What dream do you still have tucked away in your heart that you would like to realize? Just thinking about your dream won’t bring it to fruition. You have to plant the seed for your prize, nourish it, caress it, and allow space for it to bloom. In other words, you must set a positive intention and actively engage in dream-building activities.

Faith without works is dead.

— James 2:26

Metaphorically, the manifestation of a dream can be compared to the process of growing a lovely tulip garden. First you conceive the idea. “I want a tulip garden.” You select the bulbs and plant them in the soil, during the most promising season.

Next, you water and fertilize what you put faith in. And then you forget about your tulips or “allow” the bulbs to take root and grow. Weeks later… voila! You see the first evidence of your faith breaking ground. And after your glorious flowers spring forth, you must provide tender loving care in order for them to flourish.

Similarly, you must sow the bulb of your grandest desire. Yes, you conceived the idea, but you need to do more than wish upon your dream. What have you done to move your dream along? Do you have a gardening plan? The following guide may put you in a fruitful field.  

Here is the spiritual gardener’s seven-step process for growing a dream:

Plant the Seed for Your Dream

Commit to your success! Write an affirmation for your intention and read it aloud daily. Begin with I AM. This establishes your positive and personal stance for manifesting your desire. For example, “I am a prolific and prosperous artist who uses her talents to inspire others.”

Water and Feed Your Dream

Become a perpetual student of art. Staying current in your field is essential to your growth. Enroll in art classes to perfect your skills and get involved in community activities that relate to your craft. Nourish your skills by prioritizing lifelong learning.

Allow Your Dream Room to Bloom

Just as you need to plant your tulip bulbs three inches apart, don’t plant your dream in such a tight space that it can’t expand. In other words, don’t be so attached to an outcome or a time frame that you miss great opportunities that are regularly presented to you.

Be flexible, open and enthusiastic about the process. Expect to be pleasantly surprised by all the blessings headed your way.

Introduce Your Dream to Others

I always say we never get where we’re going without the help of others. Invite friends, relatives and community leaders to share your joy and excitement. Offer to be of service at special events, and volunteer to participate in shows and exhibits. Connect with local schools, public libraries, and galleries, and ask how you can support their interests through art.

Take a Calculated Risk for Your Dream

As you’re being called to your higher self, you must summon the courage to face your fears and take calculated risks. Stepping out into uncharted territory will present challenges, because you’ve never sculpted a masterpiece like this before.

Grant yourself permission to lean into your discomfort. That’s how you overcome fear and gain strength. Just remember: If you never explore a new canvas while your knees are knocking, you’ll never know what you’re made of.

Don’t Struggle or Stress Over Your Dream

Release your dream. Visualize that it has already been accomplished! You’re doing your part. Allow Spirit to work on your behalf. Metaphysical author Thomas Troward said, “…we must remove from such contemplation any idea of a strenuous effort on our part to make the seed grow.” The key here is fortitude.

Our experienced gardeners know that you plant tulips in the fall, and they come up in the spring. So, even though it may seem like a long time for your dream to manifest, you have to remain poised and patient during the process. Get into the flow. Have faith and be assured that you are on the right track. And don’t be surprised if you manifest something more splendid than you expected.

Express Gratitude for Your Dream

Spend quiet time in nature reflecting on your bountiful blessings. You may not be where you want to be, but you’re now living your life on purpose. Express appreciation for your progress, the connections you’ve made and the opportunities that you’ve been gifted.

Become keenly aware of the subtle, divine messages that are revealed in your quiet time. Although you don’t need a reason to regularly celebrate life, create a special moment to do your happy dance for victories, large and small.

You are amazing! You have gifts and talents to share with the world, and you are an inspiration for others who want to travel their sacred path. Adopt a life that defies age and limitations. There’s no limit to what you can achieve in this lifetime.

The tagline for my business, Lifestyle 120, is, “Nourish. Transform. Flourish.” Unleash your power and prosper, fearless femme! This is your most promising season. Your time for planting the seeds for your future is now!

What dream are you currently pursuing? Why is it important that you fulfill this dream? Tell about the progress you’re making and the obstacles you may be facing.

The summer months are here, and many have put away the long pants for shorts and lighter clothing. Are you in need of some new shorts? Don’t know where to turn?

Let’s face it, the denim cutoffs with tears and patches are probably not your thing. We’ve put together a list of the best shorts for older women.

