Month: April 2024

Poetry is the voice of the soul, and poets help us see a slice of the world in a way we might not have previously observed. Poets highlight details to cast light on feelings, images, or events. Poetry helps offer insight into both the human psyche and human behavior, and it’s also a place where our imagination can roam free. Spring is the perfect time to consider writing your own poem.

Let Go and Get Started

The courage to write poetry is about letting go; it’s about allowing our life experiences to unfold organically. When writing poetry, it’s a good habit to let go of your rational mind and let your sensations and emotions take over. This release is also about slowing down and pausing, while also paying attention to the emotions stirring inside of you.

Try starting with something that makes you feel deeply. Write about a loved one, an image, emotion, or something happening in the universe. As you string words together, see if you can feel the poem erupt from inside you. During the process of writing poetry, new feelings might emerge. This makes for a transformative experience.

Life and Writing

By the time we’ve reached our 60s, we have come to understand that life experiences can provide a great deal of writing material. In addition to our memories, reflections, and fantasies, this richness can also include the books or articles we’ve read, or the movies we’ve watched.

As the poet Robert Frost deftly said, “A poem begins with a lump in the throat: a homesickness or a love sickness. It is a reaching out toward expression: an effort to find fulfillment.”

My Own Poetry Experience

For me, poems come when I least expect them. Often when I am in the midst of doing something else, an image or a title drifts into my mind and that’s where I’ll start writing. Reading the works of other poets is also a wonderful way to invite the muse in your life, because it fills you with random thoughts and invites rhythm to shape your words.

Perhaps you wrote poems when you were younger or you’re newly inspired to write. Maybe now you have more personal time to rekindle a former love for writing poetry.

Reach Toward the Poet in You

Here are some great ways to take advantage and get yourself into a poetic state of mind:

• Set aside some time each day to write a poem.
• Spend time in nature.
• Turn off your inner critic.
• Make a list of inspiring words, images, and feelings.
• Write a letter to a friend.
• Engage in the art of people-watching.
• Read poetry and find a poet to emulate and respond to.

Influencers

As a memoirist and poet, I must say that most of my poems have been inspired by personal experiences. I’ve also found that reading certain poets inspires me to write more emotionally complex and poignant poetry.

For example, the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda – who often writes love poems – is someone who has inspired me for a long time. I admire his sensuous passion for life. Like my own poetry, his poetry explores love, death and life’s simple pleasures.

My poetry book, An Imaginary Affair: Poems Whispered to Neruda, captures my thoughts influenced by the Chilean poet.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you write or read poetry? What do you like most about poetry? Do you have a favorite poet and genre?

There are a lot of amazing positives to being an older woman, over 50 or better! We have earned the right to call ourselves wise. With the kids older, or moved away, we have time to focus on ourselves more. By age or design, we stop caring so much about what others think, and more about what we need. But many of us have spent a lifetime caring for others. Putting others first. Always taking the last (and usually smallest) piece of cake, right? (Metaphorically or otherwise!)

But there is one place we can no longer afford to put ourselves last, and that’s with our health. By now, we know we are not invincible. Our bodies have been around the block. Some of us are dealing with chronic pain. Some of us have faced cancer or other serious illnesses. There is a reason that you should get routine mammograms starting at age 50. Remember the adage, “If you don’t take care of yourself, how are you going to take care of anyone else?” It’s time. Here are some easy health tips for older women!

Movement Matters

Notice I didn’t use that pseudo swear word, exercise. I get it, I hate the gym. HATE it. But even if you’ve never exercised before, you need to start getting movement in. Your health depends on it. Movement keeps your muscles strong and reduces the risks of falls. Your heart needs exercise to stay strong. Movement helps you sleep better, which as you will read below, is everything.

Your bones are less likely to become weak if you do regular load-bearing exercise. Bonus? You will be able to do more, keep yourself at a healthy weight, and even lower the risk of dementia. You don’t have to go out and buy weights. (Unless you want to!) Just get in a brisk walk for 20-30 minutes a day. Just walk!

What You Eat Counts

Remember our mothers telling us, “You are what you eat”? Well, it’s never been truer than it is right now. Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables and minimizing red meat is a great first step. Don’t start by trying to take things away from yourself. That never works. But add in more of the good stuff. And eat that first, then treat yourself after. You can check out my article on Healthy Picks for Women Over 50 for great ideas.

Self-Care and Mental Health Is a Thing

So many of us are dealing with fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Your mental health should be just as important as your physical health. It’s all just health. And here is the thing, stress may be causing most of our serious diseases.

According to WebMD, 75-90% of all doctor visits are stress-related. So, learn mindfulness or meditation. Get regular exercise. Foster a hobby or volunteer. And ladies, let’s be the generation that puts a stop to the stigma surrounding counseling and therapy. We don’t want our granddaughters to hide their pain. Let’s show them the way. 

