The Power of Letting Go

Finding Joy By Releasing What No Longer Serves Us

Author

Pat Brodner
November 05, 2024

A personal note from your editor: As I write this, I'm sitting at my desk with my morning tea, watching the sunrise and reflecting on how much time we spend worrying about things we can't control. Just yesterday, I caught myself fretting over a new "laugh line" in the mirror – until my granddaughter FaceTimed me and said, "Grandma, I love how your whole face sparkles when you smile!" Out of the mouths of babes, right? It got me thinking about what truly matters...

Dear friends, let's have a heart-to-heart about something we all face: those worries that weigh us down like heavy handbags we've been carrying far too long. You know the ones I mean – the concerns about every new wrinkle, the midnight anxieties about retirement, the nagging feeling that we should somehow be "keeping up" with the latest everything.

Prefer video? watch the video version of this episode below.

Why Do We Hold Onto Worries? (And Why It's Time to Wave Goodbye!)

Let's be honest – worrying can feel like wearing a comfort blanket. We think if we prepare for everything that could go wrong, somehow we'll be safer. But here's what I've learned from our wonderful community of readers: letting go of unnecessary worries doesn't mean throwing caution to the wind; it means making room for joy.

The Big Four (And What to Do About Them)

  1. Appearance and Aging What we think: "Everyone notices my age spots." What others actually notice: Your infectious laugh and the way you light up a room! Your Joy Challenge: This week, every time you look in the mirror, say one thing you love about yourself that has nothing to do with appearance.

  2. Financial Security What we think: "I'll never have enough." What others know: Happiness at our age comes more from experiences than expenses. Smart Step: Consider chatting with a financial advisor who specializes in women our age. Knowledge is power, and knowing where you stand can help release those 3 AM worries.

  3. Health and Vitality What we think: "It's all downhill from here." What's actually true: Many women report feeling more energetic and focused in their 60s than ever before!

  4. Keeping Up with Change What we think: "I'll never understand all this new technology." What's possible:Learning at our own pace, embracing what serves us, and laughing off the rest. Try This: Ask a grandchild to teach you one new thing on your phone this week. They'll love being the expert!

Your Letting Go Toolkit

1. Challenge Your Thoughts

Weekly Practice: Keep a "Worry vs. Reality" journal. When a worry pops up, write it down. A week later, look back – did that worry come true? Was it as bad as you imagined?

2. Prioritize Joy-First Self-Care

Remember: Self-care isn't selfish; it's necessary. Create routines that make you feel good, inside and out.

Your Turn: What's one small thing you could do today that would bring you joy? (Mine was wearing my "too bright" coral lipstick to the grocery store – and getting three compliments!)

3. Connect and Share

Community Corner: Our reader Martha started a "Joy and Java" morning group where women our age meet to share laughs and let go of worries together. Why not start your own?

A Special Note About Beauty and Self-Care

Speaking of feeling good, let's talk about skincare – not from a place of worry, but from a place of loving self-care. You know I only share products I truly believe in, and that's why I'm excited about Dermagist's Complete Rejuvenation System.

Why I Love It: After trying everything from drugstore brands to luxury creams (my bathroom cabinet could tell some stories!), I've found that the best skincare routine is one that lets you spend less time worrying and more time living.

This three-step system includes:

  • Dynamic Age Defying Serum

  • Instant Effect Lifting Serum

  • Original Wrinkle Smoothing Cream

Reader Review: "After decades of complicated 10-step routines, switching to this simple system felt like finally exhaling. Now I spend those extra 20 minutes having coffee with friends instead of fretting over my routine!" - Susan, 67

5 Things to Watch Out For (Your Gentle Reminder List)

  1. The Comparison Trap Remember: Your journey is uniquely yours. That friend who seems to "have it all together"? She has her own worries too.

  2. All-or-Nothing Thinking Gentle Truth: Progress isn't perfect. Celebrating small victories is the key to lasting change.

  3. The Worry Carousel Watch For: Trading one worry for another. When you catch yourself doing this, pause and take three deep breaths.

  4. Timeline Pressure Kind Reminder: Letting go happens at your own pace. There's no race to win here.

  5. External Influences Power Move: It's okay to unfollow, unsubscribe, or say "no" to anything that adds to your worry load.

This Week's Joy Challenge

  1. Write down three worries you're ready to release

  2. Share one of them with a friend (you'll be surprised how many can relate!)

  3. Do one thing that makes you smile, regardless of what anyone else might think

Closing Thoughts

Remember, dear friends, letting go isn't about ignoring life's real challenges. It's about choosing which concerns deserve our precious time and energy. Every line on our faces, every silver hair, every moment of forgetfulness – they're all part of a life richly lived.

Your Turn: What's one worry you're ready to release this week? Share with us by replying to this email – your story might inspire others in our next issue!

Until next time, remember: You're not just aging – you're accumulating wisdom, joy, and the perfectly imperfect beauty of a life well-lived.

With warmth and gratitude,

Pat Brodner

P.S. Don't forget our motto: "Worry less, laugh more, and wear that bright lipstick!"