Don't Die Before You're Dead

It's that time again to give a gift. Whatever do I get for this person, especially if they are known to have everything?
How about thinking of giving an experience rather than a tangible item? What if you were to give that person something that age appropriate and appeals to their likes and interests? 

What if it were you? What would you like to receive as an experience or adventure to have as a beloved memory?

There are a lot of ideas in this podcast of what would make great gifts for any age and interest level. Hope you find some that will appeal to you as a gift giver but also ones that you could share in the experience and make those priceless memories that are treasured for life.

Tloday when people talk about leaving a legacy, what we hear the most comes from financial advisors talking about assets which are mostly money.
There are other legacies to leave such as living a life full of examples on living fully alive, memories of time well-spent with loved ones and friends and of course, making many memories.

Sometimes, the speakers of legacies might make us feel like we aren't doing enough. That what we have done or are able to leave is not enough. Don't let them tell you that,

You are enough.

It isn't always easy to start a conversation with people you are just encountering. It takes practice but where do you start? Watching for tell tale signs of whether a person is approachable is a good place. If they are open, then a single comment on something we notice, like a book, can be a great ice breaker. Giving a compliment often makes a person smile and perhaps even make their day. 
Sometimes it might not work out well but when it does it feels so gratifying. Can even make our day to put a smile on another's face. 

When it comes to closing the books at your year end...personal not financial although could be both... there is nothing more satisfying than knowing you have accomplished that which you set out to do.
My mission of touring across Canada was not done in the one year time span that I had envisioned, nonetheless it was completed and I am so very thankful and proud of myself for the challenges that I overcame.
Listen to how I did make it across Canada and what I have learned from it and what I am offering to share with others so they too can realize their dreams. Don't lock them up to only visit them from time to time and regret not taking action.
Dare to live the life you are meant to live. Go chase those dreams. Experience the thrill of Mission Accomplished like I did!

PSA...Do you have a bank account which you use regularly? Do you deposit fund into it and use your debit card for multiple transactions? Me too.
I am sure that like you this has been going on for many years confident in the banking system. However, I have since learned just how vulnerable we are. 
Are you a criminal? Do you think like a criminal? Do you know any criminals? Like you, my answer to all these questions is NO! So how am I suppose to know how this fraud against my account through an ATM happened?
Listen to what has transpired over the past 6 months in my quest for the return of funds lost through NO fault of my own.  If this happened to me, can it happen to you?

May was the beginning of road trips in preparation for the final leg of the cross Canada tour - the East coast.  Three trips in all: Wasaga Beach, North Bay and Kincardine. Betty handled things like a dream. June 7th became the schedule departure date.
Then the long weekend brought about a dangerous detour. One that I never saw coming. What I thought was possible indigestion, wasn't.

When facing challenges on her job,  Annette Lavigne had to think  about her plans to continue working or retire, she decided it was time to open a new door. Through her years of being a Toastmaster, Annette knew she had many skills to help her move forward. 
One thing she knew for sure. She wasn't ready for retirement.
With the help of others, Annette decided to take the necessary courses to move to a new industry...one of great interest to her. She studied and with working at her own pace, she passed the requirements to become a Mortgage Agent.
She says that maybe you won't want to become what she has become, but to know that making changes even as you enter the senior years is very doable.

Are you journaling?  if so, how do you do it?  Are you typing on your computer so you can save files and take up less room than having books? Or handwriting?

Handwriting really does have some benefits in writing your journal. As you focus on writing clearly, you can change some of your characteristics. Graphologists can offer lots of insight into how a person writes not just whether the writers are the same in pieces of writing.

The benefits of journaling are many ranging from improving memory and concentration, strengthening ability to focus, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Have a listen and see if you should either keep journaling or begin.

Dharma Bums Yoga has been teaching yoga for nearly 20 years.  Bums yoga! Love that name as the owner, Rachel Page focuses on chair yoga for seniors and beginners. 
During this episode Rachel shares her passion for using yoga to strengthen core muscles, improve flexibility and movement and the importance of breathing properly for maximum oxygenation.
Listen as she explains how to get these tremendous benefits even if you have limited mobility.  You can also catch some of her demos on my YouTube Channel - Merri Macartney.
Either way, if all you get out of this is the importance of taking the time to breathe efficiently a few times a day, your body will love you.

What do you do when you find that your life is being consumed by too much work and not enough living? Time for a change. 
Listen as Leanne and Lyle McCabe share with me how they sold their business and decided to downsize in order to travel the world.  Although they weren't working that business anymore they chose to set up a business that relates to their dreams. Thus BeachTravelWine.com was born.
The life they now lead together appeals to their priority of staying active and healthy.  It is also their dream to reach out to others through their podcasts and blog. 
Leanne and Lyle are very open with how they came to make the decision to embark on this new chapter and how they are managing to live their dream. Truly an inspiration to those who wish to stop just thinking about their dream but go out and get it.