For many of us, the idea of getting outside of our comfort zone is very scary. And rightly so, it isn’t comfortable!

I know because I do it all the time – usually it works, but occasionally it doesn’t. However, the benefits I have gained from jumping right in there far outweigh the downsides.

I hope this article will inspire you to gird your loins and take a leap out of your box by sharing some of the things that my friends and I have done since we retired.

Jump on a Bike

Over the years, I have joked with my family that I’d like to have a Harley Davidson with a pannier on the front and use it to go to the local supermarket.

Last summer, completely out of the blue, my husband bought me a Harley Davidson experience. Two hours on the back of a Harley with a lovely big biker guy – Axel Rod!

I thanked my husband and said I was excited by the prospect – but inside I was thinking, “You fool, how do you think I’m going to sit on a bike for two hours? And do you really think I will be able to dismount at the end of the ride!?”

It took me nearly a year to pluck up the courage to book the ride because all sorts of negative thoughts whirled round my head. My husband convinced me I’d be safe, so off I went.

Am I glad I did it? Yes! The thrum of the bike and the wind in my hair – I mean, round my helmet – was thrilling. The bike was surprisingly comfortable – so much so that I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Now I can say I’ve ridden a Harley and I’ve got the T-shirt.

Be a 60-Plus Model

Talking of T-shirts, there is a lovely little dress shop in a town close by. The first time I went in, the owner was very chatty. She told me that she held a fashion show each year, with customers posing as models, and asked if I would like to model for her.

“Have you seen my muffin top?” I asked. She didn’t deny that I had one but said that customers like to see ‘real’ people wearing the clothes as it gives them confidence to try something new.

So, I strutted my stuff. I can tell you I was very nervous, but the other models – most over 60, like me – were very welcoming and it was fun. I have to say, modelling is not my thing; however, I’m proud I overcame my embarrassment and didn’t worry too much about what other people thought.

The other models had articulated that it would be good if someone described the clothes as the ladies walked along the catwalk (shop floor), so I volunteered!

Compering was something I’d never done before, but I found I really enjoyed myself, and I’ll definitely do it again. (Although, that day, I honestly thought I’d got a stomach infection – I was running to the loo so much!)

Taking a Flight, Solo

Until a couple of years ago, I hadn’t flown on my own – for me, this was well out of my comfort zone. I arranged to go on a knitting week in Spain, the polar opposite to Harley riding!

I felt so grown up as I walked into the airport until I realised I’d forgotten my credit card! It got sorted eventually, but I can’t remember how. This was one occasion when I got out of my comfort zone and stayed there.

As it happened, I had overestimated my physical strength for that adventure. At the time, I was recovering from a condition that resulted in bouts of extreme exhaustion, and though I’d been feeling better, I still wasn’t in top shape.

Consequently, I missed out on many of the activities and felt very sorry for myself. On the plus side, I did travel abroad on my own and now feel confident to do so again.

When I wasn’t asleep, I laughed so much my stomach hurt, met some lovely people, and ate at Dahli’s favourite restaurant in Barcelona.

Abseiling and Sailing

Just recently, a friend of mine – who is just about the least athletic person you could imagine – decided to abseil down Arundel Castle’s wall. It was for charity, and she was pretty scared, but – you guessed it – she loved the experience and said it gave her such a buzz.

My husband, who in all his working life sat behind a desk, agreed to train to sail with a friend of his. This was right out of his comfort zone, but he persevered and now they go sailing twice a year round the Mediterranean.

We are all, thankfully, very different, and much of what we have done may not even make you bat an eyelid.

But I expect each of you has something you’d like to have a go at. I’d love to hear about it and also the experiences of those of you who have taken the leap already – felt the fear and done it anyway!

What things do you want to do that you know will put you out of your comfort zone? Have you tried any of them already? How did you feel afterwards? Let’s chat below and be an inspiration for others!

Ariana Madix’s Pink Ombre Dress on The Kelly Clarkson Show

Vanderpump Rules Instagram Fashion

While I haven’t see the actual footage (previously recorded, obvi), based on the photos of Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval on today’s episode of The Kelly Clarkson show, the hot couple made an appearance to promote their book Fancy AF Cocktails, whip up some drinks and look super stylish. And Ariana’s pink ombre dress is super on trend right now as we are seeing different variations of tie dye pop up all over everyones casual wear as they stay-at-home Tik Tok.

Since Ariana knows a good thing when she sees it, we have also seen her wear this very dress in blue tie dye. While both variations may have already flown off the shelves already, we highly suggest that those of you who have been doing your ab workouts check out the two piece version below. In the meantime, I’ll be checking out the top variation as I munch on some carbs and hope they eventually release it in an oversized hoodie.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

AFRM Ombre Dress Sold Out at Nordstrom

Photo: @Ariana252525

Originally posted at: Ariana Madix’s Pink Ombre Dress

Out of all the celebrity makeup collaborations, supermodel Ashley Graham and Revlon’s continues to impress. It’s affordable, available on Amazon Prime (score!) and features ultra-pigmented formulas. The new Ashley Graham Tropical Vibes Collection is no different. What is different is how bright and bold this collection is, just in time for spring and summer’s warmer temperatures. Because we will get outside someday and it’s good to be prepared. (Or you can just play with makeup inside—no judgments.)

