When I decided to sign up for the Weekend to End Women’s Cancers 60K two-day event in Toronto, I knew I would have to train. I hadn’t done very much about exercise in a long time. I had not been motivated. I thought all my little aches would just get bigger/worse. My damaged discs would rebel. I was wrong.

Two things happened that made me change my outlook. First, I decided that at 65 I had to do the walk to honor my mother who had died of cancer at 65. Second, I had read Suzanne’s chapter – “Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes” – many times. It applies to so many parts of our lives. I can’t count how many times I have said that phrase in my head. So I began my training.

I started walking and it just got easier and easier. The walks got longer and longer, and I realized after I had walked 37.5K with my group that could definitely do the 60K walk in September. I did not start fundraising until I made significant progress in the training. But, now I feel confident about that too.

Last Sunday, I completed my first Half Marathon race (3:13.24) and, I think I’m making progress in other aspects of life too. One woman I met during the race said, that her goal had been to do 12 half marathons by age 68. I was still feeling pretty good in the middle of the race – on what was a very hot day – so I decided maybe I can do 12 by the time I am 68!

Now, I can also start a new chapter in Suzanne’s book, “You Do Know What You Want to Do.”

*My Bib for the race has “Cindy” on it because I inherited her spot. She sprained her ankle on a visit to New York.

**Betsey, my best friend from college said, I look ebullient in both the “before” and “after” photo. Marty, my husband, is my official photographer.

Note – If you want to train for a race or really enjoy walking – join a group. It is so much more fun and empowering to walk with a group of women. I walk with the Running Room in Toronto.

For information on the Weekend to End Women’s Cancers, please visit: www.endcancer.ca

VIVMag, says: “Frankly, we’re a little tired of hearing people say things like ‘30 is the new 20’ and ‘40 is the new 30.’ So we love the title of Suzanne Braun Levine’s new book: “50 Is the New Fifty.” The first editor of Ms. magazine, Levine is no stranger to inviting a discussion on women and aging… she delivers 10 life lessons for women who are in their “second adulthood” with wisdom, honesty and humor…”

Click here to read VIVmag article.

VIVMag, the first all digital magazine for women, offers insights, advice and authentic stories to inspire and motivate women in their quest for a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Many of their members’ stories are featured online in the “VIV Moment” section – A point in your life when everything clicked and you discover something new about yourself.”

Visit VIVMag to learn more…

To celebrate the recent release of the paperback edition of “Fifty Is the New Fifty,” I was interviewed this week for She Writes.com {have this link to Suzanne Interview} by Pamela Redmond Satran–author of the bestselling book “How Not To Act Old,” creator of the online serialized novel “Ho Springs,” and the developer of “nameberry.com”– for She Writes.com, the leading online destination for women writers.

She Writes™ is a lively community of women writers – 8,000 strong and growing. I enjoyed this interview and think the questions about Feminism, Ageism, Role Models, and What’s Next, are right on target. Take a look! http://www.shewrites.com/profiles/blogs/five-questions-forsuzanne

The She Writes™ Mission – To transform the landscape in which women write, publish, and read.

Since its inception in June 2009, thousands of women writers from more than thirty countries and all fifty states, including many bestselling and award-winning authors, have been sharing support, organizing their knowledge, and doing business on the site. It is a unique community where women writers can create networks and get the services and support they need to make every stage of their writing lives easier, She Writes™ is a business on a mission: to forever transform the landscape in which women write, publish, and read.

We believe writing has the power to change the lives of women; we believe that when women write and publish, they have the power to change the world. She Writes™ is the brainchild of founder Kamy Wicoff, an author and salonniere based in New York City.

The site is a wonderful resource and community for women writers.
I urge everyone to take a look and join!

www.shewrites.com

Director of The Women’s Institute for Freedom of the Press (WIFP) Reads “50” Books per Year!

Dr. Martha Leslie Allen logs in about 50 books per year. She keeps friends up to the minute on her current selections and her reviews on Goodreads where she has logged in 744 books to date and lists 56 as “Favorites.”

