Transitions: From summer to fall: from discouragement to encouragement

Pamela Lutrell in JJill Cardigan on Over 50 Feeling 40

Happy Labor Day to those in the U.S. and happy Monday to all!  This is my series of posts I call Reality Check Monday…where we don’t ignore all that is going on around us, but discuss how to deal with our lifestyles with hope and joy. 

2020 has certainly been about transitions! 

FIRST REALITY: FALL IS ON THE WAY!

Fall Decor on Over 50 Feeling 40

For many of us, Labor Day is the official end of summer and the beginning of a new season.  This year the lines are blurred more than ever before because many children will stay home for school and some will go.  Some colleges are in session and some are not. 

But, what I know is that I love fall…there is a forecast which says we will experience some cooler weather at the end of the week and I am ready to celebrate a new season.  So, I am putting away my super summery pieces.  

The ones which say summer with color and style.  I still have many I can wear in warmer weather, but those may not seem quite so summery.  The cardigan I am wearing today is a JJILL linen cardigan and a good transition piece.

It has been in my wardrobe since last year.

Soft Surroundings leggings on over 50 feeling 40

I really like it with these new Soft Surroundings leggings.  I have several solid neutral leggings, so I love adding these to my wardrobe which mix things up a bit!  Hopefully, I can wear this entire outfit later this week! 

Soft Surroundings leggings for fall 2020 on over 50 Feeling 40

BATTLING DISCOURAGEMENT!

Today's News for Women over 50

Last week, the lovely ladies who read and comment on this blog stepped up in a big way to help another reader who was discouraged from wearing a hearing device. Find That Discussion Here. It was precious to see how much you cared about someone you do not know.  

We all face moments of discouragement..especially now during all of the challenges 2020 has delivered on our doorsteps.  The key is not to allow it to control your emotions or rob your joy.

My recent illness and sinus surgery deeply discouraged me and hit me by surprise.  Early in July, I was feeling great…losing weight, toning, wearing smaller sizes and enjoying my outings to search for a new style.  But, later in the month I began to feel bad.

Believe it or not, a trip to the dentist required a new X-ray and they commented on the status of my sinus cavities…in fact,  I was told they had not seen sinus cavities impacted like that on an X ray.  So off to the sinus doctor I went.

The result was sinus surgery.  This whole process since late July has included two rounds of antibiotics, steroids, and low activity.  I actually had two major fungal infections and a polyp in my head and I am still “in recovery.” 

Needless to say…weight is back, progress stopped and when I recently took a round of pictures, all I can see is a bloating face and oversized body. I have always gained weight from steroids and have been on them often for asthma and allergies.  I hate taking them.

I confess, I had a 24 hour pity party and sometimes that is healthy to do.  But, because I believe life is too short to be discouraged…I am back to my joy with my usual determination to persevere.  

I find out on Thursday if I am cleared to workout again. 

I have always been up front with you about my “imperfections” because we all have them.  I wear necklaces and bracelets because I have a torn ear lobe; I wear cute flats because I have hammer toes; I still smile despite crooked teeth…

I choose to have joy despite the imperfections and little setbacks…that is joyful aging.  I hope you will do this as well…and I still will not allow the imperfections to keep me from confident dressing and style!

So hang in there, ladies…we can face these hurdles together. 

KEEP SMILING, EVERYONE…I PROMISE, I AM!

 

 

I THINK IT IS TIME FOR A FABULOUS FINDS SLIDESHOW!!

 

JUST A NOTE:

Taking Juice Plus+ for seven years on Over 50 Feeling 40

There are several ways that I generate income through this blog in order to cover business expenses and give myself much needed income.  Purchases through the slideshow links is one way, ads on the page is one way and a new way is through ordering or re-ordering Juice Plus+ whole food capsules.  Please read my story and information HERE.

 

 

ADD SOME APPLE CIDER!

