6 Ways to go from “Feeling Old” to “Feeling Great”

Pamela Lutrell in new Chicos Jacket

We all have our days. You know, the days we need to go from “feeling old” to FEELING GREAT!   These are the days when we rise, look in the mirror, and perhaps, feel much older than we actually are.  On those days we see only the wrinkles, dark circles, or bags… and somehow, these days come more often right now, during the winter. Actually, I get the bears. Sometimes hibernation makes perfect sense.  Bears get to escape the cold weather which makes us feel achy, cranky and just plain old.  How many times do you want to run back to bed because you do not like what you see looking back at you.

Pamela Lutrell in rhinestone cuff

Well, I hope to help you escape some of the winter doldrums, because like it or not, this is on you.  We must decide not to allow negativity to control our days.  It is a decision.  So, look in the mirror, shake your head and say out loud NO WAY! Feeling Old doesn’t win today.

I do not often agree with Jane Fonda, but I did agree when she said this…

As I started getting older, I realized, ‘I’m so happy!’ I didn’t expect this! I wasn’t happy when I was young.”

Over 50 Feeling 40 Chooses Joy

 

This time of my life has been a time of great joy, and I want you to feel it too.  So, here is what I recommend if you have the “I feel old-blues:”

  1. If you are not already going out for work or another reason, then make a reason now. Make sure you decide a way to leave the house. Go shopping, call a friend for lunch, go to a book store, treasure hunt at a thrift store…. just get out!
  2. Dress with fun in mind. Select a vibrant color or print and be bold with your style.  (Like I am wearing today)
  3. Sing and dance while getting ready…Alexa is perfect for this! (Alexa, play Rockin’ Robin!)
  4. Either start your day or end your day with a workout of some type…gets those happy endorphins going.
  5. Call someone who makes you laugh just to say hello.
  6. Give yourself a treat that makes you feel younger…a fun accessory, a new fragrance, a great book, an anti-aging facial or a massage.

Over 50 Feeling 40 with workout friends

 

I asked my workout friends what they do on the days they “feel old” and you can see that exercise makes a difference:

  1. I make myself suck it up and go to the gym. Our workouts really clear my mind.
  2. When I wake up and look in the mirror and feel old, I tell myself there are people half my age that cannot do the things I can do!
  3. When I wake up I feel old, but when I look in the mirror I feel younger because I know I am ready to workout.
  4. I honestly just see old, but know inside there is still a kid.
  5. I feel younger after coffee. But agree with the group that our gym habits help be to feel good, and feel mentally better about myself.

Just do not allow the doldrums to win. Do not climb back in bed and put the covers over your head.  Why?  Because life is short and we need to turn each day into a special moment!  You can do this…it is a decision and so worth it

ABOUT THE OUTFIT

I kind of went crazy at the Chico’s sales since Christmas.  This jacket first caught my eye in black, but since I am trying to wear a little less black (though I adore it), I decided to get the jacket in red and I really like it.  This is fun and it does put a smile on my face.  With the round collar, I thought it would go so well with a recent blouse I purchased at a Macy’s sale.  Now, here is the funky information.  

Sometimes we have to do what it takes to make the clothing work for us.  I am actually wearing this DKYN top backwards and as long as I wear it with a jacket, no one knows.  I like the way the bow ties better when I turn it around and I like the fit of the top better.  I have on my Quinn Pants from JJill, and in the spring I can wear this with khaki pants or white.  There is a thin black line which outlines the designs so the black works well.  My accessories are my Clark Ballet Flats, and an old rhinestone cuff bracelet.  I could bracelet for me to wear to work is actually one that I forget about and does not bother me while I am on my computer (almost 24/7).  This is one of those bracelets. 

 Today’s slideshow is about shaking off the winter doldrums to feel vibrant and fun…enjoy!

 

AND, KEEP SMILING AND FEELING GREAT!

 

By Pamela Lutrell

25 Comments

  1. Love this “HAPPY” look on you Pam!!! It brought a big smile to my face when you come up on my phone?.
    Have a great day!?

  2. Totally relate and totally agree with your words! It’s more mind over matter sometimes! I do mind that I dont feel physically motivated, and it does matter that I DO something about it! Who else will.?! I enjoy little gifts to myself, even if just a trip to the local drugstore for a bright shade of lipstick ( that I may not wear in public! Lol). You’re a lovely lady inside & out Pam! Another thing I enjoy is my sassy new haircut… still looks like a regular bob in front, but the back is short and bumped up (stacked). I’d love to see you have your heavy hair shaped more off your forehead & eyes. I think you’d love it! xoxo

  3. That outfit would make me smile to wear. It looks so fresh. The backward blouse is so inventive and with the bow works really well. Great look. Sometimes when I put a look together that I think looks fun, by the time I leave I may start to second guess, but go with it anyway now. We are having Family Day here in Canada, so I will say Happy Presidents Day to you.

  4. Agree with you on these practices to get us moving during our long winters (northeast)! My new iractice is that every sunny cold day ur cloudy cold day
    (Not in sleet or snow) I will take a long walk somewhere in town. It can be in My neighborhood, drive to a village nearby , leave the car and walk there, drive to a park and likewise or drive to a nearby town and find a place to walk. I’ll walk fur a half hour or more! It awakens the senses to be outside in crisp cold air! I feel like a kid! I do go to yoga and tai chi classes too but these are indoor activities so…..walking!

  5. I agree with you, Paulette… I love to walk in cold crisp air. It is refreshing and invigorating! Thanks for sharing.

  6. I see a joyful, artistic, chic woman – you look fantastic in the color & style of the shorter jacket. Your infectious smile doesn’t hurt either. ?

  7. I love that outfit! Trying so hard to pull away from black especially since I live in a warm climate year round. I moved to SoCal after retiring in 2018. No more New York winters! Every morning I wake up pinching myself that it’s another beautiful, sunny day. Walking, golfing, swimming all so easy when it’s 70 degrees. I’m learning new activities like golf & mahjong; so important as you get older. Great post! You’ve been an inspiration as I transition to my retirement look.

  8. Love the outfit and the advice. Happy Family Day from London Ontario Canada. Love your site. Great info and advice.
    Enjoy your day!

  9. Love this look on you…and the jacket. Hmmm, I’m tempted. The short jacket length is looking great on you.

  10. Always enjoy your slide shows. Usually buy a idea too.!Great choices this time! Thanks. Agree with Stay happy and smile,because how you actually feel may be really boring to others!

  11. Thanks Jane…it’s a great jacket. Click on the image below. Chico’s does have a sale going on.

  12. Nice outfit and good post! We do choose to be happy and there are ways to increase happiness.

  13. I once had a boss who occasionally wore what she called her happy pants, often on a Friday or maybe when she just needed a boost. They might have been Chico’s Traveler, that kind of forgiving, comfortable fabric, black but with white line drawing images, that if you looked closely, were vacation type—sun, palm trees, umbrellas, etc. We all need happy pants. Your look is a spectacular example of Happy.

  14. Fabulous outfit, Pam! It made me smile! I also have been going crazy with Chic’s sales! It’s a wonderful store for women our age, and free shipping sure helps. I really enjoyed the slideshow. Love your tips for staying active. I try to get out and do something most days of the week. We have lots of sunshine (300 days) in Colorado so that helps!

  15. I have always been awed by your style and attitude that you put together when it comes to fashion and have taken great inspiration at the age of 55 from you to dress up in the most trending way. Thank you Pamela for giving us such encouraging us that dressing up is not something that is just outward but it is also about feeling beautiful from inside. Such innovative blouse idea along with bow was a total highlight.

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