“RE-INVESTING IN YOURSELF”

By Shirley M. Carolan

Do you re-invest in yourself? Do you keep up with new trends in the marketplace, hobbies, books, education, cultural events, etc? Regardless of my age, I’ve found that re-investing in myself pays dividends! It keeps me young, interesting to others, and makes life much more enjoyable.

Last week I turned 75 but I don’t feel it or even think that I am that age. It would be more accurate to say that I’m 75 going on 39, a la Jack Benny.

When I worked full time I made it a point to re-invest 10-20% of my income in my on-going education and self development. I attended seminars, workshops, bought books, records, albums and joined various organizations related to either my work or my hobbies. Consequently, re-investing in myself became a way of life. For example, I joined Toastmasters International in 1981 and am active in my club today! I’ve enjoyed mentoring both men and women and formed satisfying, personal relationships.

When I was 16 years old I represented my high school, Queen of the Rosary Academy, Amityville, New York, in the Long Island Oratorical Championships. Perhaps that is why Toastmasters is a natural for me today. And, in 1994, I made my professional stage debut in the British comedy “It Runs in the Family” by Ray Cooney at the Alterena Playhouse, Alameda, CA. I always loved English, spoken and written and had a passion for words at an early age. Today, I use that passion in writing articles and press releases for both Toastmasters and the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League!

Today, I enjoy oil painting, having taken lessons these last 7 years from Stephanie Travers of San Diego, and now exhibit my paintings at the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League. I could go on with many more examples but I think you get the message.

This is the best time to be retired, semi-retired, a senior citizen, baby boomer, or whatever age group you are in. There are so many opportunities for seniors to continue learning and enjoying life. I make use all of the following: Adult Ed classes, Community College extension classes, the library, Hewlett Packard on-line classes (particularly the Digital Camera class), Senior Centers, Learning Annex, webinars, Blogs, seminars, workshops, books, CDs, Amazon.com, hobby groups, self development groups, etc.

If you are not taking advantage of all the wonderful opportunities out there you are missing the best part of life! Start re-investing in your happiness and growth today!


Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.

LESS IS MORE!

By Shirley M. Carolan
My new mantra this year is Less is More! It is such a simple concept, yet for years I have not practiced it. I’ve never been able to get enough of whatever I wanted more of! H’m, that doesn’t sound right.

As a result of this stubborn mentality, I find myself at the age of 75 literally loaded with clutter throughout my house. It’s not just the myriad files and paper that I’m afraid to get rid of, in case I need something again, it’s all the useless knick-knacks, cutezy rabbit collection, but, it’s also the clothes! Granted, I live in a doll’s house where there isn’t even a broom closet to store mops, brooms, etc. and forget about a walk-in closet like my last abode. Hence, you get some idea of the magnitude of visible clutter!

It’s one thing to be a “sales” freak but it’s another to be a hoarder too! Maybe they go hand in hand? I was going to take digital pictures of all the clutter and send them to Oprah and beg for help. But, as I clicked the shutter the batteries were too low. So, I said to myself “You’ve made the decision to get rid of the clutter now get on with it!”

Can you imagine being overjoyed at spending your 75th Birthday getting rid of clutter in your house? It felt like I was getting a gorilla off my back! Whew! How many times I said “I should have a garage sale and bring in some much needed money from all this stuff I’ve collected!” But I never have.

Originally, I intended to treat myself to a nice lunch at one of those posh Solano Beach restaurants, right off Coast Highway. Then a brainwave hit me. Why not get rid of that 3 drawer chest of drawers with all those t-shirts, sweaters, and cardigans with each drawer catering to a different color? That seemed like a smashing idea until I saw each drawer was packed solid. H'm, that meant I had to get rid of some of the clothes. It was truly an agonizing decision on what to keep and what to give away, as memories flashed before me of when I had last worn that special piece.

Two hours later I was finally done with trying on and deciding what to keep and what to discard. Now, I had 3 piles of clothing before me. The "maybe" pile was the toughest to decide upon as I asked myself will I wear this again? Then I gradually inched the chest of draws out of the bedroom into the living room and finally to the front door. It was exhausting work but I was determined to prove to myself that I was serious about downsizing and committing to "Less is More!" Fortunately, my next door neighbor's son-in-law was visiting and pruning some bushes. I asked him would he help me get the chest of drawers out to the curbside, since this was garbage pick-up day and I was revamping my home. Fortunately, he was willing to help. Ah, sweet succes! I was beginning to feel lighter in spirit too!

Today, Welcome Home Ministries and Brother Beno’s are going to be the recipients of all my “stuff” including that new Epsom printer, scanner, copier that uses up too much ink too quickly. Gee, that makes me feel good knowing I can help others less fortunate than me! It’s just like recycling! And if I want better things in my life then I must make room for them to come in! Wow, this is a win-win situation!

The trunk of my car is now loaded up with the first round of donations. I figure if I work at my clutter for one hour a day I can be clutter free within the year, providing I am conscientious and don’t bring in any more unnecessary items into the house, from food, magazines, clothing, to whatever! Did I tell you that my freezer and refrigerator are chock block full too? Now that’s a goal worth striving to reach. Yes, less is definitely more!

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

WHAT'S NEW?

By Shirley Carolan
Two major projects are taking up my time right now.

1. Recently I received several phone calls about my "Journaling For Success" classes. Yes, I am going to conduct them again! I am looking for an appropriate meeting room to hold these classes. I want it to be easily accessible from a freeway. Also, I want to keep the fee down and so want to find a venue that will pick up the insurance, in case of accident or injury. If you know of any places I might check out please contact me immediately, either by phone (760) 732-0663 or email: artistwithaflair@att.net!

2. I am in the throes of combining several of my blog articles with other unpublished articles I've written and am creating an "inspirational/motivational" book for women over 40 to read, enjoy, and start making better choices for their life styles. The baby boomers will definitely benefit from it. It will start with my first "Firewalk" with Tony Robbins in San Francisco when I was 56 years old and how it changed my life right up until I'm ready for Eternal Hills, together with the ashes of my little Pug/Terrier "Jake."

Stay tuned for more!