I hope that every woman has the power within to find her passion. Passion is an intense desire; an enthusiasm that gives off positive energy. A passionate woman lives life to her fullest. A passionate woman knows the importance of maintaining her emotional and physical well-being because it is important to her self-care routine. Inaction is the opposite of self-care.

Passion as a Form of Self-Care

A passionate woman is curious and lives outside the box. She is open to change. She knows herself. This woman knows the importance of living a lifestyle that fills her mind and heart with abundance. She realizes that this is her time, after the age of 50, to pursue her passions because she has the time to dote on her desires.

This is a form of self-care; an ability to understand the importance of taking care of her personal and emotional needs. She understands that self-care does not mean selfishness. She understands her aura of well-being will not only radiate within her but will radiate positivity to those around her.

The Passionate Pursuit of Solitary Pleasure

Every Woman Is Different

Every woman’s case is different. Some women have time to luxuriate in self-care because their life is relatively stable. Others have to work harder to find the time for self-care.

I was a fortunate woman, who until two years ago, practiced the importance of self-care. Without defining it as self-care, I took care of myself. But alas, situations change on a dime, and women, known for being caregivers by nature, tend to forget about their needs and obsess over the needs of others. This has been proven to be unhealthy because the practice of taking care of your overall well-being: physical, emotional, and social is paramount to living your best life possible.

I have learned you can do both. I have come to understand that I have choices: rise up or wilt under the strain of my circumstances.

How to Bloom Through Adversity After 50

I have an ill husband and I am an estranged mother and grandmother on my side of the family. I am living with heavy emotional burdens.

When I found myself crying several times a day at the drop of a hat I knew I needed to seek help to understand what was taking place in my mind. I thought I may be having a nervous breakdown. I put on my self-care hat and phoned a psychologist, who helped me through my recovery with the emotional side of dealing with cancer. Over time, we also became friends.

After a long conversation she reassured me that I was definitely not having a nervous breakdown. She explained I was experiencing a deep sense of grief over family loss and my ultimate concierge’s illness.

With Order, Comes Peace

Sweet reader, after our discussion I felt a sense of relief because she was right. I am in the throes of grieving over the loss of my ultimate concierge’s health and the loss of family love. In actuality, I am practicing self-care by allowing myself to grieve.

After our call, my mind was cleared of chaos and order set in. I would no longer have to concern myself with the worry of a nervous breakdown and its repercussions. Instead, I would let myself grieve and find meaningful ways to deal with it. I had found order and with order, a sense of peace sets in.

If you find yourself in any type of situation that is detrimental to your well-being please do what I did. Reach out for answers. Reaching out for help is self-care. I strongly believe that doing nothing is not an option.

Self-care is essential! It is unfortunate that our generations were taught as little girls to be caregivers and to be seen and not heard. Many of us were blind to the importance of taking note of ‘our’ needs and desires.

As young women, most of us felt it was selfish to think of ourselves first. And, as older women many of us still feel guilt-ridden about self-care. So, my darlings, consider the you in you. Take the time to love yourself. It is not a selfish act. You will be happy nurturing your physical needs and emotional thoughts. Carve out time to understand your needs and then pursue them. This is self-care. Your attitude change will create positive energy.

How to Incorporate Self-Care into Your Life

Here are some examples that you probably already know but might not be incorporating into your life.

• 30 minutes of walking
• Drink lots of water
• Eat healthy
• Focus on the positives in your life
• Stay connected with family, friends, or a group
• Implement gratitude
• Have a passion
• Journal

How Self-Care and Passion Go Hand-In-Hand

At the beginning of this story I defined passion as an intense desire or enthusiasm that gives off positive energy. What better way of initiating self-care into your life! Passion arouses energetic feelings of excitement, joy, and self-worth. It opens new doorways. You have the time. Do you have the initiative and incentive? Do you have a passion that is lying dormant?

As women over 50, it is your time to find new creative opportunities. I know from your messages that many of you want to experience just as much passion in the second act of your life as you had in the first. Time is not your enemy. Time is your friend and your opportunity. Now is your time to pursue your interests and goals with energy and dedication. Don’t be concerned about taking a new risk. Be optimistic because deep down inside of you — you know what makes your heart sing.

A passion is a core part of who you already are sweet reader. If you have forgotten what gives you pleasure notice what you enjoy and consider your strengths.

You have a passion. Everyone does. Unfortunately, many women don’t explore and act upon their desires. This is the opposite of practicing self-care.

I Can Attest, You Can

Therefore, it is time you invest in this form of self-care. Darlings, find your path. It may be an untested new endeavor that arouses a passion, or you may want to reinvigorate a love from the past. My neighbor, a retired attorney, took up photography. It is a new found passion, and his photographs are amazing. I believe a part of passion is in the search. So go searching, darlings.

I realize many women over 50 are floundering. They are bored. Many are alone. And some are not alone but know they are in a rut. They are feeling sorry for themselves. They feel invisible.

I have sympathy for those of you who are reading my musings and I can relate. I know it takes energy to figure out your path. We all have hidden passions. Firstly, remember self-care. All personal journeys begin with taking stock of, the you in you.

It takes time — and practice — to realize that it is not selfish to think of your needs first. This self-respect and self-love will allow your passions to develop. Life after 50 is a joyful adventure; it’s up to you to bloom where you are planted — to grow!

The Past Few Years of My Life

The past few years of my life and especially right now are filled with loss. As I mentioned, I cry several times a day at the drop of a hat. This means I am allowing myself to grieve. This is healthy though it does not feel as such. And…

On the other hand, I am creative every day of my life. I work-out everyday. I read. I watch documentaries or escape into a great flick for entertainment. I talk to close friends and my grandchildren and daughter in law – the Goods. I write. And, I try, try, try, to help myself find relief from the almost inconsolable sadness that plagues me. I am constantly searching for answers to help myself. This has been the most difficult time of my life. So, I can relate to those of you who are also in dire situations.

What I have trouble relating to are those of you who are sitting on the fence and letting your life over 50 pass you by. Get off your backside and get into life! Recreate your passion. Take care of yourself. In other words practice the art of self-care. You owe it to yourself.

For those of you who are living your best life possible — I applaud you. Continue to ride your wave! Amen. Amen.

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