It's not politics as usual

An interesting thing happened today. The Kennedy family endorsed Barack Obama for President... not Hillary Clinton. The apparent rationale for this is that it's time to pass the baton to someone new and "young." Now, I'm not taking a position on this politically. My politics are private. However, the point is... if Obama wins this election .. it will be the first time a President has been younger than me. Well, actually that's not true ... both Clinton and Bush were born in 1946, a couple of months behind me. But, Obama will be younger than almost all the boomers.

I'm an advocate for aging with grace and for people NOT to experience discrimination because of age; however, all around us, we see favoritism cropping up for those younger. Are we being pushed out? Is young the new way? I bet our parents said that too. I bet we also thought that at 62 our parents were old.

I don't know, I just feel funny. I think we should look at the candidates for what they stand for, what experience they bring and leave age out of it. Look at John McCain. He's quite a bit older. How will the election fair if it's Obama vs. McCain?

The polls are indicating that Obama is appealing to the younger generation and that he's getting out the vote. They're inspired by his youth. Is that what it takes? Who knows.

I also realize that we still have a lot of primaries still to go. Both parties are neck in neck now. I suppose it could all turn around. And, I also believe that the media can skew the process by they way they cover the stories, how they speak. For example, are there certain candidates on both sides that the media just isn't paying attention to? By ignoring them, are they tossing them aside and only keeping the others in the forefront? Can it all be manipulated that easily?

Point: Are elections manipulated by the press so as to throw votes behind a favorite? Can the hype then influence us as to who to vote for? Is age truly a big factor?

I don't know what to make of it all... except to raise the issue. I'd love your comments.
Ann
Ann

I Feel Pretty .....

An amazing thing happened today. I had lunch with a young man who is in a professional organization with me. We met last week and arranged to meet one on one to get to know each other.
What I didn't know is that this young man wanted to meet me more for social reasons. He found me attractive and has already asked me out on another "date."

Now, I love men and I love to date ... but, this man is really young ... he's only 10 years older than my son ... and 23 years younger than me. So, me, I'm suspicious. I think that all he wants is to get into my pants -- try out an experienced older woman.
He swears that age means nothing to him and that he is attracted to people for who they are, not how old they are.

So, it's my issue. I must confess though --- I feel pretty and "hot" and attractive. My confidence just went up a few notches.
I'm not sure what to do -- it's a bit awkward for me. but, he's adorable and I'll be the envy of others to be seen with him
I sent a text to my son and told him about this and said... how do I handle it. He said.... go with it and have fun!

So, I will.
Point: The world isn't always orderly. People are not all the same. Take your compliments wherever they come from Lighten up and enjoy!
Have a great weekend.
Ann

Baby Boomers - It's Not Our Fault

Good morning,
Each morning I get a google notice about new articles about baby boomers. It helps me keep my thumb on the pulse of "all things boomer."
This morning, I was reading an article and they stated the following:
"Some economic forecasters say: The Baby Boomers are about to be Budget Busters." I had a visceral response to that. It almost sounded like "blaming the victim."
Yes, it's true -- there are so many of us AND many of us are or will be retiring soon, are or will be collecting our social security soon and YES, that will put a strain on corporate budgets and the federal government. But, they make it sound like we are being greedy. That's so wrong.
First, WE are not responsible for our births. Our parents had sex (starting right after the big War), didn't use birth control and hence, we were born. I didn't ask to be born. I came from them and their choices. People in that era had an amazing number of children.
We, the boomer generation of children, grew up to be hard, diligent workers and we've been successful. We've paid into our retirement funds; we've paid into social security. We are now entitled. Period. End of story.

So, why is the media and the government trying to make us almost feel guilty for breaking the bank? Perhaps it has more to do with the poor planning for this massive retirement. Did they pay enough attention to what was coming? I think not.

The same thing is happening in corporations and other workplaces all over the country. They are in denial of how the huge flight of the boomers will impact their workplace. The boomers, being the knowledge-bearers of their industry will be leaving in droves. The Generation Xers, although very smart, will be floundering to keep things afloat ... minus the history and understanding of longevity.

Well, it's time for everyone to get their head out of the sand AND be realistic about the future. Find solutions -- don't complain.

