Blog - Blue Bottle Passion

June 30, 2019 by Sue 2 Comments

7 Simple Tips for Aging Well

We can agree we all want to age well. Aging well doesn’t have to involve drastic measures like plastic surgery or liposuction. Aging well can be small, simple steps taken for big results.

1. Be Aware of the Sun

The first step is the most obvious. I personally don’t believe the sun is my enemy, but with my fair and easily burned skin, I do wear a hat and use sunscreen when I’m outdoors for an extended period during the middle of the day. Don’t choose just any sunscreen, however. Some contain questionable ingredients. Check out the sunscreens at Made Safe™

2. Use a Moisturizer

It’s a fact. As you age, your skin produces less oil. Dry skin looks older. Dry skin doesn’t cause wrinkles, but aging skin becomes more dry. My favorite moisturizer protects, firms, lifts and recontours. Neal’s Yard Remedies has many wonderful moisturizers for different skin types, but I’m in love with Frankincense Intense™ Lift Cream

3. Exfoliate

As you age, skin renewal slows down, leaving your face with dulling, dead skin cells on the surface. Exfoliating speeds up the process of renewing your skin, helping your skin retain its youthful glow. Rehydrating Rose Facial Polish gently exfoliates and enriches normal to dehydrated skin with wild rose seed powder, milk thistle and aloe vera.

4. Avoid Bar Soap to Cleanse the Face

I get it. I never felt my face was clean unless I washed it with Ivory soap and water. When you are young you can get by with it, but soap is too harsh for aging skin. My recommendation is Frankincense Refining Cleanser.

5. Use an Eye Cream

The skin around the eyes is different from the rest of your face. Using your facial moisturizer in the eye area can cause puffiness or irritation. Eye cream is formulated for the thinner, more sensitive area around the eyes. Frankincense Intense™ Lift Eye Cream is scientifically formulated to target skin that’s starting to show a lack of firmness, elasticity and definition, including deep lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Check out my post on why you need eye cream.

6. Remove Makeup Before Bed

Going to bed without removing your makeup is a big fat no-no. Your makeup and the oils and dirt that build up over the day can settle in your pores, clogging them and causing breakouts. Your moisturizer should be applied to clean skin to work properly, especially if it has anti-aging ingredients. Eye makeup can damage your lashes. Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic Eye Makeup Remover is Dermatologically and Opthamologically tested, conditions lashes and removes even water-proof eye makeup.

7. Give Up the Products You’ve Used Since You Were a Teenager

My go to product in my teenage years was Noxzema. Great for oily teenage skin, but would not help with my lines and wrinkles. Are you using the same products you used as a teenager? Maybe it’s time to try an age-defying option. I’d love to help you choose the perfect Neal’s Yard Remedies products for your skin type. Continue the age well discussion over on Facebook.

Heads up: My posts may contain affiliate links! If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission, which helps keep the lights on. Thanks!

May 7, 2019 by Sue Leave a Comment

5 Simple Tips for Soothing Facial Redness

Facial redness is a common concern among women, and has many causes. Hormones, stress, broken capillaries, too much sun, wind, heat, cold, as well as rosacea can contribute to excessively red skin. A significant cause can also be sensitivity to synthetic fragrance or perfume. Neal’s Yard Remedies has many products to alleviate excessive facial redness, and help your skin look its best, even without makeup.

A red or ruddy complexion can simply be red, irritated skin, or redness with oily tendencies and pimples. Different types of products can be tried depending on which type of redness is occurring.

Soothing Starflower

The Soothing Starflower Collection, also known as borage, range of products is blended with calming aloe vera, licorice and alpine flower. This dermatologist-tested, alcohol and fragrance free collection soothes and calms sensitive skin.

White Tea has antioxidant properties and can calm and rehydrate all skin types. White Tea Facial Mist is perfect for sensitive skin. It contains soothing aloe vera and a quick spritz will instantly refresh and rehydrate, even over makeup.

Ease Redness With Roses

Rehydrating Rose Facial Oil soothes and balances while it locks in precious moisture and restores radiance. Many women find Wild Rose Beauty Elixir calms red, sensitive skin with wild rosehip oil. Though it may not benefit all with facial redness, some have also found relief with Wild Rose Beauty Balm, containing wild rose seed oil and starflower seed oil. Apply Wild Rose Beauty Balm as a thin, protective layer before venturing out in the cold, or even before a hot yoga class.

