Do you want to have more fun and connect with women in your own age-bracket? Fabulous@50 has several levels of membership, something for everyone, depending on how involved you would like to be and how much you want to receive.
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A Fabulous@50 COSMO CLUB*is an exclusive membership that gives you: gifts, services, benefits and opportunities to be part of the vibrant Fab@50 online global community.
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On signup you will receive a menopause survival kit worth over $75.00. Take advantage of the free coaching, and receive gifts along with the Be Fabulous! E-magazine. $250.00 a year or only $25.00 a month. To see the full list of benefits and services click here.
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Sign up for the whole year a nd get a Bonus! CARP Membership and Zoomer Magazine: Advocacy, Benefits & Community. *was previously the Diamond Membership
E-magazine Subscription delivered direct to your inbox plus get access to our archive of miss another issue, click here to get your copy. Edmonton, Calgary and Moncton have groups designed for baby boomer women focusing on friendship and personal development. Click on the city closest to you to see what we are up to.
Our members say... I just want to thank you for the lovely silk scarf that you sent me for Christmas. To everyone out there who is considering COSMO CLUB (Diamond Membership), it’s worth every penny & more. Sherri I am enjoying the Fab 50 experience because of the ladies I am meeting and the activities I’ve been part of. Also getting into some of the coaching now which looks like a makeover in itself. Jayne 2 • Be Fabulous! e_Magazine I www.fabulousat50.com I January • 2017
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Creative Director • Dianna Bowes Editor, Creative Director Dianna Bowes FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION ads@fabulousat50.com www.fabulousat50.com
our story
Thank you to our Contributors: Dianna Bowes, Barbara Lee, Laurel Vespi, Pam Robertson, Sue Paulson, Rosalyn Fung, Stacey Berger, ..and to all who made this issue possible Photography: Ealanta Photography www.IStock.com www.123rfs.com
Mission: To INSPIRE, EDUCATE and EMPOWER the baby boomer woman! Be Fabulous! was designed specifically to be an event magazine to be presented to our guests at the Annual Fabulous@50 Experience and Martini Party. But something magical happened! Dianna Bowes took a look around and realized there was nothing in our community that was discussing the needs of the seasoned woman. Be Fabulous!, much like the Fabulous@50 tradeshows, seminars, the meetup group and the Fabulous@50 on-line membership, filled a gap. Since 2010, Be Fabulous! has spotlighted inspirational women on it’s cover and covered topics that mid-age women want to read about. The vision of creative director, Dianna Bowes, was to publish a magazine that would be written by baby boomer women for baby boomer women. Fabulous@50 and Be Fabulous! is more than a magazine, more than a tradeshow, more than a membership, it is a community! Find out more by going to our website. www.fabulousat50.com
On the Cover: Laurel Vespi Be Fabulous! is published by Creative On The Move.
Be The articles represent the views and opinions of the individual authors and not necessarily the publisher. No material should be reprinted in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the publisher/authors. The contents of Be Fabulous! should not be used as advice of any kind. Please consult the appropriate professionals for any advice. Be Fabulous! does not constitute endorsements of, or assumption for, liability for any claims made in the advertisements and or advertising information.
be social with us! www.fabulousat50.com facebook.com/befabulousmagazine facebook.com/befabulousat50 twitter@Fabat50 pinterest/DiannaBowes
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Fabulous at 50 Lifestyle with Dianna Bowes
We Made it... Reconnecting with family at the Fabulous@50 Wine and Cheese Party at the Painted Door on Main in Beaumont. Dianna Bowes, Debbie Peters (cousin of Dianna) and Danielle Peters (Debbie’s Daughter).
The Christmas season is officially over! It took me right up until we went to the Singing Christmas Tree on December 16th to get into the spirit this year. I cried through the whole performance, it just touches my heart every time I hear those beautiful voices. Especially one very special person, my friend Loretta, who sent kisses to me from the stage. I love the Christmas carols, connecting with friends and family, but I don’t like all the crazy shopping and pressure of it all. For some people this season can bring out negative feeling and many people find it hard to get through. Finances, family issues or just too many expectations. As a child, Christmas brought together a family that didn’t get along all that well, which affected me for many years. CHRISTMAS
This year only 1 of 5 children was home, plus our adopted Australian family flew off to Europe, so we were feeling a little unsure of what to do for Christmas.