Graham has three successful Revlon launches under her belt, Revlon x Ashley Graham Lip Kits in Worship and Unapologetic, as well as the Never Enough Lip Collection of new Lip Super Lustrous The Gloss and Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor colors. It looks like Revlon and Graham aren’t slowing down any time soon. Tropical Vibes isn’t just lipsticks but a full-face, bronzy collection including a face-and-eye palette, lip gloss and even a face-and-body bronzer. All the shades are neutrals and golds except for a bright teal eyeshadow that’ll look amazing on all skin tones.

Source: Instagram

Shop the collection before it sells out, below.

Image: Revlon.

Revlon x Ashley Graham Tropical Vibes Makeup Kit in Tropical Pop

With Lip Highlight in Island Hopping and Post Beach Glow Eye & Face Kit.

Image: Revlon.

Revlon x Ashley Graham Tropical Vibes Makeup Kit in Tropical Heat

With Lip Highlights in Heat It Up! and Golden Lava Face & Body.

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.

A few thousand years ago, helping others wasn’t optional. From the moment we could walk, we played an essential role in helping our tribe to grow and thrive.

Modern society, on the other hand, seems to do everything that it can to isolate us from our fellow man. We lock ourselves away in concrete boxes, travel in metal bubbles and replace real hugs with Facebook likes.

For most of our lives, our family nurtures our need to be needed. While we are raising our children, it’s easy to imagine that the world outside of our home doesn’t exist.

Then, as we reach our 60s, we suddenly find ourselves alone once again. We continue to love our children and support them in whatever way we can. But, we know in our hearts that our world has changed. We needed to find new people who need us.

Being Needed After 60 is a Choice

The saddest thing is that most of us don’t realize that we need to be needed. Companies spend billions of dollars trying to convince us that buying their product will make us happy. Technology tells us that a virtual hug is the same as a real hug. Movies tell us that “greed is good.”

Our hearts tell a different story – if we are willing to listen. They beg us to make the world a better place. They encourage us to find the meaning of our own lives by meaning something to others. They remind us, in a voice so soft that we need to strain to hear it, that we need to be needed.

Being needed after 60 is a choice. No-one needs us while we are locked in our concrete castle. We need to get out into the world and find places to apply our unique talents. We need to take emotional risks. We need to look for opportunities to be needed.

How Will You Explore Your Need to Be Needed?

We are all unique. We have special talents. We value different things. That’s ok. The world would be a pretty boring place if we were all the same! Choosing how you want to be needed is a deeply personal decision. In fact, it gets to the very heart of who you are.

What do you value most? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of young people? If so, maybe becoming a part-time councilor or mentor would be a great option.

Do you believe that the Earth needs to be protected? Perhaps joining a group that takes care of a local park or forest would be a great idea.

Do you believe that the best way to create value in the world is to start a business? There are thousands of younger entrepreneurs that could benefit from your experience and wisdom.

No-one can tell you how to be needed. The only mistake is pretending that you are on an island.

So, reach out and make a difference in the lives of others. Embrace your need to be needed. It is not a weakness. It is a sign of strength.

Do you agree or disagree that we all need to be needed? Why? How do you personally give back to the world? Please join the conversation going.

While technology can cause stress and
anxiety in our lives, it also can bring us more joy. Many devices and apps were
explicitly created to entertain us.

Joy Through Meditation and Reflection

Everything around us seems to be
getting more hectic and stressful. If we aren’t worried about getting the
Coronavirus, it’s a volatile political climate we are immersed in.

Mobile devices have been a boon to
discovering mindfulness. Learning about meditation is easier than ever.
Download an app like Headspace, Gaia, or Calm, which guide you step-by-step
into the world of introspection.

These apps are all highly rated and
have their own flavor or approach to meditation. Pick one that matches your
style.

The meditation app Happier encourages
users to reflect upon and share pleasant moments in their daily lives. It’s
geared towards beginners and offers “Grateful” prompts each day with
questions like, “What made you smile today?” and “What made today awesome?”

The beauty of using technology for
something like this is the ease of use – your phone is in your hand every day. It makes it easier to take the
time to focus on the good you see every day.

Joy Through Helping Others

It is no secret that one of the easiest
ways to bring happiness to our own life is to help others. Fortunately,
technology also provides an easy pathway to find community service
opportunities or volunteer organizations.

Platforms like GoVolunteer connect
nonprofits with individuals who are looking to use their abilities to help
those in need.

Another one is GoFundMe, which allows
people to give back through donations to people or organizations. There are
GoFundMe accounts set up for everything from helping pay medical bills to assisting
people to recover from natural disasters.

Joy Through Healthier Habits

Getting started with healthier habits
is hard. We all know the benefits but putting regular exercise or better nutrition
into our daily lives can be tricky. Luckily, some apps are designed to help you
create and follow through on new habits or set goals.

Streaks or Tally help you set goals
and then allow you to easily track your progress, as well as give you reminders
and notifications to keep you going.

Joy Through Music

Music is good for the soul. Smart
speakers and smartphones give us access to music that fits our mood at any
given point and time.

Platforms like Apple Music, Spotify,
and Pandora allow us various options for regular access to any music genre you
want. Each service has its own unique character.

You decide: do you want to pay a
monthly fee to get whatever you want, explore new and old music, and download
it to your device? Or, do you want to listen to music from your phone for free,
and commercials are no big deal?

How do you use technology to bring
you joy? What are your favorite apps that make you smile or ease your anxiety?
We would love to hear about your favorites, so please share them with the
community!