Finding Happiness

Do people smile because they are happy? Or, are people happy because they smile? These questions get to the heart of life after 60. Of course, both statements are true. Smiles are a reflection of how we feel. But, at the same time, happiness requires conscious effort.

Sometimes big changes happen all at once, and it can be difficult to know which way to turn. There can be a multitude of paths in front of you. Which one to take? I was newly divorced and had just returned to the UK after living in France. I had no idea what I wanted…

Guilt is something that nearly all of us struggle with at one time or another. Sometimes in small ways – but other times, feelings of guilt can be so strong that they can become debilitating. There are endless reasons why we can feel guilty about something…

Sometimes, when we get older, we forget about our dreams. We forget how they made us feel – the passion, ambition, excitement, enthusiasm, desire. We forget how they once took up our entire waking moments… and probably some of our sleeping ones, too. But those dreams…

The other day, I innocently asked my grandson what he would like for his upcoming ninth birthday. He thought for a moment, then gazed intently into my eyes and answered explicitly, “No books, Nana. And nothing you knitted…”

Most of us have a special place we go to that always makes us feel safe and happy, no matter what is going on in our lives. Somehow it brings us calmness and clarity, helping us to think clearly, and feel at peace. For some it might be a place you go to be alone…

And no, this is not a joke! But it could change the way you think about getting older. Have you seen the movie Up in the Air? George (we’re on a first name basis; he just doesn’t know it yet), plays a traveling corporate downsizer who makes a living flying across the country…

I passionately believe that every woman has the power to build her dream life after 60. One of the first steps on this journey is to learn to see the world with a sense of optimism, regardless of what is going on around you. Over the last several years, I have had the opportunity to talk with hundreds of women in the Sixty and Me community. In doing so, I have noticed some interesting commonalities between the most positive members of our group. If you are not a natural optimist, I hope that you will find these traits inspiring. Make a conscious choice to build these habits into your daily life. They have the power to put you on the path to happiness and positivity. Here are the traits that the happiest women I know have cultivated to get the most from life after 60.

When traveling or spending time with family, I pause to say to someone I’m with, “Look, we are creating memories.” Or I’ll turn to pause and say, “Stop – look at what we are doing right now.” It’s my way of grounding myself at the moment, forcing a pause to truly appreciate…

An old friend and I were chatting recently via email. She had sent me a photograph she had taken of me earlier that day. I replied that it made me notice how very white my hair is and that I needed a haircut…