As the years go by, many challenges have been associated with ageing - one of them is illness. I began to get sick in 2007 - no matter how many trips to the doctors, they appeared baffled and couldn't give me a diagnosis. In 2009, I was finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia - a painful and debilitating musculoskeletal condition (a type of arthritis) that affected me physically and mentally.
Early on, while I was going through this, I began to look at this painful condition as a challenge, and that set me on a course to start my first business, a boarding cattery. When I put wheels in motion to build the cattery, I continued to work full-time in a fast-paced work environment, carving out my career and always eager to work long hours!
So, in 2008, I opened my new cattery while continuing to work full-time. This added more pressure on me and was probably not the wisest decision I've ever made, but I'd reached a point where I felt it crucial to build a business and lifestyle that better fit my physical and mental needs. Juggling the two responsibilities was not great for my health. Â
Driven by a desire to break free from the confines of a 9-5 job and create a business that would enrich my life (I was in my 50s), I opened my boarding cattery and started my new exciting venture. The decision to step away from full-time employment and look at raising capital for my business was a massive step towards empowerment, boosting my self-confidence and a testament to the opportunities my new business gave me.
My experience of working full time whilst launching and running my new business with the added nuisance of Fibromyalgia instilled in me resilience, determination, and inner strength - this is my superpower! Since I opened the cattery, I've herniated a spinal disc, sustained a separate back injury and broken a wrist! These painful and debilitating accidents have only spurred me on.
As I've mentioned in previous blogs, I was raised to have a favourable view of ageing and look at each stage of my life as an opportunity to develop new skills, travel to different places, and use what negatives and hardships I've experienced in life as a lesson to find something positive and move forwards. This continuous growth is a source of joy and excitement in my life.Â
Getting older is about changing your mindset from fearing old age to seeing it as a source of strength. I love that I'm still learning new things and have grown in wisdom. Since retiring from corporate life, I have felt freer and happier than ever, and it's so much fun being my boss.
I certainly don't hanker after my youth. Instead, I've gained mastery over my life, channelled my energies into learning how to run a business, and have gone on to set up another business as we emerged from the pandemic.
All my experiences in life have challenged me (even the not-so-good ones), and I've overcome them. I've learned not to be so critical of myself and feel great that I'm now in my prime rather than "past my prime."
Being a pro-age woman means I remain curious and enthusiastic about life, nature, and the people around me. I was a dreamer in my 20s and 50s, and now, at 70, I'm still dreaming and planning where I go from here and how to get the best out of life.
I'm very aware of society's negative views on ageing, but I don't listen to any of that. Besides being more mindful of my older physical self, I still feel young, energetic, and excited about where I'm headed. We should never stop growing and learning!
My superpower is helping my family, daughter, grandchildren, and customers. Looking outward, being interested in my fellow human beings and not listening to negative inner voices gives me a warm, contented feeling.
My Positive Power Rituals
Keeping a journal about accomplishments.
Taking a walk each day.
Spending time with other positive thinkers
Reading self-help books
Celebrating milestones
Dancing
Practicing meditation
Making time for a hobby
Spending time with family and friends
Eating healthy, nutritious food
Maintaining a healthy weight
Taking care of my appearance
I like to celebrate each decade and focus on personal milestones and achievements, not how society measures achievements at a certain age. It's essential to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate our successes, no matter how big or small.
One of the most liberating aspects of my life journey has been my decision never to compare myself to others. I've always believed in charting my course, following my dreams, and celebrating my unique path. This mindset has given me the confidence and freedom that I cherish.
It's never too late to start a new business, a creative project, or even move house.
Pam x
Inspirational reading
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