You probably don’t have the same legs you had when you were in your 20s. That’s ok. There’s no need to hide your legs because they have walked thousands of miles and brought you to where you are today.

Flabby knee skin, cellulite, thick thighs, skinny calves… Who cares? Be proud of your legs no matter what they look like.

Here are our top picks for shorts for women over 50:

1. Gemma Cotton Drawstring Bermuda Shorts – 100% cotton comfortable shorts.
2. ZENERGY UPF Cargo Shorts – Shorts with sun protection included.
3. SO SLIMMING 360 13″ Brigitte Shorts – Longer bermuda shorts.
4. Relaxed Chino Seersucker Shorts – Classic-looking shorts.
5. Solid Switchback Cuffed Cotton Shorts – 100% cotton shorts.
6. Tie-Waist Shorts at Talbots – Denim effect shorts.
7. Soft Linen Short – Plus size plaid shorts.
8. Tie-Waist Shorts in Sunshine Print – Trendy striped shorts.
9. Printed Full-Leg Shorts – Cute ditsy floral printed shorts.
10. Charter Club Polka-Dot Pull-On Shorts – Classic polka dot printed shorts.

Bermuda Shorts

Bermuda shorts hit right above the knee. They can be made of natural or synthetic fabrics, be solid or printed. Many women over 60 turn to bermuda shorts for versatility and comfort.

These Gemma Cotton Drawstring Bermuda Shorts from Macy’s are 100% cotton and are an easy fit with the drawstring waistband. They also come in several colors like black, white, and navy.

Another easy drawstring waistband bermuda short is this one from Chico’s. ZENERGY UPF Cargo Shorts have cargo pockets and are offered in seafoam and black. The fabric is stretchy and contains 50+ Ultraviolet Protection Factor properties to block both UVA and UVB rays.

These SO SLIMMING 360 13″ Brigitte Shorts from Chico’s have a longer inseam and are offered up to size 22. Many colors are available.

Relaxed Chino Seersucker Shorts from Talbots. A classic look that is easy to pair with white tops.

Shorter Shorts

If you’ve got them, flaunt them. Proud of your legs and like to show them off? Here are our picks for shorts that you will feel good in.

Solid Switchback Cotton Shorts from Macy’s are 100% cotton with rolled cuffs with buttoned tabs.

These Tie Waist Shorts at Talbots are a linen/cotton blend in an indigo denim effect. They are offered up to size 18.

Patterned & Printed Shorts

Printed colorful shorts are fun to match with solid colored tops in the summer. Florals, plaids, polka dots, and more.

Plaid plus-size Soft Linen Shorts at Lane Bryant are a perfect addition to your summer wardrobe.

These trending striped Tie Waist shorts in Sunshine Print at Talbots are great for the hot summer days.

Small floral Full-Leg Printed Shorts from J.Jill are flowy and drapey and almost look like you are wearing a skirt. Match the shorts with a white or navy top.

Charter Club Polka-Dot Pull-On Shorts, created for Macy’s. Polka dots are always a classic. These pull-on stretchy shorts are an easy fit. Match them with a white, navy, or red top.

What types of shorts are your favorites? Which one on our list is your top pick? Where do you shop for shorts? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Do you have long hair? Are you looking for new ways to style it? Medium to long hair provides more versatility when it comes to styling. Ponytails, braids, chignons (buns), and elaborate updos are all options.

Let’s take a look at some updos. An updo basically means a hairstyle where the hair is swept up in the back or up and is held in place typically with hair ties and pins.

An updo can be a simple bun tucked at the nape of the neck or an elaborate style mixing braids, teasing, and hair accessories.

Here is my list of stylish updos for women over 60:

1. The Quick No-Fuss Bun – An everyday style.
2. The Big Tiered Bun – A bun with more volume.
3. The Big Nape Bun – Elegant and sophisticated nape bun.
4. Cornrow Braids Updo – Stylish rear-round look.
5. Messy Look Updo – Perfect for curly hair.
6. Tight Twisted High Bun – Perfect for long hair.
7. Romantic Bun with Braids – Braided crown.
8. Messy Bun with Bangs – Trendy messy bun.
9. Side Bun – Easy side bun.
10. Elegant Twisted Chignon – Perfect for a formal event.

The Quick No-Fuss Bun

This easy chignon is always a go-to for older women with longer hair. Often, simple pins will keep the bun in place. Choose pins that match the color of your hair. They typically come in a variety of shades.

