No matter how old you are you probably want to be successful, but once you reach 50 it’s often a time for making changes. It’s another phase of life and many people take stock of their life and realize there are things that they really want to change or do.

If you want to be successful at something first you need to know what success means to you. How would you know that you are successful?  It’s hard chasing something when you don’t know what it is.

Do you want to be a successful at having great health and fitness into old age, to have a successful relationship or be successful at a specific sport? Do you want to be a successful teacher, grandparent, dancer, pianist, guitar player, writer, cook or gardener; the options are endless and also very personal.  To be successful at something that has meaning to you is a great feeling and adds to your confidence and self worth.

Whatever success means to you there are certain rules that you do need to follow.

1.    Everything starts with a thought so what you think will most definitely affect your life and what you do. Start with examining your thoughts and if they are actually in alignment with what you say you want.

2.     Decide what you really want and make sure that it’s really important to you. What are your goals and dreams? You need to know that it is appealing enough that you are willing to put in the effort and stay the course.

3.    Thinking and deciding about what you want is not enough, you have to take consistent action to make it become a reality. It is easy to talk about doing something but it’s another thing actually doing it. It’s the action that makes things happen without that it will just remain a thought or a dream.  You will never get fit by looking at exercise equipment you have to take action by using it.

4.    Continue to be a student of life. Lifelong learning is essential to a healthy mind and in keeping up with what’s happening in the world around you.  You will never know everything.  Those that think they do know it all are usually very closed minded and often pretty boring.

5.    To become successful at something usually means that you are in it for the long haul. You need to be persistent and consistent with your actions.  Always have your goal in view and don’t take on too much all at once as it will overwhelm you. Take things in bite size manageable chunks.

6.    Do your research first.  Find out what it will take to get you from where you are now to where you want to be. This will help you to know the steps you need to take, and to be able to plan ahead and be prepared.

7.    Stay focused on what you want to achieve.  Don’t let unimportant distractions take your energy and attention from what’s important to you.

8.    Share your successes with others and help others to achieve their goals too.  Ask for help and support when you need it.

9.    Be honest with yourself if you decide that what you are doing isn’t as important as you originally thought.  It’s okay to change your mind and choose something else.  It’s difficult to be successful at something that you don’t feel inspired about.

10.    Now that you are over 50 it’s time to not take life so seriously so have fun doing whatever it is. Make it fun and it will be easier to achieve your desires.

What a difference a decade can make!  As we get older we tend to look more at our life in decades, we think about what our 40’s were like then our 50s, 60s and so on. Each decade brings new experiences and new challenges.  We think of things in more general terms as we age.

Three weeks before my 50th birthday my first granddaughter was born. When I turned 50, there were a lot of things going on in my life. I was newly separated, working on getting my degree and wanting to make a major move. Within a couple of years I had made the move, got my degree and things were looking up once again.  My 50s were good and not so good just like any other decade, but the good over shadowed any bad. It was a decade mostly about me, and what I wanted, whereas my 20s, 30s, and 40s were about my family, my children and career. I feel that my fifties were when I found myself again. I made new friends, had fun, learned not to take things so seriously and learned to dance again. It was my most freeing decade.

The day of my 60th birthday I spent flying to New Orleans with one of my daughters, going to a coaching conference. That was a good part, the very start. But later that same year my grandson passed away very suddenly and everything changed so dramatically.  My 60s so far have been more about others, especially my family and their needs. Life got to be much more serious again. My mum is a year away from being 90 years old so that’s a concern too, and one of my best friends of over 40 years passed away very suddenly. Thankfully I had visited with her a couple of months before, and we spent a few really good days together catching up and talking about the old times. So far my 60s have not been fun and freedom like my 50s but I’m hoping for better times to come again soon. It’s not been all bad there have been some good times peppered here and there. While some friends and relatives in their 70s are doing very well and living a full active life, others seem to be having more health issues, including hip and knee replacements, but they are doing this to keep on going and improve their life quality so that they do enjoy life to the fullest for as long as possible.  When times are tough we need those good memories as a reminder that life can be really good and things do change and they do get better. I know I often go to those memories of my 50s and it brings hope of making many more happy memories to add to my memory bank.

