Adults Can Stay Fit As A Fiddle

Walk into any department store and you’ll find hundreds of beauty products lining the shelves for men and women. Each one of those products has something else as a miracle ingredient, something unique to offer. Most promise to hide the signs of aging. Some make claims of being able to erase the years and to have you looking 10, 20 or more years younger. But, in truth, there is no way to avoid aging other than die young, is there? The choices are limited and so far all you have seen on the shelves is perhaps a new paint job for the old body or maybe someway to make the wrinkles seem shallower.

Consider some numbers for a moment:

In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, the average life expectancy in the United States was that of just 42 years of age! Today, that age has nearly doubled its size and that’s no short feet to accomplish. The fact is that people are living longer because of the benefits of modern medicine and the benefits that technology offers.

In fact, today, there are over 70,000 people in the United States alone that are at the age of 100 or more! That is an outstanding number. My mother-in-law, Ruth, lived to 103 and was mostly happy and fit when she died. She looked forward to each day and kept up with current events. She lived in three different centuries. She was born in 1899 and passed on in 2,002. She lived thru wars, the untimely demise of her only husband, a few wars and skirmishes, and she couldn't believe Bill Clinton was impeached. She could not believe it when she saw the World Trade Center Buildings collapse. She was able to enjoy her life until the very end. She lived alone and refused gently to go to a nursing home. She stayed fit and in control of her life.

What if we told you that it really had nothing to do with those beauty products on the market, but that it had to do with the things that you are capable of making changes with today, right now? Would that excite you? It does me! Understand that I am not interested nor do I want to live to be 103 or anywhere near that unless I am healthy. If I am sickly and a burden to others, then I pray that God will take me home to my Heavenly home.

I am 75 years old - three quarters of a century - with three joint replacements and over thirty surgeries. Now understand that I consider a ‘surgery’ to be anytime the doctor or medical professional breaks my skin for any reason with a scalpel. Naturally, simple shots do not count.

I had my left shoulder completely replaced with titanium and it works great. I can lift, throw, push, and still hit a golf ball 250 yards. I have had both knees replaced with titanium joints and they are doing great. No problems! I still have a stainless steel screw in my right wrist from having damaged the bones that make up that joint. I had one screw removed because it began to protrude suspiciously beneath the skin. Even with all of those major surgeries, I feel very good.

That is what this post is all about. It is important for you to understand that you don’t just want to look younger. You need to dig deeper into your lifestyle and feel younger this message is saying that it is better to feel good than to look good. That is just the opposite from what Billy Chrystal tells us thru one of his characters who says, “Dahlinc, you look Mahvelous.” "And you know dahlinc it is better to look good than to feel good!" That is similar to statements usually heard at the funeral home, “she looks really good and so natural.” For me, I had rather be vital and have people say, "hey man, it is good to see you. I am just pleased to be seen. I had rather be seen than viewed.

More often than not, if you do keep yourself in good health, even if you are ever to suffer from a sickness like the influenza du jur or some other sick, if you are in good physical, mental and emotional health, the siege will not be as severe as it could be if you have not taken care of yourself.

Click on any of the hyper links and sign up for your free book, "Ten Minute Guide To Health and Fitness."

Cause Joy!

Start-up Ideas for Your Home-Based Business

So you've determined to begin a home-based business? That's great, but where do you start? If you are online quite a bit, then there's nary a reason you can not start a business from your own home on the Web. There are so many resources usable online today you can benefit enormously from the research of others while ramping up your own business enterprise. There are many companies that will do loads of the work for you when you join with them.

Here are five easy start-up thoughts for your home-based business to spare you time and money.

1. Decide Your Hours

Determine how much time you are able to invest in your home-based business. To be realistic, there are many new business owners who never make it since they are not willing to commit their time. If you work a regular occupation and plan to keep it while your home-based business catches on, then you had better determine how many hours you can spend working on your home based business. Can you empower a few hours per day, or week perhaps to spend on your business?