I'm a person who is insistent about taking 100% responsibility for my life and my actions. I rarely blame others (okay, occasionally, because I'm human). Some "woo woo" new-age folks would say that I'm responsible for bringing myself into the world. Maybe. But, for the most part, that was my parents decision. I can't help being the age I am, any more than a person of color or a person of height can be responsible for who they showed up as.

I invite your comments here. How do we encourage our country and our corporations to be long-sighted and to start planning to deal with the realities that the boomer generation impact?
I have my thoughts. I'll roll them out as we go along.
As for the workplace denial, I have a FREE special report at www.itsboomertime.com/reports.php

Point: We are who we are. Accept it. Don't expect a free ride ... but by all means know what you are entitled to. Don't let anyone bully you.
Namaste,
Ann

2 Big Stories in the Same Day

Good morning,

Well, I might not be a brainiac... but consider this. The lead story of the day is the tumbling stock market ... followed by the Oscar nominees. Wow. And, it's only 11:00 a.m. What's yet to come.

I think a lot about the media and how it drives our directions. 

So, I could begin to really panic about the stock market (but hey, I have very little money in it) or I could get really excited about the fact that I saw all 5 of the nominated movies already this year.

Money / Movies. 

Well, heck, I'd rather think about the movies. Movies are my therapy. I could go to one every day if I had time. To me there's nothing better than the big screen, dark theater, popcorn and diet coke.... especially in the middle of the day when very few people are there. Yahoo. It's heaven. I have total control over the movies I see, don't see, like, etc.

Stock market ... let it do what it does. I learned a long time ago that no matter what, you "let it ride." It always comes back.  Yes, it might be slower, but why panic and take it out when it's low. End of story. And, I have little control -- actually none -- over that situation.

Another interesting survey result I saw today. They asked young people if they would rather have Jennifer Aniston's body OR her wealth. About 70% said they'd rather have the money. Then, they interviewed a young female therapist who was concerned. She thought people should want to have that perfect body ... which she equates to "health." If more people went for the body, they'd be healthier. While I don't disagree with the premise, I'm concerned that looking at Jennifer's body and asking teens ... well, it continues the whole discussion about sexual beauty. If young women keep striving for sexual beauty, are they learning useful skills that can make them wealth? I mean, can every girl who is beautiful .... find a way to make money.

No, I'm not being naive. What I'm actually ranting about here is about how the media perpetuates the deal about women having to be skinny, trim and have perfect bodies. 

Oh, well -- enough said.

The other headline was about the Democratic debate last night and the sparring between Hilliary and Obama. I'm sick of that already.

Point: How do we get to impact the media with what's really important? What is important to me/us as aging boomers? How do we get that stuff out into the world?

I'm open and willing to take on the big issues effecting us. Let me know the ones to tackle and I'll write and hopefully be interviewed about what matters to you. I take my "head boomer" title seriously -- I want to represent you/us.

Happy News Reviewing today!

Ann

The Value of Giving

This morning I went to a special tribute for Martin Luther King. It was a tribute by teenagers in a performing group. It's part of a city-wide program that engages disadvantaged youth in performance art... and much more. I've signed on to do some volunteer work with them.

The kids poured their heart into reading poetry, dancing, singing acting and overall paying homage to this great man. It was so appropriate for me to go there today. There are people that have lived in our lifetime, from whom we have much to learn. They gave their lives (sometimes literally, as in this case) for what they believed in. They went beyond their personal concerns and lived to be of assistance to others.

It called me back to the boomer roots of "giving back" and making a difference.

When I moved to NY two years ago, I realized that there are things I'm called to do AND I might not even know yet what they are. One of them, I do know, is to volunteer with some group that moves me. Well, I've found it. I'll be starting an orientation next week to work in leadership development with these kids. It will take all my experience -- my social work background, my organizational development work, my speaking abilities and channeling it into working with the youth. I'm so excited.

Point: What moves you? Where in the world can you do something to make a difference? Who needs you?

I have so many things I believe in and want to be involved with. There are things calling me day and night AND, if I didn't need to sleep, I could well be busy all the time. My days are full, many of my nights are full. Some of the "full" means doing frivolous stuff -- going to movies, eating out. Other things are business-related -- networking, going to all the "right" places, etc.

