In your youth, time is finite and does not move fast enough. When we are children we desire to be teenagers, in order to accomplish milestones such as driving and staying out past 10:00 pm. As young adults, time begins to speed up as careers take off.   Life is then in full acceleration as we raise our families, and begin to dwell on not having enough time for the things we value and enjoy.   It is not until we approach middle age that we begin to value time, and life experiences. One thing is for sure, and that is, time is not unlimited. As a new year approaches, we should reflect and invest in the following tips to Be Well as we embark on those golden years.

Continue to Invest in your health and well being. There are so many benefits to moving your body. So, instead of thinking of fitness, think instead about having more energy, sleeping better, and being pain free. It is a huge accomplishment to recognize you want to be well, and even more important to seek consultation from trained professionals. Why wait for a health crisis to be told in rehabilitation to start moving.   Take control now, and make your first step be the desire to live.   Other good tactics might be to begin a Wellness Journal, and simply identify activities you enjoy.   Are you a social butterfly? Did you participate in organized sports? Do you prefer solitary events? Remember to try before you buy a club /facility membership, piece of fitness equipment, or workout video. Bonus tip: If you are really inspired, use the journal for the dual purpose of capturing daily notes to yourself, of everything for which you are grateful.

Keeping your interests diversified, and traveling the world can be a wonderful way to stay sharp and connected to people, causes, and communities. In your youth the world is your oyster, however for a lot of older adults the center of comfort gets smaller and smaller. Exploring and feeling that sense of adventure seems out of reach.   Possibly, this is the result of bad news being exploited by the media when reporting world events, and sadly it is never contrasted with the good deeds and unselfish, wonderful acts of kindness that are happening all around us. Although it is understandable to want to be safe and close to the comforts you enjoy, consider stepping out of that comfort zone by taking a positive approach with the current economic climate. Traveling at a discount, with favorable exchange rates, makes now the time to see the world. Countries that were once not safe to visit, are now welcoming the world to explore and become acquainted with their culture. How would you answer the question if someone were to ask you, “If you could go anywhere or see anything in the world today where would you want to go”? Wouldn’t it be a nice benefit if joy traveled with you on that journey you always wanted to take?

Continually review your long-term strategies and seek opportunities to learn more about downsizing your home, but not your lifestyle. Balance your assets and communicate your needs to your family. For active, aging adults, middle age begins at 40.   Although our own retirement is just down the road, many of us are faced with the challenges of being a busy member of the sandwich generation. Balancing careers, family, and our parent’s /elder’s retirement needs, is a lot to juggle. Rather than settle for too little in your life, seek the help of professionals and begin thinking in terms of gaining peace of mind. Calming the stress of not knowing is when you can truly hear. Life can offer you many lessons, and no price tag can be put on having peace of mind.

Balancing assets and risks always requires review. Life is truly a mystery; with an infinite number of clues about how to try and to take a firm stand to be flexible. I have heard before that fate is often what you most secretly desire, and luck chooses those that are prepared. So, as the specialist of your own life, isn’t having a WHOLE LIFE, ^TN and reaping the rewards of having purpose and meaning, what you desire?

Be well and enjoy your journey.