Feisty Side of Fifty/Baby Boomer Women

Today is National Wear Red Day, drawing our focus to matters of the heart. As women over fifty, we need to be aware of maintaining our cardiovascular health through proper diet, exercise, and getting sufficient rest. However, perhaps our most critical means to ward off disease is also the most rewarding. Women have been given a very special gift—and it’s one that supersedes all else: the hardwired drive for connection and friendships. And, as women over fifty, our friendships run long and deep. I was blessed with two encounters with dear friends this week and I’d like to take a moment to share.

The first was with a woman I’ve known since 1964. Actually, she was the kid sister of my boyfriend and, even though there was an age difference, I always found her to be engaging and fun. We lost touch for many years but reconnected about five years ago. It turned out we were both writing books and our relationship grew close by sharing the trials and tribulations of the publishing world. Peggy supported me through numerous ups and downs. She was by my side emotionally as well as giving me the resources and advice I needed to take the next step. Her empathy and wisdom came as no surprise because Peggy has survived great personal tragedy and come out the other side successful and triumphant. Her book: Approaching Neverland: A Memoir of Epic Tragedy & Happily Ever After is an incredible read. Check out Peggy Kennedy’s Neverland site and find out more about her remarkable journey.

My second meeting this week was with two of my closest lifetime friends. One I’ve known since the 5^th grade, the other since the 8^th. (We won’t get specific here, but it’s been a long, long time, I can assure you!) Although we’ve led very different lives, we have always taken time to stay in touch. Some years it may have only been through phone calls and birthday cards. But, lately, we make the time to see each other regularly. It was in celebration of my birthday that my dear, dear friends took me to a very special lunch. They showered me with their love and kindness and I came away from that day with both a full tummy and a full heart. Our time together made me think of the old Brownie song, “Make New Friends But Keep the Old.” The words ring true: new friendships may be silver but old friendships are truly gold.

So, as you don your red today, take a moment to contact a friend. There’s no better way to increase circulation, put a blush in your cheek, and fill your heart with joy.

February 5th, 2010 | Tags: Approaching Neverland, attitude, baby boomer, baby boomer blog, baby boomer blogs, baby boomer generation, baby boomer women, baby boomers, boomer, boomers, friendships, fun, healthy aging, humor, inspiration, Land the Job You Love!, Mary Eileen Williams, mature women, mature women over 50, mature women over fifty, midlife, older women, over 40, over 50, over 50 women, over fifty women, senior, sharing stories, wisdom, women 50+, women fifty plus, women over 40, women over 50, women over fifty, women over fifty blogs | Category: Inspiring Each Other, The Joys of Friendship | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL