But the big news for society is of course that we’re the boomers—the mightiest generation to ever hit the planet—and we’re not taking any of that crap!

So there I am going about my business one day when I hear the familiar sound of my mail carrier’s truck. Hoping for a message from a friend, I race out to the mailbox as fast as my fifty-plus legs can take me. (Just to be clear, I don’t have fifty legs… I couldn’t quite figure out the correct word order—but I trust you get my drift.)

Rather than the anticipated letter, however, there in the pile of junk mail and ads was a message of another sort… one that took my breath away. It was from a magazine I hadn’t subscribed to in years. They wanted me back and must have decided upon some clever marketing scheme aimed at garnering my business.

Now my guess is that the author of this cunning ploy had to be young, probably male, and absolutely clueless because there on the outside of the envelope in great big bold print stood the words that burned my eyes like a hot poker: YOU QUALIFY FOR THE SENIOR CITIZEN OFFER—DETAILS INSIDE!

Yes, I’m proud of my generation. Yes, I’ve come to terms with most of the changes to my body and my looks brought on by age.  And, yes, I’m a champion for the feisty side of fifty. But PUH-LEASE, leave my mailbox alone! Keep your offers to yourself or this ol’ gal just might suggest where you can stuff ‘em.

Well, that’s my rant for the day—I’d love to hear yours. I know you’ve got them because, without a doubt, there’s a whole lot of reasons to get feisty once you’re on the far side of fifty!

Suzanne Braun Levine writes of the “Fertile Void,” that time in a woman’s life between first and second adulthood when every part of her reality seems to be in flux. Her mindset is shifting away from the cares and concerns of mothering young children, building a career, and attempting to behave like society’s ideal of the modern woman—you know… the one about doing and having it all. At 50, she still wants it all–but less according to society’s definition and more on her own terms.

Gloria Feldt describes the dilemma further by recognizing that our generation is the first to encounter these types of thoughts and issues. In a recent article in Life Goes Strong, Gloria reminds us: “We are the first generation of women to have been responsible for our financial security throughout most of our lives. We never thought we’d be trying—or needing—to craft new careers at 50, 60, and in today’s economy, even 70.”

Yet it is in second adulthood that many women discover their essence. We start to identify that which satisfies our personal drives and learn the keys to finding work that fulfills our hearts and minds. But sometimes we can use a little help along the way.

So for mentoring material that will provide you with answers to your own quest, I suggest you take a look at Gloria Feldt.com and Suzanne Braun Levine.com. These two amazing women have personally inspired me. To my mind, there are no better role models of the true power of womankind at its best.

Also, if you’re looking to find a new job or career, I invite you to take a look at Land the Job You Love: 10 Surefire Strategies for Jobseekers Over 50. Along with job search techniques, there are plenty of self-assessment exercises to help you choose the path to the livelihood that’s right for you.

January is mentoring month… so, if you need one, find one. And, if you’ve had one, take a little time to let her know what she’s meant to you. Especially in the years past 50, we can all use a boost of female empowerment to keep us feeling feisty!

So why not let your own voice be heard? Why not share your personal tale with a mass audience? If you’ve got an anecdote about aging and menopause, have I got the perfect forum for you!  Not Your Mother’s Book on Menopause will be your chance to contribute humorous, inspiring, and even edgy tales of how you’ve traveled that rather rocky road to true maturity.

There are some guidelines you’ll need to follow. Stories need to be true accounts, written in the first person, and between 500 and 1500 words. (There are a few additional requirements you’ll want to check out.) Otherwise, have fun; unleash all that creativity that blossoms in midlife and let menopause be your muse.

When you’ve finished, submit your story here—be sure to click on the book title for menopause. (When the book is published, a brief epilogue will appear after your story where you can share information about yourself, your blog, or additional activities you’d like to promote.)

So have at it and enjoy! Let’s let the world know that our flower power is now in full bloom. In fact, in true boomer fashion, our generation is taking the “pause” out of menopause. And Not Your Mother’s Book on Menopause will be a celebration of the ground-breaking, revolutionary, and very feisty side of fifty—won’t you add your voice to the revolution?

When the ball in Times Square dropped to signify yet another January 1st had rolled around, I realized I could no longer take my life for granted. At our age, we well understand there are no guarantees in life. Nevertheless, we still find ourselves believing we’re invincible. This New Year, however, the sheer number of days I’ve existed on the planet has me thinking in different terms. Because life becomes even precious as the years progress, I’m adding several reasons to remember a sense of gratitude in my list of resolutions.

