Fresh start

Don’t you love a fresh start?

That’s something I’m always thankful for. Whether it be a new day, a new year, a new job or a new relationship. I love a fresh new start to try something again. To have a second (or third or fourth) start at doing it over and maybe getting it right!

Today I’m doing a fresh start of this blog. I can’t believe it’s been five years since I posted here!

My friend Susan Reece and I had visited South Africa for our 60th birthdays and had a fabulous time! I posted a couple articles about our trip and intended to post more but life got in the way as it sometimes does.

In the last five years I’ve continued to travel, do a little writing and speaking, appeared on a few podcasts, spend time with family and friends and served on the board of Dress for Success Atlanta and on the advisory board of the Professional Women’s Information Network. I’ve made friends, lost friends, survived a pandemic, and taken a more active and ongoing role in caregiving as my mother has suffered several falls, surgeries, broken bones and stays in hospital and rehab.

Now I just turned 65. I’m a senior citizen. What??? Yes, you read that right. I’m a full-fledged senior citizen! I never thought being this old would feel this young! I got my motorcycle license at age 59, learned to kayak and took swimming lessons at age 64. Who knows what the next few years will bring!

I’m rededicating to writing this blog based on my business tagline and life philosophy of “Enjoy Life And Do Good!”

I truly believe that you can ‘enjoy life and do good’ at any age or stage of life.

Here you’ll find stories, humor, irreverence and insights I’ve learned as I purpose to enjoy life and do good!

I’d love it if you read along, subscribe, share, comment, reach out and let me know which articles speak to you and what topics you’d be interested in reading about. (Yes, I ended a sentence with a preposition. As Winston Churchill is often quoted “This is the type of errant pedantry up with which I will not put.”)

Here’s to fresh starts, do-overs and new days!

You can also follow me on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and visit my website at www.MyraMcElhaney.com. My memoir, Building A Life Your Love After Losing the Love of Your Life is available on Amazon.com or you can contact me at Myra@MyraMcElhaney.com for a signed, personalized copy.

Balance is a verb!

Susan, Myra, Sue, Barbara at Crested Butte 2016People often talk of “having balance” or “getting balance” or ‘being more balanced.” As if it’s a thing to get or something to achieve. Balance is a verb—an action word. It’s something you do. Some weeks you may balance well; others not so much.

I was reminded of this recently as I was taking a ski lesson. Continue reading

What makes you happy?

 

Happiness wall

Wall of happiness

 

Last weekend friends and fellow authors, June Cline, Sandy Weaver Carmen and I set out on the road to participate in the Southern Women’s Show in Savannah, Georgia where we had a booth to sell our books. I talk and write about enjoying life and doing good. June is a humorist and Sandy does programs on happiness. We called it our joy, humor and happiness tour. Continue reading

Coopetition Among Whales

Whales bubble-net feeding in Alaska
Whales bubble-net feeding in Alaska

I recently went on a whale-watching expedition while on an Alaskan cruise. We had seen one or two whales in the distance, blowing water high into the air, arching their backs just above water then diving with their tails flipping up as if to wave. Continue reading

How old is senior?

Young lady or old woman?

Young lady or old woman?

It happened today. For the first time. I always knew it was coming but I guess you’re never prepared.

“Are you using your senior discount today,” the clerk at Kroger asked.

“No,” I said automatically. Then, “What’s the age for senior discount?” I wanted to know how old she thought I looked. Continue reading

Star for a day!

Have you ever wanted to be a movie star? Or feel like one for a day?

Recently I had a video shoot for a new demo to promote my speaking business. I felt like a star! I was in hair and makeup a 7:00am. I like the sound of that. “I’m going to hair and makeup!” Continue reading

Plans and Publishing

 “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your future plans.” –Woody Allen

I met Ronda Rich when she was a senior in high School and I was selling cosmetics at the local department store.  The girl needed some lip gloss! If you know Ronda you understand. She was fashionista before we knew the word. She later worked part-time at the store with me. Eventually I left my glamor job at the cosmetic counter to work in advertising at the local newspaper. Ronda was there doing her college internship in the sports department. Our friendship grew. I eventually moved to the metro Atlanta area to seek fame and fortune. Ronda graduated, became an award-winning journalist then moved away to become a NASCAR publicist. Somehow we lost touch. Continue reading