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Dear [NAME]
The Best Year of My Life
This month I am beginning a new year. It's my birthday month and on the 29th of May I will become 64. A glorious new year is about to begin.
At a gathering this past New Year's eve we were asked to meet others in the room by sharing with them one major goal we had for the coming year. Few had thought about it in advance so most answers were spontaneous. Several of the people I met said their goal to simply “Make it through the year.” or to “Still be here next year.” or to “Be doing the same thing.”
These answers surprised me. Why would I want to simply make it through the year when I could influence that year? Why not set a goal to live the best year of my life?
As I celebrate my birthday I plan to begin the best year of my life. I see no reason to settle for less. What is more, I believe that I control much of my life. We've often heard that it is not what happens that matters, but how we deal with it. We can't alter what happens to us in life, but we can control how we react to what happens. My own experience has proved this to be true.
Looking back on my life I see no year that I would eliminate. Each has helped me grow into the person that I am today. There have been many difficult moments that perhaps you have also experienced. Major injuries and illnesses, lost jobs, deaths of loved ones. But even the tough moments have contained laughter, love and the foundation of future dreams. Those of you who have listened to my AgeEsteem CD, Growing a Positive Attitude Towards Age and Aging know some of my stories and concrete examples that grew out of difficult times.
Looking back I also feel that each year has been better than the one preceding. Each year brings new challenges that allow and indeed force me to stretch and to test new muscles and talents. Each year draws on the expertise I have acquired in living and creates new opportunities to learn and to contribute. Each year enhances my maturity and understanding and presents new occasions to learn, share, mentor and shine as an example and role model.
Even if this is not your birthday month, I invite you to celebrate a new beginning with me. You deserve to live this year as the best year of your life. Don't settle for anything less.
As I blow out my 64 candles, my birthday wish is for you to join me in making this our best year yet.
Happy New Year. Share this new beginning with me. Compose the best year of your life.
Happy AgeEsteem,
Bonnie
“To age is inevitable…to LIVE each age is optional .”
Bonnie Fatio
Exercise:
Think back over the last two years. Make a list of what you have learned and experienced during those years.
How are you using this knowledge and experience? If you are not utilizing what you have learned, how could you put it to use?
AgeEsteem enriches everyone. If you have a question, would like to share a personal story or tip concerning self esteem and age, or comment on these messages write to me. I look forward to hearing from you. bonnie.fatio@AgeEsteem.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete text with it: "Bonnie Lou Fatio, founder of AgeEsteem publishes the award-winning Age With Pizzazz e-zine. If you're ready to live your life with esteem for yourself at the age you are, get your FREE tips now at http://www.AgeEsteem.com/"
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