There’s no denying it—women face unique challenges. Ageism, sexism, self-doubt, you name it. But none of us are alone in feeling this way. Aretha, Alicia, Shania, Lizzo, Billie, Joni, Sheryl, and all the others give voice to our challenges that don’t leave us at the bottom—they guide us back to the top. Taken together, these songs remind us of our ability to stand tall, even when the world tries to silence or marginalize us.

Being interconnected isn’t just a way to pass the time. Research highlights many benefits that supportive spaces offer women (and men). Exchanges foster resilience and self-efficacy, crucial for overcoming societal pressures and internal barriers that women often face. These environments can promote emotional resilience and encourage women to embrace their strengths and assert their needs.

Living well isn’t just about adventure or bold decisions (though that’s part of it!). It’s also about making sure that the paths we take offer friendship and love to those we meet along the way –briefly and with those who walk alongside for longer. It’s in the intentional acts where we find meaningful connection. Living well means listening more than we speak, giving more than we take, and recognizing that presence is the most valuable gift we offer.

How aligned are the ways you see yourself and how the world sees you? I’ll bet there’s a gap—maybe a little that you can just hop over, for others it might be a good deal larger. On the one side is our internal chatter which tells us we’re too much of this or not enough of that on the one side. On the other are the perceptions of those around us.

How do you feel about spending time on your own? Are you excited at the prospect of time to hear your own breath, heartbeat, and thoughts? Does your life abhor a vacuum and any space fills in with loads of ToDos? Maybe you equate alone time with loneliness or isolation. For women in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, alone time can feel like a paradox.

Where do you land on aging and learning or doing new things? Doubtful? Cautious? Enthusiastic?

2024 is my year of YES! Of learning new things as an entrepreneur, as a coach, as an aging woman, and as someone who seeks to support others as they, too, age. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Wanna bet!

Research shows that as we age, we naturally become more skilled at steering our attention toward the positive and minimizing the negative. This phenomenon, known as the "age-related positivity effect," is like a secret superpower we develop over time. We become more selective in our emotional investments, choosing to engage with what brings us joy and fulfillment. It’s like we’ve finally cracked the code on what truly matters, leading to greater contentment.

When was the last time you had a moment of silence? If you live in the modern world, the likelihood of silence is close to zero. What about stillness? That moment when demands, noise, intrusive thoughts, and to-do’s abate. Did you notice it? Or, did it suddenly crowd in with demands, noise, intrusive thoughts, and to-do’s?

Remember when we thought aging was something that happened to other people? Well, surprise! It’s happening to us. We will handle it infinitely better if we do this with confidence, acceptance, and a healthy dose of humor. By adopting a growth mindset, we can view challenges as opportunities for learning rather than obstacles, enhancing our resilience.

Ever feel like you’re the one sidestepping oncoming pedestrians on the sidewalk or in the public square? Ever pipe up in a conversation and the words seemingly float away without so much as registering with those around you? Ever wonder if all relationships are transactional? You’re hardly alone! As we age, women often experience a stark contrast in societal visibility compared to men of similar age.

"You're just being an uppity old woman!" I was told recently. Without missing a beat, I said: Well, thank you!" beaming brightly. "If what you mean by uppity is a woman who knows her mind, isn't afraid to have—and state—her opinion, or be herself as she moves through the world. Then, thank you!"

Society isn't always kind to women of a certain age. But as a conscious crone, I break the script. An Uppity Old Woman knows her mind, carries her experiences with grace, and needs no one's approval to shine.

Limiting beliefs about aging can sneak up on us. They whisper things like, “You’re too old for that,” “It’s too late to start something new,” or “What are you thinking, crazy old lady.” But who says we have to listen? These age cages trap us in a mindset that hinders our growth and dampens our spirit. It’s time we break the script!

There’s magic when older women pack their bags and set out on an adventure. With the kids grown and perhaps a career winding down, we’re given the rarest of gifts: time. Time to reflect, to explore, and to discover who we are beyond the roles we’ve played. Travel, my dear dazzle of crones, is not just about seeing new places—it's about seeing ourselves anew.

In our earlier rite of passage, we thanked our teachers, the unsung heroes who guided us, challenged us, and sometimes barely tolerated our teenage angst. In elderhood, our gratitude deepens as we recognize the mentors, family, friends, and even the random strangers who imparted valuable lessons. Each person we’ve encountered has been a chapter in our story, contributing to the wisdom we now hold.

Ever find yourself strolling down memory lane only to trip over the occasional briars of "Oops!"? Welcome to the club. We all have those moments where we glance back and think, "Did I really do that?" or "What was I thinking?" of just “groan….” It's like finding a forgotten garden of mistakes, each one a prickly reminder of our wonderfully imperfect human journey.

June 15th is the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. What a sorry state of affairs when the UN has had to make this a pillar of the Decade of Healthy Aging. Like all forms of domestic violence, elder abuse is often hidden, growing silently in the shadows. Elder abuse can take many forms: physical, emotional, or financial. It’s a gut-wrenching reality that many older adults face such abuse at the hands of those they trust most.

As we step into our third chapter, we have the opportunity to embrace our croning and embody the wisdom, strength, and confidence that come with our age. We are the queens of our own lives, ruling with grace, wisdom, and—oh yes!—a touch of sass. Getting beach-ready is about celebrating this incredible journey and embracing the powerful women we have become.

What does it take to cultivate intergenerational connections? Engage! Move around spaces and groups that naturally attract different people. Challenge yourself! Listen to podcasts or music that spotlight views and inspiration from other age groups. Be curious! Ask people their opinions and listen to understand, not to inform, correct, or fix. Extra points for crossing multiple groups.

How does someone like that disconnect from those roles and retool her life? It may take a little time to develop the new shape, size, and scope of her third chapter. I have no doubt she will, because she has a key asset to help her—a strong sense of humor.

It’s high time to reflect on and use language in a way that doesn’t unintentionally suppress women of any age, but of crones in particular. I can hear eyeballs rolling from those who warn of yet another shard of political correctness. Suck it up, buttercup.