Lessons of Autumn

Why is it that we focus on our skin spots, scars and beauty marks as flaws?  So often what we see as beauty in others we identify as a blemish on our own body.

I think this photo of a single leaf gives us the answer.  If we examine it carefully looking at each detail, we find brown spots,  tears and scars.  However, when look at the total leaf, these “flaws” make it even more interesting and pretty.  And when we see it on the tree it enhances the overall beauty of the foliage because of it’s particularities.

The leaf offers us an important lesson of  beauty.  When we wash our face, shave or put on makeup we tend to focus on tiny details.  We seek the flaws. – So of course we find them!  But when we look at the total picture of who we are, our beauty is very different.  Our total is more attractive than each little detail.  Our wrinkles, brown spots, scars and blemishes actually enhance our look.  And when we add a smile, in the same way that the leaf shines with its color, we take on our own color.  Our inner beauty flows to the surface.  Oh, yes.  The leaf is a wonderful example of what makes us beautiful!

Age esteemers are beautiful people because they shine from within and wear a smile.

Bonnie Fatio

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Lessons of Autumn

Autumn is such a beautiful time of year for those of us who live in regions of the world that have four seasons.  It is the season when trees change color as their leaves take on new hues and tones, bursting with yellow, red and orange.  Even a gray day shimmers with color, reminding us that there is also brightness in dark moments.

When life seems difficult and less than happy, I look to the autumn leaves.  They are in their fullest beauty during this third season of their lives.  Rather than worry about disappearing with the onslaught of winter, they wave in the wind and share their glorious colors.  This is their moment and they live it to the fullest in sunshine or shade.  They celebrate today, knowing that Spring will bring a new generation of buds blossoming into leaves that will equally shine and shimmer next Fall.

We too can celebrate each day and shine through our own inner colors.  That is where our true beauty comes from at every age.

Bonnie Fatio

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The sunflower is beautiful! – Not because it is perfect, but because it shines with a natural beauty both in the sunshine and the shade.  In fact, the sunflower brightens any setting.  It raises its head with confidence and brings a happy glow to the world.

Age-esteemers bring their happy glow to the world as well, as they find ways to brighten the days of others.

Bonnie Fatio

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The sunflower is a wonderful teacher.  Even before it opens into all of its splendor, it teaches us that

• Beauty is not something that simply splashes out a people.
• It is something that must be developed.
• True beauty grows out of developing and maturing.
• It is based on experience and learning as much as colorful pedals.
• Before we can shine on the outside, we need to create a glow on the inside.

Age esteem is also like the sunflower.  It grows out of  that glow on the inside.

Bonnie Fatio

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Rise and shine!  What a great expression that is.

Don’t just get up in the morning, rise and shine.  Make it a great day for those around you.  This includes the new people you meet in the course of your day as well as those you know.  A simple smile to someone walking towards you or a friendly greeting to the bus driver or sales clerk.  It is easy to shine, to share your own happiness and talents.

I’ve always loved the stories of Winnie the Pooh and to hear him exclaim as he got up in the morning,  “Ho hum, I wonder what great thing will happen to me today.”  When we arise with that positive attitude in the morning, it is easy to rise and shine.  We are ready and eager to discover the day and the adventures it will bring – and to greet it with open arms of enthusiasm.

Bonnie Fatio

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Healthy Hair

The condition of our hair contributes to our personal image and age-esteem.  As we get older, our hair often begins to thin and we may even lose much of it.  (Good news for women. Typically, although women may lose hair, they rarely become bald like men do.)

What can you do to help your hair thrive?

• Brush your hair frequently to help the circulation go to the head. It will strengthened your hair, make it shiny and help prevent hair loss.
• Be sure to get enough iron in your diet.  Iron is very important in keeping hair healthy and to avoid hair loss. Iron is found in spinach, liver, shellfish, red meat and soybeans.

Note: Studies have shown that older people with a high iron content have the same type of brain activity as younger adults.

Grandma Nature

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At dinner the other evening a friend in his 50′s shared his attraction to the beauty in older women.  He had just seen a woman in her 70′s who he was genuinely drawn to.  He said that she had the same beauty and special sparkle that Audrey Hepburn had.  As a woman of 66 I have to admit that it was refreshing to hear a good looking, intelligent  man admit to being attracted to someone older.

We tend to remember Audrey Hepburn as a young woman on the screen.  She was equally beautiful in her later years and continued to have that special inner glow.  The picture above was taken during her time as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) from 1988 to 1993 when she died.

Audrey Hepburn remains a wonderful AgeEsteem role model.

• She remained active with a purpose,  helping children throughout the world.
• Her joy of living was contagious via her smile, that also smothered her wrinkles.
• She was not afraid to do what she knew to be right.
• She lived her values.

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Show genuine interest in others:

• Become an active listener when speaking with someone.  Look them in the eyes and show genuine interest in what they say. Participate actively. Nod your head, repeat a word or two in confirmation.   Ask questions. Remain focused on them.

• Keep in mind that everyone is interesting.  It is up to you to find how they are interesting.

• Be prepared with conversation starters.

You will be surprised at how much you learn.  And you will also be remembered as a great conversationalist whether you actually spoke or not.  Most important is that when you are genuinely interested you become more interesting to the other person and it enhances your beauty.

Let your inner essence shine.  Show genuine interest in others.  Be beautiful you!

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Live your values: Does it surprise you to find values at the heart of beauty?  Our values are the basis of who we are, our inner essence.  Living in harmony with our values is crucial to freeing our inner beauty and enhancing our age-esteem.

• List 20 values that are important to you.  What couldn’t you live without? – honesty, money, love, adventure, family, harmony?  Prioritize the top 10.

• How are these values present in your life today?  Are some absent?  Are there conflicts between your job or relationships and your values?

• Plan how to build your values into your life more.

Your inner essence, and therefore your beauty, depends on living in harmony with your values.

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Wear clothes, make-up and hair styles that make you feel good. – That give you some pizzazz!

• What colors and styles of clothes make you feel smart and attractive when you step out?  These are the ones to wear.  Forget the latest fashion or color if it doesn’t fit.   Modernize with an accessory in the latest color.
• Play around with your hair and make-up until you find a style that fits you.  Get professional help from the artists at the cosmetic counters and salons or test color shampoos and try different looks with your own make-up.

Your goal is to feel attractive and in harmony with who you are.  You’ll know what feels right.  Emphasize your qualities.

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