Don’t Put Off That Mammogram

I am guilty of this. Putting mammograms, yearly physicals, and even dentist visits on the back burner because of one word… busy. Until a dear friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was a year younger than me. Fortunately, it was caught on a routine mammogram. In the U.S., insurance providers are required to cover mammograms. So don’t put it off. Even if you find it uncomfortable, remember, chemo and radiation aren’t too comfortable either.

Sleep Is Everything

I have dealt with insomnia my entire life. Because of issues from anxiety to chronic pain, I toss and turn and lay awake for hours. And when I was raising little ones? Forget it, I was the only one up all night with them.

According to the National Council on Aging, sleep problems contribute to major disorders. Everything from heart disease to arthritis to diabetes can be affected by poor sleep. For me, a combination of learning coping skills to deal with anxiety, exercise, and medication when necessary has helped me to sleep the best I have in years. If you can’t get good zzz’s on your own, visit your doctor for help. 

It’s easy to just read an article like this and say, “I know I need to do it. I’ll get to it.” The problem is, unless you prioritize good health as a woman over 50 or 60, by the time you hit 70 or 80, the damage might already be done. Don’t wait. Make it as important as it is.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you prioritizing your health? When was the last time you went to the doctor/dentist to get a routine checkup? Which part of your health are you most concerned about?

In today’s fast-paced world, where the line between work and personal life often blurs, the art of transitioning between the two has never been more crucial. With the demands of life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of carving out a peaceful transition from work to personal time.

Why Consider a Peaceful Transition?

A peaceful transition allows us to mentally disengage from the stresses and pressures of the workday.

Just as we need time to warm up before diving into work, we also need time to unwind and shift gears before fully immersing ourselves in our personal lives. This transition period acts as a buffer, enabling us to leave behind the mental clutter accumulated throughout the day and approach our personal time with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.

Transitioning mindfully from work to personal time fosters a healthier work-life balance.

In a world where burnout is increasingly prevalent, setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential for preserving our mental and physical health. By consciously transitioning between the two realms, we create space for relaxation, self-care, and meaningful connections– elements that are often sidelined in the hustle of everyday life.

So, What Does a Peaceful Transition Look Like in Practice?

It can take many forms, depending on individual preferences and circumstances. Here are four examples of transition activities along with their benefits:

Mindfulness Meditation

Taking a few minutes to practice mindfulness meditation allows for a mental reset, helping to clear the mind of work-related stressors and distractions. By focusing on the present moment and cultivating a sense of inner calm, mindfulness meditation promotes relaxation and reduces feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.

This helps set the stage for a more peaceful transition into personal time, enabling individuals to approach their evening with greater clarity and presence. I use the app on my phone called Insight Timer. The app is free, and it’s easy to search for just the right meditation.

An Evening Walk

Going for a leisurely walk in the evening serves as a physical and mental transition from the demands of the workday to a state of relaxation. The rhythmic movement and fresh air help release tension accumulated in the body, while the change of scenery provides a welcome break from the office environment.

Evening walks also offer an opportunity for reflection and introspection, allowing individuals to process their thoughts and emotions before transitioning into personal activities. Try to walk without listening to a podcast or audiobook so your mind has the chance to rest from the “noise.” You may want to carry a small notebook to jot thoughts, reminders or inspiration!

Cook a Special Meal Just for You!

Engaging in the process of cooking can be a therapeutic and rewarding transition activity. Whether it’s trying out a new recipe or preparing a favorite dish, cooking allows you to channel your creativity and focus your energy on a tangible task. The sensory experience of chopping, stirring, and tasting helps to ground you in the present moment and shift the focus away from work-related concerns.

Fostering Relationships

Spending time with family and friends is perhaps one of the most rewarding transition activities. Whether it’s sharing a meal, engaging in meaningful conversations, or simply enjoying each other’s company, connecting with loved ones strengthens relationships and provides a sense of belonging and support. My favorite activity is to combine the evening walk with friend-time, and I get a double bonus in my evening!

Bonus Ideas to Transition Your Mental Focus After a Long Day!

• Changing into “casual clothing” for the evening.
• A bath or shower right as you get home to “wash away” the day!
• Head to an exercise class.
• Turn off your work phone before you walk through the door.
• Create a sanctuary at home. Perhaps there is a vase of flowers to greet you in the entry or the music is streaming to greet your arrival.

Are you finding it hard to transition from work to personal time?

Letting go of the stress and tension we carry within ourselves into the evening needs to be let go. I’ve created the following free meditation for you to help you through this transition.

The importance of a peaceful transition from work to personal time cannot be overstated. By embracing this transition as a sacred ritual, we not only safeguard our well-being but also enrich our lives with moments of joy, connection, and fulfillment.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you have a daily ritual where you transition from work to personal time? How do you unwind? Please share in the comments below so that we can support one another in developing a practice that works!