We’re posting a list of “10” of her favorite memoirs to share with “Your Circle of Trust Book Club.” Martha says, “these books are all remarkable in various ways.” And, if you are ready to write your own memoir, she suggests visiting Matilda Butler and Kendra Bonnett’s site www.womensmemoirs.com for inspiration and the essentials of women’s memoir writing.
Then, you can get started!

The Good Women of China: Hidden Voices
By Xinran

Are You Somebody?
By Nuala O’Faolain

When I Was Puerto Rican
By Esmeralda Santiago

A Russian Diary: A Journalist’s Final Account of Life, Corruption, and Death in Putin’s Russia
By Anna Politskaya

This Child Will Be Great
By Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Born in the Big Rains: A Memoir of Somalia and Survival
By Fadumo Korn

Alicia
By Alice Appleman-Jurman

The Girl I Left Behind: A Narrative History of the Sixties
By Judith Nies

Wild Swan: Three Daughters of China
By Jung Chan

Desert Flower: The Extraordinary Journey of a Desert Nomad
By Waris Dirie

To find out more about the memoirs listed, visit www.amazon.com or the writer’s website.

The Women’s Institute for Freedom of the Press (WIFP) is a non-profit, tax-exempt research, education, and publishing organization. The organization was founded in 1972, by Dr. Donna Allen, to increase communication among women and reach the public with our experience, perspectives, and opinions.

For information on WIFP visit:
www.wifp.org

Contact: Martha Allen
Email: allen@wifp.org



Dear Suzanne,

I’m half-way through your terrific book, and couldn’t wait to write you; I’m underlining on every page, and have just ordered two more copies, gift-wrapped, for friends turning fifty.

A few months ago, my own book, The Gift of an Ordinary Day: A Mother’s Memoir, was published by Grand Central. I didn’t know it till this morning, when I began reading yours, that what I’d actually written was missive from deep within The Fertile Void. There were many times, during the writing when I completely lost confidence in what I was doing. (I’d send chapters to my mom, asking, “Will anyone be interested in this?” And she would call to say, “Well, I’m interested, but of course, I KNOW you.” Not terribly encouraging.) When the book came out, it felt uncomfortable, as if I were running around town in my pajamas — not exactly naked, but weirdly exposed
and vulnerable. And then the letters started coming in, from women who said, “I feel as if you are writing the thoughts in my mind.”
That’s when I began to relax, and to realize that, as you say, we are all more alike than different. And that we can find our Horizontal
Role Models at every turn. My readers are my role models these days, as I am theirs; the conversation has been amazing.

Anyway, I love your website, and your message. At fifty-one, I have already found myself hesitating on occasion to reveal my age, because
I think that the younger mothers who write to me will feel that I’m too out of touch with their challenges. And then they surprise me, by saying that I give them some idea of what lies ahead, just up the road and around the corner from where they are.

I’d love to send you a copy of my book, if you tell me where to send it. And I hope you’ll drop in on my website too. (My great claim to
fame at the moment is a YouTube video that’s making the rounds–a total surprise, but I’m also really proud of it; in a way, the process
of writing–and then going out to meet my readers–has led me out of the Fertile Void into a brand new place.)

All best, and thank you for writing the perfect book!

Katrina Kenison

http://www.katrinakenison.com

Click here to watch the YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olSyCLJU3O0

By Mary Eileen Williams, M.A., NCC

If you’re over fifty and looking for work, you probably have a slew of preconceived notions about how bad the job market is for older applicants. You are also likely to have a number of concerns and questions that need to be addressed.

In the course of my twenty years of experience as a career counselor and job search specialist, I’ve counseled thousands of midlife career changers and jobseekers and—believe me—I’ve heard it all. Here are a few of the typical concerns that surface:

I’m too old to be competitive in today’s youth-oriented marketplace.
I haven’t updated my resume in over fifteen years and have no idea what they’re looking for now.
I realize I’ve got skills but I’m not sure how to name them or be able to speak to any of my accomplishments at work. I did my job and did it well, but I don’t know how to market myself. In fact, I don’t like tooting my own horn.
I don’t have a college degree.
My technical skills aren’t that up-to-date.
How can I interview with someone who’s in his or her thirties?

