Boomers RE-Inventing

Good evening everyone and I hope you had a fabulous weekend.

I happened to be on a phone call early this morning with a group I'm doing a seminar with. There were two men and two women.
An interesting phenomenon happened. Both of the women, upon hearing more about the work I do with baby boomers and re-invention, wanted to know more. One quit her job 6 months ago with the intention of not working for a year and figuring out what she really wants to do. The other has worked in the same industry for 30 years -- is wildly successful in her own business but is now looking at what's next, or what else she might do. I suggested the 3 of us meet for lunch or coffee and get to know each other better.

It made me realize how many zillions of baby boomers there are out there who want to re-invent but don't have a clue as to what, how, when, etc. Obviously there is much work to be done.

How do I, as one individual, reach out to these zillions and let them know I want to help? I mean, really -- I do want to help. I realize how lucky I am to do things I love. And, I know that so many people don't have that experience.

Even at the top of the boomer pack - turning 62, we are young and vibrant and still can do it all. Hillary Clinton is 60 and she's running for President. Look at the leaders of the top companies and the governmental leaders -- they're all boomers.

Last night, while watching the Oscars, I saw how fabulous Helen Mirren looked. She's 62, I think and she's radiant and full of talent.

So, what is it for you? Do you want to go back to school? Do you want to work in an area you've never been involved with? Do you want to paint or act or write? Just make your list -- the list of all the things you've always had in your "someday, maybe" pocket. It's time to take it out of the pocket, dust it off and think about it for real.

You might be saying, "I don't wanna" ... do the work, take the risks, explain to those around me what I really want..If that's the case, join Susan Meyer and I for the "I Don't Wanna" teleclass. It'll be on March 12th at noon (EST). For one hour, we'll explore the I don't wannas that hold us back and how to navigate through them. To register, email me: ann@itsboomertime.com

Point: Don't die with your dreams inside you! Go for it!
I'm here for you. Feel free to contact me, ask me questions, post comments, etc.

Happy exploring.

I Don't Wanna ........

I woke up this morning with a big case of "I don't wanna." Sometimes it follows me all day long.
I had a scheduled call with a peer to discuss a project we're cooking up and neither of us was in a very prepared mood.
We're planning a series of workshops at prestigious spas around the country -- for busy executive women. We both have our tasks to carry out and we "meet" by phone regularly. Today, we had not done our homework.

We began talking about other things and eventually got down to the issue of weight and physical well-being.
Now, I don't know about anyone else reading this blog, but I want you to know that I struggle a bit with my weight. I'm not obese, but I could stand to lose 25 pounds. Granted, I know how to dress well and I can look terrific, but underneath those garments, I know what is really there.

I was telling Susan that I started going to Weight Watchers and how I hate it. I told her how I have a gym membership and don't go often enough because I hate it. Then, I reframed it. I don't really hate anyone or anything. But, when it comes to dieting and giving up eating whatever I want, "I DON"T WANNA!" And when it comes to going to the gym, "I DON"T WANNA."
Actually the truth is -- I'm mad at myself for getting to the point where I need to go there. I wish I was just skinny and I don't like taking responsibility for the fact that I let it get out of hand. Now, there's the truth

We started talking and realized what a great need there is for a support group called, "I DON"T WANNA." So, I'm going to start one, with her.
So, welcome to the I DON'T WANNA CLUB.
Point: We all have those things we know we "should" do and don't because we don't want to. But, if we are truly true to ourselves and living life passionately and fully, we need to go beyond the "I don't wanna."

How can we do that? How can we get ourselves to do those things we don't want to or don't like doing. There are lots of them besides diet and exercise. There's the pay the bills, pay taxes, make marketing calls, go to networking events, doing things for others even when we don't have the energy, volunteering, etc.

What's the secret to doing it anyhow?
Remember, I have the mantra ... "Aw, what the heck ... do it anyhow!"
If ever there's a time that you don't wanna, well, do it anyhow. And, savor how great you feel when you do.
So, I'm inviting you to the hear about the first ever "I Don't Wanna" teleclass that will be coming up very soon.
To hear about it, make sure you sign up for my It's BoomerTime newsletter. Go to www.itsboomertime.com and sign on. I'll announce the time there.

So, boomers -- you are being called up now to NOT give up your "I don't wannas", but rather to embrace them and do them anyhow. Onward! You'll love the results.