We were very honored to be invited to my daughter’s boyfriend’s family Christmas in Camrose. RE-CONNECTION
But the highlight of 2016, was the re-connection I have had with family and friends. People I have not seen or had anything to do with it for 35 or more years have come to support me. When I published my book in January, little did I know what would happen. I have to admit I had some fear that some family members would read it and take offense to my stories. But that did not happen. Since last January I have re-connected with several aunts and uncles, cousins, and half siblings. Where I saw differences before, I see the similarities. We are all just human beings trying to do our best. Then the craziest thing happened in October, a long lost friend I had worked with in my 20’s at good old Woodward’s, found me and we met for the first time in over 25 years last week.
Celebrating baby boomer women • Interactive eMagazine • 5
The funny thing was I was looking for her as well. She is not a social media person, so I could not find her. Luckily she attended the Fabulous@50 tradeshow in Calgary and approached my dear friend Debra Kasowski, who quickly called me and put her on the phone. There were tears on both ends of the phone and we both swore we would never lose touch again.
Whether you are famous or not, you still leave people sad when you leave.
She came to Edmonton last week and we talked for hours and could hardly tear ourselves away from each other. This was such a wonderful gift. Time just does not change some things. It does not change the goodness in people and Dawn is one of the best.
What will 2017 and beyond be for you?
So when I think about everything that happened in 2016, publishing my book, 2 trade shows, talent search fundraiser, speaking opportunities, and TV and radio interviews, I feel the most joy about the people in my life. The relationship I have with my children, my husband, and my adopted Aussie family, the forgiveness and gathering with my family and friends. LOSING MY MOTHER
My mother and I never had the relationship my daughter and I have, but losing her earlier his year shook me up. It peeled off the last of the protection I had around my heart to protect me and has made me look at people and situations in a completely different way. I believe that when I poured my heart in to my book, I broke down a fence, and that is why these people have come out to meet me at the gate, because now it is open. I am sure my mother would be happy about that. Last year we lost so many influential people. George Michael, Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, Prince and so many more. Plus our family lost my mother, my mother-inlaw and my brother-in-law.
LEGACY
I feel strongly about leaving a legacy, but never will it come before the people I care about. I think of my Grandmother who hardly left her home yet whenever she is spoke of, it is with love. That is her legacy... what will yours be? Mine is to be more compassionate, loving and continue to inspire women to live an authentic life. And have more fun! What do you stand for? I stand for honesty, trust, compassion, and most of all love. What is important to you? My family, my friends, my health and my community Who is important to you? All of you. Happy New Year. Now is the time to look at these things. Especially the relationships. Because once they are gone, there will never be another chance to mend the fences. YOUR HOMEWORK Take a minute and write down your answers, keep it somewhere you can read it every day. Let’s make 2017 a year of forgiveness and gratitude. If not now, when? Dianna Bowes is the creative director of Fabulous@50 and editor of Be Fabulous! Dianna is also the author of The Fabulous@50 Re-Experience - Refresh your mind, body and spirit. Dianna Bowes is the creative director of Fabulous@50 and editor of Be Fabulous! Dianna is also the author of The Fabulous@50 Re-Experience - Refresh your mind, body and spirit. Available by clicking here
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It’s never too late to refresh your
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mind, body and spirit and you don’t have to do it alone.
Many Baby Boomer women have spent decades suppressing their own wants and desires, and losing themselves in the expectations and demands of culture, parents, partners, and children, working hard to please and care for almost everyone but themselves. They’ve been misunderstood by marketers, politicians, millenials, most men, and last but not least, themselves.
illness, financial disaster, or the crushing loneliness after the kids have grown and gone, if you are asking yourself, “Now what?” and fearing that it might be too late for you and your dreams, this book is for you.
The time has come for these strong, beautiful, and fabulous women to discover, reveal, and honor their true selves. The time has come for them to re-experience life as they’ve known it, and to celebrate life as it can be.
From Dianna Bowes, visionary foundress of Fabulous@50, The Fabulous @50 Re-Experience is a living, breathing, sweet and sassy guide to remind you that you’re not alone, and it’s not to late for you to thrive.
If you are a Boomer woman in personal crisis--needing to reinvent your life, facing divorce, life-threatening
In these pages, you’ll find a wealth of reassurance, inspiration, companionship, and practical guidance to refresh your mind, body, and spirit.
ORDER A BOOK TODAY! Celebrating baby boomer women • Interactive eMagazine • 7
Holistic Body Love by Rosalyn Fung
We LOVE
5 Eating Tips
MINDFUL
To have a healthy and peaceful relationship with food, we must invite the concept of mindfulness into it.
