Is your age showing? Are you anxious that you are acting older than you are, or feeling older than you are, or are becoming irrelevant or invisible?

Please, relax. You are only showing your age if you buy into the clichés of aging. If you are, it’s time to let go of your fears and anxieties. It’s time you turn your life into an enjoyable journey where you are the featured player, where you develop ideas about living joyfully and expansively in the future.

Transitioning to 60

All well and good, but It seems that in your 60s you encounter a few magical, mystical hormonal changes that alter your mental, emotional, or physical state.

At the same time, the depletion in your neurotransmitters encourages an increasingly negative mindset. You think, “Wow! I’m over 60. I’m hitting 70!” – and you imagine that your life will suddenly be different, not as wonderful, not as awesome.

You can either decide to hold on to your unfounded fears about aging and buy into to the cliché of limiting life experiences, or you can get better with age and acknowledge that there are other ways to expand your ideas about aging.

I’m still 19 in my head. I don’t entertain chronology. As the years go by, I get more conscious, more energetic, more inclined to take a risk, and single-handedly determine my intentions and goals. What’s good for me means that I’m becoming the person I always should have been.

Living from a Deeper Place

What makes my life delicious now, as I turn 75 this year, is that I am more in tune with myself. I’m not being another version of me.

I’m living life through a deeper place inside of me. From that deeper place comes an appreciation for time that is not defined, for change that is meaningful, and for self-reflection that brings knowledge, understanding and wisdom.

Lighten Up on the Negative Aspects in Life

Stop thinking that aging is associated with sickness, death and dying. Have you noticed that as people age, there are many more references to their aches and pains, and the aches and pains of others you don’t know?

Sharing endlessly with friends, neighbors and even strangers about the experiences of others related to negative states – physically, mentally or emotionally – is enervating.

You hear more about funerals, more about friends or relatives in the hospital with difficult issues, and more about who is losing their hearing, balance and memory.

Of course, you will share health issues and deaths, but keeping the exchange of information brief, with concise brush strokes, will illicit empathetic responses that are appropriate to the situation.

It’s natural to live with opposing forces in nature. However, sharing too much of the negative stalls the process of getting back to positive energy, and doesn’t directly contribute to a healthy, wise and productive life.

My mother never complained, even into her 90s. If she ever had an ache or a pain, I never knew about it. She was always young and spirited. Rarely did she talk about death. She left all that to the powers that be in the universe. I want to be like my mother.

Learn to Be a Free Spirit

You are born to be free. Did you see The Book Club movie? In real-life, the age of these actresses ranges from mid-60 to pushing 80. Most of these beautiful ladies hover around 70.

They read the sequel to the book 50 Shades of Gray, Fifty Shades Darker, which prompts them to open their minds and hearts to take risks and live large.

The novel is the jump-off point that inspires the women to look at their individual situations from different perspectives. As a result, each of them decides to expand her options and possibilities and remain positive with their choices.

Aging with Grace and Imagination

There is no doubt that aging takes courage and commitment, and above all, aging takes grace – the grace of knowing yourself. That’s real liberation! That’s a no guilt approach to living.

Consider that aging with consciousness should be your life’s work. And be careful not to fall in to negative traps that will steal your joy.

To age well also takes imagination. Where do you want to travel? Who do you want to go with? Plan one big vacation a year, then do puddle hops during the rest of the year.

Develop ideas of favorite travel. Central Europe, Cuba, Vietnam, the U.S. The list is endless. Think gypsy! Think explorer. Learn to say yes and experience something new.

Keep Learning

The most egregious way to show your age is being mired in the past, repeating the same things over and over again, being stuck in quicksand that limits your thinking.

Moving forward in life is the way you stay young and maximize your human potential. It involves gaining intelligence, knowledge, emotional growth and life experiences.

Combining imagination with the freedom to think and dream elevates your ability to respond to complex situations, define problems, project possibilities and outcomes, approach new situations with confidence, and develop coping strategies.

More importantly, you will get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. You will be able to take risks, grow, transform, develop new skills, take chances, and defy stereotypes and misperceptions.

What kinds of ideas do you have to stay young and vibrant? How effectively do you disengage from negative thinking? Please share any tips you have learned about that can help us stay positive in life.

