Embracing Joy and Self-Love After 50: A Guide to Positive Living
Discover how to break free from negative self-talk and embrace happiness with two transformative approaches: adjusting your thoughts for a fulfilling life beyond 50, and adopting ten happiness tips.
Break Free from Negative Self-Talk
We all talk to ourselves about ourselves.
What kind of things do you say?
That you’re overweight, lazy, and too old to be fit?
A lot of us struggle with an inner voice that repeats nonsense like that.
But you don’t have to let it keep you from exercising, eating well and managing stress so you can keep doing what you want. There’s so much more potential to life well after 50 – like travel, physical independence, playing with the grandkids, enjoying sports and hobbies… just for starters.
You deserve all that and more.
And you can have it if you start by adjusting your thoughts.
Change Your Thoughts
We can’t control which thoughts pop into our minds. But we can choose which to hold and nurture. Those thoughts become actions, which become habits, which lead to new experiences and… yes! New thoughts.
So, let’s replace that negative self-talk with positive statements, attitudes and experiences.
Here are some tactics that help.
Practice an attitude of gratitude. Whenever you feel down, take a pen and paper and write your blessings. They can be big or small, important or whimsical, related to physical health or spirituality or anything else. When you see what you’ve written, your mood will reverse itself. It’s impossible to feel depressed when our hearts are full of thanks.
Instead of saying, “There’s something wrong with me because I don’t have X, Y and Z,” you’ll be saying, “Look at all these wonderful things in my life.”
Set realistic goals. We don’t have to look like fitness models or win Olympic medals. We don’t have to be what we used to be. And accepting that is key to treating yourself right. I’m here to help you see where you want to go – and then enjoy the success of reaching those goals.
Instead of saying, “I’m so stupid to think I could be 25 again,” you’ll be saying, “Hey, I’m feeling better every day and grateful for the body that I have.”
Focus on progress, not perfection. We’re always raised to be so results-driven, aren’t we? But physical fitness doesn’t have to be like that! It’s fun and empowering to get stronger, to gain more endurance, and to improve agility. We’ll celebrate every little win with you! Remember: It’s a journey, not a destination.
Instead of saying, “I’m such a loser because I can’t wear those pants,” you’ll be saying, “I’ve lost 5 pounds since I started.”
Excuses Are Easy
If you want to find an excuse to deny yourself health and fitness, then you will always find it.
But please don’t do it because your inner saboteur is telling you that you’re too old, out of shape, or set in your ways.
Because you’re not.
You get to decide the life you want from here on out, no matter your age or physical condition.
I’m here to help you. I believe in you. And you deserve it.
10 Tips to Spread Happiness
Baby Boomers remember The Partridge Family singing “Come on, get happy.”
And they were all clapping along a few years ago to Pharrell singing his ubiquitous, peppy song “Happy.”
Heck – even the U.S. Constitution talks about the “pursuit of happiness” as a fundamental right.
But it’s not always that easy, is it? Modern living can wear us down emotionally, physically and spiritually.
Now, there’s a global holiday to promote happiness. It’s called the International Day of Happiness and it’s sponsored by the United Nations every March 20. It’s that important: Being happier helps us as individuals and it also strengthens our connections to each other, no matter what our age.
Here are 10 ways the day’s organizers suggest bringing more happiness into your life. (I love No. 3 in particular.)
Giving. Do kind things.
Relating. Connect with people.
Exercising. Take care of your body.
Awareness. Live mindfully.
Trying out. Keep learning new things.
Direction. Have goals.
Resilience. Find ways to bounce back.
Emotions. Look for what’s good.
Acceptance. Be comfortable with who you are.
Meaning. Be part of something bigger.
Living a healthy lifestyle is a sure way to increase opportunities to do all of these and more. When you exercise regularly, eat well, and practice self-care, you’re more able to care for and relate to others, to remain curious and open-minded, and to love yourself for who you really are.
So, let’s get started on this happiness journey. Let’s talk.
Your inspiration for the week: Smile and Be Strong
And remember, be kind to yourself and others! See you next time,
Dr. Loïse
Are you in your sixties and want to get tips and insights on how to live a long and happy life? Are you a millennial witnessing your parents’s journey and wishing for them to thrive? Curious about the secrets to a contented life? If so, this newsletter is for you. Subscribe below if you find the content helpful — I truly appreciate it! Thank you!