Expect the Unexpected

Good morning,
Well, actually, it's just barely ... good afternoon,
Every Monday morning I send out an email to a list of people -- clients, former clients, friends, family. It's called Coaching Morsels. It gives them something to think about as they start their week -- hopefully something that will help them during this next week. It's just meant to be a bit inspirational. People have been getting it for years and I love doing it. It gets my week going too. (By the way, if you're interested, I'll add you to the list. Send me an email at ann@annfry.com and in the subject put: Morsels)

As I wrote my morsel this morning, I realized I wanted to expand on it here. It's very relevant. Today's morsel was about Serendipity. Here is what I said:
Do you ever experience serendipity? You know ... where you get an unexpected or accidental outcome? In my belief system ... that's the true outcome. You show up someplace for one reason, and what actually happens is something totally different. It's really cool. Keep your eyes open for these experiences. They are all around you. You merely need to open your eyes to see them.
Keep watch over the next week. Be aware of how time, place, direction collide to produce very different experiences than what you expect. Most importantly .... set your radar on high to receive these incidents. They might be personal. They might be business -oriented. However, they are always meaningful. They come in packages like -- meeting new people, seeing something that spurs a new thought, finding a place you never knew existed. It's fun AND exciting and a way to truly experience magic.
Happy Serendipity

What's relevant about this is that it happens to all of us, BUT, we're often oblivious. We're walking, driving, focused on ourselves and we miss what passes right in front of us. One of my all time favorite movies was Made in Heaven with Timothy Hutton and Kelly McGinnis. It's a classic. If you've never seen it ... rent it. Anyhow, there's a scene where the two of them are supposed to meet ... they are shown walking down the same streets, rubbing shoulders as they pass, yet oblivious to each other .... until they finally do. It's a scene that perfectly shows the concept of serendipity --- they ARE SUPPOSED to meet.
Another perfect movie about this is called... Serendipity ... with John Cusack.

What does this all mean? It means that perhaps there really is something or someone working behind the scenes to set things up for you. But, it you're not paying attention you'll miss it all. People are put in your path, or they are sitting next to you at an event. Signs are posted on boards ... with a message you're supposed to see. I know this sounds a little "woo woo," but consider those weird meetings you've had that were totally unexpected. Or, consider that you're walking or driving and you end up on a street where you find the perfect store or restaurant or someplace you've always heard about. Or consider that you're scanning the radio or TV at the perfect moment to see the perfect message. It happens all the time.
If you miss it, you might miss a possible romance, or friendship OR a possible new client for work, or a cute little outfit that was meant for you.

Point: Be totally open to your surroundings and all that happens around you. There are people, places, things that are destined for you to connect with. Don't miss them. Don't go through life unconscious. Be open, open, open. See what can occur.

When you don't what's next for you in your life -- ask. When you go to sleep at night, just ask outloud..."what's next?" I light a little tea candle each morning. And, as I light it I say, "Show me what's next and bring me the people you want me to meet."
The results are amazing.

Point: I LIVE MY SPACE FROM A PLACE OF "NOT KNOWING" ... I LOVE TO DISCOVER WHAT'S NEXT FOR ME AS I LIVE EACH DAY. IT'S SO EXCITING.

I suggest you keep a journal of your experiences when you live from this place.
Happy Serendipity.
Ann

Random Thoughts

I've had quite a wonderful time with my son during his visit with me in NY this week.

Gabriel is a singer in a rock band in Austin, Texas. He's amazingly talented (if I do say so myself). But, more than his talent, I admire who he is as a person.
He's about to turn 30 ( in 4 weeks). He's committed his life to his music. He works day jobs as needed ... and he lives to sing. He is also so grounded and together and positive. He has never, for even one day, thought that "he would not be successful."
Imagine if we all lived our life that way.
Point: How our life goes is pretty much up to us.

He has opinions about politics, the world. He votes. He's excited about Obama actually and thinks most people his age are.

Although I focus a great deal on the boomer generation; I must admit I sometimes overlook how incredible the Generation Xers are. They're ambitious, they're independent ( well, duh... they were raised by us.) Perhaps turning the world over to them will be just fine.
One more thing, Gabriel and his friends really respect me. In no way do they look upon me as an aging woman, but yet are inspired by my courage, my adventurousness, my zest for life. They hope to be like that when they get older.
Point: When you have a great life, you leave a wonderful legacy for your kids.


If you don't know your kids as adults and haven't become equals or friends at that level -- take a stab at it. It's awesome.
Thanks!
Ann

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Happy Saturday,
First I want to write about one of the most perfect days I've ever had ....
Point: You want to enjoy being in the moment and take pleasure in the experience .... many more days will go down as perfect when you do that. Don't focus on the parts of the day that don't work, but rather on the beauty of the ones that do.

it was Thursday. In the morning I got two phone calls asking me for more services -- speaking and assessing services through my training company, Humor U. In both cases I wasn't just being "considered" as a possible speaker. These people have used me before and were calling just to invite ME (not anyone else) to be there for them. It was such an honor to know that what I do makes a difference and people want more of it.

In the afternoon, with my son Gabriel (he's visiting for a few days), I went to a singing lesson. Now. some of you know he's a singer in a band, so it was brave for me to bring him along. I wanted his critique on my range and I wanted him to meet my teacher. it went really well. He was impressed and they really hit it off (as peers). We all went to a Karaoke club and rented a private room and then were joined by my son's friend. We sang for 2 hours. Gabe and Amy collaborated on many songs. She's a Janis type singer -- really belts them out and Gabe is every bit as good. It was like a private concert. I was in tears and laughing.
I got in a few songs and they helped, as did Patrick. It was a total "in the moment" experience.
Then, Amy left, but the boys and I walked around the Village here in NY on a mission to find the "perfect burger place." It involved trapsing from the Eastside to the Westside, from downtown to Uptown. But we did. What a blast to hang out with them and for them to enjoy being with this old geezer.

