2012 Resolution #1: Hopeful Anticipation

There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of the people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will have truly defeated age.


Sophia Loren

2012 is going to be an incredible year! Not because InStyle said so, but because I am determined for it to be. You see, this summer I will turn 59 and the clock is ticking ever closer to the big 60….so, I purpose to have a great year for number 59! Using the resources Sophia Loren suggests, I plan to defeat age once again this year!

But, I want you to know that I do not have unrealistic expectations about the uncertainties that lie ahead. That’s why I chose to take today’s outfit picture by this ladder. We are currently preparing our home to go on the market, because we must make some “drastic” changes since my husband remains unemployed. Sometimes difficulties force decisions that need to be made, yet were in a stalemate. Throughout this transition time, I can choose to be fearful or hopeful. The fountain of youth flows with hope.

Silk Jacket: Chicos
Cowl Neck Sweater: I have had it so long, I do not
remember where it orginally came from
Black Lee Jeans: Kohls
Ariat Boots from Dillards (about 10 years old)
Headband: Target

I know there are rough waters ahead. It comes with the territory as we get older. We are forced into changes we often do not want to make. We also walk through difficulties with those we love around us. We live in a world where few things are guaranteed.

As another classic actress, Betty Davis, once said, “Getting older ain’t for sissies!”

Braclets: Kohls

So, my first resolution for 2012, is to face the year with joy, hope, and anticipation of good things. After that, I just want to live one day at a time to its fullest….with class and STYLE.

What do you think of Sophia Loren’s quote?

18 Comments

  1. You have such an amazing attitude, Pam. It is going to carry you right through any rough times. I have a lot of admiration and respect for you and I believe 2012 is going to be your year!!!!! Lots of love to you. xo

  2. A dear friend told me once that going through the fire refines us. That is how gold is made. I cling to those words during rough times. Wishing you joy and peace in the coming year and beyond. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

  3. Sophia Loren is one of my all time favorites! I think her quote is brilliant! Pam, you've actually said so much in this post, that we ALL need to hear. I can be brave when all is trucking right along, but let there be a bump in the road and inwardly, I panic. I'm not proud of that. God has been so good to me for so long, how could I doubt at ALL that he's going to carry me through. You said it, as we get older there are some hard decisions to make. But, like you, I want to be excited about life. And more and more, I'm reminded that life is not about THINGS but about relationships and experiences. I'm excited to see how you bloom further in 2012! Much love to you Pam! ~Serene

  4. Sophia's quote is good, but I whole hardly love Bette's!!
    Great attitude for a time of uncertainty.
    I wish you well and predict great outcomes that you never knew were waiting for you.
    Brett

  5. Change is so difficult,especially change that we don't necessarily choose but I do believe that being adaptable is one key to staying young at heart and mind. Pam, you are such an inspiration. You are pushing forward with grit and determination, and I believe you will make the best from whatever life brings your way. Love Sophia's quote too.

  6. Working with elderly people nearly everyday, I can see clearly that Sophia's quote is true. As long as our bodies and minds allow us to be creative and active, we are youthful.
    I watched a fantastic documentary recently on PBS about youthful people who are 90+ years of age called "Over 90 and Loving It". It was incredibly inspiring. You can't help but feel young and excited about the future once you've seen these people who do amazing things like run for public office, drive a cab in NYC, write books, and entertain.

    I am sorry to hear that you are in the position to have to sell your home. My hope is that you find a buyer quickly with a fair price and find a home that is comfortable for you both physically and financiallly.

    I admire your positive attitude and willingness to forge ahead with determination to stay that way. xoxo, Adrienne

  7. It's difficult to make major life changes even when we want them; being forced by circumstances beyond our control can put even the strongest person down after a while. You are so strong and your posts are so full of enthusiasm and inspiration that I forget you are going through hard times. You are a shining example of positive attitude! I hope that many wonderful things come your way in 2012.

  8. We both, my husband and I took very early retirement in order to live. We have managed with less money and unnecessary things.
    Good luck with the changes in your life. I can grant you that there will be for the very best.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

  9. I think Sophia Loren hit the nail on the head. And how wonderful that you have the attitude you do about the changes ahead. The pictures are gorgeous, even though the reasons behind them are bittersweet.

  10. I totally agree with Bette Davis. I find that there are so many more challenges and it takes mental toughness to deal with it all.
    I am so sorry you are going to have to sell your home. I would imagine it holds many memories for you and your family.
    I admire your strength and positive attitude.

  11. First may I mention that you already live your life with both class and style. Change, no matter how it is presented to us, brings with it great possibilities. I believe good things await you my bloggy friend.I plan to defeat age once again this year too! xo

  12. Pam, I had no idea you husband is currently unemployed. Similarly to you, I also hope that 2012 will be a better year. I hope the housing market is kind to you in Dallas. I absolutely agree with you that we should live our lives to the fullest and not live in fear.

  13. I am a new reader, but am very much enjoying your blogs, Pam. My husband also lost his job a few months ago, so we decided to put our house on the market and look for jobs in the meantime. It took about 5-6 weeks to get our house "sale-ready," and it sold in 2 days! We were not prepared for that (we thought it would take 6 months to sell in this market), but we decided to go with it. After it sold, we moved out in 5 weeks, and found a great rental home on the beach 3 hours from our home, and within an hour from each of our children. We are calling this "Our Adventure." We are both interviewing for jobs and hopefully, are close to getting one, but we'll see. We are remaining optimistic that things will turn out great.. because they always have.. though I admit, I do wake up some nights, worrying about our future. Best of luck to you putting your house on the market.. just when you least expect it, something will come your way!

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