As the tip of the Baby Boomer generation are hitting 65 there’s a lot to keep going for. The importance of good health being at the top of most wish lists, having fun, keeping active, finding interesting hobbies and interests, and there is certainly no shortage of these around. Whether you want to learn to paint, build your family tree, plan a bird watching trip, ride your Harley, become a rock star in your own right by taking up playing guitar, or working on your golf swing ready for your next golf tournament, you need to go for it.

The message here is do it while you are able. Enjoy your life to the fullest, whatever your age.

Once we reach 50 and over many of our main concerns are related to health, finances and the realization that retirement is quickly creeping up on us. There are certain age milestones that are more of a wake-up call and turning 50 years of age is definitely one of them.

There is little doubt that for many over 50s health and finances are very genuine concerns.  Many of us realize that we are not as healthy and fit as we should be, making it time to make some serious changes to our lifestyles if we want to have a healthy retirement. Also many of us have not taken our retirement planning seriously either, we often get fooled into thinking that it’s much further away than it actually is. When you consider that once you retire you could very likely need to have enough money to sustain you for 30 plus years can be pretty daunting for most. If this looks as if it could be a problem that you may be facing then you can’t bury your head in the sand. You need to consider your options.

During the final years of their working career many will be earning more than at any other time during their working life which can lead to a sense that their financial situation is secure. This is also the best time to make additional payments into your financial plan. If you really are falling short of your retirement plan then it’s probably a good idea to consider working a bit longer while you are still able. It’s important to try to get rid of debts before you retire if possible.   This can be a challenge though with the high cost of homes these days. A lot will depend on where you live but places such as Vancouver where I live the house prices are ridiculously high, making it almost impossible for people to become mortgage free by retirement.As we get older we may need to adjust our exercise program. We all know the importance of exercise and as we age it continues to be a priority, it can help alleviate many health and mental issues. Besides maintaining a healthy weight exercise is known to relieve stress and depression as well as help maintain mobility and eliminate or delay some complaints such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol.

As far as how we look over 50 a lot is up to us. Many people look at their best over 50 they have learned over time how to take care of their skin and have a hairstyle that suits them and also know what looks good on them. It can take years to really figure all that out. Besides the materials and cosmetic products that help; many over 50s are more comfortable with themselves. They don’t have so many hang ups and accept who they are and it shows in their confidence.

Being over 50 years of age can also mean that your kids have left home or soon will so you may want to consider your living space, where you want to be and what type of home best suits you as you are facing an empty nest.

Turning 50 can be a bit traumatic for some but it has its many good points so if you haven’t found a way to make it work well for you yet then it’s time to start creating your plan.

Author bio: Shirley Price lives in beautiful Vancouver BC. She has written a number of articles as well as a workshop on planning a life for retirement. She is certified in NLP, EMDR and began studying life coaching in the mid nineties. Shirley is the publisher of www.lifebydesignover50.com a site for the over 50s.

If you were to ask a dozen or more individuals for advice on where is the best country to live when you retire, you will probably get a dozen different answers.

If you’ve been doing some travelling yourself, you will probably already have your own favorite places, but would they be a good place to retire?

You are probably over 50  so I’m sure many of you like me have thought about the possibility of living either full or part time in another country when you retire. Like me you may  have even gone deeper and done some research into what various places have to offer. One thing for sure is over the past 5 or 6 years since I started looking at options the recommended top places to retire have changed more than once. These changing stats can often leave you none the wiser by the time you’re actually ready and able to do something about it, so you really need to do a bit of research for yourself.

Obviously your financial situation will have a bearing on where you can even afford to live and the type lifestyle that you can have. If money is no object then the world is your oyster. It’s more about deciding what you actually want your life to be about, and where you will be able to live that type of lifestyle. Even if you are fortunate enough to have adequate funds you still have other considerations such as family and friends. How often would you get to see them? Even if finances may not be a problem for you; it could be for others in your life, meaning that you may not get to see the ones you love visit you as often as you would like! Probably most retirees expect that they will have lots of visitors if they move to the sun. Would being in a country where they speak a different language be a problem for you? Are you prepared to attempt to learn the native language? Is it important to have an ex pats community in the area you are interested in living?

For most people one of the biggest attractions of going to live in another country is the fact that they can have a lower cost of living which is important when you are on a fixed income. Many want to maintain a good lifestyle or even improve their lifestyle while living on a pension. While many retirees may have a struggle to make ends meet at home they may live very well elsewhere.