Braunwyn Windham-Burke’s Yellow Lace Kimono on Instagram

Real Housewives of Orange County 2020 Instagram Fashion

I’m not sure what’s brighter today, the sun or Braunwyn Windham-Burke’s yellow lace kimono on Instagram. Considering right now it’s a little overcast here in Austin, TX I’m going to have to say her yellow lace kimono. Typically I wouldn’t think a green swimsuit and a bright neon yellow cover up would go together so well, but they really do when it comes to Braunwyn’s look. And her new hair style is just an added blonde bonus!

Summer is the time when bright colors get their moment and I love it. As I’ve said before I’ve color coordinated my closet and it’s lacking in pretty much all colors aside from black and grey. So I am ready for all the bright color inspo I can get and Braunwyn Windham-Burke is certainly delivering that with her recent Instagram content. Especially now when where I live it’s “summer” most of the year I can really use some inspo from the “warm weather” Housewives. And even if some of our summer days come with overcast skies at least if we add this look to our closet we can peek in there to brighten up our view.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here To See Her Sold Out Hah Dust Her Kimono

Click Here to Read About her Bathing Suit

Photo: @braunwynwindhamburke

Originally posted at: Braunwyn Windham-Burke’s Yellow Lace Kimono on Instagram

According to the dictionary, wellness is defined as “the state of being in good health.” Admittedly, I forgot how simple a concept this is since the word “wellness” has been co-opted by an overwhelmingly wide range of brands and influencers in recent years. So much so, that whether it’s food, feminine hygiene, a workout, or even a beauty product, its true meaning gets lost in the sauce as I familiarize myself with the neverending list of products and people making things that are meant to cater to our bodies and/or minds. It’s only when I come across Black-owned wellness brands that I’m reminded of just how simple and necessary optimal health (both mentally and physically) is.

As a Black woman, wellness is more than a concept. It often feels like a means of survival. I’ve yet to live in a world where the cards aren’t stacked against me. Equity feels like an uphill battle that will never end and as a beauty expert, it seems I’m never done being outraged at an inevitable ad or fashion show committing some form of cultural appropriation. Taking care of myself inside and out is a reminder that investing in others and to be honest, simply existing, requires I pour into myself first. For me, that includes therapy, ample Facetime with friends and family, sleep, hot baths, and more sleep.

But as far as my spending dollars are concerned, I know that when my purchase is for a Black-owned wellness product, it was probably made by someone with shared experiences. Not only does that make me feel supported in a sense; it also makes investing in their product that much more gratifying. With that being said–and in the name of anti-racism–I’m showing love to just 12 of many, many Black-owned wellness brands that will feed your mind, body, and soul. From kitchen spices to period underwear to tea, any of these brands will take your self-care routine to new heights.

Source: Instagram

Private Packs

Do you experience pain in your nether regions due to yeast infections, sexual intercourse, STIs, vaginal dryness, waxing or more? These hands-free, portable, cordless and reusable packs deliver cooling or warming relief…and they’re eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement.

Source: Instagram

Ivy’s Tea

From the quippy names to the wide assortment of hot and cold blends to the beautiful “Trap China,” what isn’t there to love about this herbal loose leaf tea brand?

Source: Instagram

Black Girl in Om

I’ve been following this digital space for years and learn something new every time I tune into a podcast episode, meditation, or Twitter chat, all of which are crafted to foster empowering soul work for Black women.

Source: Instagram

Golde

By now, you probably know that this brand’s founder is the younger Black founder to have products sold in Sephora. Besides her superfood-enriched skincare masks, there are also drink blends that you definitely shouldn’t sleep on.

Source: Instagram

RubyLove

I’ve been using period underwear for a couple of years now, but I won’t deny that they can get really pricey. Not only does this Black-owned brand offer an impressive range of underwear styles (and swimsuits!); the prices are amazing, too.

Source: Instagram

The Honey Pot Co.

Find this feminine hygiene brand at your local Target and stock up on sensitive washes, wipes, pads, and more.

Source: Instagram

Mama Glow

For mamas-to-be looking for a doula or people who want to explore doula training, this renowned brand is a go-to for resources and mama-friendly products.

