It has been pointed out in the media that the youth culture often discards women when they reach a certain age. I think that is a flawed concept. It is not the youth culture that discards people of ‘a certain age’; it is we the women of that ‘certain age’ who can easily do it to ourselves with limiting beliefs related to age and retirement.
Age does not matter unless we make it matter! You see, as a woman who was part of the sixties hippie generation, I never believed those limiting beliefs in the first place. Yet they were drilled into my head by well-meaning people who wanted me to live their version of retirement. There was a constant internal struggle about what was possible for me at that stage of my life. As women of a ‘certain age’, we must release the limiting beliefs of others and embrace the powerful limitless beliefs within ourselves.
“Your time is limited so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”
– Steve Jobs (2/24/55 – 10/5/11) An American entrepreneur, marketer, and inventor, who was the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Apple Inc.
Authentic women of a ‘certain age’ are not living shallow lives. We are living vibrant lives where we respect, learn and support each other. And, we naturally mentor and do the same for young entrepreneurs. It is our responsibility to help other women of any age, and especially of a ‘certain age’, do the same!
Authenticity and a joyful life happened when I let go of everyone else’s plan for me and began to live my life and my retirement—my way! Let’s do it!
Guest Writer Linda Ashley
Linda follows the tradition of her entrepreneurial family. She has been self-employed for more than forty years, a decade of which included serving as the president and CEO of the Newark Chamber of Commerce. Linda became the “go-to” person for advice and help with business opportunities and challenges. She is a mastermind facilitator, speaker, author, connector, blogger, trainer, event planner, retreat facilitator, seminar and workshop leader, and director for ‘Today’s Innovative Woman Magazine’.
Linda has received numerous awards for her work over the years, including the Rising Star Award from Thriving Women in Business, Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives, a California Legislature Resolution Commendation from the 25th Assembly District, and a Commendation for Initiative, Knowledge, and Work Ethic from the Office of the Mayor of Newark.
Linda can be reached at 510-919-3696 or by email at Linda@ashleybiz.com. Her book Authentic Alignment, Wise Women Reveal the Secrets to a Stellar Life, is available on her website www.ashleybiz.com.