Pamela Lutrell and Goli

Another way is through ordering or re-ordering the GOLI Apple Cider Vinegar gummies through me with my GOLI LINK HERE.  Again, if you are not familiar with the benefits of apple cider vinegar, you should speak with your personal physician.  My husband and I are sold on the benefits and I am proud to represent this product.  I am going to leave this at the bottom of my posts so that when you, friends or family would like to order you can use my link.  Thanks for the support.  This is a great product; as well as, the ones below!

 

 

MY COMPLEXION LOVES CHAMONIX…KEEPING ME YOUTHFUL!

Chamonix on Over 50 Feeling 40

All natural, plant-cell technology skincare

 

 

By Pamela Lutrell

46 Comments

  1. Pamela, thank you for taking the time to encourage others even in the midst of your own discouragement. This was the pep talk I needed, and a reminder that we all have struggles. Choosing joy is not always easy but it is the only way to make this life more than just survival.

  2. So true, Jane… I want my legacy to include my choice for joy! Have some fun today and smile! Thanks for being here.

  3. Thank you for these words today. I think we are all going to be able to relate to discouragement about various things, and will have things we dislike about our bodies. A lot of times it seems we get on a roll and then something happens to derail our efforts. You have been going strong and will be there again after this setback. It is so encouraging to me that you come away from these things stronger and still joyful. I love how you had the pity party, because yes, sometimes we need to just get into what is going on and get through that. Some things can’t just be brushed aside. It’s being real and honest, something that you have always been with us. That’s so very much appreciated. What is discouraging is when someone puts up a front like everything is perfect all the time, showing the “best” outside stuff while who knows what is going on inside. You are brave enough to put all the hard stuff out there, and for me that is encouraging because things can sometimes be really hard. Something else that you said here is something I’m going to do today, and that’s put away some truly summery pieces and prepare for fall. After a few scorching days this week, it’s supposed to cool off a little and I’m looking forward to it!

  4. Thank you, Karen….I hope by being honest it does help others. I am not here to depict perfection that doesn’t exist, but to encourage all of us to enjoy our lives and persevere through the trials. And, yes! I am so ready for a cool breeze….or two!

  5. Thanks for sharing. Yesterday was my pity party.I am still recovering from several hip dislocations a hip revision(new Parts),etc. Now my shoulders are hurting. I need to get that fixed. My the orthopod is concerned about surgery at my age(82). So no I feel doomed! Meds do not seem to cut the pain,cortisone only lasted 3 days. But you have cheered me up. I am determined to keep on , keeping on! It is amazing how much we can get from each other, even when we are not acquainted.

  6. Good morning, Pamela. I’m sorry for all you’ve had to deal with recently. Sometimes life can be discouraging as we get older and our body issues seem to keep stacking up.

    I have so many physical “quirks” to deal with that some days I wish I could just stay home and enjoy my own pity party. 😊 Still, when we choose to make the most of each day and focus on the inward joy, I think it does indeed, as you said, leave a legacy for those coming behind us.

    You’re doing a great job. When you face discouragement head-on, it encourages those around you to persevere. Have a great day and please don’t ever stop smiling. It truly does encourage us!

  7. Thanks so much, Cindy! Life is too short to stop smiling…I hope to always be the one who smiles through it all!

  8. I agree with Karen. Your honest reaction about the sinus operation is what
    makes you so grounded. You are not trying to present the “perfect” picture, instead you are letting us see the struggles you have been dealing with. We all get down, especially with this never ending virus. That’s on top of the issues we are already dealing with as we age. I wish you good health and I will keep you in my prayers.

  9. I’ve never had sinus surgery, but I’ve heard it is pretty rough. I’ve certainly had many sinus infections. Once infections settle in, they are so hard to clear. I’m very sorry that you have had to endure this. I had to have hand surgery, which definitely interrupted my exercise routine, and though I’m healing from that, today I woke up with apparently having thrown my back out in my sleep. Who does that, right? I do think we have great power in encouraging one another. We all have struggles, no one is perfect, and we all need a bit of boost some days. Wishing you a “quick heal!”

