A BUCKET LIST DREAM FULFILLED!

I'm conflicted. I liked the movie, THE BUCKET LIST, but I'm not a fan of the term, "bucket list" because it evokes the idea of "end of life." But when my little sister called from San Antonio last July to say that her husband had told her that skating at Rockefeller Center was on his bucket list, I said what's stopping you? Not everyone has a sister living in New York City so get those plane tickets! And they did.



A big part of my work, and my philosophy is to challenge people to identify their dreams, then go for it and make them a reality. The Bucket List has two components. First you have to create your list, and that takes time and a lot of thinking. The second part is executing what you have out on your list. It's true, some Bucket List goals are bigger than others and take more planning not to mention money, to make happen. But once you put a dream down on your Bucket List accept that it's there because you really want to make it happen. Only the things that you really want to have happen in your life deserve a place on that list!



So now it's happened--my brother in law has successfully completed one of the key items on his Bucket List...he skated underneath the tree at Rockefeller Center and loved it! He hadn't skated in over 15 years and took to the ice like a duck takes to water. He whirled, he twirled..he pretended he was at the Olympics and lived in the moment. He purposely picked the 4:30pm session so he would experience the setting sun on the buildings surrounding the rink not to mention seeing the tree sparkling.



Skating wasn't on my sister's Bucket List but being a trooper she went out on the ice and proceeeded to fall and sprain her wrist! The point is...what's on your Bucket List should be personally yours. My sister was the conduit but my brother in law was the catalyst...he dared to tell her his dream.



My brother in law sure looks happy in that picture, doesn't he?...just imagine that could be you! Recent Bucket List ideas I have heard include bicycling through France, going to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade,visiting the Civil War battle fields,and going to Fashion Week at Lincoln Center...they sure cover a gamut of ideas, don't they?



So what's on your list? Do you even have a list? If not, why not? And if yes,how many of the activities on your Bucket List have you made a reality? Isn't it time to rewire your thinking about life..your dreams...and your list? I don't care what you call your list, I just care that you create one!

I'm 55. What Do I Do Now?

I recently attended a roundtable event sponsored by New York Senator Liz Krueger entitled: The Graying of the American Workforce: “Planning Ahead:Boomers & Seniors Living In the 21st Century.”

It was the first of a 5-Part Series for Boomers and Seniors, and during this first session, The Graying of the American Workforce panelists addressed age discrimination, reinventing yourself as preparation to re-enter the workforce, and what does it mean to “give back” in the second half of life.The room was packed with women and men, at least 50+ who were eager to get back in the game.

It is a fact that age discrimination exists but many people 50+ are finding new and creative ways to rewire their energy into new jobs and project opportunities. A representative from the Freelancers Union told the audience that 30% of the country's workforce are freelancers.The reality is that freelancers are left out of the social support system and often lack health insurance, unemployment insurance, retirement plans and basic labor protections. Not surprisingly she was advocating the very positive benefits of joining the Freelancers Union.

She also told the group how to reposition their skills; market themselves and price for their services. If you are stuck and don't know how to go forward take the time to check out the Freelancers Union. Another benefit is networking events that will help you network yourself into hopefully some new and exciting gigs.

I'm passing along this information because I think people might find some new and unexpected answers. You don't have to be 55 to be asking yourself the question what do I do now? People of all ages are wondering where, how and if they will be able to continue to work. Just remember this, you're not alone.

Tickling the Ivories at Age 96

Frank Sinatra isn't the only one who did it his way. Irving Fields may not be as famous as old blue eyes, but he is one of the oldest entertainers still performing---making audiences laugh, cry, enjoy and remember. Friends of ours recently heard him play in New York City and tipped us off to this energized and energizing man. Irving is 96 years young and still goes to work, playing the piano at clubs and hotels around the city. He started playing piano when he was 8 years old and has never stopped. He has tickled the 88's at places like Carnegie Hall, the Taj Mahal, the London Palladium and the old Copa Cabana.

We think Irving is a great life teacher, with lessons for all of us. Irving learned that doing the same thing, over and over, can lead to staleness, for himself and his audiences. So he often changed his repetoire, rewiring his music, to attract younger audiences and to keep older audiences coming back to enjoy new sounds and beats. In fact he is credited with popularizing the Latin beat in the 1940's and creating other themes with albums such as Bagels and Bongos, Pizzas and Bongos, and Bikinis and Bongos. His style changes not only challenged his thinking and skills but it kept him from falling into a comfort zone. And also gave his audiences new experiences and the opportunity for greater enjoyment!

Is he a role model for musicians? You bet. Is he a role model for all of us? We think so! In our work with pre and post retirees, we have met many people who want to continue going strong into the future; we believe that Irving Fields shows the power and payoffs of rewiring oneself. He sets a good example of what to do right.

Fields demonstrates that we all need to change with the times if we want to keep our audiences, clients, customers, friends even our partners or spouses. Learning new music has become part of his daily routine. Learning new things should be a daily routine for all of us. But is it? What was the last new thing you tried? Are you doing "the same old, same old" and wondering why you aren't getting satisfaction, or the new client,the new gig or even the new friend? People of all ages need to constantly hit their own refresh button.

