Author: HairWeavings Editorial Team

For women, the question “Do I look good?” points at appearance, body shape, face, and hair. We use makeup and skin care to hide blemishes, change our facial color, accentuate the eyes and mouth.

Bras and bodysuits help with our contours. We curl, uncurl, dye, bleach, streak, cut, and add pieces to our hair to enhance our looks. Advertising show us a plethora of products and possibilities for becoming desirable.

Have you ever seen an ad that touts beauty through foot care? You’d have to travel to a society where women wear burkas to find the foot the desirable symbol of beauty.

As a walker and former massage therapist and bodyworker, I prize my feet for health and beauty and for making my walking adventures possible.

The bottoms of your feet have 7000 nerve endings corresponding to every organ and system in your body. Stimulating and massaging these reflex or pressure points improves the health of your organs, your circulation and open energy pathways that may be blocked or congested.

Yes, healthy feet are a pathway to a healthy body.

Your beauty depends on good circulation, functioning organs, and a working metabolism to give you a healthy “glow,” sparkling eyes, shiny hair, and a shapely body.

If you’re thinking health and beauty, practice foot care! Here are a few tips.

Exercise Your Feet

Even if it’s snowing where you are, let your thoughts turn to spring time and walking in nature. To walk you need healthy feet which makes the whole experience a pleasure. Walking, on the other hand, creates healthy feet.

As we age, our feet need daily exercises to keep them flexible, to stretch and strengthen the muscles and ligaments that carry you through your day.

Stand on your toes, raise your toes, individually, if you can; wiggle your feet, make ankle circles, pull your feet downward and upward with your hands. You can do these exercises standing or seated whenever you think of it.

Practice walking barefoot to stimulate the nerve endings and pressure points. Walk barefoot in grass, sand, and dirt and toughen your feet. In winter, I walk indoors in flexible down booties.

Practice Foot Care

There are many ways to care for your feet. Here are my suggestions:

Daily Foot Care

Check and wash your feet daily, dry thoroughly, especially between the toes, and massage the feet while washing and drying to stimulate circulation and encourage flexibility.

Weekly Foot Care

Give your feet a soak in warm water with Epsom salt; rinse with cold water. This is both relaxing for your feet (and you!) and stimulating for your circulation. Scrub and smooth any calluses with pumice stone; trim your nails, and apply foot lotion. Avoid walking on just moisturized slippery feet!

Shoe Wear

Wear shoes that fit comfortably and give your toes room to spread. Generally, feet become larger as we age.

So, while the foot completes most of its growth by age 18 or 20, its size might increase as the arch collapses in later life, which results in a wider, longer foot. Many later-in-life foot problems result from tight and high-heeled footwear earlier in life.

Socks

Choose your socks carefully. They should be loose but not wrinkled. Avoid socks, stockings, or pantyhose that are too tight and may reduce circulation.

Seamless socks are a good idea for foot protection and can avoid irritation, blisters, or other skin injuries. They assure a smooth fit, eliminating pressure points that hinder circulation.

Prevent Common Foot Problems

As we age, our feet often experience problems that can cause us pain or annoyance. These include:

Ingrown Toenails

To prevent ingrown toenails cut the corners of your toenails straight.

Corns and Calluses

Two very common problems are corns and calluses. They result from too much pressure, and the thinning of the foot pads as we age.

Both of these may have to do with the weight your feet have to carry, or with the shoes you’ve been wearing all your life. This issue is difficult to fix, but you can at least wear big enough shoes and reduce the hard calluses and corns by giving your feet a regular soak.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot can be prevented by not going barefoot in the gym and drying your feet meticulously, especially between the toes.

Dry Cracking Skin

Moisturize your feet daily before you go to bed so the moisturizer can soak in. This will prevent the development of dry skin on your feet.

Painful Bunions

Want to prevent bunions? Watch this YouTube video!

Plantar Fasciitis

Exercise your feet to prevent Plantar fasciitis. One way is to roll your feet over a rubber half tube to keep the arches from falling and stretch the ligaments on the bottom of your foot.

Maintain a reasonable weight; too much body-weight overworks the fascia on the bottom of the feet. You can also wear supportive shoes and if need be orthotics.

Your beauty depends on your feet! Feet that serve you and aren’t painful will put a smile on your face. Care for your feet now – spring and summer are coming!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How often do you take care of your feet? Do you wait until your feet hurt before you take care of them? Or is your idea of caring for your feet washing them and dabbing foot powder between your toes? Do you keep buying new shoes with softer insoles to take care of your aching feet? What procedure do you follow to relax your feet and prevent deformities? Please share in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor to get specific medical advice for your situation.

