We welcome Amy Sherman, author of "Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer's
Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life," to our virtual book tour.
Amy, how did this book come about?
I developed 10 strategies 29 years ago when I was pregnant with my son and found out I had Crohn's Disease. The devastating news sent me on a negative spiral of depression and fear. However, after reassessing my situation, I realized that I had a great deal of power over how I could handle this health crisis.
It took a lot of determination, faith, inspiration, support and specific techniques to turn my health around and I have used these tools ever since. As a boomer, facing many other challenges now, I knew how effective these techniques really are and wanted to share them with others who were dealing with changes in health and professional or personal losses, such as the empty nest syndrome and aging parents.
How is "Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer's Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life" different from other inspirational books?
This book addresses the specific issues and concerns boomers face and how they can overcome them. It does this by examining the fears, self-defeating thoughts, inhibitions and doubts that keep boomers from reaching their full potential. The 10 strategies are reinforced by exercises at the end of each chapter and are enriched with valuable insights about taking personal control and responsibility for one's own life.
What are the biggest mistakes boomers should avoid?
One of the biggest mistakes is self-sabotage. Boomers tend to sabotage themselves by their negative thinking, worry and fear. How can you achieve what you want, when you fear failure or doubt your potential? Another big mistake is taking life too seriously. Laughter and humor are free commodities that diffuse negativity, boost your immune system and reduce stress. Many people forget how important that is.
What is the most important thing boomer women should
know to keep them motivated and inspired?
Boomer women need to remind themselves of their own significance and value. As they age, their roles will change, but they can reinvent themselves at each stage of their lives by making new and exciting goals that are based on their passions. Women need to know that anything is possible if they keep their focus on what they want and that everyone deserves to feel joy and happiness.
Thanks, Amy, for talking with us today. To learn more about Amy's work and her book, go to http://www.bummedoutboomer.com. And please click on "Comments" below, follow the instructions, ask Amy your questions and share your comments.
Labels: "Distress-Free Aging, Amy Sherman, Baby Boomers, Crohn's disease, depression, passion, strategies, Virtual Book Tour
posted by Nourishing Relationships @ 6:49 AM
10 Comments:
Did you have to adapt any of the strategies as the problems of women in midlife are different than those of a young woman? Beth
My Mother died last year just after my Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimers. We have moved him in with us and our 3 teenagers. I am afraid that I will break down under all the pressure. How can I change how I feel?
Beth,
What happens to you at each stage of your life will differ. However, the way you handle what happens to you can stay the same. The strategies I use are effective for any challenge because they are based on one's mindset. In other words, how you feel about what's happening, is more important than what is actually happening. Therefore, 28 years old, when I learned the techniques, I found they are still very useful for today, now that I'm in my 50's.
Annonymous,
There is no doubt that you are under a lot of stress, trying to juggle your family and kids and your dad's condition at the same time. I suggest you ask for as much help as you can. There are day care programs for your dad that will get him out of your care from 9-3pm. There are services that you can contact that offer respite care (someone comes in to your home to be with dad during the day to bath and entertain him). Remember that you will be of no use to anyone if you break down under the pressure. Be sure to find time to nurture yourself, as well. Take one day at a time, using as many resources as possible for help. You don't have to do everything yourself.
I am 52 and was recently diagnosed with M.S. How do I begin to get control over my negative emotions?
Sally
I do have a good attitude - both about myself and my age (65) but the reality is that aging IS stressful for me. I was used to being athletic all my life but in the past few years my back has been extremely painful (the doctors can't seem to do much to help in the long-run, only to provide temporary relief) and now the terrible pains in my knees are also making it difficult for me to exercise. Can your strategies help me physically? Andrea
Your book sounds like a great resource. I needed to learn to empower myself -- not be afraid to step outside the box, or out of my comfort zone. I've been a widow four years, and I can attest to the fact that it's sometimes really frightening and stressful, but I learned how to take back control of my life and discovered the whole world is there waiting for me to explore.
Sally,
I, too, had to overcome devastating health news when I learned I had Crohn's Disease. The best thing you can do is to start educating yourself about MS and the best place to start is changing your nutrition.(Of course, your MD needs to be compliant with those changes). Go online and search out alternative methods to treat MS. It very empowering to feel you have control of your life. It will make you more optimistic and give you a renewed sense of motivation when you start taking charge. The negative feelings will diminish.
Andrea,
The strategies are based on changing your mental and emotional attitude so that you make effective choices that do not sabotage your best interest. One chapter on Visualization exercises would be helpful for physical ailments, but your best bet is to approach the pain as another hurdle you have to get through and, you will, with determination, drive, motivation and inspiration. You are not defined by the pain. Don't let the pain be who you are.
Elaine,
You are truly an inspiration for others. Taking back control of your life was the key to overcoming your personal crisis. To your continued success.
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