Here are 5 tips to learn how to eat mindfully: 1) Always have a positive mindset when it comes to eating. When we have negative thoughts, we are creating stress in our body, which turns on our flight or fight system, which in turn shuts off our digestive system. We then do not assimilate or digest food properly. Negative thoughts include feeling guilty about eating a “forbidden” food, creating a lot of
tension in resisting food, feeling stressed about a situation and thinking about it while you eat. The following next steps will invite you to be more present. 2) Take “Body Love Nutrient O”, Oxygen. Take deep breaths before, during and after eating. Taking Body Love Nutrition O is quickest way to shift your body from emotional to calm. So if you’re having trouble letting go of an issue, imagine putting it on a cloud and letting it float away- you can always come back to it later if you choose, but for the meal, allow yourself to eat with peace.
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3) Invite “Body Love Nutrient A”, Awareness. There is something called the Cephalic Phase Digestive Response. When we pay attention to the visual, aroma, taste, pleasure and satisfaction of a meal, this equates to forty to sixty percent of our digestive power. Wow! Can you imagine if we are not paying attention to our meal, there goes half our digestive power! 4) “Body Love Nutrient S” for Sit down and SAVOR SLOWLY. A meal should be enjoyed as it’s all about nourishing your body. We live in a culture where it is fast pace, rushed, and eating a meal can be a slow, peaceful experience. It may not be realistic to eat all your meals slowly and mindfully, but I believe each one of us can at least find time for one or two meals to do so. 5) Before eating, determine your physical hunger from emotional hunger.
Just before you go for something to eat, mindfully check in with yourself and ask yourself, on scale of 1-5, 1= hungry and 5=full, what number at you at? If you are at a 1 or 2, then eat something nourishing. The goal is to try to eat to the point of energy, which is 4. Half way through your plate, ask yourself to save scaling question. Often times, we are mindlessly eating and “don’t want to waste the food” by finishing it all off our plate, yet we are past the point of 4. Give yourself permission to play with finding out what a 4 feelings like for you! Rosalyn Fung, M.Sc., is a Holistic Body Love Coach and Registered Psychologist. She is founder of Holistic Body Love and empowers women in their relationship with food, body image, weight, confidence, relationships and self-love. Check out her website for more freebies on mindfulness. www.holisticbodylove.com
EMPOWER • EDUCATE • EMPOWER
Create Your Legacy Fabulous@50 is expanding and we are looking for enthusiastic, energetic and well-connected women 40 plus to bring Fabulous@50 to their communities. This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run your own heart-centered business and create your legacy! Cllick here for more information
Celebrating baby boomer women • Interactive eMagazine • 9
The Ladybird’s Kitchen by Pam Robertson
Mind the Chocolate Since this month’s magazine is all about mindfulness, we’ve got the perfect opportunity to blend some food into the day! Mindfulness is today’s vernacular for meditation, which is really about paying attention to what you’re doing and getting the most out of it. What better way to explore life than with a chocolate treat that can’t be beat?
3 Tbsp chocolate chips (optional)
You’ll need a large microwave safe coffee mug to get your Quick Chocolate Mug Cake started.
2. Add the chocolate chips (if you’re using them).
Ingredients: 4 Tbsp sugar 2 Tbsp cocoa 4 Tbsp flour 1 egg 3 Tbsp milk 3 Tbsp oil
½ tsp vanilla extract Method: 1. Add sugar and cocoa to the mug. Mix thoroughly to ensure cocoa is nicely separated. Add flour, and mix well. Add egg and mix it up some more. Pour in the milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix well again.
3. Place your mug in the microwave and cook for about 3 minutes. If it starts to smell burned, stop and check things out. The cake may rise up over the top of the mug – don’t be alarmed, it shouldn’t spill unless you’ve put it in a very tiny mug. You’ll know it’s done when you can smell the chocolate, and the top looks shiny but also has bubbles like a sponge up at the surface.
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Careful, because it’s hot, but you can gently tap the top with your finger and it will spring back when it’s done. 4. Allow to cook, and tip onto a plate to serve if desired. If you are sharing this with someone, you can pretty up your plate with a scoop of ice cream, and a heap of chocolate sprinkles or berries. When you dig in, take a moment to
appreciate that you’ve created this dessert from scratch, and you know every single ingredient that is in it. Savour its chocolatey goodness. #EatInspired Pam Robertson is the food lover behind The Ladybirds’ Kitchen, where her goal is to help people get excited about cooking and to #EatInspired! To get in touch, pick up the phone and call 780-232-0083 or email pam@ LadybirdFiles.com.