What is your criteria when considering living somewhere else? My brother has lived in Florida for a number of years and has now retired. He travelled extensively during his working years giving him the opportunity to experience many countries. One of his criteria when considering moving to another place is that it has a major airport. For many it’s important to know that if they need to visit loved in ones in a hurry they do have easy access to flights. This usually means being close to a major city.You need to think about the currency and what the exchange rate is, although it always fluctuates. How far will your income go? The climate is another big factor, moving to a warm climate sounds wonderful and we could probably all do with more Vitamin D. Does it get very humid, if it does could you handle the humidity? Do they get hurricanes and would that bother you? Check the weather patterns year round. Nowhere is perfect but find the place that offers you the best of what you want and what is most important to you.

Health care and safety is a huge concern for most wherever they are thinking about living. Many of the countries that are attractive to retirees also offer excellent health care. Many of these countries are places where people travel to have medical or cosmetic procedures done at a much lower cost than they could get it done at home. I have heard people say that they have gone to places like Costa Rica for health care and dental treatments. They have been able to spend a few weeks there, had a procedure done with recovery time for less than they would pay for just the procedure at home.

Safety and security will always be a concern. However there are many thousands of seniors that are living and traveling in these countries that have never had a problem and most say they feel very safe. Any country will have its problems and areas that are best avoided.
Mexico was considered the top place for retirees to live a few years ago. With its popularity over the years real estate prices have increased making buying real estate less affordable. The other thing that is on many people’s minds is all the negative media due to the drug related crime. They are trying very hard to sort out the drug problems there. I do hope they can do that for the Mexican people and its tourism industry. Drugs are a world problem and not just a Mexico problem. Mexico is one of the favorites for North Americans. The Mexican people that I’ve ever had contact with are friendly, gentle, lovely people.
So whether you have your eye on Mexico, Belize, Panama, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Nicaragua, or Yuma Arizona do your homework. The best way to check it out is to go there and rent for a few months, live the life of the locals and see how you like it. One thing to remember though is that wherever you go there will be a settling in period where many things will probably frustrate you and drive you crazy. You will be wondering why they can’t do things like they do at home, why is everything so laid back and everything takes so much longer, but you’re not at home and you will adjust. Just be patient and remember why you went there in the first place.

When you’re over 50, retired or not spending a few hours at the casino is becoming more and more of a popular way for seniors to find entertainment. Besides the excitement from the potential of winning there are other aspects which draw seniors to the casinos. If you have ever walked into a casino in the middle of the day you would be surprised at just how many seniors are playing the slots.

The casino is a place that many seniors feel comfortable going alone at night. Many go with a spouse or friends but whichever way; it’s a place where they don’t feel alone. Many single seniors find being at home on their own very depressing; an outing to casino is the answer for numerous seniors. It’s one place where they feel they can go and forget their problems. While they may be able to forget their problems at home and in their life for a while they could well be creating other problems such as a gambling addiction.

Most seniors are smart gamblers, they set aside an amount that they can afford to lose and when that money is gone they will call it quits and leave. Others get deeper and deeper into debt; always believing that they will win the jackpot and get all their money back and more. Unfortunately, many people have a problem quitting when they are ahead and that applies to gambling as well as other areas of our lives.

There are a number of perks when going to casino, besides being entertaining and fun it can be a lively place to hang-out plus players can get meals at reasonable prices. Plus players can acquire points by using a membership card. Also there is the attraction of the number of large prize drawers held at casinos.Those seniors most at risk of compulsive gambling are those that have life-changing events happen to them later in life, like losing their spouse, health issues, medications that may affect their judgment can all be a contributing factor to a gambling problem. Many seniors become depressed, lonely and bored and have little or no interest in their life. Gambling at the casino is a way they can get lost for a while so that they don’t have to feel the pain of reality. Some of the signs of a compulsive gambler are trying to hide their gambling activities from family and friends, moods swings, borrowing money, selling belongings or using other funds that they cannot afford to lose.

It’s easy to sit at the slots playing for hours without realizing how much time has passed. It’s important to get up and move around frequently, walk around inside the casino, or outside if it’s light and safe to do so. Do some people watching, go have a coffee or a meal. This will also help your money last longer.