Retirement is full of promise. We begin with lists, plans, goals… everything we’ve been waiting to do. And off we go!

Then, somewhere along the line, we stall. Or we plateau. Boxes have been checked off. Goals have been met. Inertia sets in.

Or maybe that’s just me? I’m guessing maybe not. We don’t talk a lot about feeling stuck during retirement, but it can certainly happen.

If we’re relatively healthy, we come to realize that retirement has long legs. There’s a lot of retired life to live. So, it’s not surprising that, once the initial bloom of retirement is past, we can reach a point where we start to level off.

This can be slightly baffling and even unsettling. We carry on lest we appear ungrateful (which we’re definitely not). Still, we’re slightly less than… gung ho.

We yearn for inspiration and an old-fashioned jumpstart, which these four suggestions can supply.

Get Real with Yourself

Every jumpstart needs a focus. Don’t dance around what’s at the heart of your dissatisfaction.

Consider what’s working for you… and be honest about what isn’t. List 10 things about your retired life that you truly love. Then list 10 things you absolutely want to change.

Do one of the things you love. 

Take one small step toward making one change. 

Start today.

Repeat as you can.

Imagine the Possibilities

If you can’t dream it, it will never happen. So, we need to let our wildest dreams have some airtime, which can be energizing and just plain fun!

Close your eyes, make a wish, and write that down. Do this five times. No one’s watching; you’re not being graded. Make a few wild wishes and catch a few daring dreams. The sky’s the limit!

If you have trouble opening your mind or heart to this exercise, think back to what you dreamed as a child. There’s information waiting for you there.

Watch for synchronicities or subtle signs that one of your wishes may be a hot track for you to follow. Act on whatever feels right.

Forget Finding Your Passion

If you’ve already found it, I salute you!

If you’re like a lot of us, finding our passion feels a bit daunting. It feels like a big job and a potential obstacle to jumpstarting. So, consider cultivating your curiosity instead. 

Have you ever been on the computer and gone down a rabbit hole, clicking on links that have nothing to do with why you opened Google in the first place? That’s just one example of how our curiosity can grab us.

Make a list of 10 things you’d like to know more about. Bonus points if they have anything to do with your wishes and dreams. You’re already moving into second gear!

Choose one thing from your list and dive deeper. Notice if you lose track of time as you do. That’s a good thing.

Go with It and Go Within

Don’t be frustrated if these three calls to action fail to jumpstart you. We’re conditioned to “do,” and taking action feels very rewarding. But we often just need to be where we are and not do anything.

There’s an inner work to aging that can’t be denied. We must go with that flow.

After years of marching forward, it’s necessary to take time to rest, watch and wait. Spend time outdoors. Cultivate a spiritual practice or any activity that puts you in touch with your wise inner self.

As uncomfortable as the quiet might feel, leaning into it is a necessary component of new beginnings. And a good way to prepare for a jumpstart. Your next steps will be revealed in their own time.

So, take a breath and start when you’re ready. May the next stage of your retired life be the best chapter yet!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Has your retired life ever needed a jumpstart? What did you do to find new inspiration? Let’s have a conversation!

Photo + ID: @drnicolemartin

Originally posted at: Nicole Martin’s Purple Ruffle Hem Dress

If you are anything like me, you recall a time when lively debate was not only welcomed but celebrated – a time when the exchange of ideas was seen as the perfect avenue for growth, learning, and understanding.

Each of us possesses a unique perspective shaped by our personal histories, upbringings, moral compasses, experiences, demographic, and age. We once revered experts in various fields, regardless of whether we agreed with them, recognizing the value in their insights, background, and credentials. We found meaning even in perspectives that challenged our own.

However, with the rise of social media, we’ve witnessed a transformation into a “society of sides.” While we espouse the virtue of tolerance, we often fail to extend that tolerance to those who hold differing views.

In my practice, I encounter this phenomenon daily – the danger of labels and levels – how they can limit our potential and hinder our progress. More and more people are expressing fear of sharing their opinions for fear of offending the delicate sensibilities of our society. In extreme cases, individuals live in terror of being labeled and “canceled.”

This shift is particularly challenging for those in their 50s and beyond, who remember a time when expertise, wisdom, and tolerance were practiced with greater reverence. As a life coach, I often find myself guiding individuals through the complexities of self-discovery and personal growth in this new culture that surrounds us.

The Pervasive Nature of Labels

We are living in a time when labels are part of our everyday narratives. From gender classifications to political affiliations, labels permeate our society, often overshadowing individual complexity and uniqueness. Whether it’s the pressure to conform to societal expectations or the tendency to categorize others based on superficial characteristics, labels shape our perceptions and influence our behavior in profound ways.