And making matters even more discouraging, seemingly everywhere we turn, the job market is described with words such as “bleak,” “slow to recover,” and “with limited prospects.” This, we’re told, is especially true for the older applicant.

There’s no doubt about it—ageism is alive and well in this country. However, if you’re a jobseeker who is over fifty, you probably remember the phrase we used to say in our youth with such smug conviction: “Don’t trust anyone over thirty!” We can’t deny that boomers coined the phrase “generation gap,” so ageism is far from new.

Regardless, there are certain key strategies you can use that will highlight your age and experience, and make you more attractive to potential employers. Now, I’m not suggesting we delude ourselves with pie-in-the-sky fantasies and wishful thinking. What I am suggesting is that we take a deep breath and get some perspective:

The media knows bad news sells so that’s just what they spin: bad news on just about everything.
The figures they cite are drawn from generalities and take no account of the personal drive, focus, and energy an individual puts into his/her job search.
Certain industries and occupations are far more welcoming to older applicants than others. Why not concentrate your search on fields that appreciate the knowledge that age and experience provide?

If it looks like an employer will not appreciate the experience you bring, move on! Do NOT waste your valuable energy seeking possibilities that are limited at best. Even if you are hired, they’re not likely to afford you opportunities for growth within the organization. Move forward and place your energy and focus on new opportunities where your experience will be welcomed (and appreciated!).
Determine the potential age-related objections an employer might hold regarding you as a candidate—do something about them (if needed) and create a list of ways you can overcome these objections.
Turn your age into an advantage.

Yes, there’s no doubt about it—age truly can be an advantage! So now let’s turn to ways that you, as an older applicant, have it all over those young whippersnappers:

You have market knowledge and a skill set gained over years of experience.
You have an extensive network of clients, customers, coworkers, and colleagues developed over a lifetime career.
You are likely to be more flexible and can present yourself as a full-time employee or as a consultant.
You are not necessarily assertively climbing the corporate ladder so you won’t pose a threat to the more aggressive up-and-comers.
You have the knowledge and ability to mentor younger workers and teach them valuable techniques and tools that translate into ongoing success for the organization.
You have life skills gained over years of experience dealing with people. You know the importance of being responsible, showing up on time, following through to complete assigned tasks, managing emotions at work, and being a contributing team member.
The workforce is aging. Workers over fifty represent one of the fastest growing labor groups in the country and you fit right in. The cost of replacing experienced workers can be as much as half their annual salary, so companies are recognizing that recruiting and retaining workers over fifty is sound business practice.

And these are just a few of the pluses you bring. Your attitude about your viability as a candidate and your potential for finding work underscores everything you do. Anyone actively seeking employment needs to project an aura of energy, enthusiasm, knowledge, and confidence. This is especially true for those of us with a few years under our belts. Some of the more unkind stereotypes have us being “old,” “tired,” “unenthusiastic,” and “technologically inept.” So let’s get out there and prove them wrong!

Mary Eileen Williams, M.A., NCC, has twenty years of combined experience as a career and life transition counselor, job search specialist, university instructor, and writer. As a Nationally Board Certified Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Career Development, she specializes in working with job seekers in midlife and showing them the latest techniques for landing a job in the 21st Century. Mary Eileen is the host of the popular blog and radio show “Feisty Side of Fifty” www.feistysideofifty.com.

LAND THE JOB YOU LOVE: 10 Surefire Strategies for Jobseekers Over 50

To order from Amazon: http://bit.ly/8xi4Oo

I’ve been advised to write an upbeat end-of-year note – to reinforce the message of my writing, which is that women over fifty are feeling upbeat about themselves and their prospects. And that certainly applies to me. My kids and friends are good; my husband has opened the art gallery of his dreams; and my mother is drifting off peacefully (so far). I have reconnected with old friends, which is an amazing gift; my longtime friends continue to nourish me and one another (one had major back surgery, but is recovering) and continue to do good work.

