Toastmasters: Facing Your Fears and Doing It Anyway

Today in Toastmasters each member presented a toast to our club's 80 years (the 2nd oldest club in the world!).  I recalled a famous author and spokesperson who delivered her messages using some of the most exquisite words strung together that I've ever heard outside of the classic writers.  She spoke about the third chapter of our lives from 50 - 75 years as an opportunity, a time to remember and a time to make an imprint on our world.

The problem:  She read her entire speech, a beautiful discourse that could have had even more impact had she summoned the courage to speak from memory and from the heart.

After the early morning club meeting, I attended a play where my granddaughter participated as one of the crowd.  No particular attention was drawn to her and she liked it that way.  She preferred to be out of the spotlight (a contrast to her feisty, animated demeanor she displays at home). But let me tell you, I recognize how much courage it took just for her to get on the stage.  Because I used to look in the mirror and see the same fear.

Thanks, Toastmasters, for your instruction and encouragement.

Boomers Pack Audience For Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot

It was like Car-man going to Concours d'Elegance or Chef-man going on Top Chef.  

Hearing Harvard sociologist and much-acclaimed author Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot speak was like listening to the ultimate concert or a precisely-constructed poem for a "word person" like me.  

Take these phrases and let your mind go wild:

"Arc of life and learning"

"Looking back and giving forward"

"Futuristic and transformational"

"Deep gladness meets the world's great hunger"

"Their stories became their compass"

"Season in search of a purpose"

"10,000 baby boomers turn 60 every day." (S L-L)  The third chapter of life, between 50 and 75 years, is a period when we're neither young nor old, when we urgently need to get on with what we need to be.  

Top 10 Websites for 2009, Part 4: Men, Keep Out!

This is my final segment for my favorite websites for 2009, 10 websites that will change the way women boomers use the Internet in 2009.  No peeking, men.

9. 50+ Fabulous

50+ Fabulous is intended to provide a forum for women to share ideas and motive other women to go after and achieve their dreams in spite of generations of barriers.  In addition to its cadre of experts and guest columnists, this attractive and comprehensive site covers topics in timely articles such as those on life, work, love, food and wine, dating and style.

Find out how our generation of women has reinvented itself.  And reach out to like-minded women.  You're not alone.  

10.  Vibrant Nation

Stephen Reily, founder of Vibrant Nation, is a rare commodity, a man who understands women and what they want and need.  On an attractive, readable and easy to maneuver site, his all-female panel of experts assists 50+ women exchange information.  Here you can ask and answer questions, share or find recommendations or participate in a conversation.  Women can reveal their favorite things on "love it lists" or relect on things that make their lives better on "live it lists."

These 2 sites are "absolute musts" for every woman over 50.  

For more great websites, visit 50somethinginfo.com, the search engine dedicated to delivering the best of the net to boomers and seniors!

Real Heroes

It was a sight to see. We stood in our cousins' window and watched their neighbors angle their 2 small cars to fit into a garage built to handle 1 1/2 cars. Carman said it couldn't be done except maybe by some experts. But he didn't know Sue and Bob well enough to know that they weren't your usual people.

Twenty-four years ago I met Bob, a healthy, upright, hard-working, vigorous schoolteacher who embraced life.

On a winter break in New Hampshire, his life as he knew it shattered. Not only did it look like he'd never ski again, it appeared that he wouldn't be doing much of anything physically for the rest of his life. Little did we know that this person couldn't be stopped.

We'd watch him hobble down the street, struggling to take each step and maintain his balance. It was painful to watch--it had to be excruciating to maneuver. With his loving, amazing, steadfast, and capable teacher wife by his side, he continued teaching, took vacations, and earned the admiration of anyone they came into contact with.

Last May I heard that Bob took the wheelchair to new heights. With pounds off, he tackled new sports such as basketball, tennis, and skiing.

What will he do next? Who knows? But whatever it is I am certain it will be performed with zest, determination, and courage.

Kudos to my heroes, Bob and Sue R.

Eulogizing a Shirt: Improving Your Life

When I first met him last week, he described himself as previously socially inept. Now I was listening to him speak both eloquently and humorously of his old friend.

Not many people can eulogize a former shirt as capably as Colin. I was figuratively present at several events marked (literally) on the fabric. I envisioned him sharing his favorite lobster bisque with the shirt. I imagined this English gentleman deftly sipping his wine but missing his mouth as he chatted with the pretty girl at his side. I could picture his wife as judge, jury, and executioner of his adored piece of nostalgia.

Seeing his comrade not only tossed away unceremoniously but also being driven away in a thrift shop van must have made him choke up some. I could feel his emptiness upon detecting the gross absence in his closet.

Colin may have had trouble communicating before. But certainly not now.

He enrolled in Toastmasters. And it wouldn't surprise me if he availed himself of adult education classes. Or participated in some volunteer organizations. But you can be certain that whatever he is doing, its side effect is promoting better health, and giving him confidence and better self-esteem which he was so eager to acquire not that long ago.

Bravo, Colin.