Once you choose your hours, make an effort to stick with them on a ordered basis. Treat your business just as you would a store with working hours. If you open a store from 9 to 5, then someone must be there during those hours. So, if you plan to work on your new business from 8:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. five nights per week, then let this be your "working hours!"

2. Choose a Business

Even if you plan to start a business distributing products of your own, you may find it useful to join with a company to sell their products as an affiliate to build extra income at first. You can even do both if you can commit enough time and effort into both businesses. Select a product or service that you enjoy selling and that you can believe in. No business is fun if you dislike it. The more you enjoy it, the more likely you are to be successful.

With the Net, MLM business organizations are expanding down lines like mad. This is the perfect chance to earn some extra cash or even a satisfying profit. The reason MLM businesses are so good online is because it is so comfortable to contact people by email and through your own website. Many MLM companies do just about all of the work and contacts for you to save you time and money. Communicating is very easy online even if you're not actually a "salesperson."

If you project to link up with an MLM group, make sure to select a company that has been in business for at least several years, or one that does not require an entry fee. Ask to talk with others who have been involved with the company a while. Check with the Better Business Bureau Online to be sure there have been no (or very few) complaints. There are several swindles online today, so sign on with a company at the suggestion of someone you know to be safe!

3. Set up Your Home-Based Business Work Area

Before you embark on a home-based business, be sure your home base is up to par. If necessary, Upgrade your computer to a faster one with a topnotch Internet connection so your work will not be hampered by outside factors. Also, get a comfortable desk chair with plenty of back and arm support. Pick out a keyboard and computer mouse that you are comfortable with, and prepare your desk. Doing work in a well-organized environment opens your thought so you can do work and promote without distraction. Get started even before your 'office' is set up. Once you determine to get going, get going.

4. Investing Your Money

Before you commit a dime, be sure it's the right line of work for you. When marketing products for others, you may be required to invest money before getting rolling for stock, membership, a website, etc.. If so, analyze every aspect of the business before doing so. Any business start-up will require some investment either a purchase of the product or a fee, but you need to think before you commit.

Once you've picked out a business to invest in, arrange a budget entirely for your commercial enterprise. Having a business account at your local bank will help. In addition, set up an account with an internet payment processor if possible. PayPal and StormPay are two of the most popular ones online now. If signing on with an MLM company, find out how they issue their payments

5. Exercise Your Talents and Skills

Whether you sign up with an MLM company or begin a concern marketing your own merchandise and services, remember to use all your talents and skills. Perhaps you're a bang-up typist or a really savvy Internet user. Maybe you know how to design websites, print flyers, or promote online. Use your gifts to maximize your home-based business incomes.

Do not merely sit at home and dream of owning your own business. Use these start-up tips to get your home-based business running today!

Cause Joy!

Cigars and Single Malt Scotch Whiskey--

Cigars and Single Malt Scotch Whiskey--

There are quite a few recreational golfers who do not consider the days match complete
without spending a while in the club house lounge enjoying a good cigar and a glass of
fine old single malt scotch whiskey. Myself, I do not care for the cigar part of the
tradition. I do not smoke anything anymore and especially not cigars unless I am already
sick. It would be a shame to end a beautiful day on the links on a sour or sick note.
The few times I have smoked cigars I was left with a foul taste and feeling the
next morning like a parrot had slept in my mouth. However,I do partake in a bit
of single malt scotch whiskey.

I read in a Spring edition of Golf Digest an article by Sarah Max that it is possible
to have your own cask of single malt scotch whiskey. Tullibardine distiller has taken the distinction to a new level. Casks come in three sizes. The smallest, a bourbon barrel, holds the equivalent
of 350 bottles of 10 year old scotch and costs about $1,700.00, including 10 years of
insurance and storage in Tullibardine's bonded warehouse. A hogshead holds about 455
bottles and costs $2,900.00. A butt holds 870 bottles and costs about $5,000.00.
The owner's whose names are stenciled onto their casks, have visitation rights and can
sample their whiskey at various stages while it ages for a minimum of 10 years. That is
probably more than you wanted to know about scotch whiskey, but now you can have something
else to talk about if you played badly.


