Our body is a vessel for the soul so that we can learn the lessons of love.
"I'm a $100 bill in a 2 cent envelope". This is a line from one of my favorite people to describe how young he still feels even though he's pushing 70 years old.
Personally, I can't believe I'm still here at 60 years old, but I will tell you it really is the best time of my life so far. There are quite a few reasons for this.
The US is a very work oriented country, and although there is nothing wrong with being productive and a contributor to society, there is also nothing wrong with being who we are and doing what makes us happy.
I had a great career of 33 years during which time I was recognized and celebrated many times. It was very fulfilling so I don't feel as though I was just working for a paycheck all those years, which is the unfortunate truth for so many. What it did for me was to make sure I was entitled to social security benefits (when I am of age) and provided a pension that helps pay the bills now. But the boho soul knows that life isn't about the pursuit of money. In fact, we're pretty sure that money is the root of all evil, but that's a discussion for another post, even though we started with the metaphor about the $100 bill in a 2 cent envelope. Now is actually the time that the envelop is getting some attention.
The first and BEST thing I did to make 60 so fabulous is I decided to retire early because I worked during the time I had cancer back in 2007-08. I'm still not sure why I felt it was necessary to work through that whole ordeal except for the fact that I was in my 40s and a single mom, so it was for stability I guess. However, as soon as my house was paid off I officially resigned from my job to become an artist and to fully embrace the hippy/boho/Jori that I really am and have always wanted to be.
Financial Transformation
It's amazing the transformation I went through when I finally said, that's it I'm retired now. First of all, my friends were in disbelief and asked me, but how can you do that? Well, it took some planning. When I first started my career, I hired a financial adviser. Someone to take care of my retirement investments for me because I was clueless about that kind of stuff and didn't really want to know about that kind of stuff. However, living in the real world made it necessary to make financial plans for my future. So a friend of mine (very important to know your financial advisor personally) took over that plan for me through his company and it was one of the smartest moves of my life and has given me an income to float me through until I can collect my social security.
Physical Transformation
One of the first changes I made after retirement was I quit coloring my hair and let my grey take over which I love, love, love. Instead of my usual work/ conservative attire I began to let it be and I have embraced my boho style instead, the boho attitude was always there. I feel like I am free at last to LIVE the life I was meant to have. Another thing that was instrumental for my physical transformation and something that shocked me to learn after I retired was that apparently I am a nervous eater. When I became stressed I would comfort myself with food. But I'm not talking about sitting in front of the TV with a carton of ice cream, I'm talking constant snacking on nuts and veggies and fruit and sweets (mostly chocolate). It sounds harmless but if it's constant all day long, then as in my case, it kept about 20 pounds of extra stress weight on me at all times. I used to comfort myself with shopping, but you can only house so much stuff until that becomes stressful, not to mention that there was a price tag involved so that wasn't a healthy option either. I am not someone who can go for a walk or commit to some kind of work out regimen either because I have a wrecked knee, (which I will tend to soon, I'll keep you posted.) So I stopped shopping and started creating. I began to read new and interesting things. I started listening to the kind of music I like, which got me up to dance, A LOT. I was SO busy with new pursuits that I didn't eat constantly and I dropped weight like crazy.
I also started cooking at home for most meals. Going out became a special event, a date night kind of thing with all that goes along with date night, which made going out really fun. Making dinner at home became special too because my husband (the Bohemian) is a fabulous cook, he makes international dishes that are interesting and unique so even cooking at home was somehow transformed. We always have a pot of soup available, this usually becomes a quick lunch or is served with dinner. So stress was removed from meal time because it is something we do together over cocktails and music. Doesn't that sound fun!
One of my favorite fun new hobbies has also contributed tremendously to my happiness and health. Following my cancer diagnosis 15 years ago I decided to make my own skin care products and this has been a game changer. I have learned about what ingredients were used in ancient times and what items are used today to nourish and protect skin without using harsh chemicals or things our bodies don't need. I can tell a difference in how I feel overall after leaving store bought skincare products on the shelf. I use natural products now to enhance my look and how I care for my body.