Pull all your hair back into a ponytail and twist it around the tie. For a more textured effect, split the ponytail in two and twist each section in different directions. Pin in place.

The Big Tiered Chignon

The big chignon effect is a more elegant look and is great to pair with formal attire. The hair is pulled back into a ponytail and sectioned into several pieces. Each piece is twirled and pinned into place. The thicker your hair, the bigger the updo.

The Big Nape Bun

This sophisticated big nape bun can be worn casual or formal. To add volume and create a bigger bun purchase hair bun donuts for that extra oomph. Wrap your hair around the donut and pin into place.

Cornrow Braids Updo

Cornrow braids are created high to style a bun. This is a stylish hairstyle, and it is perfect year round. Try different color cornrows and change the look completely.

Messy Look Updo

This updo is great if you have naturally curly hair. Simply pull your hair up and snap it in the back with a claw clip hair accessory. Let the curls come down around the clip.

Tight Twisted High Bun

This easy bun is perfect if you have long hair. Pull your hair into a high ponytail and simply twist your hair onto itself and then around the hair tie. Sometimes you can twist it tight enough and not need any pins.

Romantic Bun with Braids

This timeless updo takes us back to Victorian times. Create braids and style them into a crown around your head and place all the hair into a low bun formation. You’ll look and feel like a queen!

Messy Bun with Bangs

Messy buns are quite trendy and paired with bangs can even give you a youthful look. Wrap a large color-matched hair elastic around the bun a few times and pull out hair to create some volume. Leave hair strands on either side to frame your face.

Side Bun

Part the hair on one side and bring all of it to the other side. Place below the ear and position either with pins or a scrunchie.

Elegant Twisted Chignon

This is a perfect go-to updo for a formal event. Add hair extensions to get the full chignon effect.

Do you like to style your hair in updos? What is your favorite updo? Do you use hair accessories? Tell us about it in the comments below.

It is something we do every day, more or less, from the day we are born until the day we draw our last breath. Throughout most of our lives, we gave it nary a thought and certainly never talked to anyone about it except, perhaps, our mother.

But as we grow older, it causes us more and more difficulties. It affects what we are willing to do and where we are willing to go, our general mood and, altogether, our sense of well-being.

I am talking, of course, about managing our bowels. What I used to call ‘number two’ as a child, ‘poo’ to my children and all sorts of words ever since.

This is not a medical discussion as I am not a medical doctor. My Ph.D. in political science offers very little help here.

But there is more to our bowels than medical issues. Much, much more.

Early Years

Unless you were very unlucky, it is probable that you never gave your daily bowel activity much thought when you were young.

You knew it was about to happen, you went, you washed your hands, and you went about your daily life with never a worry on that score.

Right through middle age, our bowels generally gave us little trouble. Yes, the occasional ‘runs’ when you were on holiday (with wonderful names such as Delhi Belly, Montezuma’s Revenge and the like) and the occasional constipation for one reason or another.

But for most of us, nothing worth thinking much about beyond a day or so.

Of course, if you were unlucky, perhaps you had some problems on that score. But the medical side is not what this article is about.

When we were children, it might be added, bowels were the subject of off-colour – and therefore slightly exciting – jokes. We learned new words. We thought they were funny. And daring.

That was a long time ago.

Later Years

And perhaps you are still at this stage of not giving this aspect of your life much thought. Lucky you.

But the older we get, the more this issue seems to affect our lives. Indeed, sometimes dominates the day-to-day. Like everything else to do with our bodies, our bowels just don’t seem to work as automatically and easily as before.

Sometimes, this is the result of medications for other ills, where constipation or the opposite seems to be a frequent side effect. As we have more and more ailments, small and large, and take more and more pills, this may be one explanation.

Or we don’t take enough exercise. Or eat the right things. Or we don’t drink enough. Or we drink too much. And so forth.

We begin to seek out solutions. If we find it hard to go, we eat loads of prunes or the equivalent. My grandmother ate stewed prunes every morning for breakfast “to keep [her] regular.” I had no idea what she was talking about until my mother explained.

Or we buy over-the-counter remedies. Or talk to our doctor.

And the same sort of thing, if we go too often.

The Impact on Our Lives

But what I really want to write about is the impact of these minor bowel problems on our day-to-day lives. Not bowel cancer, which is a different matter altogether.

