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During a recent shopping trip, I passed a lady shopping for the perfect greeting card for a friend.  She was thinking out loud.  Realizing I was near and probably heard her #self talk, she apologized for talking to herself.  We both smiled and I commented, she was most likely the best person to talk to.

Most of us have monologues with ourselves.  What did I do with my keys?  What time am I supposed to be there?  When was the last time I wore this? These one-sided conversations have become rather normal.

Sometimes we are less than positive with our banter. “I always miss the turn;  I should not wear this;  I can’t believe this traffic;How could I forget ….

Let’s continue with our self talk.  Let’s do it more often.  Let’s make it positive.  I am grateful.  It is all working out favorably.  I can laugh at this.  I can do this.

When our self talk is positive,  we feel better about what we are going to and what we are going through. Next time someone unexpectedly catches you right in the middle of your self talk, continue your conversation with the greatest listener you know and greet that person knowing that they also understand the creation of a great conversation with self.

Go out and have yourself a wonderful day knowing that you are loved, brilliant and a great self motivator.

Do you remember having the “talk”?  It could have been the first day of school, your first car, that first date, leaving for college, getting engaged, divorced or returning to your parents’ home.

Two of the most dreaded “talks” that come to mind for our gracefully aging population are realizing our parents are no longer able to adequately care for themselves or that we are no longer able to care for ourselves physically or financially.

Recent conversations with friends, family, clients and colleagues reveal this message in some form or fashion; the uncertain future for many #baby boomers. Do we sell our homes?  Is it more beneficial to downsize?  Should we move to be closer to family members or friends?  How about inviting family members or trusted friends to live with us?

The talk allows us to tell our story lovingly, kindly and honestly.  This discussion has  little resemblance to that talk of our adolescent years when our friends were the experts. We have done the research.  We are facing the realities of life.  This conversation is about truth.  Are we able to care for ourselves or care for our loved ones in the manner that is deserved? The talk matters and deserves our diligent attention and preparation.  Are health challenges — mental or physical a part of the equation?

Remember, we are all human and need each other.  It is not about mere survival, but thriving through the ages. Be sure to examine your own feelings and those of your parents as we make these major lifestyle changes and decisions.   Everyone’s opinion matters and deserves to be heard.  Listening, acceptance, inclusion are crucial as we make this journey.

This conversation may be the most important talk we have ever have.  Make it worth your time and that of your love ones.  It’s a part of our New Beginning.

Let me know how it goes.

Joy and light,

Angela

It’s been 13 years since we were abruptly awakened to that early morning traumatic death of my husband.  There was a call for help, pain, ambulances, emergency assistance, hospital waits.  And finally the physician’s voice with words that seemed foreign to my ears.  It was more than shock.

My thoughts,” It’s ten days before the holiday season.  Our daughter is Senior Class President, Optimist Club President, about to graduate from high school. ”

With support from family, friends and neighbors, we managed.  Our daughter graduated from high school with the usual honors to which we had become accustomed.  She entered and graduated college.  Life goes on.

Each day is a New Beginning. We miss you.  We remember you.  We honor you.  Thank you for the special moments, the courage, the confidence, the honesty, the LOVE.

I share this story because I know many of you are going through this holiday season without loved ones in your physical presence.  Know that they are in a special place and messengers when we need them.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with love, peace, joy and continual blessings.