I Just Saw A Movie that Tells me I'm on the Right Track

Hi Everyone,
I know this is a very long title... but it says it. Although I needed to be home working on the manuscript for my nearly finished book, Sixty, Sexy, Sassy and Free... I did, instead, go to the movies this afternoon. Given the timing, Revolutionary Road was about to start.

I knew it would be sad, heavy and uncomfortable to watch; afterall it's about the disintegration of a marriage. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet are reunited from their Titanic movie of over 10 years ago. They are awesome. They've matured AND their chemistry is still amazing.

As I watched the unravelling of their relationship, I couldn't help but see myself and my own experience, not to mention that of many others.
But, the thing that struck me the most was the underlying "cause" or theme beneath the obvious. Here it is: Here's a man who settles to work at a job he doesn't like so he can make it -- e.g. support his family, pay the bills, be responsible. Here's a woman, frustrated by the boredom of the suburbs AND frustrated by her inability to excel in a career she was interested in. At some point in the movie, they climb out of their doldrums, develop a plan to alter life as they know it and REINVENT themselves. They get excited, take all the steps to start over. Their love returns, they're happy. Then, of course, they reneg on the deal and go back to feeling unfulfilled, unhappy with each other. It's awful.

They aren't even baby boomers, so why am I writing this? It's easy. I am so keenly aware of how many people are living lives of quiet desperation ... settling, giving in, daydreaming, but taking no action. In the husband's case, he had no clue of what he really wanted to do with his life. I can't tell you how many people I know that fit that bill. They don't even allow themselves to consider WHAT would make them happy, where they'd like to devote their time and energy. They're just too immersed in doing whatever it is they do. And, here's the worst part. They don't see that their own misery bleeds over into the misery of those around them.

So .. I'm on the right track. I'm writing, speaking and coaching on Re-Energizing, Re-Purposing, Re-Inventing .... in business and in life. My goal is for all people to be engaged in purposeful work and to feel a sense of fulfillment.

I invite you to continue on this journey with me.
My book is nearly done ... stay tuned for announcements.
If you're in the NY area, attend my workshops. If you're not in NY, let's talk -- gather a group of folks, pay my expenses and we'll split the fees. I'll come and do my workshops where you live.

Together, let's help people feel that sense of achievement ... let's make our hearts sing and feel passion.
No time like the present.
Thanks,
ann

Happy New Year 2009 & Happy Birthday to Me

Good afternoon everyone,
I trust you got the sleep you needed after the partying you may (or may not) have done last night. Whatever you did, I hope it was fun and fulfilling.

Today is my birthday ... and the only reason I tell you is because it's a milestone for us all ... all of us boomers, I mean. Remember, I call myself the Head Boomer because I'm born on this day ... the first day of the baby boomer generation. Yes, Boomers begin turning 63 today, just like me.

Funny, 63 sounds old, but I don't feel old and I don't look old. Most people think I'm quite a bit younger and sometimes I have to swallow hard when I admit my age. But, here's the rub. I can't call myself Head boomer and declare my age so publically and then lie about it at other times. So, for example, on dating sites .. I have to be honest. Does that get me less attention... probably. I mean, clearly, how many men are chomping at the bit for a 63 year old woman? So, if I lied by a few years, maybe I'd get more traffic. But, so be it. I'm sure, that one of these days, the man of my dreams will show up. I know he's out there looking for me too. In fact, I might have already met him and it's just a hop, skip and jump til it's declared and we realize it and relationship starts.

Point: You never know what the next moment in time brings you!

So, now for the specialness of today.
It's follows last night, which turned out to be nicer than I expected, altho frightfully cold in NYC.

Today is laid back for now. I took myself to brunch, ate too much (which has to stop happening very soon.) I'm home for a bit, then I'll have a few friends joining me for Happy Hour this afternoon. (Hoping the freezing weather doesn't keep them away.)

I'm reflecting a lot on how I expect this year to be.
Of course, I'm concerned, as we all are, about the impact of the economy. I'm a bit worried about work and contracts and "gigs" and finances. But, I'm also truly optimistic about the fact that I have talents, skills and information that's very timely and helpful. So, getting that word out will help.

I've been self-employed for 22 years now and have ridden waves before. I'm sure I'll be fine. We're all in this together, so let's hold on tight.

Meanwhile, throughout the day, and the weekend, I'll continue reflecting, intending, creating my future. It's nice to have a 4 day time period to do that in. I'll be working, yet relaxing and playing as well.

How about you?
If any of you reading this would like my FREE New Year's Assessment guide, please send me an email ... ann@annfry.com I'll send it right out. It's an opportunity to reflect on this past year and to prepare for this new one. It would be my pleasure to share with you.

So, take a deep breath, hug yourself, tell yourself how wonderfully marvelous you are, take another deep breath, sit down and write your goals/intentions for the year, DON"T make resolutions (you know you never keep them), take another deep breath, then go out and do something fun.

Remember the people who love you, remember all that is working well for you and all that you have to be grateful for.

Keep your optimism in check... you'll need it. Figure out where you are and where you want to be. Perhaps this is the year you REALLY do regenerate or reinvent yourself. If that's your goal, make sure you're on my mailing list at www.itsboomertime.com I'll be starting my ReInvention teleclasses very soon... you won't want to miss them

So, here's to 2009 -- may it be your best year ever ... the year you reach peak fulfillment in all areas.
For me .. I want a great man/relationship this year, I want lots of speaking engagements and coaching clients and I want my book to be a best seller. Of course, I also want health, wellness and wealth.

I raise my glass of Proseco to you and wish you all your dreams!
Happy New Year... from me to you.
I'd love your comments.
Hugs,
Ann