Stay Strong & Laugh!
Does This Sound Like You?
“You woke up this morning feeling REALLY TIRED. Stretching as you get out of bed, and ouch, another new pain, this one in the lower back. Walking to the bathroom, you glance in the mirror, acknowledging the fact that you’re putting on a few more extra pounds. Then shuffling to the kitchen, passing empty bedrooms along the way that look way too tidy, you feel a pang of sadness.
Still feeling tired . . .
and hitting the Keurig button, you impatiently wait for the much-needed coffee. Seems like it use to make the coffee a lot faster. You move into to the living room, sit down to read your Bible, but your phone pings and you spend the next 20 minutes scrolling social media or work email. You suddenly realize you are running late and scurry off to get ready, realizing again that you are REALLY TIRED.“
Any of this sound familiar?
Yes, you are over fifty! You are older. You’re home is too quiet. You’re tired. And it’s going to be okay because you are going to get stronger and learn to laugh harder and find joy as you pass those empty bedrooms.
Perhaps you crossed the fifty year mark ten years ago, or a month ago. We never want to think we are old, but the honest truth is, we kinda are. So, as this reality settles in, do you wish you felt better about your life? Do you feel a bit lost and want things to be somehow different? My friend, they can be. And you are going to be strong and you can sill laugh at the days to come! I’m right here with you, making this decision at 53. Don’t resign yourself to being tired and feeling lost.
Can I offer five things that will make this season of your life your strongest and most joyful ever? But I’m not gonna lie. It’s going to take hard work and tenacity and yes, some chocolate. You can know the five things. But you also must “do” the five things. I hope I’m being clear enough! And just to be extra clear, I am in this battle for strength and laughter right alongside you.
So are you ready? Don’t think too long because time is precious.
Faith is the first thing that will transform you into a stronger person. I’m not talking about a vague faith either. I’m talking about faith in God, the great “I AM” who can move mountains. We are living in unprecedented times and we are going to need God to help us more and more as we maneuver through a world we no longer recognize as believers. The whole idea of being strong and laughing at the days to come is straight from Proverbs 31 in the Old Testament. The Proverbs 31 woman might feel like a lot to live up to, so let’s just focus on the strong and laughing part for now. We need strength to help others and laughter to help bring us joy. Get ready! It’s time to explore your faith in new and fun ways.
This is one of my favorites!
Food is the second key to loving this time in your life. Whether you like to cook, bake or simply eat, food is something we all love. Food makes you stronger if you choose wisely. And sometimes a chocolate chip cookie goes a long way in bringing a little laughter to an otherwise difficult day. Food is a comfort. There’s a reason they call it “Comfort Food”. But food is also the key to transforming you into a healthy, energetic woman. Get ready to eat and learn!
Fitness is your third step in growing strong as you get older. This probably needs no explanation, but aside from the obvious benefit of better health, let me fill you in a little more. If you exercise, you will have more energy. And if you do strength training, you will be less likely to have memory loss as you age. You will literally boost your brain power. But a more compelling reason to stay active is that you will find more joy. Just a simple walk outside can lift your mood. God created our precious bodies and he wants us to take care of them. Let’s help keep our bodies strong.
Enjoy your Favorite Things
Enjoying your Favorite Things is the fourth step in making you strong on the inside and is sure to bring on the laughter as you relax and enjoy yourself. Can you recall the things that used to fascinate you? If you’ve stopped discovering them, it’s time to start again. Did you stop doing the things you love over the past few decades of your life because life got really busy? Did you lose yourself a little bit? Find some things that bring you joy. Let’s start to get excited about decorating a room, reading a good book, or growing an amazing garden. Skies the limit when it comes to favorite things! God created the world for us to enjoy. It’s a gift. Take time to do the things you love and thank him for his goodness.
The fifth way to grow stronger and laugh at the days ahead is to have FUN!!!! The is my favorite part. Did I mention I’m an Enneagram 7? You simply need to have fun. We all do. It’s what makes all the hard work and difficult things in life bearable. My background includes a handmade crafts business. Although the last eight years were a ton of work, it was also really fun. Can I encourage to to do things you love. You don’t want to miss out. Fun is literally everywhere. For me, fun is coffee with close friends on a cold Saturday morning in January and or fishing off the pier in Tampa Bay with my husband. Fun usually is the best when shared with those you love.
Let’s Start Today
So what do you say? Are you ready to rewrite your story moving forward? Join me as we stay strong and laugh your way into your 60s? Follow the steps. Faith, Food, Fitness, Favorites and Fun, and I guarantee these next years will soon be your favorite yet. No matter your age, the recipe works for you too! Stick around to enjoy getting stronger and laughing at the days ahead.
You are precious in His sight,
Stacy