Clarifying Mahonia Skin Gel balances blemished skin, and is perfect to throw in your purse for on-the-spot treatment. It contains soothing calendula and aloe vera.

Beauty From Within

Supporting your skin with Frankincense Intense Beauty Boost is a great addition to your “age well” routine and supports your skin’s radiance and collagen production from within. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation. Biotin and zinc help maintain healthy skin, and copper contributes to normal skin pigmentation.

Many of us are struggling with excessive facial redness. Keeping a diary about what’s going on when flare-ups occur can be beneficial in pinpointing triggers. Watch to see if hot, cold or windy weather is a factor. Diet, including hot beverages and spicy foods could worsen the condition. Read the labels on your skin care products to make sure they are free of synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals.

Neal’s Yard Remedies products have a forty-five (45) day, 100% money-back, satisfaction guarantee so you can shop with confidence. Consult with your medical provider for treatment of any medical condition.

Let’s connect in the Perfectly Organic VIP Group and get better acquainted!

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March 12, 2019 by Sue 1 Comment

Why You Need Eye Cream

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, the area around them is a billboard announcing your age. On the one hand, we women just want to age well. On the other, age discrimination in the work place is real, and no matter what age you are, you want to be taken seriously. This is the world we live in.

The skin around your eyes ages faster

I know. Cleanse, tone, moisturize. Why a separate product around the eyes? The skin around your eyes is different than the rest of your face. It’s thinner, more delicate, and less elastic. It’s prone to dryness, puffiness and dark circles, and shows signs of aging faster than other areas of your face. Regular moisturizer applied too close to your eyes can increase puffiness, and cause makeup to settle in the fine lines.

Less is more

Start with a small amount of eye cream on your ring finger, about the size of a piece of rice, then share that small amount between both of your ring fingers. Dot gently to the orbital bone area around your eyes until fully absorbed. The product will be drawn in to the areas that need it. For best results apply morning and night. Depending on the time of year and your particular skin type, you may find one product works better than another, or that once a day is all you need. If you are using a product in a jar, use a spatula. It helps prevent product contamination, and with getting the correct amount. A little goes a long way with all these products.

Frankincense Intense™ Lift Eye Cream

Neal’s Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense™ Lift Eye Cream is scientifically formulated to target skin that is starting to show a lack of firmness, elasticity and definition, including deep lines and wrinkles around the eyes, which are some of the second signs of aging. 71% of women agreed their eye area was visibly lifted based on consumer trials on more than 100 women after 6 weeks. This cream comes in a small jar, has a lightweight texture, and is ophthalmologist tested. Ribose, linseed extract and micro algae help to lift the eye area. Hyaluronic acid helps to plump and hydrate to smooth deep lines and wrinkles around the eyes. A blend of green tea caffeine, turmeric extract, and organic green coffee seed oil, helps to revive the eye area. The Frankincense Active Phyto Complex helps to protect against environmental factors that accelerate skin aging, as well as supporting Neal’s Yard Remedies sustainability mission towards creating zero-waste products. And…it’s one of nine awards Neal’s Yard Remedies won in the 2019 Beauty Shortlist Awards for BEST FIRMING EYE CREAM!

Frankincense Intense™ Eye Cream

A 3-Peptide Complex in Neal’s Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense™ Eye Cream increases skin’s suppleness and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles, which are the first signs of aging. Gardenia stem cells and sodium hyaluronate help protect and enhance skin plumpness and hydration. Green tea caffeine extract revitalizes skin and antioxidant-rich argan oil helps keep skin looking healthy, reducing puffiness around the eyes.

Rejuvenating Frankincense Eye & Lip Serum

Neal’s Yard Remedies Rejuvenating Frankincense Eye & Lip Serum hydrates the skin around the eye and lip area and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, with frankincense; baobab oil, marine algae and smoothing tripeptides. This serum is suitable for all skin types.

Rose Formula Hydrating Eye Cream

Neal’s Yard Remedies Rose Formula Hydrating Eye Cream is a light silky and easily absorbed cream suitable for all skin types. It nourishes and hydrates the delicate eye area to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkle.

White Tea Toning Eye Gel

If you prefer the texture of a gel-type product, Neal’s Yard Remedies White Tea Toning Eye Gel is for you. Soothing and cooling witch hazel, glycerin and aloe refresh even sensitive skin. Anti-oxidant white tea limits the production of free radicals, which can damage the skin. And guys, you may want to consider giving this one a try!