First off, I’m grateful to my body. After years of despising its flaws, I’m realizing what an amazing gift this vehicle has given me. Although decidedly not the model’s figure I coveted in my youth, my body has provided me with years of health and a pain-free existence to enjoy all that life has to offer.

Secondly, I’m thankful to those who have chosen to be part of my life. Family and friends are true treasures. Their support, emotional and otherwise, has enriched my every experience beyond measure. We can count ourselves extremely fortunate if we’ve had a friend nearby to help us through our struggles and celebrate our triumphs. Women especially center much of our lives around our relationships–so these connections are precious gifts indeed.

Thirdly, I feel incredibly blessed to have reached the stage in my life where I’ve let go of numerous inconsequential thoughts and worries. I’m feeling more and more liberated to speak my mind and pursue my own goals. And I’m finally realizing that my authentic being is actually “good enough” just as I am.

My gratitude list could go on and on as, I’m sure, can yours. So, as we commence with our new New Year’s resolutions, let’s vow to continue it. The mere practice of writing five things you’re grateful for (large and small) each day expands your awareness of the true gifts in your life. And what better way to guarantee you will enjoy a happy New Year than by remembering your blessings each and every day?!

Major losses aside, there are a number of little deficits I’m observing in my daily life. In fact, my senses seem to be slowly growing duller. My eyesight was never great, but now I’m noticing I don’t see as well at night and can understand why older drivers forgo getting behind the wheel after sunset. My hearing is pretty good but I’m beginning to ask “what?” with far greater frequency. And, although I still suffer from a lifelong struggle with portion control, even my taste buds seem to be less acute.

But as my five senses are growing less sensitive, my sixth sense seems to be growing ever keener. I can “read” people with greater accuracy than when I was younger. My theory on this? I’m becoming less and less the focus of my own drama and am more attuned to the reactions of those around me. I don’t sweat the small stuff nearly as much as I used to and this has freed me up to notice the big stuff more and more.

One of the bigger things I’ve noticed is the power of two little words. Although I’ve always been good at saying “thank you” whenever someone does something for me (like opening the door or passing the bread basket), I’m becoming more aware of the strength of acknowledging people—especially when they go out of their way. If you look for opportunities to genuinely recognize an act of kindness by others, these powerful two words can create a growing bond of mutual respect that will open doors.

Beyond the cursory “thanks for the coffee” and other automatic phrases we use in polite society, I’ve found that people are truly touched when you acknowledge them for a kindness or favor. Each of us yearns to feel special and many people don’t take the time to reach out and say “thank you,” even when it is warranted. Therefore expressing one’s thanks provides a recognition that is often unexpected but is always welcomed. In fact, this simple act will help you go far in business, when looking for a job, and in your personal life. It truly is the gift that blesses both the giver and the receiver.

As 2011 draws to a close, I’d like to take the time to thank you, my readers. You’ve followed me, encouraged me, and given me the greatest gift a blogger could ask for: that of being heard. It is with great gratitude that I wish each of you the happiest of holidays, good health, and many wonderful times in the New Year. And, even though it’s a simple two words, I mean my THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. So here’s to another fabulous year filled with new adventures, fun, and post-menopausal zest to each of you on the feisty side of fifty!

Suzanne Braun Levine, longtime managing editor of Ms. magazine and author of several books for women over 50, joined me once again on Feisty Side of Fifty Radio to discuss the various ways we undergo a multi-dimensional metamorphosis in midlife.

In truth, the beginning of the big change often looks like we’re standing still. It’s almost as is we go into shock…frozen by the overwhelming and often competing drives and feelings that inhabit out psyches. Do we want to quit our job and pursue a different career that’s more in line with our newly forming passions? Are we willing to step outside of our carefully constructed persona and start speaking up with a forcefulness that might surprise our friends and family? Do we opt to end a long-term relationship, that may be growing stale, in favor of a new one providing novelty and excitement?

All of these questions and more create what Levine terms “the fertile void.” This is the uncomfortable, albeit critically important, period of rebirth. On the other side of the fertile void lives the powerful land of “no” and the increasing ability to “toot.”