What's been missing, though, with all the busyness is... doing for others ... just because.

Last night, I went to see a silly movie. It was called Mad Money. Diane Keaton, a fav boomer, was the lead. She steals money from the  World Bank or something like that. The reason she steals is because: her husband got laid off, they couldn't afford their house payment or health insurance, they had a kid in college. Her husband feared that he wouldn't find another job -- because of HIS AGE. Yup, it's starting -- the age discrimination of US... the boomers. Yuck.

You might wonder -- why is she telling me this. Well, it's because I'm also passionate about ending age discrimination. It's all around me/us.  I'm about representing to the world that boomers are young, vibrant, passionate, capable. Now, we must prove it. Keep on doing and being who we are. Our spirit of giving can truly end the war, end hunger, end discrimination -- if we put our minds to it.

Point:  What will you do this year to make a difference for others? What causes will you throw your hat over the fence for? You probably already donate money. Yes, that helps. But, it's not going to give you the feeling of reeeallly doing something incredible. What will you do?

Sorry to pontificate. If you want to sit on the couch and watch TV .. then, by all means, do so. But, if you get a little bored and want something more meaningful .. there are things to help with out there that have your name on them. I hope you go for it.

For me, I'm gathering tonight with 4 other professional women to create a MasterMind group to grow our businesses. I can't wait.

Today was a great day. I saw kids perform, I got hired for three new speaking engagements. Wow!

Have a wonderful rest of day.

Happy Giving to Others!!!

Ann

Hooray -- I LOVE being 62

Good morning everyone,

Well, I've finally done it. I've accepted that I really am 62. Yahoo! What's great about that is that I can gracefully move forward with who I am. No secrets, no shame ... only pride  and honesty.

Point: Always love who you are!

Now, I've never been one to lie about my age, but I noticed the last couple of years that I would sort of circumvent it. There were two main reasons for that: 1. I feared I might not get hired for my consulting and speaking services because of "age discrimination" and 2. I thought men wouldn't be interested in me at this age. My preconceived notion about this is that they "all" want younger women. Well, you know what, I find younger men much more attractive too. Our radar is still ... young!

Well, my age is now a Non-Issue. I'm 62 and damn proud. I don't look 62, I don't act 62, and for the most part I don't feel 62 -- well, except for when I first wake up in the morning, with those damn aches and pains.

Point: Now, I'm ready to embrace 62 as my age of wisdom. 

I've done a lot, accomplished many things, am credentialed up the wazoo -- people want me for all of that and probably don't give a damn about the age. And, if they do ... well, it's their loss.

The world (well at least the world of Long Island, NY) will know today that I'm 62. I'm on the front page of the Act 2 section of the Newsday newspaper there today. They quote me as turning 62 and refusing to collect my social security. (If you want to read the article, go to: www.newsday.com/business/ny-bzcov0110,0,710749.story)

Yes, I'm 62, but I'm not ready to collect my social security. I wish to all those who are ready, that they do it; but me, I'm not ready. I earn too much money and would have to give that up; I want to wait til I'm 70 and then get twice as much money monthly when I need it. End of story.

Point: So, what about you ... are you embracing your boomer age -- whatever it is? 

We are the knowledge-bearers for our families and for our workplaces. We have wisdom. We are worthy of respect. As a woman, I'm am a crone -- a wise woman. I love that. As arrogant as I am, I can run around telling everyone that in Native American tradition, I AM Wise Woman. Yahoo!

I hope you'll run around your world embracing the beauty of who you are.

Happy embracing.

Have a wonderful weekend.

I'd love to see your responses and comments.

Ann

Boomer Women -- what a hoot

I had the pleasure of attending an incredible, fun night last night. There must have been 150 or more boomer-aged women in the audience. It was a comedy event, to raise money for a charity.

We laughed, we cackled, we drank "girlie" martinis, we stuffed our faces with Carnegie deli sandwiches and cheesecake. It was sponsored by www.thethreetomatoes.com  Kudos to them.

The most fun for me was meeting extraordinary women. Many of them were/are adventurers. There's the one who got divorced after 34 years, moved into the city and started a whole new career. There's the one who is living with a man 20 years older than her and is considering quitting the job she's always done to roll out the entrepreneur model.