A good way to prevent you spending more than you can afford is to take with you only the amount of money that you are prepared to lose. If you are going off on a trip for a few days with a group of friends to visit other casinos make sure you divide your money up to cover the amount of days that you plan to be there, otherwise you could spend it all on the first day and not be able to play the rest of the time, or you will be tempted to take out money you hadn’t planned to use.

Online gambling is another issue to be really careful with. At least with the casino there is social interaction and getting out of the home. With gambling on line you can lose your money so quickly, it’s just too convenient and so available. Online gambling is an addiction that can be easily hidden and often done without anyone else ever knowing until financial problems arise.
Like with most things moderation is best.

by Andrea Preece

Not My Party!

No! I am absolutely not going. I can’t believe that you planned that for me and invited all those people from the office; they’ll all know how old I am.

She was horrified and I was disappointed as I thought that I was doing something nice for my friends 50th birthday. I was mystified as to why Karen, who is cute and so put together all of the time, would have this response. All us females would love to look like her, and yet she was the one that made the most fuss and got so upset out of all of us that had turned 50.

It’s our time to shine

After all, this is the age where most of us feel that we can claim the right to be who we really are, have the wisdom to share our opinion with some expert back-up.
This is our time, not for just us girls, this is for the men too. Men appear to go through similar experiences with aging; it is a reality for all of us.

Isn’t it amazing how different we can feel about our age from day to day? Some days we can accept things just as they are and others times it can really bother us. Some days we can look in the mirror and wonder who on earth is looking back at us.

The key is to accept and embrace this next stage of our life and yet some of us will struggle with and deny our age until the end of time. And I guess neither is right or wrong, it depends what we are brought up to believe, our societal messages, and how the people that surrounded us reacted to their changes throughout the years.

Media messages

Let’s be honest w e are constantly bombarded with messages about how we should look and feel from magazines, television and all types of media. Society has told us that if we are not youthful and have the right image we will not get the best jobs, find a husband, or be as successful as the prettier younger women. And for the men too if they are not handsome enough, rich enough, or look the part they will also get overlooked. Hopefully as we age we get smarter and don’t let this bother us, but when we are young this has a huge impact. We are much more likely to take all these messages to heart which really can affect our self esteem and confidence.

As we get older

We realize it’s not the attractive packaging that counts but the gift from inside.

So, we are here to take back our rights, our right to be a part of our world, the right to grow gracefully with vitality and purpose and the right to enjoy the enhancement services available to us. But more than anything ‘Let’s Be Our Best Selves’ for us. Let’s live with confidence, good health, and enjoy life a whole lot more. So here are a few tips to help us on our way. Gentlemen included…

Anti Aging-Tips to Help us Shine

Think about the time spent in the sun without sunscreen as a kid, those late night parties as young adults, and those never ending nights worrying about exams and finances and other trials and tribulations that have played havoc with our skin and bodies.

This leads us to the anti aging products in the hopes of slowing down Mother Nature. Most often we notice the changes in our skin, particularly the back of our hands and neck area. Some will choose to take a few days vacation maybe to the plastic surgeon. If that’s not for you then there are wonderful remedies and lotions especially formulated for your delicate skin to assist in keeping its elasticity. So here are a few tips for our tool box and besides the healing properties it just feels wonderful.

Sunscreen

Absolute number #1, sunscreen is a must with a minimum SFP of 30 as well as using make up with sunscreen. Apply regularly to the face and neck and don’t forget the back of the hands. Not only will it protect you against skin cancer, it will help keep those wrinkles at bay. And on vacation or at those fun long golf games or any extended periods in the sun be sure to wear sunscreen on all those exposed areas and wear a hat.

Water

Replenishing the body with a minimum of 6 and preferably 8 glasses of water a day, not only does it nourish the whole body and help with organ function, it reconnects the brain tissue, helping us stay alert, and keep a clear mind. Without water we cannot survive, it is the life-source of our universe.

Turning 50-contributes by Andrea Preece

By Andrea Preece

Keeping current in today’s job market

The workplace is changing at a faster pace than ever, it was just in the past few years that there seemed to be some panic that there would be a shortage of workers, but as the world market has changed the opposite seems to have happened, so as things change we must change too.  Here are a few tips to help with the transition whether you are in the workplace and wanting to keep going or if you are re-entering the workforce.