Source: Instagram

Noirebud

The CBD industry is notoriously white-washed, but Black-owned labels like Noirebud are shaking the table with oral drops and other CBD-infused beauty products.

Source: Instagram

HealHaus

This Brooklyn-based wellness destination is getting worldwide recognition for its online workshops and daily yoga/meditation events.

Source: Instagram

Essie Spice

If stay-at-home orders have turned you into an amateur chef, literally spice up your cooking routine with any of these blends inspired by international destinations.

Source: Instagram

GoDeep

These protein powder blends were created by a stay-at-home mom whose own journey back to optimal health after beating an addiction inspired each product.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Society today is all about giving. Giving your time to a job, offering resources to a cause, giving your attention to the needs of family and friends. And while these things can be rewarding, it leaves little time for us to focus on our own needs.

I often tell family caregivers that self-care is not just going on a spa day once a year or the occasional break away to get their hair done or to buy a new outfit. Self-care needs to be a daily practice to feel as rested and good about ourselves as we can be.

Yes, finding an hour in a busy day can seem like an impossible feat, but you most likely are already doing this. Are you spending an hour watching TV? Or maybe catching up with friends on Facebook? This hour is the best time to start introducing a self-care routine.

Start an Exercise Practice

Incorporating an exercise practice can be challenging. Regardless of knowing all the excellent benefits, it is the getting up and going part that can be difficult. Especially if you are tired from your busy schedule.

Being mindful of the type of exercise practice that works best for you is critical to the success of starting a practice. So many of us are taught that exercise is only for weight loss, when in fact it is so much more than that.

When starting a practice, be conscious of what type of goals you have in mind. Are you interested in building your strength? Or maybe better balance? Then perhaps a cardio exercise practice isn’t the best option for you, and you’d find a yoga practice easier to adopt.

Nothing is set in stone, so give yourself time to play and try a variety of exercise options so that you find the best one for you.

Start a Creative Project

I often thought that you had to be a good painter or drawer to be an artist, but I was wrong! There are so many ways to be creative. Writing, painting, or even gardening are all creative ways we can use to express ourselves.

Through a creative project, we get to know ourselves a bit better. We discover our likes and dislikes and even offer ourselves opportunities to mess up without fear of criticisms. Are you coloring outside of the lines? Who cares! The creative process is yours alone, and the freedom in that can be liberating!

Start Reading a Book

Sinking into a good book can be so relaxing! No matter the genre, spending time each day to read keeps the brain active and healthy.

Not one for reading? Try an audiobook that you can listen to while working on your creative project.

Use Your Imagination

Using our imagination is just something many of us don’t have time for in the busyness of day-to-day life. Daydreaming of an upcoming vacation is helpful, but it doesn’t allow you to play or be creative.

You don’t even have to have an artistic bone in your body. Just spending some time throughout the day using your imagination is a fun way to keep the mind active.

Have a Conversation

Do you ever find yourself in a conversation only discussing the day’s tasks you did or did not accomplish? Or considering the latest news headlines?

While these topics have their time and place, they don’t take you away from your daily routine and can even cause you more anxiety.

Becoming purposeful in our conversations may sound easy, but it can be difficult to break away from our routines. Try instead discussing an interesting article you read on Sixty and Me. Or brainstorm ideas for your creative project.

Conversations bring us closer to those we engage with and keep the mind active and stimulated, which can be a rewarding and relaxing experience.

Try Meditation

Meditation is an incredible tool for stress release and mindfulness. While sitting quietly can be difficult at first, over time you will find that your body will welcome the respite from daily concerns and an overactive mind.

Even if it is only for five minutes, giving your mind a rest is one of the best relaxation techniques.

You Deserve It!

It doesn’t matter how you decide to spend time on yourself – what matters is that you do. It is too easy to get caught up in the chaos of daily life, and while a focus on others is essential and encouraged it can sometimes add to your stress.

The best way to take care of others is to take care of yourself first. You deserve it!

How are you planning to take care of your own needs this year? What things do you to do make yourself feel positive and confident? Please share your favorite activities and practices that take care of your well-being.