Your New Year’s Laughter Resolutions By Leigh Anne Jasheway NABBW’s Boomer Humor Expert If you’ve been reading this column, you know that American women laugh a little more than 25% more than men. This sounds good – especially considering all the positive physical and emotional benefits laughter brings – but since we women also tend to stress out five, seven, or even ten times more often than most men, we’re really not using our senses of humor as well as we can to lighten up and let go of the things that weigh us down. What better time than the birth of the new year to let go... Read More

Perfect Vegetable Gardens By Deborah Clark NABBW’s Gardening Expert The dead of winter is one of the best gardening months. In fact, each winter, I create the perfect vegetable garden with rows of lush lettuce greens, bountiful bean bushes, tomato branches heavy with shiny fruit. And because these gardens have no squash borers, cabbage worms or Japanese beetles, I’m able to bestow surplus produce on anyone who’ll receive it. Although these gardens exist in my mind, they still require some effort and a good deal of planning. It starts with getting on the mailing lists for some good... Read More

How to Make 2011 a New Year By Regina Leeds NABBW’s Organizational Skills Expert Here are some important steps to get you organized for the year ahead. Start with Work It\’s always important to have an organized workspace.  But now with downsizing and job loss spreading throughout the work sector like a fever, being organized is a great insurance policy.  You can use your organizing skills to demonstrate to your employer how invaluable you are to the day-to-day operation of the business. If you are the owner of the establishment, you can just as easily show your employees by example... Read More

Chronic Illness: A Four-Phase Journey to a New Life: Move from Surviving to Thriving in the New Year By Mary J. Yerkes NABBW’s Living With Chronic Illness Expert This year, instead of promising to lose weight again, resolve to discover your new, authentic self. One of the most difficult challenges facing the chronically ill is the loss of identity they often feel. Things they once did with ease, they can no longer do. Over time, the reality settles in —the person they once were is gone. There is no going back. Now what? It’s true that your chronic illness severely affects every area of... Read More

Boomers and Empty Nesters 2011, Now What? By Natalie Caine, M.A. NABBW’s Empty Nest Expert I love new beginnings but Baby Boomers and Empty Nesters have expressed to me they worry as they enter the NEW. Worry is just one color, one sound, in a full orchestra of a self. Who hasn\’t felt worried and out of control? Let worry express and then move.  “I am not going to think about that now. I am going to think about (fill in the blank). I have been thinking about…..all day and I am sick of, sick of.  For some people when they express and they say, I AM NOT GOING TO THINK... Read More

Get Ready for Good Times-Part I By Linda Ballou NABBW’s Adventure Travel Expert Soft adventure is the fastest growing segment of the travel industry.  People want to get outdoors, breathe fresh air and rid themselves of city stress.  But, do they have the stamina, and energy to withstand the rigors of sleeping in a tent, paddling a kayak, or hiking all day? Outfitters are fond of saying that anyone can enjoy outdoor adventure holidays that include horseback riding, hiking, river rafting, kayaking and birding. I think this is true with the caveat that you prepare yourself for your adventure. Since... Read More

Is Fear of Rejection a Motivator or Hindrance in Your Job Search? By Dumont Gerken Owen, Ph.D. NABBW’s Women and Work Expert The job search has been described as a series of “no’s” followed by a “yes”.  In other words, rejection is an inevitable part of every job search.  It’s your response to rejection that will influence the momentum and success of your job search. I am reminded of an incident that happened to my mother many years ago. While she was out riding, her horse took the bit in his mouth and headed “lickety-split” back to the barn. This particular barn had divided... Read More

Five Promises to Yourself for 2011 By Julie Hall for the NABBW Happy New Year! These days, it appears increasingly difficult to stay on the level emotionally. So much comes at us that it\’s depressing to just turn on the TV. To combat this heaviness that many feel, I have five suggestions to make us feel more buoyant this year. Please share them with your family and friends, since we all need to support one another during these challenging times. Let It Go! Let go of anything that weighs you down. Surplus material possessions and stuff that no longer has meaning, people and relationships... Read More

Free Fall By Marilyn Slaby One of our boomer neighbors took a spill early this fall.  He was hurrying down the street and looking at his cell phone as he walked.  He stepped off the curb and went face-down in the street where he lay for 30 minutes until someone saw him.  He jammed the vertebrae in his neck and couldn’t feel his fingers or move his arms thereby making it impossible to dial for help. He was in the hospital for a few days before coming home with a neck brace, and faces possible surgery – to be determined once the swelling goes down.  His fall has impacted his life greatly;... Read More

Canadian Retirement Planning Mistakes: Key Strategies on How to Take Action to Avoid Them Author: Grant W. Hicks, RDB, C.I.M., FSCI, Retirement Planning Specialist www.ghicks.com Amazon link: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1426913540/ref=sib_rdr_dp Reviewed by: Anne Holmes for the NABBW Grant Hicks is a financial educator and well-known among retirees for his expertise in advising retirees – and those about to retire – on how to simplify their retirement while minimizing tax and maximizing income and cash flow. Who among us wouldn’t want that? As Hicks says, “Most Canadians feel they... Read More