FEELING DISCONNECTED?? Get connected with Fabulous@50’s On-Line Community Receive a monthly gift of the Be Fabulous! E_Magazine. Join our online Social Groups and stay in the loop of all things Fabulous! No strings, just love... Click here Celebrating baby boomer women • Interactive eMagazine • 11
Tea with Sue Paulson
What a Year it Was!
Everywhere I go I hear others breathing a sigh of relief that the drama, hardships and just plain ornery times during 2016 are over. I, too, faced challenges that had me frustrated and wallowing in a vat of self-pity. Come New Year’s Eve, I didn’t even want to scan over the year past – I just wanted to forget it. But I looked back anyway and was surprised at how many good things occurred that I had allowed to be overshadowed by what I had felt was just plain miserable. For one thing, I had four lovely trips throughout the year to be with loved ones in various parts of North America. I love to travel, so visits to both old and new places were a treat. From eagles soaring in Ohio to double rainbows in Armstrong, BC, there were sights and sounds that filled me with joy.
Along the way, there was the privilege of celebrating the births of new babies and the birthdays of those as old as 99. In March I moved from a third-floor walk up apartment to a roomy and bright townhouse with a view that I revel in every day. I collected a couple of fun roommates to share my space. Our laughs and giggles keep me feeling like a teenager. As 2016 gets left behind, I see it wasn’t so bad, even though I’m relieved to have all the challenges behind me! Mindful
Like a rainbow after a heavy thunderstorm, 2017 feels bright with hope and optimism. I’m excited at what lies ahead, even though I’m not exactly sure what that will look like. I plan to be more mindful of all the moments of fun and laughter.
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I plan to be more mindful of all the moments of fun and laughter. More naps, more time with friends and family, and more activities that fill me with wonder – those things I will commit to. More naps, more time with friends and family, and more activities that fill me with wonder – those things I will commit to.
caverns in Moose Jaw where Al Capone’s gang hung out, nor have I made it to the Maritimes.
As we celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, I will be 17 again (my second 50!). How well I remember that train trip to Expo 67 in Montreal that I took with my grandmother when I was 17 the first time. I fell madly in love with a shy but very cute tour guide on our way to Quebec City. It was a short-lived romance of about four hours – mostly in my mind, but hey, I was 17!
Whatever happens this year, gratitude will be at the forefront, for I know I have much to be grateful for. However you plan to embrace 2017, I am holding the light for us all to experience a stellar year!
This seems like a great year to honor our Canadian roots and explore more of this great country. I have yet to see the
An inspirational speaker and award-winning author, Sue Paulson inspires others to love their magnificence. Her third book, “Magnificent Misery – From Adversity to Ecstasy” is now available at Audrey’s and Ascendant Books in Edmonton or through Amazon. To book Sue, e-mail her at sue@suepaulson.com. Check out her website: www.suepaulson.com
Celebrating baby boomer women • Interactive eMagazine • 13
‘Tis the Season of the Vision Board My two favourite holidays are Thanksgiving and New Years because it’s the time when the masses are in a state of gratitude and creating visions - something that successful people embody each and every day. So in this season of creating resolutions and vision boards I wanted to offer a few tips and tricks on how to help make them stick. Approach versus Avoidance
A lot of resolutions are written as avoidance goals - things that we want to remove from our life or what we want less of, for example lose weight, quit smoking, get out of debt. Even though we are saying ‘lose’ the weight, typically our emotion
lies on the word ‘weight’ and whatever we emotionalize we attract more of in our life. A more powerful way to write your goals is to approach goals, what would you love to create, when you lose the weight what will the results be? Greater flexibility? Vibrant Energy? Feeling great in your clothes. Rewrite your goals to embody the result to make them more powerful. Feel Into It
As mentioned above what we emotionalize we create more of, use this as a tool to help achieve your 2017 goals by bringing emotion to the goals being accomplished. How will it feel to have more money in your bank account, how will it feel to be in a relationship with the love of your life, how will you feel in that little black dress.