So how do you know which product is best for you? You definitely want a product made with natural and non-toxic ingredients when you are dealing with a sensitive area like around the eyes. Either Frankincense Intense™ product is the way to go if you are looking for an age-defying eye cream. (My personal favorites!) White Tea Toning Eye Gel is perfect for those with sensitive skin and who prefer a gel texture. If you prefer a pump dispenser over a jar, Rose Formula Hydrating Eye Cream and Rejuvenating Frankincense Eye & Lip Serum are the way to go. Whatever skin care products you use, now is the time to add an eye cream to your skin care routine!

Let’s continue the discussion over on Facebook! Join me there for a limited time special offer…

February 23, 2019 by Sue 2 Comments

Simple Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

It’s been a long winter this year. Here in Minnesota, winter can arrive in October and hang around until early May. And I’m so tired of February with its record setting snowfall. Seriously the shortest month? 28 days feels like about 4 months, and I was gone for one week of it!

No wonder we get the winter blues. In fact the further north of the equator, the more likely you are to feel the winter blues or seasonal affective disorder. Women are four times more likely to have the winter blues than men.

Turn Up the Lights

One way to combat the winter blues is to increase your light. Open the curtains and sit by a bright window. Turn on more lights in your home. Consider a light box for 15-60 minutes a day. You can get a light box without a prescription, but it’s a good idea to consult a health practitioner before using one.

Check Your Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiencies are linked to depression and other health issues. Most of us simply aren’t getting enough Vitamin D. Getting out in the sun isn’t easy in the winter, so choosing a quality supplement may be the best option.

Get Moving

Getting outside to shovel snow is one way to get some exercise and sunlight all in one. I know it can really be a challenge when it’s 50 below zero windchills, and the streets are coated with ice. Even a short walk outside is beneficial. Yoga may be helpful.

Try Some Essential Oils

The chemicals in essential oils can trigger physiological responses enhancing mood. There are many essential oils to choose from that can be helpful with the winter blues. Fragrance an entire room by using a cool mist diffuser, or simply open a bottle and breathe in the fragrance for several inhalations.

Jasmine: The warm floral aroma of jasmine is powerfully uplifting and relaxing.
Bergamot: Bergamot is relaxing, uplifting and invigorating.
Frankincense: Frankincense calms and uplifts the mood while increasing energy.
Patchouli: Patchouli is stimulating and strengthening.
Ylang-ylang: Ylang-ylang has a relaxing, sedating and calming effect on the nervous system, creating a sense of wellbeing and relaxation.

Consider Your Diet

When I’m feeling down, I could eat half a loaf of toast. Processed carbs and sugars may give a temporary lift, but the let down feeling quickly follows as your blood sugar takes a nose dive, so it’s best to avoid them as much as possible. Try working cold-water fish like salmon and tuna into your menu a couple of times a week. If you don’t like fish, a high-quality fish oil supplement may help. Increasing your veggie intake is always a good idea. A healthy diet most definitely improves mental health.

See a mental health professional if you are feeling seriously depressed or have suicidal feelings.

Have you tried essential oils for the winter blues? Which essential oils have helped you the most? Comment below or continue the discussion on Facebook.

January 28, 2019 by Sue Leave a Comment

Meditation Aromatherapy Blend from Neal’s Yard Remedies

Can a meditation aromatherapy blend of essential oils help with focusing on the present and encourage mindfulness? We live such chaotic lives filled with multi-tasking. We all operate on auto-pilot way too often. When we finally have a moment to ourselves, we tend to reach for our phones, iPads or the television to relax.

Benefits of Meditation

There is evidence that meditation has been around since pre-historic times. Archeologists believe meditation practice began 5000 years ago in India. Researchers have found many benefits to meditation.

happiness; increases in feelings of positivity
stress and cortisol reduction, which is linked to cellular aging
emotional balance improvements, ability to put life in perspective
productivity; increases in focus, creativity and multitasking
reductions in pain perception
improved relaxation and a more peaceful mind
improved immune health

Tips for Beginning Meditation

An easy way to begin to meditate is through mindful breathing. Start your diffuser in a quiet place with a few drops of Meditation Aromatherapy Blend Set a timer for 5 minutes. Sit in a chair, on a bench or on a cushion. Relax, close your eyes or not, and focus on your breathing. If your mind begins to wander, gently bring it back to breathing in and out. Meditation music can be helpful, whether you are a beginner or not. The Space Between is piano meditation music. Gradually increase your meditation time.