When you are uncomfortable in that department, all sorts of things happen. If you have diarrhoea (or “dire rear” as my daughter aptly called it as a child), you will be reluctant to travel very far. Your body will feel out of sync.

But I believe constipation is more common among older people. This can cause headaches and other bodily discomfort, sometimes quite disorienting.

Even more importantly, it can make you grouchy all day. Just out of sorts and with little joy in life. And you may not feel like doing much – certainly not out of the house.

You feel all the time as if you are waiting for something to happen. Which you are.

Facilities

In both cases, it is terribly important to know at all times where the relevant facilities are.

Shopping can be a nightmare unless there is somewhere convenient to go. You scout out all possible places, just in case. Perhaps you learned when your children were small, if you still live in the same area.

I don’t know about other countries, but in England churches – of all places – can be a terrible desert. I appreciate that it might be difficult and expensive for them to make renovations, but they often exclude (for this reason) the very people who most want to be there.

The Worst Part

And for many of us, the worst part is we never talk about this issue to anyone. We suffer in silence. We have been taught that it is ‘not nice’ to raise the subject, so we don’t. Sometimes, not even to our own spouse.

Indeed, we make up excuses to our friends for why we won’t go somewhere. Certainly not to the countryside, but also many other places. Perhaps even to their own house.

But if we are all having the same problem, why are we so reluctant?

I would bet that if you said to a friend that you were having problems in that department, she would say “oh yes, me too.” It might bring you closer. It would certainly be a relief to be able to talk about it.

Why not give it a try?

Do you suffer frequently in the bowels department? Do you ever discuss it with anyone?

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Your mom, grandma, dermatologist and fave TikToker have all wagged their fingers at you about the importance of wearing sunscreen. It’s a skincare sin if you’re not applying SPF every single morning. You could pick up the first sun cream that pops up in your search, but you’d be better off doing your research and finding a formula that caters to your complexion’s exact needs. If you’re like me and have acne-prone skin, then you know the struggle of nailing a sunscreen that doesn’t lead to bright red blemishes the next morning. Lucky for you (and me), we found a solution that is tailor-made for all of us pimple-prone folks.

What makes Hero Cosmetics’ Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen different from all the other blemish-inducing formulas you’ve tossed over the years? It’s formulated specifically for those who have acne. Not only does it have a weightless gel-cream consistency, unlike many sunscreens that take on thick, goopy textures that immediately summon breakouts, but Force Shield is also super lightweight and lets your skin breathe all day.

The formula mixes 17.53 percent non-nano zinc oxide (broad-spectrum sun protection), a blend of antioxidant superfood botanicals and extremolytes (naturally defensive bio-ingredients). Together, these key ingredients prep and prime your skin—whether you’re wearing makeup or going au naturel—and leave your complexion smooth rather than greasy.

Not to mention, the sunscreen’s green tint helps counteract the redness that often overtakes acne-prone skin (especially post-breakout).

“It works very well for my acne-prone, sensitive skin (rosacea + hormonal acne!),” wrote one five-star reviewer. “Once you put it on, you forget about it. It has a slight green tint to it that mildly neutralizes redness.”

A sunscreen that doesn’t trigger acne flare-ups and conceals redness? The hydrating Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen is truly heaven-sent and we’re already shopping it for $20 on Amazon.

RELATED: Hailey Bieber Swears By This TikTok-Viral, Anti-Aging Face Sunscreen & Shoppers Say It’s Their ‘Hero Product’

Photo: Hero Cosmetics.

Hero Cosmetics’ sunscreen is sheer, 100 mineral and reef-safe. It excludes silicone and fragrance, meaning it won’t irritate your skin or clog your pores. All of these benefits make it suitable for those with sensitive skin, too.

Each morning, rub this sunscreen all over your face after you’ve applied your summer skincare essentials. Be sure to reapply it every two hours and especially after you’ve gone swimming or sweat a lot.

“This may be the ONE. I have been looking for a lightweight mineral sunscreen for some time now. This product delivers,” raved one shopper. “Smooth and light with ample SPF. Many mineral sunscreens are heavy and sticky, this one is not.”

“This stuff is amazing! I struggle with breakouts and this stuff has never broken me out,” wrote another reviewer. “It’s unlike any other sunscreen I’ve used previously and I will be purchasing again!”

The verdict is in: Put your old SPF on the backburner and make room for Hero Cosmetics’ Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen. Your skin will be both protected and glowing thanks to its acne-friendly formula.