In 1855 the English poet, Robert Browing wrote, “Less is more.” Over the course of three years, the Covid 19 virus touched the life of every woman in the world. I often ask myself, “What is saving my soul?” I say this in the present tense because 2023 stands before me, promising nothing but the same difficulties and opportunities (less is more) that last year and the years before promised. In this story, I would like to share with you how you can turn this into a positive. Enjoy, darling!

Time to Think is a Gift

Elsewhere has given me time to think. That is why I love Robert Browning’s quote. My world has become smaller, as has yours giving us the opportunity to grow our inner beauty.  

Old doors closed, not by choice, affording me time to question and choose new opportunities. In other words, the pandemic has given me time to invest in myself. Because change and difficulties always produce new choices.

What I express below is what I have had the time to think about during my continuous tenure living in the darkness of Elsewhere. Knowledge and opportunity knock during the worst of times. Time allows ideas to spin and finally digest. ‘Less is more’ when trivia is no longer a part of our lives. Less is more because we have had the opportunity to simply be to do. We’ve become more wizened and fruitful women after fifty. 

Listen to your heart.

Making a choice is not easy. Trusting your choice and then actually doing the hard work takes disciplinary action. Over the past few years, I have taught myself to listen and do what my heart tells me. Because it has put me in good stead with myself. 

‘Less is more’ has given me this opportunity to delve into my deepest thoughts. To learn what really gives me joy and to take an action to attain that goal. For example, if I want something in my life that is not easy to attain and my heart tells me to get to work on it even though it is going to take a great amount of discipline — I listen and act.

Enlarge Your Scope With a ‘Less is More’ Attitude

Elsewhere has shrunk our lifestyle big time. Women now work, buy their clothes and necessary products, and have conversations on Zoom — all from home. This is your opportunity to delve into your thoughts and continue your bloom. You have the time, and ‘less is more’ when you seize the opportunity.

Before Elsewhere, you were a multi-faceted woman after 50. Zigging and zagging, benefiting from many new experiences and outside interests. Now you have the time to simply be. When I feel a lack of enthusiasm, I get my ass in gear and enlarge my scope. I think of my mother, a great role model who never let the grass grow under her feet. 

So, please get out of bed and get moving in the morning. Seize life and take advantage of its offering. Elsewhere has given you the pleasure… of less is more.

Be Stoic and Self Informed

I am storing my glow for later use!

Elsewhere is forcing me to power through the dark times. To be stoic and self-informed. I am sure you can relate. During this reign of terror, I am trying to teach myself to quietly glow when in doubt. And have my ducks in a row if dark times become darker. I am storing my glow for later use! 

Because Elsewhere has provided me the time to think about my options, I was able to ignite this glow of knowledge. I have learned from living a quieter lifestyle that ‘less is more.’ 

A Wise Thought Each Day

Each day since Elsewhere entered my life, I have a wise thought for the day. Maybe it was something I read. I may have thought it up for my particular lifestyle. Sound funny or strange? I don’t think so because it gives me food for thought. A calmness and happiness when I read something from a great thinker and learn. I am alone with myself, but all the while, I am growing. ‘Less is more.’

Dignity and Purpose

Be inspired and walk with dignity. You have all the necessary tools in your arsenal. Think about your purpose and aspire to reach a new goal with purpose.

A quick and mystical, and true story.  I really don’t know if I have lived three past lives. If I did, I was a North American Indian princess, a French woman during the Days of the French Salons, and an Egyptian Jewess.

Why an Egyptian Jewess? I have very, very, very deep and profound feelings of dignity and purpose as a 21st Century Jewish woman.  I have often asked myself how did I become this woman. It is my belief that I was a freed Egyptian slave who crossed the desert in forty years. She learned lessons, gained dignity and purpose from lessons learned, and walked into Jerusalem, a woman of substance. Quite a mystical story!

I have carried this dignity and sense of purpose since I was a young married woman. Not talking the talk but walking the walk. One day I will write you my resume for the causes I have led but not today.

I  believe that every woman has untapped fire in her belly. So many of you, after fifty, let your flame burn low. Stop. 

Don’t allow Elsewhere or age to stop you in your tracks. Age is just a number. Pick your cause. Sit down and think because you have time, and “less is more.” Activate the positive. Ride your wave.

Enjoying this story? You might also like to read my blog, Happiness is a Choice — How to Choose it.

Rest and  Relaxation — The Embodiment of ‘Less is More’

I lived many years in Honolulu, Hawaii. My life was very, very full and very active. Yet island living gave me the opportunity to learn to enjoy solitude, contentment, rest, and relaxation, and I was very happy. 

Take the time to simply be with a good book, listen to Mozart, and watch the fire burn in your fireplace. Or walk the beach looking for sea shells. Maybe have a worthwhile conversation with a loved one. Elsewhere is giving you the same opportunity.

Multigenerational Women into your Circle — More is More!

Women need women of all ages in their lives. I ran a multigenerational focus group in my home for the New York Times. None of the women that I chose knew one another. Their ages ranged from the age of 28 to 97 years old. They came from all walks of life, with different careers, different lifestyles, and different religions. All told, they had one thing in common. They knew me.

The conversation lasted for over two hours and only stopped because the New York Times reporter finally had to stop it. The women wanted to meet again!

The younger women wanted advice, and the older women wanted tips too. They wanted to become friends. It was an amazing evening.

I  highly recommend adding women of all ages into your life. And limit women who do not bring you joy. One way is to  Join groups. You have the time living in Elsewhere to study your options. Elsewhere gives you this opportunity and is  a  real ‘less is more.’

I could sit and dwell about what is going on in Elsewhere, and, truth be told, I do every day. I also have charge over my life. That is my first priority; to find joy every day in some small or big way. The list above is my tutorial.  I was able to accomplish this because life in Elsewhere gave me the time to ‘simply be’ with my thoughts and realize that ‘less is more.’

Have you managed to be fulfilled with a ‘less is more’ mentality? I would love to hear if I’ve inspired you in the comments. 

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