NUMBER ONE: YOUR FILTER
I am sure you have heard someone say, “Oh no, she has lost her filter”! Yes, the woman seems to say out loud every thought that wanders into her head – good or bad. We need to take a deep breath and remember to analyze the view before letting it escape into words. Some things are better left unsaid!
NUMBER TWO: YOUR ABILITY TO ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT/NEED
Time to stop playing the martyr! You must make your needs and wants known to the people around you. Stop being such a people pleaser. When your friend wants to go to a pizza place for lunch – state your needs, “I am vegetarian and gluten-free – I need to go to this particular place.”
NUMBER THREE: SAYING “I LOVE YOU”
This phase is not reserved for just people in your immediate family! Use it freely – there are several kinds of love – romantic, friendship, etc. Don’t be afraid of these three words just because your family of origin rarely used them! The most excellent command in the bible is to love one another. And, sure, we can do that with our actions, but people need to hear the words!
Don’t ever say, “You know I love you; I don’t have to say it.” YES, YOU DO! And often!
NUMBER FOUR: GRIEVING YOUR LOSSES
It is okay not to be okay. Tears are healing and nothing to be ashamed of. Being “strong” has nothing to do with covering up what is happening inside you. Keeping a “stiff upper lip” will only confuse people. Be genuine with people, don’t be afraid to say you are hurting and ask for prayer for your heart to heal. It takes time! Also, when people reach out to help, accept it!
NUMBER FIVE: SENSIBLE SHOES
Our feet hold up our bodies. Our feet keep us mobile! We don’t want to cram them into uncomfortable or unsafe shoes. High heels may be sexy or fashionable, but flats can be just as stylish and more sensible. Unless you want to risk injury, falls, bunion surgery, or ugly hammer toes, be kind to your feet by giving them sensible shoes. Think wide-toe bed and low or no heel!
NUMBER SIX: YOUR RAINBOW GLASSES
Attitude is everything! Put on those imaginary rainbow glasses when you are in the middle of a storm and know that “this too shall pass”! Remember, God is in control. Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you!
NUMBER SEVEN: EXERCISING YOUR BODY AND YOUR MIND
You have heard of “Use it or lose it.” Ask any doctor who deals with people’s debilitating conditions, and they will agree with this statement. Find an exercise you love and get moving. And keep moving because mobility is a terrible thing to lose. My favorites are mat pilates, walking, jazzercise, and swimming. And stretching becomes more and more important as we age.
NUMBER EIGHT: CLEAR HORIZONTAL SURFACES
Yes, clear tables, desks, and counters give us a sense of calm and give our home a clean and tidy look. Keeping things on surfaces to remind us of things is not the wisest way to remember. Keep these things in drawers and cupboards and write notes instead for what you need to remember, whether to take medication, drink water, or return an item to the store.
NUMBER NINE: AN UPDATED LOOK
No, you don’t have to follow every fashion trend out there. But don’t get stuck in a rut! Be open to trying something new. Some trends are ridiculous, and some look bad on you. Stick to classics that never go out of fashion and colors that look the best for your skin type. Wear things that fit! And don’t be afraid to buy something new that makes you look more updated. This includes your hairstyle – try new looks and even change your hair stylist if you want to. You are not obligated to keep the same stylist! When shopping, take a friend with you to give you a different perspective about what you look good in.
NUMBER TEN: YOUR JOY
Some look as if they have been sucking on lemons all day. They have lost their ability to let things go. They have lost their ability to forgive people. But worst of all, they have lost their joy. They do nothing but complain and see the negative in every situation. Don’t be like that. Be the brightest light in the room. Find a reason to smile! And make every opportunity to add laughter to your life.
Love it all! Well said!
Thanks!
Your my hero!