I have been energized by the groups of women I have talked with about where our lives are and about Fifty Is the New Fifty (which is coming out in paperback in the spring). Moreover, what could be more optimistic on my part than starting a new book – about love, no less!

BUT I find it hard to be encouraged about the world we are living in.  Every time something good looks about to happen, it is undermined by greed or vengeance or negativity or failure of will. Decent people struggle, poor people suffer, nature is assaulted, and the people in charge seem more interested in wielding power than using it to change things.  As Big Daddy keeps bellowing (in “Cat on A Hot Tin Roof”) mendacity is everywhere.

So, is there anything upbeat to say about the new year and the new decade?  I think so.  Because of the energy, decency, and courage of countless people like those I meet and write about and love, I do believe that change is possible. That is my message to myself. I want to bring my own sense of empowerment to the world beyond my own. And I intend to do that by taking my own words to heart and adapting some of the Life Lessons from Fifty Is The New Fifty to my 2010 game plan.

NOTHING CHANGES IF NOTHING CHANGES.  It is one thing to hope for change; it is another thing to get it moving.  I know – and I intend to keep reminding myself – that even the smallest movement in the right direction can set off a chain of meaningful consequences.

NO IS NOT A FOUR LETTER WORD.  I plan to make it my business to say “no” more often, especially when my inclination is to look the other way or give in.

AGE IS NOT A DISEASE. When I attribute my what-a-mess attitude to becoming the stereotypical crotchety old lady, whose life work is to complain until she drops, I will remind myself that I am at the most influential and dynamic stage of my life, and I’d better use it, not lose it..

BOTH IS THE NEW EITHER/OR. Seeing things in black and white, denouncing flawed behavior, dismissing a good action from a bad source – that kind of thinking has to go. The mellowness and ability to roll with the punches that has come to us as we become older and wiser can keep us on a search for the best outcome under the circumstances.

A “CIRCLE OF TRUST” IS A MUST. Since what is so discouraging in my current world view is a lack of trust in our institutions, our leaders, and human nature, I must look to the people I do trust and the good that they are doing for inspiration – as well as love.
If each of us can be what I call a “Horizontal Role Model” for the rest of us, we can make 2010 a year that counts for ourselves and for the future.

http://www.bluestonegallerymilford.com

My latest line of inquiry has to do with how we are experiencing love, sex, and intimacy these days. That is the subject of my next book, which I am working on now. I am intrigued by answers like: “I would never have chosen a guy like him twenty years ago!” “I was very happily married, but I would never marry again. I like being on my own.” “Sex used to be irrelevant, now it most certainly isn’t.” And I am touched by others who admit, “I am more content in my thirty-year marriage now than ever before.”

I am asking you to take a look at the questions below and answer any of them that interest you with a few sentences about your life.

If you would consider being interviewed in greater length (by me) please write to me directly at: info@suzannebraunlevine.com.

Thank you for joining this ground-breaking conversation.

Are you in love now?
If so, does it feel different from other times in your life? How?
Is your partner someone you would have picked (or did pick) back then?
Or someone totally different?

If not, would you say you were “in sex”? Meaning enjoying sex even though the relationship couldn’t be called love? If so, is there anything new about the sex?

Have you found out anything new about the way you love now? Are you less/more interested in companionship and doing things together? Are you less/more interested in monogamy? (or are you a “serial monogamist?”)

If you are aware of power differentials or abuses of power in previous relationships, can you describe them and whether things are different in current ones? If you are in a long-standing relationship, has the balance of power shifted over time?

Do you feel what you used to think of as “being in love” for people who aren’t romantic or sexual partners, (friends or grandchildren, for example)?

Your age _____
Your marital status _____
Write to me at info@suzannebraunlevine.com (if you would consider being interviewed).
Find out what your friends and other women are thinking as we continue the dialogue in new posts, comments, information and themes at “The New Intimacy,” www.suzannebraunlevine.com
©Suzanne Braun Levine, 2009.