A couple of other new things I added to my 'retired' lifestyle. I eat breakfast everyday. I'm talking eggs and cheese and bread and hash browns, sometimes bacon, sometimes fruit. I probably have a 1000 calorie breakfast everyday. Here's why, I am not hungry during the day because I had this great breakfast so I don't snack anymore. Sometimes I'm still full at lunch time so I eat something lighter for lunch, like bone broth soup or a green salad. Then when supper time rolls around I am ready for a healthy, balanced meal, but I never eat until I can't move. If I over eat I can't sleep. During meal times I eat until I don't feel hungry anymore but I no longer eat until I'm miserable., which is something I used to do. Your body will tell you, ok, you're good now. Anything more will be misery for you. Listen to your body. If you're popping prilosec to get over your misery, you are using chemicals for something that you have control over.
Kombucha, my daughter said that kombucha was too much of a trendy fad for her, to which I say BS!!!!! Who cares what people think about what you're eating and drinking, you have to know what works for you!!! Since I started drinking kombucha I'm so regular. What more could you ask for? I use my little squatty potty step and I eliminate like a champ everyday. I feel so good now that I have gut health, all health is based on gut health, it is true. I'm so sorry for all those impacted people, when the answer is available. I know medications can bring that on. I take nothing. I never have. I don't even take aspirin. I know many people have to take medications but unless you are prescribed meds. Don't, just don't. I'm not a naturopath but humans have survived for millennia without big pharma. I'm not saying quit taking your meds, I wouldn't be here today if it hadn't been for the cancer drugs I was given to save me. But I will tell you that I live everyday with the side effects of those drugs. In other words, I am here but the quality of life that I have is compromised by those drugs and their side effects. The crazy thing is, they tell you up front that those drugs will do those awful things to you. Shouldn't we be looking for alternatives too? Such as ancient medicines that used herbs and various other natural ingredients? A lot of modern medications are developed to mimic natural ingredients, so think about that the next time you pop a chemical for what ails you.
Spiritual Transformation
I started meditating, this has also been a game changer. I'm still learning how to do it but I have already had some experiences that have enhanced my spirituality. I'm not afraid to die anymore because I believe that this isn't all there is. I look forward to being reunited with my loved ones who have passed. My whole life philosophy has changed due to this one activity. I highly recommend it for anyone who is seeking inner peace. It works because it teaches us to be still and listen, something that most of us are too busy to do.
I began to seek ancient lost knowledge which led to a plethora of new age ideas and books which has facilitated a sort of spiritual awakening. There's so much to know and learn. One author in particular has shared her entire 50 year career in her writings which are focused on seeking lost knowledge through the use of regressive hypnosis therapy. These books are fascinating and the revelations within them have really changed my whole outlook on life and how I view my purpose here on Earth.
I research everything now. I don't take things at face value anymore there's just too much BS out there but there are nuggets of truth out there too, even unbelievable truths. Researching things that I'm interested in has been an unexpected pleasure. Taking all of the pieces together and looking at the big picture has been an AHA moment for me.
I don't watch the news anymore. I don't stick my head in the sand but I will not be "led" by an unscrupulous media that is in the pocket of whoever is paying the best to indoctrinate the masses with their agenda. I remember having a conversation with one of my dearest friends with whom I just happen to disagree with politically. To my shock he said, "why don't you watch the news so that you know what's going on?' I just had to laugh and replied " because I can see what's going on without being told by the media what is going on". I use my own sources and I check them all. I use my own mind to make my decisions about what is right and wrong, I don't have to get my ideas from the media.
My parents, yes thank goodness they are still with me here on earth, came from a time when the news was an ethical business, it's not anymore. My daughter tells me I'm 'croning' which is wicken I guess, because I know things. I'm beginning to see the truth because I seek the truth.
So turning 60 hasn't been a bad thing, it's been an awesome thing for me. I'm finally free to know me and my world and I love us both now, more than ever. I'm not afraid to die but I feel that I have a lot to still give and share to help us all make the transformation to what we are meant to be as a species. I have finally graduated from being a global citizen to being a spiritual, galactic citizen. Although, that may sound far out to some, just think if every human would seek their own inner peace and find a way to be positive about this short life we have here on Earth, because they have remembered that the envelope we are all inside is only the vessel for the soul. The soul is eternal no matter what and there is nothing anyone or any situation can do to the soul as far as destroying it (except of course, for the ONE). So live your life, learn your lessons, be you, take care of your planet, expect the unexpected, and enjoy the smallest of things while experiencing this miracle called life. Don't forget to love too, because that's really what it's all about.
Love and peace dear souls,
Jorisoboho
