Taking Care of Self

“There is a connection between self-nurturing and self-respect.”
Julia Cameron

I came across this quote this morning and it made me think of the recent conversation here about our own beauty. I think that everyone had the same thought…it’s an inside job and outside influences (ie, the media) can be detrimental.

In my mind, taking care of self (being self-ish ~ what a concept!) or self-nurturing is an essential ingredient to self respect and our own inner and outer beauty. I’ve heard the phrase “you inner world is reflected in your outer world” (or something similar) used, usually in connection to ones life and success…however, that same principal would apply to our inner and outer beauty, our peace of mind, and how successful we are in achieving the aging experience we choose to have.

It’s so easy sometimes to talk about these things, and difficult to implement them on a regular basis, and not let them fall by the way side. As a woman, mom, nurse and then NP, partner…..I’ve learned to be a great caretaker…of others! Learning to care of self is an ongoing experience.

So, how do you take care of yourself?

Do you give yourself permission to be “self-ish”?
Did you find that you needed the permission of others to care for yourself?
Do you find it hard to nurture yourself?
What would make it easier?
Do you have a daily ritual that is self nurturing?

I’m looking forward to your thoughts.

Barbara C. Phillips, MN, NP
www.OlderWiserWomen.com
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Growing into Fifty

Baby Boomers. We started appearing in 1945 and the last of us was born in 1964. That puts me, born in 1955, right smack in the middle of the pack. I am one of millions of men and women who turn 50 this year…in my case, last week. So I’m not alone.

But wait…I am alone. It’s a very personal thing to turn 50. So many questions have come up.

• When did that happen?
  
• Where did all the years go?
  
• What is left in my life?
  
• Who am I and what does that mean?
  
• Am I the woman I thought I would be at 50?
• What’s next?
  
• Is there another membership card other than the AARP?

I’m the oldest child in my family. My mother jokingly says she’s not old enough to have a daughter who is half a century old. My brother sends me a card telling me it’s all downhill from here. At least my son thinks it’s kind of neat. The only people who really tell me that the best years are here are other women who are already 50 or older.

But what does this all mean to me? I never knew if I would reach 50. Not because of health problems or dangerous living, but because of genetics. My father died at age 47 and two of my sister before age 40. I was unable to “feel” my way here. Yet, here I am.

I’ve been trying to sort out what it feels like to have turned 50. I find that even speaking about it out loud is a bit difficult…partially because I’m still exploring what it means. It wasn’t too long ago that a woman over 29 never told her age. While I will admit to feeling a moment’s hesitation, for the most part, that has passed. However, on a recent trip, I was asked if I wanted the AARP discount. Huh? How did they know?

So, just what is it like to turn 50? I figure I have the entire year to find out and to grow into being 50. For now, I feel as if I have arrived. I feel more authentic. I have more autonomy and confidence than ever. While I get to be an adult now, the child in me gets to hand out and play…all with no excuses. And although there is some wisdom to be found, I’m confident I’ll discover lots more in the coming years.

In the meantime…I will celebrate and give thanks for my life, work on my list of things to do and accomplish before I leave this divine life, and continue to define and refine the woman I have become and am becoming.

What are your thoughts?

Feel free to leave your comment, or send an email to us at info@OlderWiserWomen.com

Barbara C. Phillips, NP
OlderWiserWomen.com

Need a Guide?

How about an OlderWiserWomen Guide?

-->How would you feel about your age if you knew you could have the aging experience you desire?

-->Do you find yourself confused about the right things to do with all the information floating around out there?

-->Would you like access to easy to implement tips that can lead you to a healthier body, a more active, vibrant mind and a content peaceful being?

-->Just what does attitude have to do with Successful Aging?

-->Did anyone ever tell you that menopause is good?

-->Where can you find this type of easy to digest information with actual action steps for you to take?

Answer:
Tips for Successful Aging and Vibrant Living, an OlderWiserWomen Guide.

Thriving Older & Wiser Women!

Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival

I have just finished this wonderful little book for the third time in as many years. Each time I read it, I am reminded how much our thoughts affect our reality and how much stronger we really are (despite our beliefs). This very positive story tells how two women (ages 75 and 80) are presented with a life threatening challenge, change their belief system out of need, and end up thriving. I think I'll keep this as an annual read - I need all the positive reinforcement I can get!

Enjoy!

Barbara C. Phillips, NP
OlderWiserWomen, LLC

Announcement!

In tomorrows issue of Celebrations, the official newsletter for OlderWiserWomen, we will be announcing the release of our latest ebook - Tips for Successful Aging and Vibrant Living.

Watch for it!

OlderWiserWomenSpeak Podcasts Feedback

It's always good to get feedback - positive or negative. First, it tells me you are listening, and secondly, it helps me improve, not only in form, but more importantly in content for you.

In this case the feedback was wonderful and public! Plus, I got some suggestions privately - which I always want to pay attention to.

This comes at a very good time, as this evening I begin a 5 week Podcasting class which I am very excited about. You can find more about it here - and if you decide you want ot sign up, tell Penny that we sent you!

Oh...and here is a portion of that feedback:

"I know its silly to admit this since I'm the OlderWiserWomen's web designer but I just got around to listening to the pod casts that Barbara has been producing. I have to say, as a listener, that these are just AWESOME! If you haven't yet, get on over to http://www.owwspeak.blogspot.com/ and have a listen to some of the audio links she has recorded for you. You will be glad you did - and I bet you'll want to subscribe like I did."

Thanks Eileen!

Stay turned...I'll be telling you shortly how to subscribe and where to get your free podcast receiver!


Barbara C. Phillips, NP
OlderWiserWomen.com

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