Never Too Late to Bloom
When we take care of ourselves, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish at a time of life when much of society is telling us we should be slowing down or retiring. Admittedly, it can be hard to fight the tide. Our culture is obsessed with youth, and we are bombarded by anti aging messages everywhere. The ubiquitous emphasis on youth and beauty and fitness seems to leave no room for growing old gracefully. And yet some people are finding the room.
Take my friend David Rockefeller. He’s 97, but you would never know it because he’s so full of ideas. His closest associates are fifty years his junior and, as a result, his conversation and interest have stayed totally relevant and modern. Clive Davis, the record producer, also bucks the limitations of age – he hangs out with rap stars, which is admittedly unusual for someone of his generation. I think that by understanding their language and their poetry, he is totally in tune with those who are probably two generations younger. In his new book, The Soundtrack of My Life, he talks candidly about remaining open to change and reinvention.
There are many examples of people who have launched a new career in middle age or beyond. Julia Child, one of the people I’ve admired most, was 49 when she published Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and 52 when “The French Chef” debuted on public television.
Research tells us that older people are better at some things. There are certain advantages the mature brain has over a younger, developing one. Some scientists believe that midlife is our brain’s golden age of complex reasoning – studies show that’s when we peak in inductive reasoning, spatial orientation, vocabulary, and verbal memory. I’ll always remember my college history professor once told me: “There are no good young historians.” I don’t know if I believed him at the time, but I have come to realize he is right. Whether it’s physiological or just the accumulation of life experiences, I think differently now. My process includes more lateral thinking, more synthesizing of different points of view, and more judgment that comes from a larger store of experience and the wisdom of years.
That’s one reason I believe it’s never too late to bloom. I started my catering business when I was 40 and published my first book, Entertaining, the following year, in 1982. My doctor, in the sit-down session after the physical exam, exclaimed: “You are a late bloomer.” I took his remarks as a compliment and have never forgotten that it is, indeed, never too late to start a project, never too late to realize a dream. In 1982 I was actually just getting started. More than a decade later, when I was in my fifties, I launched my own company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.
My newest book, Living the Good Long Life, will be published this month. It’s a practical guide to living your healthiest life after 40, with tips from specialists on eating, exercise, wellness, organizing, and caring for others. In the foreword, Dr. Audrey Chun, director of the Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, notes that people who have lived most successfully into old age share a few characteristics:
- A rich social network of friends and family, both young and old.
- A meaningful and purposeful life. That’s the reason to get up in the morning. Meaning and purpose can be anything as long as it’s important to the person – family, work, painting, or volunteering.
- A resilient personality – ability to recover from adversity and move on with life rather than dwell on challenges.
I realize some people look forward to retiring and slowing down, but I’m not planning on retiring anytime soon. There is always something else productive and creative to do.
I don’t always believe what I see when I look in the mirror or feel an ache or a pain. But it is in these moments that I’m reminded: healthy living never stops. And it’s never too late to keep growing.
Photo credit:Sam Aronov / Shutterstock.com.
The release of Living the Good Long Life marks the fulfillment of my pledge to write a practical guide to caring for yourself and others. Will you help me spread the word by pledging to live the good, long life today? https://www.marthastewart.com/pledge
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1 年Hello . Good idea. Had the pleasure to get the Nice gardening book of your colonial east end farm very inspiring .good we vacations cdt Gilles
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8 年Been following for over 30 years now and still get nothing but compliments for everything
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8 年Hi Martha I am calling you from Turkey,I am an Mech.Engineer.I work very hard in my job. but,I don't know , can you give some advice to work slowly and to feel passed life... I hope you all a safe and happy in your life.
Re-Imagining Life
8 年Divorce the Nice Way Let's face it. Some people just should not have ever married. What do you do in such a case? Divorce the Nice Way. The most important thing to remember is that divorce is not a death sentence. So do it with style. The key to divorcing the nice way is timing and creative planning. Divorce is not an ordinary event. Thus, divorce should happen in an extraordinary way. Divorces should transpire in a big way. So divorce in extravagance and with a bottle of expensive champagne! Go the extra mile and turn it into a full scale production and celebration of the time spent together. Guide to Divorce 1. Pre-Announcement 2. The Announcement 3. Post-Announcement and Schedule of Events 4. Provisions, Arrangements, and Inclusion 5. The Goodbye Pre-Announcement Write 4 persuasive speeches. Include in your speech, the reason for the divorce and notes of appreciation for the marriage. Begin with letting everyone know how much you care. Prepare a speech for your spouse, your family, your spouse's family, and friends. Let them know in what ways the marriage was worthwhile and enjoyable. Don't be afraid to embellish. Paint a "glowing portrait." Cite specific examples and fortify your examples with pictures and other memorabilia. If you are not language savvy, employ the help of a professional. 1. Plan for what will happen after the divorce. Make plans for yourself and your spouse. Make sure you and your spouse have the best possible living arrangements after the divorce, knowing the both of you will be happy after the divorce. 2. Carefully plan the course of events for the day you announce the divorce to your spouse. 3. Plan follow up events for after the divorce announcement. 4. Do not be conservative in planning. Go the extra mile. Give it your best and do your best to ensure your spouse understands how much you care, still. 5. Take 1 month to memorize your speech and work out the logistics. Do dress rehearsals in your mind or with a professional counselor. The Announcement 1. Plan an extravagant night out. Give it the "full works." 2. Make reservations at nice restaurant. 3. Purchase an expensive piece of jewelry. Make sure to gift wrap your jewelry box in elegant wrapping. 4. After dinner and in the comforts of your home, make the announcement and deliver your speech. Post Announcement Schedule of Events 1. Schedule 3 more events. The announcement to your family. The announcement to your spouse's family. This time, include your spouse in planning. Schedule with a professional counselor to run through dress rehearsals to make the announcement to your family and friends. 2. Again, when making the announcement, this time to family and friends, do it with style and careful planning. Arrange for a party at home. Be creative. Put together a slide show. Have Display storyboards made to depict your after divorce life. Let them know that everything is going to be alright. At that time, disseminate your invitations to 2 week period of scheduled events together: 1.Movie and a dinner 2.Night strolling around town and late night munchies 3.Night clubs 4.Theater Events 5.Rock Concerts 6.Shopping 7.Potlucks 8.Etc... 3. At this time, plan for weekend sleepovers with family and friends for 3 weeks or so. Provisions, Arrangements, and Inclusion 1. Plan with your spouse, the terms of the divorce. Do it over coffee, order take out. Reward yourselves with after planning treats like a night at the movies or day at the beach, etc.. 2. In the planning for the terms of divorce include: 1.Schedule of get togethers so you can remain good friends 2.Schedule of regular communication 3.Schedule of gift giving. Make up occasions so this will be possible. 4.Schedule of events you will do together 5.Inclusion in personal and family events The Goodbye 1. The Letter. Write a heartfelt letter of appreciation and farewell. Again, do it with style. Be generous and thoughtful. Go above and beyond the actual intention of the act itself. 1. Have the jeweler make a piece to commemorate your marriage. Include this gift with your letter. 2. Plan a nice dinner and after dinner event 3. Hire a delivery service like the singing telegram to deliver the letter and gift with a basket of flowers.
On-Call BOA at Edward Jones
8 年For many years I thought I was living a good, healthy, and physical life. HA! At age 53 I finally woke up! Yes, it's a work in progress and yes, I am finding newness in life and I Love it! Martha Stewart, I pledge to live the good, long life today and everyday to come. I look forward to reading your book. God Bless.