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This is why vision boards are so powerful, the images tend to evoke more emotion inside of us which creates more of a magnetic field to attract what we do want. Keep it Alive
Once your vision board is done put it somewhere that you can see it everyday and then train yourself to look at it and emotionally engage with it. I’m sure you have pictures in your home that you rarely even notice anymore because you see them so often, it can be the same with a vision board or goals after some time it is there but we are not seeing it anymore. Make it a habit of reading your goals everyday or looking at your vision board and imagining yourself inside of the images. With repetition our faith increases that we will achieve the results and our motiva-
tion stays strong. Take Action
Vision boards are a great tool, but without action it will remain an idea. Serve your vision with action everyday - ask yourself what is one thing I can do today in service of the vision and then go do it. Celebrate Your Success
Make sure to celebrate all of the wins along the way to the vision, the little wins are necessary to achieving the big vision so give yourself the wins along the way. To Your Success, Stacey Berger is a Certified Life Coach and is passionate about helping people step into their greatness. www.everexpanding.ca
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Celebrating baby boomer women • Interactive eMagazine • 15
Fabulous@50 Featured Member
Laurel with her husband and 3 beautiful daughters.
Laurel Vespi: Living Life Mindfully What are you looking forward to doing/creating in this next half of your life? Less doing and more being. I look forward to the ever expanding experience of living life more mindfully. So it is less about what I am doing and more about how I am doing it. In my work as a life coach and speaker, it is such a great pleasure and honor to help others also learn how to do this. I do look forward to more travel, indulging my creative side and spending time with the people who make my heart sing. In what ways do you prefer to give back or pay it forward? My mother used to say “what goes around, comes around” so I grew up with the idea that there is an interconnectedness to our actions. Every day we experi-
ence the kindness of others whether we recognize it or not, so my general approach to life is to simply pass the kindness forward in thoughts and words and deeds knowing that we are all on this journey together. What is your vision of great leadership? I believe the foundation of great leadership is alignment between what one says is important and the choices one makes – walking the talk. Great leaders know what their core values are and then consciously align their actions to reflect them. When they do that, true leaders inspire and empower others to step into their own greatness. We all have the opportunity to be great leaders – not just in our families or work or communities, but also in our own lives.
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Who most inspires you and why? Anyone who causes me to give my head a shake. I am so blessed in so many ways, yet I can also whine and complain like a champ. When I see someone with a challenge or hardship rising to meet the day with grace and courage, it inspires me to put my own obstacles in perspective. What would you like to share with younger women about “being beautiful”? As the mother of 3 grown daughters, people often comment to me how beautiful they are, but their real beauty shines from within. That might sound cliché but outer beauty is fleeting. True beauty, whether in people or anything else, is often in the details – a genuine smile, eyes that dance with delight, hands that reach out to help. I think what people see when they look at my daughters is their beautiful spirits.
Laurel Vespi emcees the Fabulous@50 Experience at the River Cree Casino.
Laurel’s Favorites
Favorite Color: : Azure Blue Flats or Stilettos: Flats Movie:
Being beautiful is about being authentic.
The Shawshank Redemption
What is it in nature that feeds your soul?
Book: A Room with a View
Everything. Being in nature elicits a deep exhale that reminds me that all is well. Listening to the waves rolling into the shore, smelling the earthiness of a walk in the forest, feeling the cold air on a crisp winter day, seeing the sunset or sunrise, all serve to reinforce that I am part of a larger whole and no matter what is happening, all is well.
by E.M. Forster Sweet Treat: Really good gelato Vacation Destination: Florence Italy Martini/Wine: Depends on my mood Charitable Cause: Food Bank
Celebrating baby boomer women • Interactive eMagazine • 17
Life is just a Phase by Laurel Vespi
The good and bad news about mindful living You only have moments to live. Yikes! What did mindfulness pioneer Jon Kabat-Zinn really mean when he said that? It certainly sounds like something that might blast out of an emergency warning system alerting you to the fact that the end is near. On the surface it does seem like a dire warning that your time has run out. Well, in some respects it actually has. You see, the bad news about mindful living is that each moment is only here momentarily. You get one chance right now to experience it. Then you are on to the next moment of your life. There’s no going back, no do-overs, no rewinds.
The really bad news is that the way we live life in the 21st century actually encourages us to miss these moments. We’re busy, we’re distracted, we’re pulled in too many directions. In order to survive, we resort to functioning on auto-pilot, sleepwalking our way through the day just to try to keep up with the demands and the pace. We miss the moments while we are focused on our to-do list. The good news is that you only have moments to live. You only have to be concerned with this one moment. You only have to live here and now, taking in the experience of what is happening in this moment.
