Summer is officially in full swing. If you haven’t gotten out to the beach or the pool yet, now is the time. If you are like many women approaching 30, you might be avoiding showing your skin in public. Whether you’ve put on a few pounds due to having children, or adopting the sedentary lifestyle of an office worker, you might be hiding yourself from the world.
Dwindling self confidence is one of the most common reasons women fear turning 30. This doesn’t have to be how you live your life – hidden, ashamed or nervous. Instead, use the heat of summer to get off the couch and into the sun.
If body confidence is slowing you down, I realize that no one can make you confident. However, there are a few resources to help remind you that you are beautiful and worthy just as you are.
You’d be pretty if…
Dara Chadwick
This is a mom’s report about how to help your daughter maintain a healthy outlook on her body by changing the way we talk about our own.
Body Confidence from the Inside Out
Penny Plautz
Penny Plautz stresses activities to help you recognize and work on the mental and emotional issues that create confidence in the body you live in. Instead of focusing on a strict diet and weight loss, this book encourages you to love the body you’re in, not just the body you dream of.
These are a couple books I’ve read recently to help boost body self-esteem. There are hundreds of other titles available so if you need a boost, find the book that works for you.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Breaking an Age Barrier
I came across an article today that ran in USA Today a couple years ago. The article was titled Girls will be 30-year-old women and focused on how younger girls have started using spa services including manicures, pedicures, massages and facials.
What does this have to do with 30-year-old women you ask?
It’s not really a stretch. Once upon a time (about 5 years ago), the only people needing (or using) regular spa services were women who were consumed with getting older, ie the 30 year old woman. Our mothers expected to start looking “older” as they approached 30 and at that time reaching that age meant women had to seriously focus on creams, lotions and body maintenance.
For good or bad, the 30 age barrier has been broken when it comes to beauty and personal care products. Instead, females start partaking as early as 8 to 10 years of age. While I don’t necessarily support 8 year olds getting manicures and facials, I do support girls of all ages taking care of themselves. So if teens and women in their 20s are now looking at using sunscreen, putting on moisturizer and drinking tons of water to maintain their young skin – I’m happy that we’re taking care of ourselves, even if beauty is the stronger motivator over health.
Now that you’re turning 30, the good news is that you don’t have to suddenly start worrying about your health or your looks.
Chances are you just need to keep taking care of yourself. Pamper your body and your soul often and soon you’ll find that age is just a number with very little meaning about the value of your life. So start planning to take a break this weekend; visit a spa for a massage or just get a polish change at the nail salon. You’ll be happier (and more relaxed) by taking care of yourself.
What does this have to do with 30-year-old women you ask?
It’s not really a stretch. Once upon a time (about 5 years ago), the only people needing (or using) regular spa services were women who were consumed with getting older, ie the 30 year old woman. Our mothers expected to start looking “older” as they approached 30 and at that time reaching that age meant women had to seriously focus on creams, lotions and body maintenance.
For good or bad, the 30 age barrier has been broken when it comes to beauty and personal care products. Instead, females start partaking as early as 8 to 10 years of age. While I don’t necessarily support 8 year olds getting manicures and facials, I do support girls of all ages taking care of themselves. So if teens and women in their 20s are now looking at using sunscreen, putting on moisturizer and drinking tons of water to maintain their young skin – I’m happy that we’re taking care of ourselves, even if beauty is the stronger motivator over health.
Now that you’re turning 30, the good news is that you don’t have to suddenly start worrying about your health or your looks.
Chances are you just need to keep taking care of yourself. Pamper your body and your soul often and soon you’ll find that age is just a number with very little meaning about the value of your life. So start planning to take a break this weekend; visit a spa for a massage or just get a polish change at the nail salon. You’ll be happier (and more relaxed) by taking care of yourself.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Change is around the corner
I’ve been caught up with working on my book marketing and my day job and have gotten behind on blogging. For that, I apologize. But things are going to change.
For the next few months I will be developing a new website about how we can change the world, one person at a time. While that site is in development, I will still be updating this blog.
The blog will be updated 3 times per week – Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
I have not forgotten how easy it is to get caught up in the negative swirl of change that happens when you approach turning 30. I’m still fighting against that negativity by keeping this blog positive.
Please keep your eyes open for regular updates on this blog. I’ll keep you up to date will all my upcoming travels and projects – including a new presence on Facebook, articles on several websites regarding turning 30, as well as an updated website that will connect to this blog.