I am leaving for a few days of 'honey do's'so I'll pick up on this next week and relate
more about a fine cigar. If you cannot wait, I suggest going to the news stand or the
doctor's office and pick up a copy of Golf Digest INDEX 2. It is a good read. Think long
and straight. FL

Golf - More Than An Interrupted Walk Through The Pasture

Mark Twain once wrote playing golf was a good way to spoil a walk through the pasture.

The inimitable Mr. Twain, from this statement, could be believed not to be a golfer.
After all, there is more to golfing than just walking through a pasture. First and
foremost, golf is a way to either work out stress and frustration, or, for many, to get
even more stressed out and frustrated.

Golf can be the most infuriating game ever played or invented, or the most fun. And, no two trips to the golf course will ever be the same, regardless of how good a player someone is. This is because the weather conditions are never identical, and weather does play a big part in golf. The more intelligent golfers will not go near the course in a thunderstorm, but there are a few brave, and foolhardy, souls who will brave the elements just to play.

The wind also plays a major factor in golf, as the wind will affect the way the ball travels. When hit, golf balls have spin. The spin can be enhanced by the wind, causing the ball to drift away from its intended target. Therefore, the golfer has to take the wind into consideration and plan his or her shot according to the velocity and direction of the wind. Throw up a pinch of grass and watch which way it blows; look at the tops of the trees to see if there is more wind aloft and the flag on the green - if visible - to judge the wind on the green.

Golf is also a good form of exercise, for those golfers who walk the course. Most regulation golf courses measures about two miles for each nine holes, so playing eighteen holes is roughly equivalent to walking at least four miles. That distance is measured straight down the fairway and increases as you walk in woods looking for a ball. Any doctor will tell you that such a walk can only be beneficial to the walker's heart and lungs. Additionally, playing golf is good for getting out of the house and being outdoors. The best rounds of golf are usually played walking the course rather than riding in a golf cart.

On some courses, riding is not allowed except for people with a physical challenge. They may get the golf professional to allow them to have a cart so they can continue to play the game. I have played golf with people with only one arm and others with artificial limbs which would hinder their ability to walk and carry their clubs. Most golf clubs have the 90 degree rule which requires you to follow the cart path until you are near your ball and then turn out onto the fairway to take your next shot.

There are some golf courses where walking is not allowed. It takes too long to play a round of golf if you are walking and carrying your clubs. Or, perhaps even taking a caddie to lug your clubs and help in other ways such as 'reading the greens.' Pebble Beach Golf Club is mostly a riding course and they prefer you do not walk. Pebble Beach Golf Club is a privately owned public golf course and the owners try to push as many people around the course as possible in a single day. There are also many marshals around the course to encourage you to move along.

Golfers have the opportunity to enjoy the out-of-doors and appreciate the beauty of nature they find around them. The majority of courses are well landscaped and quite pleasing to the eye. Golfers also have the chance to see squirrels and rabbits on the course and take pleasure in the antics of these creatures. Many courses regularly have deer visit the course and watch the golfers. Be careful when you venture into the woods to find a ball or for other reasons as you may encounter an animal with no shoulders, a snake. This can happen on wooded courses or on desert courses. Be careful and watchful. The animals were there before the course. Some courses in the south such as Hilton Head, South Carolina will give you the chance to see alligators around the course. Stay away from them because they can move deceptively fast and are usually more bothered and hungry than friendly.

For others, however, playing golf is a great way to beat stress. These distractions help free the golfer from thinking about the mistake he or she made on the last shot or previous hole or at the office or at home. It is necessary to concentrate on your golf game in order to shoot a good score and to make the most of the game of golf. Golf also allows you to hit something as hard as you want to and perhaps even get applauded for it.