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The practice of mindful living is to be aware when we are off in the past or skipping ahead to the future and gently return ourselves back to the present moment so that we can take in the experience of our life. Given the crazy busyness of our lives, is it actually possible to only live in the moment? No. It’s not even desirable. There’s nothing wrong with revisiting the past or thinking about the future. What’s important is to keep reminding ourselves that we only really experience our lives when we are wide awake and paying attention to what is happening in the moment. The practice of mindful living is to be aware when we are off in the past or skipping ahead to the future and gently return ourselves back to the present moment so that we can take in the experience of our life. Turns out the fact that you only have moments to live is a good news-bad news kind of thing. Greek philosopher Heraclitus said you can’t step into the same river twice. That’s a little friendlier version of “you only have moments to live”. Each time you step into a river, you are not standing in the same
water that was there before. You also aren’t the same person that you were before because your experiences constantly change you. Just as the river is continually flowing by, so are the moments of your life. Each moment passes and you can’t ever step into it again. But you can step into the moment that is here right now. That’s the good news. So how can you live more mindfully? Slow down a bit. Pause. Breathe. Pay attention to what is happening right now without trying to change it. Just notice the moment you are in. Then go back to whatever you were doing. Repeat. That is what mindful living is all about. Laurel Vespi is a certified life coach, author and motivational speaker who helps women live more mindfully no matter what phase of life they are in. Learn more and get resources and inspiration for mindful living at stonecirclecoaching.com
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Celebrating baby boomer women • Interactive eMagazine • 19
Sacred Sex by Barbara Lee
The Practice
of Sex
Two billion years ago life on earth relied exclusively on asexual reproduction. That means that every organism was capable of bearing young on their own, without the complications of interacting with a partner. Asexual reproduction is faster and more efficient, which raises the question of why sex evolved in the first place. It seems that sexual intercourse evolved simply for the enjoyment of connecting sexually with another human being. It feels good! As we have evolved, so have our sexual relationships. Today we engage in sexual activity for many reasons. Of course, we continue to engage in sex for reproduction, but we also enjoy sex for reasons that have nothing to do with creating life. We have sex to enjoy the experience itself and to feel a deeper connection to another person. A sexual ethic involves appreciation of the joyous gift of life and the mystery of love. Joyeus Celebration
Human sexual expression is meant to be a joyous celebration. In her book Radical Wisdom, Beverly Lanzetta writes, “As sexual beings, our creativity and passion are not separate from the mystical or contemplative, but expressions of the mutual interpenetration, co-equality and co-intimacy that exist between spirit and body.” Sexual union without a sacred element may meet our physical needs, but it rarely leaves us feeling a sense of freedom or of fullness, at least for any prolonged period.
However, with the sacred element added, it is possible for us to experience a connection with the life force itself, with the source of our being, with our deepest creative impulses. Sexuality as a sacred practice is about trusting, receiving and penetrating each other completely. It is about the circulation of energy and divine light from your body into your partner’s body. In that union with each other, in the intermingling of our energy and the energy of the Universe, we create and emit energy that has holy power. Sacred sex is a portal through which we can experience Divine love and then offer that love back so it infuses all of our relationships and echoes throughout the world. Breath
Today, take a few seconds to breathe. Breathe into your heart... and breathe out. Breathe into your belly... and breathe out.
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Now breathe into your genitals... and breathe out. Continue breathing into and out of your genitals. Visualize an orange spinning chakra in your lower abdomen below the navel. Imagine a circle of orange light emanating from your chakra and spreading to the rest of your body in waves. Feel a sense of warmth enveloping your whole body, starting with the genital area and then radiating out. Sexual energy is the creative force that permeates the universe. You can practice this breathing whenever you need to get in touch with your sexual energy. Barbara Lee is the author of Sacred Sex: Replacing the Marriage Ethic with a Sexual Ethic and Tension in the Tank: Embracing Interfaith Mysticism Without Leaving the Church. An ordained interfaith minister, Barbara has crafted the tools that lead to higher self-esteem, healthier relationships and a deeper respect for the many facets of sexuality. You can read more about Barbara at www.dontdoesntwork.com
We LOVE
FAN FEEDBACK Question? How do you practice mindfulness? Juanita: I pray and thank God daily for what and who I have in my life. Joanne: Daily gratitude Beth: Meditation Pam: I like to go to a favourite spot outside (mountains, water, or local park but the front step will also do) and very consciously take in my surroundings while thinking about what I am grateful for, and then get focussed on what’s coming up. Lynda: concentrate on my breathing and only that for 10 mins or so and/or I will do some guided imagery. Beverley: Relaxation, breathing techniques and quiet time alone, creativity. Loretta: Breathe. Wait. Listen Kay: watch my cats sleep! small but huge joy of my day to bring my mind back to not overthinking stuff.