Meditation Aromatherapy Blend

Certain essential oils are known to aid a harmonious link between mind, body and spirit that is key to meditation. The Meditation Aromatherapy Blend helps you to relax when you’re busy, which encourages slower, deeper breathing. It creates a wonderfully restful yet uplifting aroma, that can be diffused to help promote a sense of calm and focus for meditation.

Key Ingredients in Meditation Aromatherapy Blend

Frankincense: promotes deep breathing, sustainably sourced from Oman and certified organic
Vetiver: promotes relaxation, from Madagascar, Sri Lanka or Haiti
Sandalwood: promotes feelings of wellbeing, sustainably sourced from Australia
Balsam Fir: balancing and uplifting from Canada
Black Pepper: tones and stimulates from Sri Lanka
Balsam Copaiba: calming, balancing, grounding, certified organic from Brazil
Mandarin: calming, soothing, certified organic, from Brazil
Orange: uplifting, certified organic and sourced from Italy
Palmarosa: eases restlessness, balancing, certified organic from Uganda
Cedarwood: reduces stress and tension, certified organic from France

Now is the time to begin a regular meditation practice. It’s exciting to think something so simple can deliver so many benefits. With practice, you can meditate while on the go, while walking, or in a bath. Just focus on your breathing or a phrase, or a repetitive prayer. Find what works best for you, and enjoy a moment of zen each day.

Meditation Aromatherapy Blend | Neal's Yard Remedies | NYR Organic | Meditation | Essential Oils | Mindfulness | NYR Organic US

Finally, check out all of Neal’s Yard Remedies AROMATHERAPY PRODUCTS. Continue the discussion, and keep up with the latest Neal’s Yard Remedies new, specials and more on Facebook.

January 19, 2019 by Sue 2 Comments

An Open Letter to Millennials from a Baby Boomer

Dear Millennials,

I recently watched a movie set in 1971 that got me thinking about that time in my life. I graduated from high school in 1971. Those of us coming of age around that time thought we could change the world for the better. After all, we watched man walk on the moon. What has actually been accomplished in the last, almost 50 years?

We thought we would see a cure for cancer, or at least the end of the common cold. Today it doesn’t appear we’ve cured much of anything. We just have lots of maintenance or treatment prescription drugs we can look forward to being on for the rest of our lives. In 2016 the odds of getting cancer is close to 40% for men, and slightly less for women.

The cost of medical care has skyrocketed, and yet we are no healthier. In fact the average American probably isn’t as healthy as they were 50 years ago. Medications that were inexpensive years ago, are so expensive that those without drug coverage can’t afford them. Too many Americans are still without health insurance.

Many were protesting the Viet Nam War back 50 years ago. We hoped to end wars on foreign soil far from home. Not only are American soldiers stationed far from home, terrorism in our own country is a constant worry. War was waged on illegal drugs, but opioid addiction and overdose deaths are increasing at an alarming rate.

When I graduated from high school it was possible to pay for a public college education as you went by working part-time after school and during the summer. A college education will soon be something only the rich can afford.

Once we graduated from college we dreamed of getting married and owning a home. Little by little these dreams are also becoming something only the rich can afford.

Our government no longer represents the US citizens. Money and lobbyists control our politicians and the agencies that were supposed to watch out for our welfare. Instead of solving the big problems that have been with us for years, like immigration and providing homes for the homeless, our government regulates non-issues like lightbulbs and the size of soda.

We used to be able to rely on the media to report unbiased news, and even be the watchdogs for corruption. Today the media is controlled by a few, and what’s presented as news is editorials at best, and propaganda at worst.

We now live in a country filled with corruption and controlled by greed. Every generation hopes to see their children better off than the previous generation. I’m sorry that is not the case for you. We hoped technology would improve our lives, but that’s not what happened.

Your generation is one of the best-educated and most tech-savvy ever to have entered the work force. You have access to more information than any previous generation. Go out and create a better country for future generations. I have faith you will be able to achieve the American Dream.

Wishing you a future filled with all the best,

Sue

January 12, 2019 by Sue Leave a Comment

Why Vitalibis for CBD Oil?

This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

After an interesting experience using some CBD I picked up in Boulder, Colorado, I decided CBD is a product I want on hand in the medicine cabinet. I woke up in the middle of the night with terrible pain in my hand that Ibuprofen didn’t come close to alleviating. I remembered the CBD and took some. Was the CBD responsible for taking the pain away in less than an hour? I can’t really say, but I’m sure going to have it on hand from now on. There is plenty of information on the internet about uses for CBD. I’ll let you research how and whether the potential benefits can help you. And there are definitely lots of potential benefits. But how do you know which brand to choose, and why is Vitalibis CBD Oil the one I recommend?