Learning both of these skills (and they are learnable skills) are your tickets to moving forward into mastery—living in a state of what psychologist Abraham Maslow called “self-actualization.”

So take a break from the holidays and give yourself time to think about how YOU can conquer new territory, how YOU can create your own state of mastery, and how YOU can experience your own state self-actualization. Take a listen to what Suzanne has to say in our 15-minute interview, at her appearance on TEDx Women, and on her post at Huff/Post 50.

And, if you know a boomer who’s looking for work, be certain to let them know about my own articles on Huff/Post 50. “’Tis the Season… So Get Out There!” and “Seasons Greetings Can Land You the Job” are packed with job search tips and reasons why December is the BEST time of year to look for work!

Even the fires that once roasted our chestnuts may have dampened over the years. In fact, some in our generation might confess that a growing inability to locate their groove thing has rendered mistletoe to becoming merely another piece of hanging plant material—devoid of romantic properties and just one more thing to dust.

But, before we all start shouting, “BAH!” let’s consider some of the ways the holidaze can be fun and festive—

Grandchildren: The absolutely #1 reason to enjoy the season is through the eyes of your grandchildren. These precious objects of any granny’s affections are sure to add a glow to your check and put the magic back into the holidays. Their delight is more than enough to warm your heart in a big, big way!

Reconnecting: Even though writing cards can be a chore, it’s wonderful to hear from those who were once a part of our lives but now live in distant places. This annual custom of catching up on one another’s lives is one I treasure and, I’m guessing, you do, too.

Taking Time for Fun: Parties and gatherings abound at this time of year. Carving out time from overloaded schedules to relax and enjoy friends and family is truly a cause to make merry…as long as you can avoid the fruitcake!

You Get to Flaunt Your Feisty: If you want to add a bit of feisty to the mix, drop by the Feisty Boomer Boutique and pick up a groovy, one-of-a-kind gift for your friends or a special treat for yourself. This bountiful boomer selection includes mugs, tees, totes, and more with psychedelic designs that are guaranteed to recharge any recipient’s flower power.

So here’s a ho-ho-holiday toast to the season—despite the stress, the crowds, and the cold, it really can be the most wonderful time of the year!

I don’t know about you, but in my case this time of year always brought on feelings of stress: too little time with too much to do. Our family’s birthdays cluster in November and December and only added to the shopping, wrapping, mailing, card-sending, cooking, baking, cleaning, decorating, and entertaining that’s already part and parcel of the season. (Wow! Even typing this list makes my shoulders rise and my breathing begin to come in gasps of air.)

Now, however, I’ve either eliminated or vastly cut down on all of the above. So here are a few more reasons why I feel grateful to be a woman over 50:

The gift of balance: What a giant relief it is to no longer buy into the belief that we need to do it all. At our age, we don’t have to feel responsible for creating the perfect setting, purchasing the perfect gifts, and making certain everyone has a warm and wonderful time. The fate of our children’s holiday memories is no longer in our hands. They’re creating memories of their own and, if we’re lucky enough to be included, all the better. But major merry-making duties have been passed to the next generation. And a giant Ho-Ho-Ho to that!

The gift of rest: We can (and need) to take time away from the hustle and bustle of the season. Shopping for hours and standing in long lines makes my back hurt and my varicose veins start to throb. So, at this age, my body’s signals that it needs rest can no longer be ignored. I used to believe I could keep going for hours and would feel guilty if I didn’t. Looking back, I’m not sure what I accomplished beyond giving myself what I called “Christmas neck.” By the time my neck got so stiff I couldn’t turn my head, I’d allow myself time off. What the heck did I think was so important it couldn’t wait? So here’s another big Ho-Ho-Ho for taking time to hop into bed whenever we feel the need for a long winter’s nap.

The gift of the holiday spirit: How wonderful it is to recognize the true gifts of the season. Now that I’ve pared my holiday chores down to a manageable size, I’ve created room to remember what the holidays are all about. Having the perfect garland draped flawlessly on the mantel backlit by precisely placed candlesticks…not so much. Getting down on the floor to play with your grandchildren…that’ll make your eyes twinkle for sure!

So here’s to a stress-free holiday season that’s filled with gifts that truly matter. And aren’t we lucky to be women over 50, who now know the difference!