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Dianna: Go for long walks or bike rides. Just being outside helps keep me in the moment.
board on Pinterest..click here
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A New Year’s Reflection
Most people use New Year’s to make resolutions and are determined to keep them. But it’s not quite that easy. Statistics show that most resolutions fail within a couple months, and I believe it’s because we are not mindful enough of what we choose as goals and “Why” we choose them. What are your resolutions and goals? Have you made any this year? Do you declare them out loud, or do you write them down? Most importantly, are your resolutions and goals in line with what you truly want and need in your heart, in your mind and for your body? Or... are your resolutions filled with “I should… I need to…I must…”?
Are you creating resolutions that you think you “Should” be doing, or do you truly want them in your life? If you are “shoulding” on yourself in anyway, then most likely your resolutions will fail. There is not enough positive energy to get you past the initial enthusiasm. Resolutions and goals need to be something that make your heart sing. They need to be something you truly want to embrace in your life, and they need to support you mentally, physically and spiritually. If they fail to do that or are not in alignment with your true purpose and your choice of “being” then you will add them to a list of failed attempts. Sadly, these are too frequently used as ammunition to self admonish. A very typical resolution for the new year
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is to get in shape and/or lose weight. If this is one of yours, first ask yourself; Is this where I truly want to focus my energy? Am I prepared to do what is necessary and will I feel joy while I am doing it? Am I willing to create and follow a success plan? And then, more importantly ask yourself; Why? Why do I want to be in shape and lose weight? Is it because you think it’s the right thing to do? Do you feel you should be losing weight when you see photos of models? Or perhaps, it is because you have a desire to be healthy enough to play with your grandchildren? How meaningful your “Why” is to you, will have a great impact on the chance of success in meeting your goal. Motivation
It is important to know the “Why” behind our motivation. To be successful at anything, our “Why” must have meaning for us. If we are mindful of our “Why” and relate to it frequently, keeping it top of mind, then the task at hand becomes a joy. When we do not know the “Why” behind our actions then our actions become an arduous To-do List. Many years ago I made a resolution that I’ve never broken. It was to never make New Year’s resolutions. I didn’t want to make false promises to myself. I choose to focus on what’s important in my life and create goals not only at the beginning of the year but also throughout it, along with a plan on how to execute them. I use New Year’s for a different purpose. Personally, I think that the new year is a wonderful time to reflect on how far I have come and all the experiences I have had over the past year or years. I believe strongly in living in the present, looking forward to the future, and reflecting on my past. For example, when I am hiking, I love to look around and admire the sights, sounds and smell in my immedi-
ate surroundings. I keep my eyes up the mountain knowing I have a goal to reach (usually it’s an exquisite mountain lake) But one of the things I most enjoy is stopping and taking a moment at the lookout points to see the beauty and gain a new perspective from where I once was, to where I am in the now. To me, New Year’s is a lookout point. It’s a time to reflect on how far I’ve come; where I am in the here and now; and where would I like to go in the future. Reflect
I invite you to take a moment, if you have not yet done so, to reflect on where you are right now. You can do this quietly in your mind or expressing it on paper. Take note if what you have in your life right now brings you joy. Focus specifically on the relationship you have with your own spirit and your loved ones. Compare it to a time in the past and rejoice on how far you have come, and/or set a standard on where you want to go. Always remember that over any given period of time we will have experiences that we label both good and bad; positive and negative. Acknowledge both and choose carefully what lessons you will focus on to take you into the future. Have your goals be supportive of yourself in a loving way. Be your own best friend. My New Year’s wish for you is that you choose goals for yourself that will make your heart sing. That you will know “Why” you do what you do; and you will bring joy to yourself and others as you do it. Joanne Neweduk is the Community Director for Fabulous@50 Calgary. She is an oncology nurse, contributing author for severel award winning books, inspirational speaker and coach. She loves nothing better than supporting women in creating a life that makes their heart sing. joanne@fabulousat50.com