Then, there's the one who got a divorce and turned it into a business to encourage other divorced women to love their lives.

Point:  You're never too old to start over in your life.

Beyond the boldness point, there's a camaraderie amongst women AND boomer men to see us all succeed and to represent how vibrant we are.

There was a younger woman (someone's daughter) sitting behind me. She kept telling me how much she loved my hair. She asked my age and couldn't believe it. She told me I was her new role model and how she wants to look like me when she's 62. How cool is that?

Point: Did you know there are actually "boomer want-to-bes" out there in the world. They wish they were born in the greatest generation in the world.

Most important point:  A very valiant cause --- ComedyCures.com had thousands of dollars raised by a group of boomers who want to make a difference.

What are you doing to support significant charities. What ideas do you have? We want to partner with you around the country to have It's BoomerTime events and raise money. Let me hear your ideas. Email me or respond to this entry.

Have a wonderful day and go out and make a difference.

Ann

Focus -- and Passion

Good Afternoon,

Well, I've had my first lapse in  posting regularly. So sorry. Funny how life gets in the way.

I'm inspired today by someone I know very well who totally lives life on his terms. Now, in this case, he's not a boomer -- far from it. He's my son, Gabriel. Let me explain. He's such an example.

Gabriel is only 29. He's a singer and he's incredible. He has been single-focused since age 20 to make his singing career work. He can teach us about focus. 

I just returned from 3 days in Austin, Texas where he lives. I went there to see his band perform. It was a special "gig." I was blown away at how good they've become. You see, I've only heard them on CDs or on their myspace website. I don't live in Austin any more and they haven't performed in the Northeast yet where I live now.

One of the reasons Gabe is so focused and passionate is because I (and his Father too) really encouraged him to live his life doing what he loved. As I speak for myself -- from the hippie generation -- it's about loving what you do. Other parents warned us NOT to let him major in music; that it would be a waste of time; that he should get a "practical" degree. We said, "it's his life.. he should do whatever he wants that will make him happy."

So, what I notice from this is that the boomers -- we sort of settled, often into jobs of mediocrity and often worked for security and not for passion. Certainly not all of us. I did for a few years and then figured out how to do what I love. But, I'm lucky. The Generation Xers and Y's ... they go for what they want.

Point:  Pursue your dreams -- it's never too late. Love what you do, what gives you juice and passion. Don't give up on it ... keep trying. Rah, rah! (for the cheerleader in me)

Boomers -- hear me out. You deserve to spend the rest of your life doing what you love. Now, don't go and quit your job if you can't survive financially. Instead, start slowly, on the side, build up. When you're ready -- then you can quit. If you're already retired, start figuring it out.

On the heels of the weekend and my son and the fabulous music, etc., I got an opportunity this morning to do a short presentation for a local group. All I had was 10 minutes to close up an intense meeting. Well, in 10 minutes, I had them laughing, learning a new stress technique and they left with a shift in perspective and feeling much better. Many of them came up to me and thanked me. It was interesting to me. I was the closing speaker ... with only 10 minutes. There had been others before me ... but they loved what I did for them.

Why do I tell you that? Not to brag. Hey, speaking ... it's what I do, so I'd expect it to be good and helpful. I tell you because they "got" that they are the ones in control of how they feel. I shared my secrets for how to lighten up and feel good. They saw that they get to choose whether to feel good or feel bad. They got to see that they are in charge of their perspective. There's power in knowing that.  

It's all related: Do what you love, indulge your passion, realize that you can choose AND you're in charge of how you perceive things. 

I invite you to take charge and make some changes if you need to / want to.

Summary:

My trip to Austin --- Airfare/Transportation - $450.00

     Food/ Fun -- $100.00

     Hearing my son's band ... PRICELESS!

Have a great day.

Ann

Yearning...

Good morning,

Last night, I went to a networking event. I got there 45 minutes late because of a subway delay.

It was in a small, trendy restaurant/bar. There must have been a hundred people (mostly under aged 30, with a few 40's). It was packed solid. I couldn't even get to the bar or the food table; it was incredibly noisy. I couldn't hear anyone speak. I'm a bit claustrophobic in that sort of crowd situation. And this is networking?