Golf is also a game of honor. Surprised? Don't be. After all, golf is the only game where a person can call a penalty on themselves, and those who play with honor do just that. Legendary amateur golfer, Bobby Jones of Atlanta, called a penalty on himself because when he addressed his ball, the ball moved slightly even tho' the ball had not been touched. No one saw the slight movement other than Jones, but he called a one stroke penalty on himself and lost a major tournament by one stroke. Of course, there are the jerks who claim to play golf, but wouldn 't think of calling a penalty on anything they have done. Their scores, though, are meaningless, and this kind of behavior will also show up in their day to day lives. Jack Nicklaus said that "they are playing a game with which I am not familiar."

Cause Joy! Get out of the house!

So What Are Your Plans For Happiness?

Be Happy Now !

If you are still waiting for your circumstances to change before you"ll allow yourself to be happy, you may be wasting perfectly good happy time. Most of us have preconceived ideas of what would make us happy, and we refuse to be satisfied until those things happen. You may have set a goal to reach before you will allow yourself to be joyful or happy. Remember, the most fun and the greatest blessings should be enjoyed on the way to your success.

The problem is that even once specific things happen in our lives, we're rarely satisfied with them! Instead, we shift our focus and desires to something even bigger and better, believing "it" will make us happy (or happier). We never allow ourselves to reach a point of contentment. Have you done the same thing to yourself?

The good news is that you can choose to be happy NOW - even if some things in your life is not perfect. Some people may think they are betraying their goal by having fun and enjoying themselves before they grab the brass ring. Not true! Part of a good vacation or trip is the trip itself. My mother always made the destination her only goal and she preferred to have 'Scotty' beam her up rather than to enjoy the trip. Some of my best memories are of road trips with my mom and dad and listening to different shows on the radio like Amos and Andy, Lum and Abner, Jack Benny and Rochester, the Lucky Strike Hit Parade, and others.

It is indeed your choice to be happy or miserable getting to your goal. It is much more fun and many more memories are created if you choose to enjoy the trip to your successful goal. When you reach your goal, there is not much else to do so you should have fun on your way there. You may not have another chance to recapture those lost moments with your family.

Below you"ll find 3 easy ways to do so:

1) Be grateful and acknowledge it out loud. Gratitude is one of the most powerful states of mind that you can adopt. Not only does it make you feel good, it shifts your focus from what you don't have to what you DO have, and keeps it there! As you focus more on what you are grateful to have in your life (even the really small blessings!), you worry less about anything that may be lacking. The result? A more pervasive sense of happiness! Gratitude clears your mind and makes room for joy. If you get your mind off of yourself and make room for thankfulness you will have fewer gray hairs and it is a good way to avoid wrinkles.

2) "Take time to smell the roses." If you spend most of your days feeling rushed and scattered, it's hard to feel happy and content. In order to be truly happy, you need to make time for yourself to relax, dream, and take pleasure in life's simpler moments. Beginning today, make sure to spend time doing things you love on a regular basis. Read books that stimulate your imagination; listen to great music; take long walks, and generally make an effort to enjoy your life as it is right now.

When my first granddaughter, Jordan, was just two or three years old, she and I would get together at least once a week and go to lunch somewhere, just she and I. She is now twelve and just yesterday she was recalling times that we went to lunch together in my pickup truck and the different places we went to get our lunch and then where we would go to eat it. We usually went to a park so she could play and we could talk about different things. Those times away from the office to be with Jordan are some of my happiest memories. The goal was still there when I got back, but I had joy with me.

3) Love the journey. Many of us make the mistake of pinning all of our expectations on some vague, far-off result, like the completion of goals. We believe that once we "get there" everything will be perfect and we"ll finally be happy. However, there is much to be gained from enjoying the journey TO your destination! Make it your mission to revel in every moment that you"re working toward higher goals. Enjoy the sense of self-mastery and accomplishment you gain with every goal you achieve. Make it a worthwhile journey and you will savor the end result even more!

The most important thing to understand about happiness is that it is largely a CHOICE you make from moment to moment and it usually lasts just a little while. Though certain serious situations make it difficult to feel happy at times, most often we allow the little things to bother us and block any happiness we would otherwise feel. Embrace happiness, and it will grow to monstrous proportions in your life!

