I’ve got to be mobile

I’m doing a test to see if I can blog from my mobile.  I love my computer but I am looking for a way to increase the frequency of my posts and find a “better way” to do so.

My life seems like it’s always on the go but not in a negative “everythingitis way” just purposefully designed to doing the things I love (and generate revenue).  I never take for granted how I worked hard to gain the knowledge and the value that allows me now to work remotely for clients in the franchise space.  I am able to pepper in play and consciously focus on my side hustle TheBoomerVine brand focusing on active aging.

It’s that flexibility that allows me to do my best creative work on my terms. Only certain personalities thrive working from home or remotely and I’m definitely one of them! Most recently one of my millennials has started to work some days from home as well, having a flexible client who trusts the creative coding process.  More employers and clients really just care that the job or project gets done and ongoing communication in the process.  Respect and trust are key. Mobile cloud based programs support such.  My other millennial BTW has settled into work she loves in an environment that speaks to her athletic passion.

It is a proud moment when you see your millennials finding meaningful work on their terms.  I often wonder if my journey shared openly with them along the way has influenced their choices. Sure they must put in the time to “figure it out” ( heck I’m still shifting)  but when you listen to your heart and follow your passion, it can work out. Sure there are those on the other side of this fence but I’ve seen it work:)  If you want to go mobile ask. If you don’t know what makes up your DNA, figure it out as it just might open up new opportunities that get you away from the desktop.

My point is that if you don’t design your life, someone else will.

Mobile wins over desktop.
Just sayin’

Add caption

When we fall off our bike, we need to get right back on!

As many of you know, I have jumped into my midlife (aka my next 50 years) with both feet.  I am working to build a joyful life that is sustainable such that it will allow for income as I age (I love my work), good health mixed with lots of play with my husband, family and friends!  

Taking control of your own life, and living a meaningful one is something that requires hard work and focus.  No different then working with my franchise clients. When I take my own life as seriously as I do those of my clients then this is when the balance is achieved.  I learned a long time ago that you could only be at your best when you are being true to yourself, meeting your own wants and needs first. Strength comes when there is balance both physically and mentally. 

I was off kilter these last few weeks. My friend helped me identify the problem that I think was weighing me down.....  "Self-doubt is shit. Chews up our precious energy and blocks our progress. Don’t let it own you".

I've been training for the Ride to Conquer Cancer in August, which is a 200k ride from Vancouver to Hope over two days.  We are raising funds for cancer and this year I am riding for two of my pals who are deep in the throws of this awful disease.  While it is presented as a social experience (I am on the largest team called the Brainiacs), it is no doubt a gruelling hard cycle over mixed elevation with cyclists of all ages, stages and health levels.  

This week for some reason, I thought I couldn't do it.  Despite having donations and notes of support from amazing people who see that I am pushing myself for the benefit of others and observing me training physically, I still felt off.  Self-doubt began to pop up for me and I went off my regular training schedule and my positive mantra shifted. 

I kept these thoughts inside until I did the right thing and shared them openly with my loved ones. People who I can trust and are there for me.  Of course, they opened their hearts and took time to listen, offered support and have since helped steer me back on track. I realized that my mental strength needed as much love as the physical strength.  

It is times like these that we need to really look inside and determine what is holding us back.  The self-doubt will ripple into your work, your family and for me, my energy level and playful karma is affected.  I am now in the process to explore the mental side to see what shifted and why the self doubts about the ride?  

I am surrounding myself with people, experiences and things that I love.  I am giving myself downtime and permission to do things that feed my soul this week.  I've done a deep dive (like I would with a client) into my health (added some fish oil and some vitamins) despite my good eating habits and by sharing it with others, have opened up deep conversations that matter.  

I wanted to share that we are not alone.  In a time when mental health has become top of mind, we all need to know that we have people that care. I know that I try to show up for my family in this way and we have very open conversations that help each of us move though challenges and times of insecurity.  While I often show up as a confident, outgoing and joyful soul, I still have the same insecurities and self doubt as others.  

