You're never too old

Today was warm for New England and while I was out running errands I took off my top shirt so that I was wearing a tank top. You'd think this would not be a problem but this simple wardrobe choice sparked a thought in my head.

The tank top had thin straps while my bra has thicker straps. As a result, my bra was visible. Again, I'm not sure why this would be a problem since it didn't bother me. However, I was walking out of a Target store and was approached by a stranger who felt the need to tell me that my straps were showing and I should cover up.

Again, it was hot and I was out of the house for about 20 minutes but a random stranger feels it's perfectly okay to comment on my choice of clothing. Not just comment, but pass judgement on my choice.

I get a little peeved by the way people feel they can comment to people they don't know. I may not be the thinnest, or coolest girl in the world but I wasn't flashing anyone or dressed in an obscene manner. I was just hot and trying to keep cool.

After I stopped feeling irked and started thinking, I realized that we are never too old to be judged by our elders. This sucks in a lot of ways. BUT, it is also a freeing concept. Think about it, it we are always going to be judged, then there will always be someone who disapproves of what we do, say or wear. If this is the case, then why not go ahead and do whatever we want?

Self Expression & Creative Outlet

I’m a busy girl. I’ve always thrived when I had many deadlines and responsibilities at the same time. I keep long hours between those spent at my day work and then working on my writing career at night and on the weekends. I like having things to do and keeping busy without wasting time.

However, I’ve also discovered that one of the reasons I like this structure is that I have a lot of time for creativity and expression. Since writing is my part time career, I have the chance to express myself by writing stories as well as non-fiction, marketing messages and blogging for this site.

Take a look at your hectic life. Where is your creativity expressed?

Are you a mom who makes up stories for her kids at night? Maybe you get some finger painting or fun with building blocks in the evenings? Creativity can be found in many areas of our lives if we are willing to look for it. Women without kids at home might wonder where there creativity is expressed. It might be in your spring garden, during brainstorming meetings at work or helping out at church fundraisers. Even planning a garage sale provides an opportunity to get those creative juices flowing.

Consider lightening some of your stress load and hectic life by finding your creative outlet or seeking a new one. If you are seeking a new creative outlet, consider keeping a journal. Just 5 or 10 minutes in the morning will give you a chance to center your mind, empty your worries onto the page and set your brain down the creative path.

To get started, try taking 10 minutes today to begin your journal by completing one of the following statements.

I will be creative today when I …
My creativity is expressed when I …
I love expressing myself by…
I find that art/writing/music/etc. helps my creativity flow because…

Open your creative mind and begin to express yourself today.

So You’re 30, Now What?

What do you mean now what?

I’ve yet to meet a woman in her 30s who isn’t running full tilt through her life. As we leave our 20s behind we find that no matter how diverse we are as women, we all have one thing in common – we’re busy. Whether you are a mom with young kids, on the fast track at work or just getting by, you’re likely to be busy during your 30s.

This will be the busiest (and probably most productive) decade of your life. For many women, this decade will be when you:

Start & raise a family
Determine your career path and goals
Get involved in your community
Take over many holiday and family responsibilities from your parents
Or establish family ties with a group of close friends
Solidify your religious views
Work at relationships
Start worrying about your health and taking care of yourself

Women in their 30s tend to be running all the time. These are the women who never seem to have enough time yet always seem to be getting things done. It is this period when you might find yourself doing laundry while planning your next day at work, feeding your family and deciding on weekend plans. At the same time you might also have your bills, debt, future goals and worries consuming your mind.

Multitasking is the buzzword of this decade. If you turn 30 asking what’s next, the answer will come fast and furious. Be prepared to get busy, and fast.

Try Something NEW

If you're in the mood to feel inspired or make yourself feel great, consider trying something new. Stick a pin in a map or search for local events to get out of the house and do something different for a fwe hours.

Today is Patriot's Day and in Massachusetts that means we get the day off. I had planned to sit around doing nothing for the day then when a friend called and asked me to go to an art exhibit with her. So I took a few hours and tried something new. I headed to a small exhibit about art and words.

Below is the description and link to the exhibit website.

"Art Inspired by the Written Word
Goddard House invites you to explore the relationship between the written word and art in its seventh annual spring art show, which runs from April 5 through April 30. The works of over three dozen established and emerging local artists interpret the theme in a variety of media, including painting, photography, engraving, monoprinting, mixed media, textile, collage, and stone."

http://www.goddardhomestead.org/pages/art.html

To Celebrate or Not to Celebrate

When your 30th birthday is approaching you might be thinking about hiding under the covers, wearing black or just ignoring the day altogether. There is no reason to dread turning 30.

Trying to decide whether you should celebrate or not?

Consider your answers to the following questions to help you make a decision.

1. What was the last birthday you enjoyed celebrating?
2. What made that day fun?
3. If you had a day off and could do anything, what would you do?
4. Who do you love to spend time with?
5. Why are you avoiding celebrating?

Hopefully you find that birthdays once were fun but the pressure of getting older has made you dread decade birthdays. Instead of dreading a number on your drivers license, consider putting aside the reasons you listed for number 5 and going back to 3 &4. Still at a loss for how to spend your birthday?

Take the day off, do that thing you want to do in number 3 with the people you love in number 4.

If you want to HAVE FUN, LOVE LIFE and start your 30s with a BANG, celebrate the day as YOUR DAY!

Photos (as promised)

Here they are, the two photos that I mentioned yesterday. Looking at these, I might miss the less rounded face and the blond locks but there is so much more to look forward to now. Keep looking and you'll find the last picture is recent. Colette at 32.

Consider taking a stroll down your own memory lane. Look at the images from the perspective of who you were at the time (instead of picking at your flaws or wishing for those college age thighs).

Are you loving who you are now?

If not, get started making the woman you are match the woman you want to be.

Looking Back

Sometimes we have to look back in order to appreciate who we've become.

Last week I had some friends over for dinner who had never been to my apartment before. The most common comment by visitors to my place is how comfortable everything is. I have the sink in and take a nap sofa as well as the spoiled princess king size bed. And my place is decorated with simple images of nature and places that I love.

Over the years I've purchased simple pieces that feel cozy and comfy because I'm a big fan of lazing around with a book and mug of tea on a Sunday morning (or afternoon, and evening).

The other thing my friends commented on is a few personal photos in my office. These are older photos of me from 10 -15 years ago. I use these photos for 2 reasons:

motivation and inspiration

I got several comments on how cheery and young and thin I looked. The young part is obvious (I was younger) and the thin part is obvious too. After my friends left I went back into the office and took another look at those photos.

What struck me is that sometimes we just have to look back to appreciate where we are now. I love my life but looking at the image of myself before I began college and one from soon after I started my first "Career" type job I was amazed at how far I've come. I've accomplished a lot in my 32 years and even more is on the way. I was reminded why our 30s are such an amazing time.

Tomorrow I'm going to post those photos as a reminder that looking back for just a minute can be a great pick me up. Where I was might have been good, but today is even better.

And tomorrow will be amazing!