Point: When you're hanging out with your kid and his/her friend ... enjoy the ride WITH them ... from their perspective. Be young with them. It's a blast.
And, now, for the bad and ugly part:
I read a post elsewhere about the horrible bludgeoning of whales ... of their meat. There are graphic pictures on the site and a story not to be missed.
I question why we have to exploit beautiful creatures ... just to provide us with beauty and glory. If we're not careful, the whales will join the endangered list.
Read more here: http://www.darwinnewsblog.com/?p=656

Let me leave you on a positive note.
It's the weekend. Go out, be with people you love, enjoy every moment ... even the less pleasant ones have something to teach you.
Happy Saturday ... and Sunday.
Ann

So, how exciting is this?

Well, Super Tuesday is over. What have we learned?
In terms of the ages of the candidates ... it's all over the place.
McCain is definitely a senior citizen, not a boomer.
Romney, Huckabee and Clinton are all boomers.
Obama... well, he's barely a boomer. I think we thought we'd have clearly declared candidates by the end of the evening, but apparently that's not so.

Is it about choosing? Are people voting for who they really believe will be the best? Or are they voting with who they "think" will be a winner? We all love to be part of the 'winners." What part does the media play in all of the choosing?
I've noticed that the media seems to push some candidates and give them a great deal of exposure and yet, with others they seem to almost ignore them. Many have dropped out due to being ignored.

Who of the candidates will address our needs best?
I read someone else's blog entry this morning who was happy that the boomers weren't showing much winning capacity. He thought we shouldn't have our needs met. He considered us to be selfish and only seeing "what's in it for us."
I, for one, totally disagree. I think that the issues that are important to me as a boomer are also important for the rest of the country. I'm concerned about the economy ... my investments are not doing well (I want to be self-sufficient as I age and not have to depend on others to care for me) , and I assume that is true for others. I'm concerned about healthcare and the fact that many of my loved ones (younger) are not able to get good health insurance. I'm concerned about there being an environment that is protected for my grandchildren (when they arrive on this planet).

Point: We all need to be involved in the political workings of our country. We need to ask the important questions, hold our candidates to task, invite everyone to vote. It's up to each one of us to contribute to the well-being of our country.
Point: We don't need to agree with who our loved one's vote for... but we do need to know they're considering the facts when they vote and not just jumping on someone's bandwagon because it seems exciting. Look at the issues.

Now, onward. Remember the power of our generation.
Point: We can make a difference, one person at a time. Don't ever, ever, ever give up.
Have a great day.
Ann

Okay -- Enough Fooling Around ... IT'S TIME

Good Morning,
What a glorious morning it is. "Why?" you might be asking. Well, the NY Giants won the Super Bowl last night in an awesome, stunning game. The last 2 minutes of the game (which was, of course, like 15 minutes of real time) were exhilarating. I was on the edge of my seat. Now, it's not so much that I'm a big football fan. Yes, I do understand the game and I enjoy watching it, but really only when there's a team playing that I support. Now that I live much of my time in NY, I'm a New York fan. But, I still live in Texas a bit too, so then there's the Cowboys of course... and the University of Texas Longhorns.

The thing about last night for me is multi-faceted. First, I was alone. I'd been out of town for the weekend, didn't know in advance when I might get home, so had no party to go to for Super Bowl. Second, I watched the youth of the day playing... with their fierce determination. Third, I watched the Boomer coaches ... with their calm. Fourth, the element of winning was delicious.

Okay, so there was passion and drive. How much money do they make for winning? I'm sure that contributes. But, there's more.
The Patriots were a little smug and over-confident I felt. They had this sense of "We deserve to be undefeated." I'm not sure they even thought they would lose. Not a bad attitude, but in this case, they couldn't seem to get in stride ... just assumed. The Giants were the underdog. They just knew in their hearts they could come from behind and make it happen. And, they did. They had good leadership in their quarterback and in their coach. They never waivered.

But now, the real purpose of this column .... It's Time.
When you really want something ... you MUST go after it. You know I speak of this consistently. At this point in my life, it's my message ..... aw, what the heck ... just do it anyhow or just go for it. Life can pass you by. Don't settle. Yada, yada, yada. I've said it all before.

Now, here's my call to action. I call you to Re-Invent yourself. Even if you're happy and life is perfect, where is there still a piece missing? Do you need to do less? or More? If not now, then when?

Point: Don't sit around waiting for your life to be great .... make it great.

Call to action: The first 5 people who read this blog and POST a response ... you can have a 1/2 hour of my time FREE to help you get started with a new goal. This is a huge opportunity for you. Coaching is not free and cheap. But, I want you to be my guests in reinvention. So, go to it. Post a response... it will have your email address and I'll be in touch soon.

Point: The time is now..... what will you do?
Have a wonderful week.
Ann