So how do you keep your edge and keep fresh and vibrant in today’s fast paced employment atmosphere?

Keep up with the trends

Keep up to date with what’s happening in the workplace. Ask yourself what is needed and what do you need to do to meet the demands. Are you up to date with technology, are there some computer courses that you need to update?

Computer Savvy

Not only must your office skills be spot on your computer skills must be up to date. The needs of most offices and businesses will include: Navigating the internet, E-mail and it’s applications, Word processing, PowerPoint and Excel spreadsheets .

Go Back to School

Fill in the gaps with education. If you lack in any area of demand, especially computer skills, remember that it’s never too late for more education. Many instructional courses are offered at your local community college, library or Neighbourhood  Association. “Lifelong learning is an important aspect of professional growth as well as keeping your mind sharp. Assessing your skills and determining if there are any gaps will help identify potential areas for additional education.

Stretch Your Limits

Take advantage of the chance to learn new skills, volunteer, try to take on other positions when you get the opportunity. Attending tele-classes, or web classes, it is a wonderful way to learn, often inexpensive and very convenient. You can learn anything; an example might be public speaking or other soft skills such as mediation and conflict resolution.

Update Your Resume

Keep your resume current, make sure that your resume is relevant to the position that you are applying for. There is the conventional chronological resume or the one I prefer is the skills based resume. This resume offers flexibility and allows you to take an inventory of your skills which you can place in a way that showcase your skills. Remember that resumes change too, make sure that you talk to employers and ask what type of resume they prefer to see. Also remember the resume is a snap shot and introduction to what you have to offer. It is the interview where you must really shine, it is the chance to sell yourself and why you should be hired. Smile, be your wonderful self and be sure to share the important key points.

Keeping up Appearances

It is important to keep yourself in style. Keep clothing modern, a stylish haircut, and colour if needed. For you ladies some fresh makeup, keep in mind that many cosmetic counters offer free consultations. If budget is an issue there are great consignment shops, or look for ideas on how to update what you have with a few accessories. Gentlemen there are wonderful grooming and skin care products for you too, also if you need some fashion help maybe ask a female friend to assist you. Keep in mind that many workplaces are now fragrance free zones. Get support whenever you need it. There are great coaches and Government Work Search Centers that have little or no fee for service.

Happy Working!

By Shirley Price

New Orleans

The situation in New Orleans back in 2005 should have been a wake-up call for us all. Having been in New Orleans just 2 months before Katrina hit and then later seeing on television the devastation that was caused was unbelievable. We had been at the centre where all those people stayed for so long. The hotel we stayed in had windows blown out, the streets where we walked, and the friendly people we met were changed forever. There is no way I could ever even imagine it could happen – but it did. Hopefully we will never see such an event again.

It’s important that we take precautions in our own every-day life too! Ultimate Family Preparedness Pak

Be Prepared

You never know when an emergency situation may occur.  There may be severe storms, accidents and many other unexpected situations that happen in life. There have been many incidents of an afternoon hike turning into a Search and Rescue mission. How many people have we heard of that have gone off the road in their vehicles due to icy conditions, or from falling asleep at the wheel etc. and sometimes they have been missing for days. I’m sure not one of these individuals got up that day and thought they were going to end up in a situation such as that.

Safety for Outdoor Lovers

For the outdoor lovers particularly, the hunters, fishermen, rock climbers, skier, How prepared are you in the event of an emergency, an accident, or even getting lost? If you ever found yourself in such a situation you would hope that you would be capable of making some important decisions to get you out of the mess you find yourself in.

Smart Planning

Making smart planning decisions can help to avoid accidents in the first place. And, for those situations that arise that you have no control over at least be able to maintain self control and act accordingly to the situation at hand. Providing that you are not severely injured and in fairly good physical condition the last thing you would need is to be too stunned by the problem you are facing to be able to make decisions that may save your life or someone else’s. Here are some tips in case of emergencies:Emergency contacts

Always let someone else know where you are going and when you plan to return. Keep phone numbers and addresses of emergency contacts. You should have them written somewhere that is always with you and /or use your cell phone to store important numbers in. Cell phones have helped save a lot of people that have got into difficulties. You can’t always rely on it though as there may not be service in the area where you need assistance. Always keep your batteries charged.

