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It was like being hit by lightning! As I stared at those words, the light bulb turned on in my head and the puzzle pieces started falling into place. This made sense! I could become anything I wanted because the way already existed. What I needed to tell myself was that if I could see it in my mind, I was already on my way to getting it. What were those words?

EVERYTHING THAT WILL EVER BE ALREADY EXISTS.

Have you ever heard of eternalism or “block universe” theory? I was well into my 50s when I first read about it. It is the concept concerning the nature of time. According to this theory, past, present, and future events all coexist simultaneously.

Jonas Salk didn’t just grab the vaccine to prevent polio out of thin air. It already existed; he just hadn’t figured it out yet. It was right there in his ingredients, in his experiments, his determination and persistence, and finally, in his mind.

Flip That Switch!

Nothing will create the life you say you want in your second half until you clarify in your own mind exactly what success and fulfillment looks like. Once done, submit your order to the Universe and prepare to receive it. Your request already exists and is being prepared for delivery.

Wonderous things that will get your heart pumping are within your grasp if you believe you deserve them. But you can’t just wait around for them – prepare your life for delivery. Don’t let your brain run down; wind it up again. Flip that switch!

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than the ones you did. Sail away from the safe harbor. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

Keep Believing and Work for It

We spend so much time worrying that we might be worse off than we are now if we take a chance. So what do we do? Nothing! The solution to happiness and purpose is not an easy one. It is a leap of courage and faith; believing in something you cannot see and having the patience to keep believing while the Universe works its magic.

If you know what the goal is, the how will appear. The path is already there. Seek it out and enjoy the process of exploring, researching and engaging with people who share your passion. You will discover that studying unfamiliar subjects and mastering new skills is a source of genuine pleasure, motivation, and, dare I say, fun! In other words, don’t just live the length of your life but the width of it as well.

“You can’t turn back the clock. But you can wind it up again.” – Bonnie Prudden

Expand Your World

As you grow, you have to expand your world to include all the people, resources, challenges, and information you can stuff into your life. Define what you want! Believe you deserve it! Don’t just say, “I want what she has” or “I want to be rich.” No, you have to sit down and get very clear. What do you want? How will it make your life better? Write it down.

If you have made your desires clear in your mind, the Universe will immediately get to work putting together your order. Be patient. It can take time – sometimes a lot of time. You will get it when the Universe thinks you are ready to receive and appreciate it.

Just like a plant, we all require things to grow: water, fertilizer, sunlight, fresh air, and maybe some love. The plant is born with the knowledge that the way to thrive already exists.

Just How Do You Plant A Life?

• Take action – plant the seed in a quality environment.
• Have patience – it will grow in its own time.
• Be resilient – if you forget to water it, do so now and keep the faith you didn’t kill it.
• Be consistent – water, fertilize, provide sunlight, speak lovingly, and repeat.
• Be persistent – keep watching your plant. If it refuses to grow, make a few adjustments and start another seed. Keep doing it until that little bugger sprouts!

Above all, never quit. You may be on the cusp of bursting into blossom!

Follow my YouTube channel Encore Living where I share my retirement journey or visit my website wendyrichards.ca to order my book A Life Postponed.

Let’s Chat:

So, what do you think of eternalism theory? Do your believe you can change your future by believing the way already exist?

The first time I sat on one of those tiny red plastic stools on a busy Hanoi street corner – $1 Tiger beer in hand, a bowl of steaming pho in front of me – I felt it. That “you’re really here” moment. It was buzzing and alive. Frivolity on the streets, music and the hum of all the beautiful people in community laughing the night away. And the welcome smiles. Who knew?

Since then, I’ve been to Vietnam three times – with another trip planned this winter. And every time, it still feels like a secret – a place that offers the warmth, beauty, and adventure of a much more expensive destination… without the price tag or the crowds.

If you’ve never considered Vietnam for your next trip, I’d love to show you why I think it’s one of the most inspiring, welcoming, and still-undiscovered gems in the world.

The People (and Yes, They Speak English!)

We’ve traveled to over 40 countries, and the people of Vietnam remain some of the kindest and most generous we’ve met. Always with a smile, a nod and a desire to help in any way.

