the next generation,
- Our extended family of all ages who share their lives with us and keep us current,
- Friends who dare say, “I love you” and hug with genuine warmth,
- People who have passed through my life, often without a name, who have marked me in some positive way through a word or action,
- The parents and grandparents who did their best to transmit their values, faith, and zest for life that continue to guide me today, and especially
- My husband of 49 years who encourages and supports my dreams and is always present with his unconditional love, allowing me to be my authentic self.
Oh, yes, my heart overflows with thanksgiving and gratitude for all of this and so much more.
Bonnie Fatio
P.S. The cute turkey was drawn by Rani, one of our young friends whose family invited us to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with them.
Halloween in Geneva
Have you seen Halloween in Genève?
There are ghosts at the Postes au Salève.
Witches park in the dark under trees,
Goblins scowl as they prowl in the bise.
Slinky cats snarl at bats by the Quai.
I’ll remember in November all this fray.
Written by Alexandra Taylor for AgeEsteem®
Love is in the air!
Age-esteemers know that love is in the air at every age. It is accessible to each of us.
Reach out to someone and tell them that you love them. If you do not have anyone to say “I love you” to, then choose someone else like yourself who is alone. It may be someone who is older than you, or maybe a child. Each of us needs to hear those words.
I love you!
Bonnie Fatio
