Another year ends and the new year, 2018, is but 10 days away. My hope is that today’s musings will provide you with a gigantic positive adrenalin rush. I want you to waltz into 2018. Yes, I so mean waltz. And I want you to address your thoughts on your personal positive actions. The topic today: How can I turn a few emotional weaknesses that are bothering me into emotional strengths. Grab a cup of steaming hot and delicious coffee or tea and sit down with soft playing music (I ask Alexa, my robot to play soft Hawaiian music) and make two columns, one titled My Strengths and one titled My Weakness. Paint a mental portrait of the weaknesses you want to move into the strength column. Don’t over burden yourself. Most of you are  50, 60, 70, 80+ years old. You are very wise and tuned-in older women. Make your chart one of your holiday gifts to yourself.

I would choose one or two weaknesses to work on because change, in every age group, is difficult. It is hard work, though worth the effort and will add relevancy and visibility to your life. I believe in the power of growth at every age.

Do put on your positive ‘strength hat’ and come with me as I offer my advice. Remember: You do have the emotional resources.  

Emotional goals: How to change your weaknesses into strengths for women over 50

• Don’t be afraid to make a change.
• A positive change will provide emotional power.
• Don’t be a pleaser. Be an advocate. You will be respected.
• Take the high road, but know there is a fine line between what is just and what is not.
• If you fail at first…try, try, try again. Results don’t occur overnight. Practice. Practice. Practice.
• Be vital. Be visible. Be YOU.

As I muse today, I look back on 2017. I happily grew. I feel it. I turned my encounters and disappointments that were affecting me from weaknesses into strengths. I did not tax myself. I let go of disappointments that really did not matter and tackled what was unsettling. I grew.

I will share the weakness I will try and turn into a strength in 2018.  Darlings, I have a biggie.

I will not be emotionally afraid to stand up and draw a line between taking the high road and responding firmly to the  behavior of others, including my family. This will be very hard because I was brought up by my parents to take the ‘high road.’ I like that approach. It is a lovely value, but there is a fine line when a person, on the receiving end, should cease and desist accepting certain behaviors. This is my year to desist. I am already feeling positive power.

One weakness is enough for me to handle in 2018. If I can turn this weakness into a strength I will be one happy woman. I want you, darlings, to think about yourselves. It is not selfish. It should be music to your ears, to grow into a happier more fulfilled you.

Happy Holidays to you, darlings. I am sending you my blessings and a big kiss. You have all enhanced my life. I am grateful to each of you.