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5,000 You are Pre-Approved for up to $2
Click here for more information 24 • Be Fabulous! e_Magazine I www.fabulousat50.com I January • 2017
Edmonton, AB UPCOMING EVENTS Vision Board Workshop Creators Code - Tuesday, January 31st Let’s make 2017 the best year yet, by visualizing your goals onto a vision map. This is all about you. And it will be fun too! We will be working together to build a visual map of your dreams and goals. . For more info click here Fabulous@50 Licensing Information Conference Call Monday, February 13th Want to know more about becoming a Community Director? Join us on a group conference call with direct access to founder of Fabulous@50, Dianna Bowes. Just a friendly call, with lots of time for questions and answers to be shared with group. For more info click here
www.fabulousat50.com
Dianna Bowes Edmonton Director & Founder Email Dianna WINE AND CHEESE Go to our website Ladies gathered at the Painted Door on Main in Beaumont for a Read my blogs Christmas Wine and Cheese party hosted by Dianna Bowes. Celebrating baby boomer women • Interactive eMagazine • 25
Calgary, AB UPCOMING EVENTS Safe4Life Personal Safety Training Workshop Jan. 14, 2017. SOLD OUT Do you or your loved ones walk to or from work and school? Are you ever concerned for their safety or yours when away from home? Do you ever worry about sexual assault or a physical attack? To register or for more information click here. BOOK CLUB - Wed, Jan 25 All welcome to participate in the monthly book club meetings. January book choice “And the Mountains Echoed” by Khaled Hosseini To register or to get more information. Monthly meetup meeting held every second Thursday, join us and have fun! Click here for info
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Joanne Neweduk Calgary Director Email Joanne Go to our website All set for the @fab50yyc glam makeup course by Adrienne Furrie - pro makeup artist & image expert. 26 • Be Fabulous! e_Magazine I www.fabulousat50.com I January • 2017
Read my blogs
Moncton, NB
Join Juanita and friends for a Sleigh Ride on Saturday, February 11th. Contact Juanita@ fabulousat50.com to book.
UPCOMING EVENTS Conquer Your Fears - Life Wellness Event Jan 21, 2017 Will be held at the Brian Diesel center in Moncton on January 21st, 2017 from 2:00p.m.-4:00 p.m. We will have many speakers from the wellness industry, as well as several vendors, door prizes, and entertainment. For ticket information or to book a table please contact Juanita at 855-9186 or juanita@ fabulousat50.com . There will be a facebook event with more information . Raffle Purchase your tickets for our raffle, prize is kindly donated by VIA RAIL. This prize will include a trip for 4 return from Moncton to Halifax. Tickets will be available for $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00. Contact Juanita to get your tickets asap. Also for the month of January if you purchase a membership in my VIP fabulous club your name will go in once for the trip. We will have membership packages and tickets both at the embrace your life wellness event held on January 21st .
Juanita Wilson Moncton Director Email Juanita Go to our website Read my blogs
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Does your company serve women who are 40 and over? How are you reaching them?
SHARE YOUR STORY! Be an inspiration to other women by sharing your story of success and build strong relationships.
Read about inspirational women like Petra Remy. Click here
INSPIRE Tell women everywhere how you became successful, and inspire them to follow their dreams.
EDUCATE Share your knowledge and expertise to educate women to take their next step.
EMPOWER Through your story, empower women to become change agents in their own lives and others.
Cheryl Anne is the creator of the Beautiful Women Project - The Art to Loving Life. Click here to read about Cheryl Anne.
Be Fabulous! E-Magazine: is a monthly on-line magazine aimed at the baby boomer woman. This monthly issue will be sent to the growing Fabulous@50 on-line community. Featuring inspirational woman (this could be you) we will also have articles that will interest women in the 40 plus age range. Be Fabulous! is a part of what makes Fabulous@50 so vibrant. EMAIL US TODAY FOR THE MEDIA KIT AND MORE INFORMATION ...info@fabulousat50.com
We are more than a magazine. We are a community! 28 • Be Fabulous! e_Magazine I www.fabulousat50.com I January • 2017
Loretta Friedrich shares her love of nutritious food with us. Click here to read about her.
FAB Books!
Millionaire Success Habits by Dean Graziosi Millionaire Success Habits is a book designed with one purpose in mind; and that is to take you from where you are in life, to where you want to be in life, by using easy to implement “Success Habits” into your daily routine. This book is not about adding more time to your day. It is about replacing those things that are not serving your future with success habits designs specifically to assist you on your journey to that better you. Buy your copy on Amazon
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