So, after 10 minutes, I put my coat back on and left. The organizer was thrilled to have so many people there --- yes, she made money last night. But, did she deliver? How many people really felt they could network? I told her I was leaving and she could care less.

Point: I left. I looked inside myself and chose what was/is best for me. I listened to my internal voice. I "honored" myself.

This morning, while meditating, I got it -- "it" being the foundation for all I'm doing here with boomers. Baby boomers NOW have the opportunity to "honor" themselves, go for what they want, don't do what they don't want to do, etc.

My new mantra (as of today): Honor your "yearnings." Take risks to fulfill your yearnings. Don't lose the vision of what you hunger for. If you don't know what that is, then be still (as often as possible) and look inside. You can also ask those you know and love you what they think you yearn for. They've heard it probably many times. They remember. You, on the other hand, bury it under all the "stories" of how you think you can't have it or be it or do it.

Point: Consider others around you ... BUT, by all means "honor" yourself first. It's your wild and crazy life -- no one else's.

Happy yearning!

Have a great day.

What a Day .... How to Manage it All

Good Afternoon,

Whew, I'm really back at work at the Desk of the Head Boomer ... one week into the new year.

Phones ringing, millions (not really) of emails. People are back!

I'm determined to complete this book I'm writing, but it seems the days fly with everything else.

I started with a breakfast meeting at 8:00, then conference calls at 11:30, 12:00, 1:30, 2:30, 3:00. Here it is now, just after 4:00 and I've got to leave soon for a 6:00 Networking meeting.

Did I write even one word in my book draft today? The answer would be NO.

Point: I'm in charge of my own schedule. I don't work for anyone but me... AND, I still don't seem to have time. We all need crash courses in stress/time management OR we need to make our calendars kinder and gentler ... to avoid burnout.

Would you believe that I have designed and teach a course called: How to Manage It All? How ironic. It's often said that we teach what we need to learn.

Is your life like this as well? We're all only human. Take some time. (Think I'll be quiet for a few minutes before charging off.) Take some deep breaths. It will all be perfect.

Tonight ... turn on the telly, kick your shoes off and watch the results of the nation's first primary. Should be really interesting and telling ... perhaps a predictor of who the 2 candidates will be.... and who the candidates "won't" be.

Happy viewing.

Catch you soon.

Ann

So Much for Discipline

Two nights ago, I declared in front of several other people that I would really take charge of my health and fitness. I further reiterated that I meant, I will eat healthier foods AND work out.

Well, yesterday, I worked out, with a friend. But, I made poor choices of food all day.

My ability to discipline myself is really poor.  I know I've been using food for comfort lately. It helped get me through the holidays (when I would feel lonely or sad).  And, about the working out thing, well these days, my lot in life seems to be to support the Sports Club with my money, but not use it. How very special of me.

A small digression:  I injured my knee several months ago, had physical therapy, etc. Well, it wasn't healing. I finally had an MRI and now know I have a torn Meniscus. I need to have surgery. But I can't have surgery without a "non-flying" time afterwards of at least 3 weeks. So, surgery won't happen til March. I'm free to exercise, but the doc says, "if it hurts, don't do it." I'm realizing it hurts, but keep trying.

You know what, though, I don't need to beat myself up AND I might practice more "self-love." Will I eventually get it together and lose those 20 pounds --yes!

Point:  I'm not any more perfect than anyone else -- I struggle with my own short-comings. As I tell others, I can practice loving myself as I am and being more gentle. 

Further Point:  Never, ever, ever give up on what you want. Get up, dust yourself off, and try all over again.

Happy dusting off and loving!

Have a glorious Sunday,

Ann

My crazy schedule

Good morning,

I didn't wake up until 8:30 this morning. Wow. Well, I was really tired last night.  I should explain.

I'm a night person. I frequently stay up til after midnight and sometimes I go to sleep and then can't sleep and get up and read or write. So, it catches up with me.

The point here -- I used to handle the weird sleep patterns better. Could it be that as I get "older" I need more sleep? Who knows. Since I refuse to admit getting older, I think I avoid the question.