  10. I definitely feel your sinus pain! I had surgery several years ago. I hope it helps you. I have hives that won’t go away so I know how being uncomfortable feels.
    I have lost almost 13 pounds this year so I know how going backwards on that feels. I’m going to step up exercise and hopefully move off this plateau. It doesn’t help that when I get hot I itch.
    Thanks for some encouragement today, and I send it back to you!

  11. Wishing you the same, Seana (love your name BTW) I hope some stretches can relieve your back pain quickly!

  12. Oh Maggie…May you find relief for the itching right away! I am determined to get back on track. Two sinus surgeries in three years needs to be enough…I hope!

  13. And yet you continue to blog EVERY. SINGLE. DAY! I cannot tell you just how much connection and joy that brings me.
    Due to my immunosuppressed condition I have not left my house for 6 months. I am completely alone. No husband. No children. I read your blog first thing in the morning . I feel your friendliness and that of your commenters. YOU matter! You all matter to me!

  14. Hi Laurel, Your comment actually brought tears to my eyes and will keep me keeping on. I am so sorry you are alone, but so glad you are here. Please let me know if there are any topics you would like to discuss. I hope this is like getting a surprise on your doorstep…if we lived in the same city, I would do that for you. Thank you for sharing…it gives me encouragement. Bless You!

  15. Wonderful post for all the reasons others stated. You are so “real” it is very refreshing! Thank you!

  16. Best wishes on a speedy return to workouts and health. I’ve been good healthwise this summer, but my husband had back surgery. He’s doing great now, but it’s always something, right? And you are so correct, it’s how we deal with it that matters. It’s hard to give up trying to control everything in advance, and to choose your response instead. (At least it always is for me, control freak that I am).

  17. I understand Linda…I am a little bit of a control freak…my family might say more than a little bit! It is always something so I should not be surprised when these things come up.

  18. Thank you for sharing Pam. Taking care of yourself is the top priority. I too have gained a couple of pounds and spent a day (or two) beating myself up and feeling sorry for myself. But am back on track and hopefully the pounds will drop. I told myself the other day that I am going to be 63 next month and have spent 53 years dieting, I am fit and healthy, and a great person even with a couple of extra pounds!
    Feel better!

  19. I am the one who posted about hearing loss last week. I so appreciated the encouragement from your readers to get tested and embrace the difference hearing aids make. I have an appointment on Sept. 14th to have a hearing test! Thanks everyone. Pamela, it has been my observation that surgery (and I believe it’s the anesthesia) causes depression. Whether it’s a mental or physical phenomenon I don’t know. But post-surgery depression is real. Praying that you recover your joy quickly! Thanks for all you do.

  20. I’m so sorry to hear this about your surgery, steroids and subsequent discouragement. That’s been me since 2017, but have shaken it off to my best but like last weeks reader, I too have learned ( knew it anyway) that I have profound severe hearing loss in my left ear. Moderate loss in my right so I need hearing aids. I’m bummed about it but know it was probably caused by septic shock where my organs shut down from this severe and often deadly infection (sepsis). Im lucky to be alive but there have been rippled side effects. I try to look at things this ways– the doctors and tons of antibiotics, plasma, steroids saved my life, got me off the ventilator after 11
    days. If they hadn’t I’d be dead. So all these subsequent health issues I just put up with. I wake up each morning and just put one foot in front of the other as they taught me in 5 weeks of physical therapy in a live in intense program. I was lucky to be accepted. I was lucky to go home mostly moving on my own. Please everyone who might be feeling discouraged. You can DO this, get through this. You’re one if the lucky ones….I tell myself this each day.

  21. Wow, Paulette! Just wow…I am so thankful you are here and can encourage others! What an ordeal… but you shine on!

  22. Something I notice as I age and those I love suffer all manner of illness, loss, and pain – is that the smallest moments and kindnesses are more meaningful than ever. As a younger woman I was often in a rush, and did not fully appreciate life’s quieter blessings. Now I am filled with joy despite plenty of cause to despair. While I sometimes give in to moments of pity or sadness, on balance I dwell very little in that realm. I think of the soft scratchiness of my father’s white beard as I kiss his cheek, the smile on his face, my mother’s frail and bent body tending her prized geraniums and her look of satisfaction when I admire them . . .and all the struggles melt away, and I think how very lucky we all are.

