"And now, in age I bud again ..."  Quote by:  George Herbert, Poet

Don't give up on love [or sex] if men no longer look twice, slow down and find out what else is going on in those handsome [graying heads].  As you honor the "big" birthday that's coming up, celebrate the blessings of age with good friends.  Throw a party and turn the tables:  Give each guest a present that shows how she or he enriches your life.  

Let your inner child out today.  Do something playful.  Try on clothes you'd never dare wear in public.  Experiment with makeup.  Sing show tunes in the shower or even roller-blade to work.  Nowadays, the date on your birth certificate is only one small element affecting how you look and feel.  Find a quiet moment to consider the majesty of your aging process.

1.  How does getting older affect the way you really feel about yourself physically, emotionally, spiritually?

2.  With age comes wisdom.  What are the most valuable lessons life has taught you?  What experience could you pass on to others?

3.  Who are your "age mentors"?  Whose path to maturity has inspired you?  Whose has served as a warning?  Next to each name, write down what that person's life has taught you about aging.

4.  It's a medical fact: People who are connected with other people live longer.  Make a map of your social network.  Draw a circle in the middle of a piece of paper.  Put your name in the center of the circle.  Then list people around the outside of the circle and draw separate lines of different lengths from your circle to each family member; friends, coworkers, teachers, guides, and spiritual or support-group buddies that you interact with regularly.  How could you create more or have closer-relationships?

5.  Pick a role model that you considered aged with grace.  Post her photo on the refrigerator.  Read her biography.  Write down all of the reasons she inspires you:  courage; compassion; humor; hot body; spunk, etc.