But here's the important piece. Because I live the life I love -- I work for myself, set my own schedule... it doesn't really matter. I can sleep later in the morning. I can stay up later at night. Now don't get me wrong. I work a lot, and I love everything I do.

Point:  When you follow your dreams, live the life YOU want ... then your sleep patterns are yours to choose.

Ask yourself -- am I living life on my terms? Do I get up each day and do what I love? Is there something I need to think about changing in my world so that I can have that?

Happy Searching.

I could say TGIF -- but when you live the life you love, everyday feels like Friday, or Saturday or Sunday.

Have a great day.

Ann

Here we go

Good morning,

Well, today is the Iowa Caucus. Part of me says, "who cares! and I 'm already tired of the politics." The other part of me says, "here we go with our nearly year of politics and I'm hoping that whoever gets the presidential office CARES about the needs and interests of the boomers." I guess we'll know some important results in about 10- 12 hours. Glad I'm not in Iowa.

Point: For us, boomers, to get our needs met, we need to take them into our own hands, be proactive and NOT just depend on Washington to meet them. But, taking charge ourselves -- that's really good news.

It's really cold in NYC where I sit today. Winter has arrived. Let's make that good news. Use being inside more in a positive way: meditate, make lists of your goals and desires and actions to take, pursue your hobbies, become an advocate and write letters and emails about what's important to you, be loving with your mate OR take on a lover if you're single. 

Point: In cold weather, utilize your indoor time powerfully and have fun with it!

So, that's it from the desk of the Head Boomer on Jan. 3rd. 2008 --- which we know is the BEST year ever. Have a great day! (This is fun -- I love doing it.)

Excitedly,

Ann

Welcome... Entry #1

Hello Everyone,

So... what do you want to do with your wild and crazy year? Yes, it's January 2nd, 2008 -- we're back to our life. What now? Is it life as usual OR will it be a different, more fulfilling year? (By the way, I won't use the "reso......" word -- don't believe in them.) For me, it's about the BIG PICTURE and then baby steps for getting there. And, it's about the ups and downs of the journey. That way I'm rarely disappointed at my progress. I put one foot in front of the other and keep on going. And, I NEVER give up.

Okay, so, who am I and why am I writing this blog? And, why would someone bother to come here and read one of probably a billion blog entries per day around the world?

I'm Ann Fry, I'm the "head boomer" and CEO of It's BoomerTime. Why the "head boomer?"

Well, I was born on January 1st, 1946 ... NOT the first one born, but came out as soon as I could. In fact, I was born at 8:11 a.m. on that day ... AND I was 2 months early. I think I've been a "preemie" my whole life. I love to jump the gun, to get a head start and I'm usually early wherever I go. Now, as for size. I was small when I was born -- still short, but not tiny anymore. But, I think I look great! I have a lot of other qualifications for being in this position, but you can read about me elsewhere if you'd like.

If you haven't been to www.itsboomertime.com I hope you'll visit. We're new and growing. We'd like you to sign on to our newsletter.

For this first entry... I'll make it fairly short, but have a few more things to say.

1. I'll enter several times a week -- can't promise daily, but I'll try
2. I'd love to interact with you, so pleeeasssse add your comments.
3. I'll focus on all things "boomer" -- I see myself as an advocate or "Point person" for the generation
4. My goal is to pull you forward towards fulfillment -- living the life you want and I'll be challenging you (and myself) to go after all that.
5. My other goal is to encourage you to be philanthropic -- to give to help others. (I'm a social worker -- and I'm always there to remind us to take care of others less forturnate.)
6. My still other goal is to bring awareness to the whole area of boomers at work AND boomers retiring -- both groups are important
7. My last goal is to encourage you to have as much FUN as you can in your wild and crazy life.

Now because this is my blog -- I might get off track at times. I might make some political comments, suggest you see certain movies, comment on relative news issues, talk about dating and marriage and relationships .... oh, and sex and romance. So, be prepared.

For today or whenever you read this.... I suggest a moment of reflection:

Look at your life, go through each area (maybe write them down) and indicate which parts are working well and which aren't. Then, consider what you might do to make them all work the way you'd like. And, don't forget to be generous with yourself -- to recognize all you are grateful for along the way.

Happy reflecting! See you next time. Thanks for reading.

Excitedly yours,

Ann