So keep your eyes open and this blog will be back in the swing in no time.
For the next few months I will be developing a new website about how we can change the world, one person at a time. While that site is in development, I will still be updating this blog.
The blog will be updated 3 times per week – Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
I have not forgotten how easy it is to get caught up in the negative swirl of change that happens when you approach turning 30. I’m still fighting against that negativity by keeping this blog positive.
Please keep your eyes open for regular updates on this blog. I’ll keep you up to date will all my upcoming travels and projects – including a new presence on Facebook, articles on several websites regarding turning 30, as well as an updated website that will connect to this blog.
So keep your eyes open and this blog will be back in the swing in no time.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Flexibility
Don't let the title make you think I'm getting off the subject of turning 30. What flexibility has to do with age should become clear after I tell you a little story.
As I've gotten older I slacked off on exercise for a few years. The end result of that slacker mentality is that I no longer have strong, toned arms and shoulders. I've also lost pretty much all the flexibility in my arms. I didn't realize this would be a big problem until recently.
I've notice that my bra straps tend to start drooping and slipping off my shoulders as the day wears on. My shoulders are curved downward which provides a convenient slope for my straps. Now most bra companies tell you that the problem isn't your shoulders, it's the bra. I wish that were true in my case. No matter how well fitting the bra or how tight the straps, late in the day the straps start to slide.
So I gave up trying to find a better bra and instead invested in a gadget from an infomercial. The Strap Perfect (available at https://www.strapperfect.com) seems like the perfect solution, the way to create a T-back bra when you cannot find one in your size.
This morning I followed the directions to slip my straps through the gadget and pull the straps together. It was difficult but I managed to get my body into a super tight, crossed back form but there are two things I've discovered.
1. I have no idea how to get out of the bra because I cannot actually reach the gadget where it has shifted between my shoulder blades. I'm no longer flexible enough to reach behind me or to slip the connected straps down over my shoulders.
2. I had zero slippage of straps today - WHICH I LOVED - and my assets stayed lifted and in place.
So I found a great gadget to solve my problem BUT I now lack the flexibility to make it work.
Go figure. What this means in respect to turning 30 is that no matter how old I get, I've got to keep my body in shape and stretch. On a side note, my 6 year old niece could totally reach her arm over her back and unhook such a contraption. Of course, she can also do a split and push ups from a handstand which I don't recall ever being able to do.
If the drawback of reaching our 30s means we lose flexibility, then the benefit of this problem is that it motivates us to get serious about taking care of ourselves.
As I've gotten older I slacked off on exercise for a few years. The end result of that slacker mentality is that I no longer have strong, toned arms and shoulders. I've also lost pretty much all the flexibility in my arms. I didn't realize this would be a big problem until recently.
I've notice that my bra straps tend to start drooping and slipping off my shoulders as the day wears on. My shoulders are curved downward which provides a convenient slope for my straps. Now most bra companies tell you that the problem isn't your shoulders, it's the bra. I wish that were true in my case. No matter how well fitting the bra or how tight the straps, late in the day the straps start to slide.
So I gave up trying to find a better bra and instead invested in a gadget from an infomercial. The Strap Perfect (available at https://www.strapperfect.com) seems like the perfect solution, the way to create a T-back bra when you cannot find one in your size.
This morning I followed the directions to slip my straps through the gadget and pull the straps together. It was difficult but I managed to get my body into a super tight, crossed back form but there are two things I've discovered.
1. I have no idea how to get out of the bra because I cannot actually reach the gadget where it has shifted between my shoulder blades. I'm no longer flexible enough to reach behind me or to slip the connected straps down over my shoulders.
2. I had zero slippage of straps today - WHICH I LOVED - and my assets stayed lifted and in place.
So I found a great gadget to solve my problem BUT I now lack the flexibility to make it work.
Go figure. What this means in respect to turning 30 is that no matter how old I get, I've got to keep my body in shape and stretch. On a side note, my 6 year old niece could totally reach her arm over her back and unhook such a contraption. Of course, she can also do a split and push ups from a handstand which I don't recall ever being able to do.
If the drawback of reaching our 30s means we lose flexibility, then the benefit of this problem is that it motivates us to get serious about taking care of ourselves.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
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?
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?
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, May 18, 2009
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.
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