Hunters be seen be safe

If you are going on a hunting trip, be prepared that you could come in contact with other hunters in the same location. Be sure that you can be seen.  Wear a bright coloured vest and hat that can be seen by other hunters. If you go out in a group always try to stick with them and if you do need to all spread out, keep your cell phones or some form of communication with you at all times.

Remember to always have the safety lock on the gun when you are not firing. There have been many accidents due to unlocked firearms while hunting. Utmost safety should always be the top priority.

Lost -Be found

Having locator flares are also a good idea when going off the beaten track on land or by water.
If you are going on a long drive, always check your vehicle prior to leaving. Though it may not sound that important, this is the first safety measure you should take. This is especially important if you are going to be travelling through the mountain passes during the winter months.

Prepare vehicles

Conditions can change in the blink of an eye. Check tires to see if they are okay and that you have adequate gas especially when planning to drive in remote areas where you may not find another gas station for quite some distance. Keep your tank topped up when you get the opportunity. Carry a shovel in the event of getting stuck in snow and carry emergency supplies.  Always wear a seatbelt when you are driving, as well as your passengers.

Medication

If you are on any kind of medication that you must take, then be sure to take it with you. You might need to take it on the road and other drug stores (if you can find one) may not have your specific kinds of medicines. If you use an inhaler, then check to see if it is full and keep it somewhere you can easily reach.

Emergency tools

Always take a flashlight, matches, a whistle and a first aid kit with you. It’s also a good idea to keep a long rope in the back of your car when going fishing or hunting in case anyone falls in an area where they are out of reach, you may be able to help reach them with a rope.

Around water

If you are a swimmer, check the surroundings and the depth of the water. Locate the life guard if there is one, and make sure they can see you. At the more remote lakes and beaches you may not find any lifeguard on duty, so you’re on your own.  If you are at the beach make sure that you do not go too far out. You can get into difficulties and someone else may risk their own life in order to try to save you. Don’t take unnecessary risks!
Sensible footware

Wear sensible, protective footwear.

Hiking in flip flops or sandals is not a good idea. If you need to go into a rugged area or forest, then you should wear boots to avoid rocks, attacks of little insects and protect your feet and ankles. The last thing you need is to be stuck somewhere because you can’t walk.

Check the weather

Keep a check on the local weather forecast- it’s amazing how fast the weather conditions can change especially in some areas and at certain times of the year. If there is a possibility of severe storms or there is some kind of natural disaster, you should immediately seek a place for shelter.

Where will you be?

If an emergency strikes you could be at home, work or even be on the road somewhere. Where you are located in the world depends on the types of natural emergencies that can be caused by extreme weather. We should be prepared to be self sustaining for the first 72 hours after an emergency or disaster like an earth quake. We cannot rely on anyone else. They will probably be dealing with the same situation as we are. Earthquake Preparedness

Do not go out during or immediately after the storm or disaster takes place. If everyone gets into their cars and head for the roads there will be chaos for sure. This will prevent emergency vehicles reaching those most in need.

Prevention is always best

It is said that prevention is better than cure. This applies to every aspect of private and public safety. If you use the measures above, you will be able to withstand many emergency situations.
Everyone should at least have a basic emergency kit and essential needs in order to be prepared in case of emergency.
We will always need water –food- heat- first aid- and a radio to keep us informed of latest news updates on situations.

Be prepared and hope that you never need to use it.

The modern era of information and technology offers opportunities for parents to enjoy their kid’s inheritance; after all, they worked very hard for many years they deserve to have a break from the hustle and bustle of life and simply have fun.

Maybe a Harley Davidson Motorcycle is your style: When it comes to sports or non-sports motorcycle, Harley Davidson is on top of the line. They have all types of motorcycle that suit your needs. From the classic to the latest trends and model, Harley Davidson motorcycle can satisfy your craving for doing something new and exciting. Actually, this type of motorcycle brings out the famous bad boy image, which attracts many women.

Go on a Luxury Cruise. It is an exciting getaway vacation onboard a passenger ships with high standards of accommodation that sails across continents with destinations such as the Grand Americas, Asia and Africa, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, New England and Canada. It is one excellent way of socializing with people of different backgrounds. Having several destinations in one vacation package is truly worthy.Online Exclusives – Find the Perfect Cruise

Is Skydiving your Style? There can be no other experience as liberating as skydiving as the skydiver jumps off an aircraft from a designated height. Seeing the world and it’s objects grow bigger before you as you fall down can set off an adrenaline rush that you have never felt before. To feel the full grasp of it, choose the strategic spots that will surely capture your heart as you dive. In addition, the time of dropping off can be crucial to this memorable event.