Christine is one of those women who appears to have it all. She’ s not only glamorous; she’s enjoyed a hugely successful career in the highly competitive entertainment industry. Christine is probably best known for her makeover expertise—taking “befores” and transforming them into alluring “afters” on such shows as Oprah, The Today Show, Live With Regis and Kelly, and Entertainment Tonight.

But Christine has been hiding a secret for years…that is until she published her latest book, Take Me Home From the Oscars: Arthritis, Television, Fashion and Me. In it, Christine shares the details of her high-profile life and how she initially hid her diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. In the world of fashion and beauty, there isn’t room for a disabling disease. So Christine was forced to battle pain and other symptoms of the condition without letting anyone in on her struggle.

However the book is far from depressing or sad. Rather, it’s a mixture of humor, high drama, inspiration, and courage. And, even more, there’s a saucy smattering of Hollywood dish that keeps you turning pages until the end. (I read the entire book in one sitting—I literally couldn’t put it down!)

Having watched her on TV over the years, I know Christine has always possessed the engaging personality of a star. But sharing her story of arthritis has given Christine’s life a new meaning and depth… as well as infusing her with the enviable energy of a twenty-year-old when it comes to spreading the word. I had the pure delight of interviewing this remarkable woman on Feisty Side of Fifty Radio. Take a listen—the twenty minutes you spend is a guaranteed life-changer.

Then drop by Christine’s website, take a look at all she’s up to, and pick up a copy of Take Me Home From the Oscars. Rarely does a book touch readers like this one does. In addition to everything else, it’s a tale of turning adversity into an advantage…the perfect message for those of us on the feisty side of fifty!

In my last post, I wrote about L’Oreal’s ridiculous photograph of Diane Keaton claiming how comfortable she felt in her own skin. Problem was…there was precious little that resembled Diane’s own skin in that so-called “photo.” Facially altered almost beyond recognition, I bet the actress herself could barely make out her own likeness in that ad. Therefore, instead of finding “comfort in one’s own skin,” the words “bogus,” “demeaning,” and “insulting” came to mind for me.

The day after I spotted that particular ad that had so enraged me, I got even angrier. I watched the remarkable and important documentary, Miss Representation… and it all began to make sense. For years, marketers have tried to make us feel bad about ourselves. They figure, if they can present enough images of women with perfect faces and bodies, we’ll realize how flawed we are by comparison. Then, as our media induced insecurities grow ever stronger; we’ll spend precious dollars buying their products in hopes of fixing the defects Mother Nature bestowed upon our own imperfect features.

Miss Representation went on to show how, in years past, marketers achieved their ends by hiring glamorous models. They’d have these celestial creatures spend hours in hair and make-up and then bring in top-notch photographers to take hundreds of photos in hopes of catching just the one with the right look. Such contrived and nearly perfect images were enough to get us feeling bad about ourselves… and running to the nearest cosmetics counter.

But today’s technology has added a new and even more ominous wrinkle. Now the wily arbiters of beauty and fashion have the ability to enhance features and faces, removing any traces of the slightest physical flaw with the mere click of a mouse. Moreover, even the most beautiful of models and actresses can’t compete with digital perfection—take a look at what they did to Diane Keaton.

As Miss Representation pointed out, these blatantly deceptive practices go a long way to diminish the already fragile self-esteem of many teenage girls. But, rather astoundingly, they’re trying to do the same thing to us. Visible aging is a fear held many by women—therefore playing upon this fear and making us feel inadequate and “over the hill” is a virtual goldmine for the cosmetic companies.

So rather than falling for their devious methods and allowing them make us feel bad about our looks, let’s come together and use that energy to reignite our revolutionary spirit. Let’s draw upon our famous boomer bravado and shout “enough!” Let’s let vote with our wallets and not be buffaloed into thinking we’re “less than” because we have a wrinkle or two. And, finally, let’s educate our daughters, our granddaughters, and ourselves and watch Miss Representation. The documentary is playing on OWN. I urge you to view this truly incredible film with the women and girls you love. Then go to Miss Representation.org and take the pledge.

We boomers have worked hard in support of gender parity and the rights of all citizens. Let’s not waste precious time allowing the media to weaken our personal power and reduce our sense of ourselves as mature and attractive women through their photo-shopping ways. We’re way too with-it and wise (not to mention feisty) to fall for their underhanded ads. Feeling diminished and bad about ourselves is not only a waste of time; it’s a waste of the most important and vital years of our lives.