When we fall off our bike, we need to get right back on!  You will find me there this week as I continue my training both mentally and physically for this huge goal, which I am very proud to be part of.  

I will cross this finish line.  

The story of Mitzi and Chapter 12

This day is special for me.  Today is June 1, 2018 Intergenerational Day Canada.

This is a day which is officially a reminder, a yearly invitation for every person regardless of age, to take one small respectful step to bridge generations within their local community and ideally starting with family. It only takes a smile between generations to break through isolation and loneliness, the number one health concern for children/youth and older persons.

I am excited to tell you about how we try to do this with my extended family every day.

Our story goes like this.

My Mom Mitzi, lost her husband, my Dad in 2013 whom was her soul mate and understandably left her feeling isolated and alone in a world that at the time, felt empty and cold.   At 80 years old, my Mom had lived a full life together with her best friend so this loss created deep sadness, loneliness, and fear.  She wondered if her emptiness would dissipate and focused on just getting through each day.

I am 1/4 siblings and we don't all live in the same city.  We found that the worry and guilt of not being able to be there for Mom on a daily basis to support her weighted heavy.

The power of online social media became a solution.  It helped our family to stay connected to Mom.  It became a tool for my family, keeping us close. We created a private family Facebook group called Chapter 12  where my Mom became inspired to journal every night for the past 5 years!  No lie....honestly she posts every night as part of her nighttime routine!

Post #1 - the group was live!

As a close family we  wanted to be "together" during this difficult time.  It was also very important that Mom felt she could be vulnerable to share her inner most fears during this healing process.

Unfiltered messages were shared by all ages 

"Chapter 12 is the best thing that could have happened to me"

Here she found expression for her own voice, openly and authentically writing about her fears, joys, challenges and stories, all shared across the generations.  Her posts at the beginning were of sadness but over the years describe her healing and a testament to the stages she went through on her self discovery.   

"I am always floored how many read my posts"

 

The most recent posts have been more joyful and happy and she is posting pictures of her own new found playfulness with friends.   The posts continue to unite the family, including across the generations leaving a legacy to be shared.  

Stay tuned, this story is just beginning..... 

When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

I admit I have habits that aren’t the best.  However since hitting my 50’s you can bet I have worked to add some new ones that are.  I’ve always been young at heart, but as I age this really takes shape.  

We all have to manage our own lives and navigate tough decisions, because ultimately it is our own life we are screwing with.  With social media today, there is so much that is pushed at us in all directions from health, beauty, weight loss, mindfulness and how to get rich quick.  Depends on which pages you "like", but analytics will ensure you don’t go a day without more and more of what you want (or don’t want) pushed into your face.  

I went through a fact finding phase on social, where I strategically followed bloggers, companies and joined groups whom I thought were like minded: Baby boomers just looking for ways to make the best out of life.  Mind.  Body. Spirit. Business. What I did learn was that there is an entire population of midlife folks both male and female (corporate executives, solopreneurs, 9-5'ers and retired folks) all digging for direction and information on how to live the best life possible.  Included in this, is how to have a successful business that allows room for healthy habits.  

They are all looking for the perfect pill, the perfect leader, the perfect diet.

Well guess what - NOTHING IS PERFECT.  

I have since stopped following the pack on social media and beyond as it causes me stress and makes me feel defeated. I courageously take the step to own my life and to listen to and follow my own instincts.  I follow bloggers and groups I trust like the International Council on Active Aging who post and share well researched articles and info that is relevant and actionable in my own life.  I respect the founder Colin Milner and he himself is an influencer in my life.  

I surround myself with like-minded, honest, health focused, fun loving, playful folks who design their life and their business around such values.  I also feel grateful that I have two millennials (and their friends) living at home because I can tap into their fresh beliefs and outlook on life which helps me remain grounded to what is important as we age. 

The ability to share my real life challenges and stories on TheBoomerVine, as I navigate through my 50’s, makes me happy and it is my hope that I might help others find more joy and happiness too.  

I will never drop my chocolate habit.