From a family who proudly made us French fries during our mountain high homestay (we actually wanted to eat what they were eating!) to the local vendors who treat you like an honored guest, the spirit of the Vietnamese people is warm, open, and deeply rooted in community.

You’ll be happy to know that English is widely spoken in the cities and tourist areas, and learning just a few Vietnamese words (“hello,” “thank you,” “how much?”) goes a long way in showing respect and building connection. Mark, my partner, has learned enough of the language to bring us big smiles and extra food, goods and recently, even an upgrade of our room.

And despite their history – what they refer to as the American War – we’ve always felt deeply welcomed, even celebrated, as Americans. Once, years ago biking through a rural village in central Vietnam, local children ran out laughing and shouting, “Obama! Obama!” and waved with delight.

Northern Vietnam: Sapa and the Highlands

One of the most unforgettable experiences of my life was a 27-mile guided hike through the rice terraces of Sapa. Our guide, Mrs. Co, was a traditional medicine woman who pointed out both poisonous plants and healing herbs as we trekked through emerald-green mountains.

We stayed with local families who made meals from scratch and shared their homes with pride. It’s soulful, authentic, and humbling in the best way. We saw water buffalo, mountain views, and lives lived close to the earth. Our hotel upon return was called The Stunning View. And it was! We enjoyed $1 beers on the terrace just taking it all in. That view is my current screen saver on my phone.

Central Vietnam: Lanterns, Beaches, and Boutique Charm

Ang Bang Beach is one of our favorite places to relax – warm, clean sand, gentle waves, and beachside cafés serving the best grilled fish and banh xeo (Vietnamese crepes) you’ve ever tasted.

The turquoise water is clear, warm and the beach itself is spotless. You can walk for miles. We’ll be staying right on the beach this February in a gorgeous little bungalow surrounded by greenery and served a large Vietnamese breakfast and coconut coffee every day. Price tag? $35 US.

Nearby, Hoi An is an ancient city lit by glowing lanterns and full of rich cultural history. We stayed at the Vinh Hung Library Hotel – a boutique hotel with gorgeous wood furnishings, a serene pool, a full breakfast, and impeccable service – Just $32 a night.

Bikes are just $1 a day, and we used them to ride through rice paddies, explore tiny back roads, and reach the beaches on our own time. Magical.

Phu Quoc and Halong Bay: Bucket List Beauty

Phu Quoc Island is often called the “Hawaii of the East” – pristine beaches, fresh seafood, warm water, and a peaceful vibe. You can bike, hike, swim, or just nap under the palms. It’s serene, tropical, and unforgettable. We rented motorbikes there and explored some of the caves left over from the war. Fascinating.

Halong Bay, with its towering limestone karsts, is pure magic. We chartered a small boat – just the two of us and a friendly three-person crew – and spent two days swimming, kayaking, and eating homemade meals. At night, we slept under the stars, rocked gently by the water. It’s one of our most cherished travel memories.

You might also be interested to read The Legend of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.

Travel Well on a Budget

Vietnam proves you can have a 5-star experience on a 3-star budget. Most days, we spent under $100 total for the two of us – including accommodations, meals, drinks and transportation.

Street food is delicious and safe, massages are $6–10, pedicures $5-$8 and boutique hotels often come with stunning service. You can fly across the country for under $50 or hop on a sleeper bus or tuk-tuk to get around more slowly (and more interestingly!).

Looking to have clothes made? Vietnams is known for their 100s of tailors. I’ve had beautiful custom dresses made ($20), shoes/boots ($10-$12) and Mark loves his white cotton travel shirts and usually buys 8-10 when we go there. And they are ready in a day or two!

Getting Around and When to Go

We typically fly into Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and head north to Danang or Hanoi by train or short local flights. Weather is warm year-round, though rainy season varies by region, so some quick planning is helpful.

YouTube and Lonely Planet are great for research – and apps like Google Translate, WhatsApp, and Rome2Rio make it easy to navigate with confidence.

Still Undiscovered – But Not for Long

Vietnam is one of the few places where you can walk for hours, eat like royalty, sleep like a queen, and spend less than you would at home – all while feeling genuinely welcomed and deeply inspired.