How about getting that a Luxury RV you always wanted. A recreational vehicle that offers everything just like home can be a good way to invest your kid’s inheritance. This is especially true when going on long vacations are a part of your plan. Luxury RV can be purchased brand new or slightly used. The idea is to have it running in perfect condition to suit your needs whether on vacation or having fun travelling around.

Try Snorkeling in the beautiful Caribbean waters. Just the thought that you have the luxury of time and money to enjoy life is already fun in itself. When you decide to snorkel, the breathtaking experience of witnessing the life underneath the waters is invaluable. There is no need for special education to enjoy snorkeling. It only requires the gear, which includes the mask, snorkel and fins [an option].

Of course, part of the fun is selecting the sites.  Having a good time should not compromise safety. It is wise to choose sites that are protected bays and where there are calm waters. Snorkeling in other countries can also be more fun.

Sailing the Seven Seas. As a recreation and sport, sailing is certified classical and romantic. The experience can be fulfilling especially when new skills are learned. Of course, in order to sail, you need a boat. Irrespective of the size and shape, almost all sailboats work similar to harness the wind for propelling. Learning how the sailboats work as well as the types of sailboats can be rewarding physically and mentally.

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By Vanessa Tabor

By Shirley Price

The end of a year is almost upon us. It’s another year that seems to have flown by. I don’t know about you but the older I get the faster time seems to go by.  While the New Year is a time when many make New Year’s resolutions and set often meaningless goals for the coming year, for most of us they are goals soon forgotten.  I know I’ve done it myself on many occasions. The difference this year end is that it is also the end of a decade and we are soon to start another.

There is a lot to learn from looking back over the year just gone and see what you actually accomplished and what you are grateful for. Regardless of how good or bad it’s been we need to find things to be grateful for.  Often it can seem that it’s been quite uneventful but even in the uneventful years there are successes even if they are small and it’s good to acknowledge them.

I look back at this year and it’s been far from the most eventful year in my life. In many ways it would be looked at as quite boring but boring is good compared to a really bad year. Other than a few days in Chicago earlier in the year I haven’t been very far from home.  But I’ve been learning a totally new skill for me and I’m amazed at just how far I’ve come with it.  Yes, there’s still a way to go but if someone had said to me even a year ago that I would learn this I would have said no way.  We had a beautiful summer and I live in a lovely area so those are a couple of the things that I am grateful for.

We all have years that we recall with a smile and there are the years that when we think back we recall with tears. So how has your year been and more important how has your decade been? As I look back over this past decade of my life it has included some of the saddest and most difficult times of my life.  During the decade I lost a grandson which was the worst of any other time of my life. So it was also the worst time for other members of my family too, especially my daughter and her husband his mom & dad also his brother.  It’s something that you never get over. I also lost a very good friend of over 40 years and a few other close relatives too.  I know that there will be many that have experienced their worst years.

Whenever I hear of anyone losing a child my heart goes out to them.  I have always felt for those that lose someone that they love, especially a child. But since the loss of my own grandson I know from personal experience of the heartbreak that comes with it and now my empathy is so much more profound.

It doesn’t matter if you are an ordinary person or a celebrity the loss is unbearable. When John Travolta and Kelly Preston lost their son how could you not feel sadness for them, not only them but the grandparents and other family members!   It also quickly takes you back to your own pain. There are accidents, illness, the missing children and those that are deliberately killed, and the domestic situations that turn into family tragedies that we seem to be hearing so much more of these days.  There is constant grief and sadness going on for someone somewhere.

So whether they have been your most difficult times or your best times we know that we are going to endure both the many peaks and the valleys during our lifetime.  We don’t have a crystal Ball and maybe that’s a good thing.

It’s a good practice to have a sense of where you are in your life and where you want to be.  What plans do you have for the coming year and even the coming decade?  Maybe it’s a bit much to have a 10 year plan but some people do.  Maybe at least start with the things that are most important to you and build around that. Make a list and have as many great experiences as you are able while you are able.

Wishing you the best for your next decade.