Cause Joy!

Retirement Isn't For Everybody

Retirement Isn't For Everybody

Are you the type of person who never was able live up to stereotypes? When we think of a stereotype, the classic mind picture is the image of your standard senior citizen. That image is as a slowly moving Grandma or Grandpa who is long done working at their career and wants nothing more than to sit on the back porch and wait for the next holiday to see the grandkids. Well, if you are like a lot of senior citizens of the new century, we look at that stereotype and say - forget that image!

We are the kind of people who have had the most amazing and exciting lives because we took chances and lived active lives taking on challenges and winning at most of those challenges. Probably the most puzzling idea of that sweet stereotype of Grandma and Grandpa is that we all are expected to go into retirement at 65 or 70 and stop working because we couldn't wait to retire. But not everyone is like that.

Some of us are in careers that are the calling of our lives and going to work is as much like play as it is work. You love what you do and you are good at it. It is the way you are happiest. The idea of not doing it every day of your life is more like prison than a reward at the end of life. In fact, the very idea of changing how we live because it is 'the end of life" seems like surrender as much as it is a long vacation. And we are not the kind to surrender to the inevitability that life will end. The end may come and get you, but it is going to have to find me first and then it will have a fight on its hands.

Don't misunderstand, I am ready to go when my time runs out, I do not fear death because I know that I will be joining many of my relatives and friends in a place much better than this earth. However, I am enjoying my wife and children and my beautiful granddaughters, Jordan and Carson.

If you are that kind of person, retirement may not be for you because retirement isn't for everybody. And just because some people have the image of stopping their careers just when things were getting great as a way to live their last few decades, why should you be forced to live someone else's dream? That is why we live in a free country. You should not be forced to retire. Well, maybe you could take up a sport!

If you love what you do, continue to do it. Getting up and going to work is as much of what makes your blood go through your veins and keeps your metabolism balanced as much as good food and rest. People by nature are born to work. It's what defines us and making something to contribute to society and being rewarded for that labor is what makes you tick. So you should not feel bad when you are the senior citizen that throws the stereotype out the window and continues to thrive doing what you love - working at your job.

In today's economy it may be necessary to put off retirement for a while longer. It may be that your 401K has, like many, become a 101k and it is necessary to continue to be employed just to make it from day to day. Continuing to work can be as fulfilling as a passive retirement, maybe better. You might not be able to travel, but with the security lines what they are, maybe a video of Ireland or Italy would be better spent with your family than being reminded once again that there is no place like home.

A friend of mine who couldn't wait to retire and sit in his big chair and watch television and the birds in the fields. He sat in that chair until he died which was not that long after he retired. He was not active and had no goals to strive toward except wait for the next copy of the television listings. He lived and died as he wanted to and much the same as many stereotypes.

One way to expand your role in the profession you love is not to step down but to step into the role of senior advisor, chief counsel and wise old owl of the office. Your decades of experiences are a treasure trove of wisdom and a source of teaching for the young pups coming up. Even tho' they may believe that they know everything and you are just an old fool who will not get out of their way, they don't. This is one reason why in some companies all around the country, management is seeing the wisdom of retaining senior citizen workers rather than forcing them into retirement.

While it is certainly true that many senior citizens do not know how to use a computer, many of them do and want to know more. I was at a meeting recently and the leader asked if anyone had a computer to make a recording of the meeting to be converted to the required minutes, but no one did. He asked if anyone had anything that would record and the room was silent for a minute and one of the old guys spoke up and said, "I have a pencil!" None of the younger staff dudes thought of a pencil and a piece of paper.

This is a big shift from the mentality that was prevalent for far too long that thought the old had to get out of the way for the new. Now the old are or can be a precious resource to teach the young how to do things which were not taught in Harvard. The way they learned was by experience. By treating senior citizens with reverence and respect, business is learning what many civilizations have known for a long time, senior citizens are a treasure to be prized and cared for, not thrown away.

Cause Joy!