The Consequences of Labeling and Leveling

Labels and levels carry significant consequences for our self-esteem and sense of worth. Internalizing these labels can lead to rigid mindsets and hinder personal growth, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and divisions within society. When we allow ourselves to be defined by external labels, we limit our potential and confine ourselves to narrow definitions of success and identity.

Combatting Societal Pressures: Strategies for Self-Discovery

Self-Reflection and Introspection

Take the time to explore your values, passions, and beliefs. Understanding yourself on a deeper level empowers you to resist external pressures and live authentically. Journaling, meditation, and engaging in meaningful conversations with trusted confidants are valuable tools for self-reflection and introspection.

Building Supportive Communities

Surround yourself with individuals who celebrate your uniqueness and encourage you to be your true self. Meaningful connections with like-minded individuals provide strength and solidarity in the face of societal expectations. Seek out communities and organizations that align with your values and interests, and actively participate in activities and events that foster a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Challenging Limiting Beliefs

Learn to recognize and challenge the negative self-talk that may be holding you back. Reframing your perspective and focusing on your strengths enables you to overcome the fear of judgment and embrace your true potential. Practice self-compassion and cultivate a mindset of growth and possibility. Remember that your worth is not determined by external validation or societal standards, but by your inherent value as a unique individual.

Embracing Vulnerability

Allow yourself to be vulnerable and authentic in your interactions with others. Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly and honestly, and be willing to listen to and learn from others. Vulnerability fosters connection and empathy, creating opportunities for genuine human connection and understanding.

The Dangers of Righteousness: Navigating Moral Compasses

In our quest for meaning and understanding, many of us carve out a moral compass for ourselves, drawing guidance from religion, ideology, or political affiliation. While having a strong moral foundation can provide clarity and direction in our lives, there are inherent dangers in becoming too entrenched in our beliefs. One such peril is the trap of righteousness – the belief that our way of living and thinking is superior to others, and the inclination to judge and impose our ideas and morality onto others.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that while we may hold firm to our beliefs and values, it doesn’t grant us the authority to pass judgment on those who may think or live differently. The danger of righteousness lies in its inherent arrogance and lack of inclusivity. When we become self-righteous, we close ourselves off to the diversity of human experience and diminish the validity of alternative perspectives.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of righteousness, especially when we feel passionate about our beliefs. However, it’s essential to remain mindful and vigilant against the temptation to judge others based on our own moral standards. Instead, we should strive to keep an open heart and mind, embracing empathy and understanding for those who may hold differing viewpoints.

Maintaining humility in the face of our convictions is key to navigating the dangers of righteousness. While it’s important to stand by our principles, we must do so with humility and grace, recognizing that our truth may not be universal.

Striking Out Against Labels and Levels

Challenge Stereotypes

Be proactive in challenging stereotypes and misconceptions, both within yourself and in your interactions with others. Educate yourself about different cultures, identities, and perspectives, and speak out against prejudice and discrimination whenever you encounter it.

Lead by Example

Model authenticity and integrity in your actions and behaviors. Be unapologetically yourself and encourage others to do the same. Embrace your uniqueness and celebrate the diversity of human experience. By living authentically and without apology, you inspire others to do the same.

Promote Empathy and Understanding

Foster empathy and understanding in your interactions with others. Seek to understand different viewpoints and perspectives, even if you don’t agree with them. Practice active listening and engage in meaningful dialogue that encourages mutual respect and empathy.

Be a Catalyst for Change

Use your influence and resources to effect positive change in your community and beyond. Support organizations and initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Be a vocal advocate for change and use your platform to amplify marginalized voices. By taking a stand against injustice and inequality, you become a powerful force for positive change in the world.

The perils of labels, levels, and righteousness are undeniable in today’s society. But by embracing our uniqueness, challenging societal expectations, and engaging with differing opinions with respect and openness, we can break free from the constraints of labels and levels and live a life of authenticity and fulfillment.

Remember, you are not defined by the labels others assign to you – you are a complex individual with unlimited potential. Embrace your uniqueness, celebrate your journey, and dare to defy the expectations of society.

As a dedicated life coach, devoted to supporting women on their journey of personal renewal, I’m delighted to extend a special offer exclusively to Sixty and Me readers. Until April 15, I’m providing a 20% discount on my Life Coaching services. Just enter the code SIXTYANDME when purchasing a session or package to receive this exclusive community discount.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you consider yourself open-minded? Have you been labeled a certain way or canceled because of your opinions? What strategies have helped you to show that discussing different ideas enriches one’s mind?