  23. My joy is here, Jean… in tact! I did not know about the depression post surgery. I might have been better prepared if I had. Thanks for sharing that!

  24. Hi Pam sending you a hug and support:) I had hip surgery last year and as they say “getting old is not for suckers”.Weight is always a issue with me and it is so hard but recently our daughter has moved back in with us because of Covid/social/ money worries and to keep her company we do splurge on a cocktail or wine and the odd food treat. Gone for now is a my diet discipline as I want her to feel happy. I think to myself it is important we find ways of making this stressful time less awful and I so pleased she is home with us and we are together taking Covid vey seriously and staying in. So thankful and grateful this house supports us all.

  25. Thanks for the encouraging post. Sinus surgery can be more taxing than many people would think. I’m impressed that you still produced a blog every day!

  26. Some were written prior to surgery, Jane! But I am back at it! It is therapeutic for me…I love doing this!

  27. Pam, one of the reasons I love your blog is because of your honesty and the fact that you aren’t trying to be perfect. I’m so sorry you had to go through that sinus surgery but hopefully now you will feel better after you finish healing. I look forward to your blog every day! Thank you for being fabulous YOU! Have a blessed day!

  28. I am sorry to hear about your recent health issues. They sure sneak up on one and you do not realize how bad you were feeling until you are on the road to recovery! I am glad you are doing so much better and you are able to enjoy the fall weather. Your positive attitude is so helpful to each of us. I have had a lovely summer of good reads and I appreciate all the suggestions from others.

  29. Oh Pam, I hope you’re feeling better and back in the game soon! Even when we take the best of care with ourselves, our health is a fragile thing, isn’t it?

    This isn’t meant as a criticism, but a question. I love your new leggings and it might just be the angle of the photo, but I’m wondering if you think that wearing them with the long topper makes your legs look shorter?

  30. Thank you for providing encouragement & being real. In the world of social media, it is very easy to get sucked in the idea that everyone else has the perfect life, & you are out in the cold. As a caregiver, I have had the importance of self care emphasized from several sources. My caregiving is mostly of the mental & emotional kind these days, but that can be just as draining as the physical kind. Some days, you need to have that pity party & sit down to have a good cry. Then, you pick yourself up & start again. I am looking forward to fall & to getting out more. I will be taking the appropriate precautions, but a change of scenery will be a good thing.

  31. Jean, I was in denial about my hearing loss. It was impacting my work as a health care provider where I had to strain to hear my patients. I saw an ENT in Austin who cautioned me about risk of dementia for those with hearing impairment. I took action and went to Costco to trial some hearing aides ( 90 days trial). It was stressful at first but life changing! I never knew how much I was missing out on. I wasn’t so tired after work straining to hear. The staff at Costco were terrific fine tuning my settings specific to my needs. I can adjust the volume via my cell phone app. My hair conceals the hearing aides so no one can tell. Please give the hearing aides a try! You won’t regret it.

  32. This is why I follow you; your honesty and ability to be so real about yourself! Health issues seem to be a fact of life as we age. I turned 69 last month and I keep telling myself that it’s a gift to grow old. I tell my husband every day we are so fortunate not to have major health issues but just annoying, pesky things. Because of you I visited my local soft surroundings store; I bought 2 pairs of leggings and a really great pair of denim pull on shorts. The leggings will be good transition pieces for sure. You are right; the service and atmosphere of the shop is spot on. I am only saying this because I think they’re listening but I was dismayed to see all 3 garments I purchased were made in China. I am checking labels and country of origin more now then ever and I hope SS is as well.

  33. Lena, My sister said that Costco has been very good to my mother with her hearing aids, so that is where I will get my hearing test. Maybe this discussion will encourage others struggling with a hearing loss. It has definitely has encouraged me!

  34. You look beautiful in that pink! Glad you are on the mend and hope you’ll be back to normal soon. The comments from your readers about hearing aids are most helpful and I’m encouraged to give them another go.

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