The Product

Vitalibis starts with high-quality organic hemp grown in Colorado. The soil hemp is grown in is important because it has phyto remediation properties. This means hemp purifies heavy metals, pesticides and impurities out of poor soil, making clean, organic soil crucial for growing hemp.

Most CBD oil is extracted with solvents like butane and hexane, or CO2. Vitalibis has a patent-pending process utilizing precise 2 second bursts of heat to extract the oil, leaving all the beneficial compounds without compromising the taste. This process creates flavorful, premium, full-spectrum, phyto cannabinoid rich hemp oil.

Vitalibis CBD oil is blended with MCT oil from organic coconut oil. Throughout the growing, extraction and manufacturing process, Vitalibis products are tested by independent third party laboratories, ensuring the quality.

The Vitalibis Ambassador Program

Everyone wants to get the best price on purchases, and Vitalibis makes it easy. For a one-time $20 enrollment fee, you can purchase Vitalibis products for a 20% discount on personal purchases and free shipping over $50. That’s it. No complicated auto-ships or minimums.

The Vitalibis VIP Ambassador Program

Ambassadors receive a free personal website link upon enrollment. Sharing your link and love of the Vitalibis products can earn you a 20-30% commission. This is not your typical MLM/direct sales marketing plan with 50-some different ways of getting paid, but only when the planets align in a certain way, which sadly isn’t likely to ever happen for you. The Vitalibis VIP Ambassador Program is a unique, simple affiliate micro-influencer two level commission program that puts more money up front where you have the opportunity to earn it.

You shouldn’t have to spend money to make money. Vitalibis offers an opportunity that is a no-brainer. You can save the $20 enrollment fee in the discount on your first purchase! The company has a mission of social and corporate responsibility. The Vitalibis team has a proven track record of success in social selling. Now is the time to join Vitalibis. Together let’s share health and wellness with Vitalibis!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

December 14, 2018 by Sue Leave a Comment

Simple Tips for a Healthy New Year

Another new year is right around a corner. Thinking about new year’s resolutions? Have you ever been frustrated by the end of January when things don’t go the way you planned? What if it’s not your fault?

Improving your health can be overwhelming, especially when it seems everywhere you turn you face toxins that can cause weight gain, hormone disruption, interfere with your thinking, fatigue, joint pain, irritable bowels, cancer risk and more. Where to begin? Diet? Exercise? Environment? It’s enough to make you throw your hands in the air and give up. But what if small steps in the right direction could lessen the risk of chronic and “lifestyle” diseases?

Food & Diet

Starting a diet at the beginning of the new year is nothing new. Of course a better diet will support better health. I’m suggesting improving the quality of your food over counting calories. This includes replacing unhealthy cooking oils and fats like canola, soybean and margarine with healthier options like avocado, olive, coconut oil, and butter.

Replace or reduce your intake of artificially sweetened soft drinks with filtered water. Aspartame is linked to all kinds of health issues. Add a slice of lemon or other fruit for flavor. Avoid beverages bottled in plastic, and make sure your water bottle is toxin free, like glass or steel. Stay hydrated.

What you cook and store your food in is just as important as your choice of food. Use iron, steel or glass pans to cook and bake in. Avoid non-stick and aluminum cookware. Store food and leftovers in glass and avoid plastic altogether. Replace black plastic cooking utensils with wood or steel. Plastic can contain brominated flame retardants, chlorine, PVC, cadmium, chromium, mercury, lead, and other toxins that can leach into your food.

Eat more fruits and veggies and reduce the carbs and sugar. Go organic where you can. Wash them thoroughly either way.

Physical and Mental Improvements

Try for 20-30 minutes of excercise most days, preferably outside. Get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Turn off the devices an hour before bed. Calm the mind by meditating, praying or rhythmic breathing. Choose personal care products without toxic ingredients.

Clean your Environment

Keep your cell phone away from your body. Don’t put it under the pillow or on a nightstand when you’re sleeping. Turn off the wifi and bluetooth when you don’t need it, and switch to airplane mode. Turn your modem off at night or use a timer. Research is showing exposure to radiation from Wi-Fi and cellular phones can disrupt normal cellular development, interfere with sleep and more. Declutter. Make sure your home is free of mold.