So, if you’ve been dreaming of somewhere meaningful, affordable, and unforgettable – Vietnam is calling. I do recommend saying “yes!”

Ready for More?

If this inspired you, I’ve created a free resource: “Top 10 Experiences in Vietnam You’ll Never Forget” – a downloadable PDF guide with the best hikes, foods, cities, and cultural gems to help you plan your own adventure.

Here is the link: 10 Vietnam Experiences You’ll Want on Your List.

Looking to learn how to travel with confidence and joy and experience your own 5-Star Adventure on a 3-Star Budget? Discover the Inspired Traveler’s Guide at www.inspiredtraveling.com You’ll find a Vietnam Travelogue there as well.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What is your experience of foreign countries and cultures? How do you plan your trips – around experiences, around culture, or something else?

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Originally posted at: Amanda Frances’ Black Cropped Quilted Leather Jacket

There’s a joke on the internet that goes, “Every time I try to eat healthy, along comes Thanksgiving, Christmas, Summer, Tuesday or Friday and ruins it for me.” This funny moment is attributed to “anonymous” and rightly so because who among us hasn’t groaned at this truism in our own life?

Hello! I’m coming to you from the frontlines of losing a lot of weight (55 big ones) by my early 40s and maintaining the original loss for almost 20 years now. Currently, I have 61 years of Christmases behind me. Friends have long asked, “How are you maintaining for so long?” This is exactly how I maintain during the holidays.

Let’s start with the best news first: my successful maintenance is not down to motivation. Can you imagine drawing from inspiration over a 20-year period? Never happened. Sure, I was motivated here and there, but I went a different route and embraced all that we now know about building smart habits. Along with good habits, I realized that the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (I’m a formerly trained therapist) can be life changing. On my blog and on Sixty and Me I write about the tools I used for ultimate success.

Exactly What I Do

For the last 20 years, I’ve seen the strength behind these strategies. Take a look:

Planning Ahead for December

On a quiet moment in December, I sit down with my calendar and write an overall plan about where obstacles will likely immerge in the month and how I would snuff each one out. For example, I might note that I have a book club meeting mid-month and grandkids visiting over Christmas. I also pay close attention to the before, during and after of each holiday (leftovers are a sneaky bunch).

Smart Daily Planning

Along with an overall December plan, every morning I also create a unique daily plan that highlights the obstacles on that particular day, i.e., I might write that “Marcia always brings donuts to the meeting every Thursday morning without fail.” I then write a solution for every challenge.

Talk to Yourself with Kindness

I shore up my internal self-talk. For example, I don’t call myself “fat and ugly” (like a friend once did). Beating our own self up while going for the gold is just not a thing. I now tell myself, “You’ll figure this out, you always do” and “when you care about something you’re awesome.”

Create the habit of talking to yourself with wisdom and great kindness. Positive self-talk is nothing short of a superpower. Become your own internal support coach and see for yourself.

Ruin Meals

I lean heavily on the tool Eat before You Eat. I’ll eat anything to avoid showing up at the table “famished.” I eat a hardboiled egg on toast, a carton of yogurt, an apple or a banana topped in peanut butter. Yes, I “ruin meals,” Dad, every single day (sorry!).

Photo: small bites

Envision Small Bites

I was once on a cruise ship and marveled at the small – but elegant – bites they displayed for the guests to scoop up. It was a startling moment to realize that two or three delicious bites can be very filling. So, when I’m hankering to eat more and more of whatever’s in front of me, I instantly flash on those beautiful bites and the memory stops me cold from overeating. You’ll need to discover your own feel-great-about-eating-less memory.

Choose Low Calory Drinks

If I’m in the mood for an adult drink I reach for a glass of champagne (low calories). Also a fun drink for the season: splash rum into a mug of “egg nogg” (any nut milk like almond milk will do).

Gaining weight after age 50 is not the “inevitable” slide to Aunt Bea-ville. This December don’t let the calories “just happen” to you, meet the holidays head-on with a solid strategy and watch how excited January-one-you will be.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What do you think of planning your eating-month? Do you know how you talk to yourself? Can you think of a time when you were super kind to you? What was the outcome?