In the work we do, we especially believe that growing older doesn't mean growing stale, or even worse, becoming bored or boring or invisible. So keep playing in your chosen area...and like Irving, we hope you will continue to find life's meaning and purpose in whatever you do. Sometimes your life will be loud, sometimes soft, but it will be sustaining regardless of your age.

Running for your life at 100

This past weekend Fauja Singh completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. No big deal, except Fauja is 100 years old. He was born in 1911 in India. He ran as a youth but gave it up. When he was 89 his wife and son died unexpectedly. He became very depressed and was running out of reasons to live. But it was running that saved him.

Singh claims his secret to an extended life is no alcohol or smoking, a vegetarian diet with lots of curries, and tea. Importantly, daily exercise is his mainstay. "I have said it before: that I will carry on running, as it is keeping me alive," he told the Toronto Marathon website. He walks or runs at least 10 miles a day.

Fauja Singh is a role model for all of us. Not because he broke a marathon record, but because he was willing to try something new...or old...running. We all need to recognize that finding an activity or interest that is meaningful and purposeful will not only add years to our life, but will add life to our years. We tell everyone to REWIRE! Rewiring is trying new activities, reconnecting with old interests or finding new ones. The focus is not just doing for the sake of being busy, but doing it because it is fulfilling, interesting and fun. Having a reason to get up in the morning makes all the difference in the world as we grow older.

You don't have to be a marathoner. If collecting stamps, hiking, birding, learning to enjoy opera, or any other activity that fulfills is your thing than do it. Make a committment and see the return on your new investment...in yourself! As Mr. Singh says, the first 20 miles are the hardest. After that it's a breeze.

Observing 9/11: Did You Reflect On Your Last 10 Years?

We have lived through the 10th anniversary of September 11,2001, and saw the nation reflect on the tragic loss of life in New York City, at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania. Living in New York City I found myself having more questions about that day, as well as more emotions than I had imagined that I would feel.

I heard so many of those who had lost loved ones say that 9/11 seemed like yesterday. I knew what they meant because although my own Father died 20 years ago next month, it still feels like I just saw him.

So along with mourning I decided to take some time, to stop, and to sit back to do a mental review of my own life over the past 10 years. I had been working on writing DON'T RETIRE, REWIRE! on the morning the towers fell. The first edition of the book came out in 2002 and I became immersed in promoting it across the country. Having others discover their future happiness, helping them rewire became my goal, in a way my obsession. I think a lot of that passion was driven by the 9/11 tragedy, and the reality of the random loss of life, and the fear that it could happen to any of us.

I went year-by-year since 9/11, reflecting on ups and downs, decisions made, decisions not made,and took the time to think of cherished moments. I realized how many things occurred in those 10 years that were out of my control, and how many were in my control and that I had squandered.

One of my biggest take-aways was how quickly those 10 years really did pass.

So going forward I promised myself that I will not assume that I have all the time in the world to accomplish what I feel is important to me.

I will not throw away my time even if life is frustrating.

I will not find scapegoats for why I didn't do something.

I will create my "bucket list" even though I hate the word.

I will "Keep Calm and Carry On" and read books about my hero, Winston Churchill.

I will continue to add to this list, and live each day as if it were my last.

WINSTON CHURCHILL IS MY MAN!

Each day it seems like we are facing more uncertainty, both collectively and individually. When people, such as retirees, Boomers, Gen X'ers, anyone asks me from a rewiring standpoint what they shoud do, or even read to stay ahead of change or in the game, I always cite my hero---Winston Churchill. He had many highs and lows in both his professional and emotional life. He experienced triumph and loss, but never wavered in his motto "never despair."



I remember how Mayor Rudy Guiliani often referred to Churchill after the tragedy of September 11th. Mayor Giuliani stated he borrowed his basic message from Winston Churchill's “ Finest Hour” speech. I'm not comparing today's challenges to the horror of 9/11, but rather saying that Churchill is a great role model for us as we face current problems and challenges. Churchill never gave up. That's why I believe we are seeing Churchill's motto "KEEP CALM and CARRY ON" plastered on posters, coasters, T-shirts, everywhere...it's just the right message for the times.



Through our research we know that people often feel helpless and hopeless,with little control. Things probably won't be corrected as soon as we would like, so maybe it's time to dust off (or rewire)some of our old thinking about money, life, relationships, even fun, in the hopes of discovering new and even better ways to carry on!

MAE WEST GOT IT RIGHT!

No one will deny that it's challenging times at the "ranch"...financial volatility reigns and probably will for a while, and anxiety is currently running at twice the rate of depression. So now that I have depressed you, the question is ..so what are we to do? I've heard a range of comments and solutions, many which I couldn't publish here, but the reality is,there are no silver bullets,in fact there are no easy answers.But life will go on!

As I watched the Sunday morning news programs, and read the news, all I could think about was Mae West's famous line..."Hang on, it's going to be a bumpy ride!" Yes I am taking a little creative license with Mae's line, but for my purpose, bumpy ride equates to the economy, Congress, unemployment, America's debt, Europe's instability, you name it.

I don't see the bumpy road going away any time soon, and I feel that the more I accept that possibility, the easier it is to go on. I've had to rewire my own thinking; we didn't get into this place overnight, so we can't think we'll get on a smooth path overnight. To keep that message in front of us in a subtle, I'm recommending that all of us put a picture of Mae West on our refrigerators so we have a little reminder ...to buckle up but we will get through it!