Each step we can take reduces the collective stressors that increase the chance of disease. Maybe those extra pounds you’re carrying aren’t just the result of a weak will. Maybe the fatigue you’re experiencing is coming from toxic exposure. Maybe that digestive issue is caused by something in your diet. Perhaps by choosing one area to work on improving each month, you can end the year healthier than you started it.

My heartfelt wish for you is all the best of everything, especially your health and happiness in the new year!

Let’s continue the conversation on Facebook!

Holistic Wellness | Healthy Lifestyle | New Year's Resolutions | Wellness Tips

November 8, 2018 by Sue 2 Comments

Choosing to be Happy Today

Many years ago when Denny and I were just dating, his grandmother died suddenly in a car accident. He felt so bad for his mother, because night after night he’d find her crying for her mother, saying if only she had been happier while she was alive. This made such an impression on me. All that unhappiness in a mother and her daughter. How sad is that. I knew for sure I never wanted anyone feeling bad for me because I was never happy.

To a certain extent I think it’s human nature to postpone our happiness. There are just so many reasons we will be happy later.

It can begin in childhood. I’ll be happy when:

Summer vacation starts
Santa brings me that new game or bike
I get to high school
I get a part in the play
I get asked to go to prom

The cycle continues as adults. My life will be so much better:

When I lose some weight
When I get a better job
When I find someone who loves me
When my health improves
When my kids are older
When I get out of debt
When my business takes off
When I can travel
When I retire
When I get married
When I get a divorce

Don’t get me wrong. It’s great to have goals. We need goals and things to look forward to. It’s more about finding the joy in the journey as you work toward your goals.

It’s so easy to get stuck waiting for some outside force to make us happy. If you hate your job, what are you doing about it? If you can’t make yourself take steps toward doing something else, why not? I know it’s not easy if you are the main breadwinner. But maybe you can take an online class, or start a side hustle. We are only stuck if we allow it by being afraid to take the steps necessary to change. Maybe you have a friend or family member or even a life coach you can ask for advice. Sometimes it takes an outsider to see through our excuses and make suggestions when we are too close to the problem. Once you take some positive action, it’s so much easier to find the joy in your life.

Of course at times we get dealt some really difficult situations. Change is scary. But every day I see how some people get sucked into a spiral of negativity, and others start the day with gratitude. We are meant to enjoy the journey, as much as the destination. Life is short. Stop postponing your joy. What is keeping you from being happy today? Are you brave enough to do something about it?

Let’s continue the conversation over on Facebook.

October 25, 2018 by Sue 1 Comment

Remaining Relevant in Retirement

Everyone’s retirement will look different. How will you make this time of your life count?

If retirement is on the horizon, you may wonder how you will fill your days. If you speak to a retiree, you will probably hear they don’t know how they found time to work. But the biggest fear many have before pulling the trigger on retirement is becoming irrelevant, especially when so much of our identity can be tied to our work. One of the first questions we ask when meeting someone is “what do you do?” Choosing to retire should be carefully thought out.

Retirement can be an amazing time in your life. Finally you have the time and ability to design your life, complete with purpose and meaning. So how do we accomplish that?

Stay connected to family and friends

Now may be the time to get on Facebook, if you haven’t already. Our kids and grandkids don’t communicate the same way we do. Some don’t even get the news the same way. Facebook can open the door to staying connected with your former co-workers, and old friends, even if they move. Join a book club or play bunco with friends. Spend time with your grandkids.

Get physical

Once you’re retired there’s no excuse for not getting exercise. I still invented excuses right up until I got a dog. Get out. Walk the dog. Go to the gym. The best way to feel better and sleep better is to exercise regularly.

Be a life long learner

Nothing is stopping you from learning to play an instrument or how to paint. Read books. Take a cooking, photography or computer class.

Get a job

Now is your chance to get a job at that place you’ve always thought would be fun. Is it a bookstore, fabric store, or maybe the airport? You will have a chance to meet new people, and make a little extra cash. If you want a job with lots of flexibility, check out Direct Sales is the Perfect Retirement Job.

Be a part of something bigger than yourself

What’s important to you? Now you can finally get involved in what interests you. Volunteer at a hospital, get involved in politics, chair an event at your church or help out at a nearby school. Start a blog.

If you aren’t ready to sit back in a rocking chair, you have a lot of options. How do you plan to make the most of the rest of your life?

Join my Facebook community and let’s continue the retirement discussion.