A Boomer's Footprint

Author: D Kelly

  • Making a Difference for our Planet – intro

    green path through trees76,000,000 Aging Boomers can have a tremendous impact on our planet. Since we are expected to live longer than any previous generation, the choices we make about how we age is imperative to ensure continued health of our planet.

    While we have been viewed as a selfish generation by some, we can change that attitude by stepping up and making better decisions to live more sustainably.

    For ages, the two most common practices of green living are to:

    Reduce, reuse and recycle

    Save Energy

    There are so many more ways to live green.  These choices methods and their interconnection to each other are crucial for our own health, our quality of living and the health of the planet.

    Some other ways to live green are:

    Living in a green home

    Using non toxic products

    Eating low on the food chain

    Shopping responsibly

    Green remodeling

    Being a responsible traveler

    Getting involved

    It takes a commitment and focus to change habits which have existed for a long time.  But we know with government intervention we can change. One recent example is the use of re-usable shopping bags. It may have taken awhile to remember to carry our own bags but we got there.

    The question is: what will it take for each of us to choose alternative green living techniques on our own rather than what for the government to choose for us?

    I will continue to write about simple changes we can choose to “Make a difference for our planet.”

     

     

     

     

     

  • 16 Benefits of “Making a difference for Others”

    IMG_3531 (2)There are so many inspiring stories of people of all ages making a difference with their volunteer efforts. People are making a contribution of time and money.  When we hear these stories, we immediately think of the benefits for the recipients.

    But now research shows the enormous benefits which the giver receives as well.  Here are 16 of them:

    Make our communities a better place

    Provide direct assistance to others

    Create a connection with others

    Have the opportunity to make new friends

    Develop a new support system

    Engage new contacts

    Ability to expand our network

    Provide us with career experience

    Teach us valuable job skills

    Boost our social skills

    Increase our self-confidence, self esteem

    Increase our life satisfaction

    Create a sense of pride and identity

    Reduce our risk of depression

    Helps us stay physically healthy

    Can bring us fun and fulfillment

    WOW. When I read this list, I say where do I sign up.  This sounds like a cure all for a multitude of needs.

    So of course, I don’t believe that volunteering cures ailments or single handedly fulfills needs but this list itemizes several goals on my life list.  Goals I can achieve by “Making a Difference for Others.”

    “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”             Charles Dickens

    Is there a group or community whose mission touches your heart? Is there a group that is in grave need of your help?

    Instead of simply writing a check, is now your time to roll up your sleeves and provide some hands on help?  How can you “Make a Difference for Others?”

     

     

  • Cailtin Jenner’s Journey and Mission

    Caitlin Jenner

    I sat down today to write my post on volunteering.

    Meanwhile, I was watching the ESPN ESPY’s awards in the background. I reached the segment of Bruce Jenner coming out as Caitlin. Caitlin received the Arthur Ashe award for courage this year. And what a story she is living and sharing with us.

     

    Since Caitlin made her announced and came out as a woman, I have heard so many mixed reactions and comments about her. But this ESPN piece about her triumphs and struggles throughout her life and now her current mission was so inspirational and conveyed an incredible message that I was teary eyed by the end.

    Caitlin’s story is not just about living the life she wants. She is standing up for the rights of so many more people who are just trying to do the same.

    The statistics she shared about the bullying, despair, suicide and violence that not only transgender people but the thousands of others, especially our young people, regularly face because they are different, a geek, or weak or odd is disheartening.

    I write this opinion today to encourage each one of us, as part of humanity to become an advocate, an activist and take a stand when we see an injustice.

    As Americans, we pledge “One nation under God.” Let’s fight for the rights of all people in our nation. Not just when our country is attacked or a disaster strikes. But every day, every chance we are given, we can Step Up and Make a Difference.   This is volunteering at its best.

  • Making a Difference for Ourselves

    airplane (2)

    If you have ever flow in an airplane, you’ve hear this direction – “Secure your own oxygen mask before helping others.”

    This statement sums up my tag line – Making a Difference for Ourselves.

    As we make a difference for others and the planet, we must continue to work on our own personal growth and development as well.

    Life is a continual journey of options, opportunities, challenges and change.

    We can always discover ways to improve, to learn, to stay relevant. This is especially critical for baby boomers entering this 3rd act in life.

    We prided ourselves in the 1960’s as we worked on self-development. We wanted change and choices. Now here we are in our 60’s doing it again.

    Accepting and learning from change, staying focused and motivated is not easy.

    So with this blog – ABoomersFootPrint, I am combining articles, information and tips pertinent to Boomers with my coaching lessons and exercises. My goal is to teach, inspire and empower you to live your best life, to leave a meaningful legacy, to make a difference.

    My “Live Life Blog” began in late 2013 as DKellyCoach.  During this time, I composed 60 blog posts using a systematic approach to creating a successful life.  I transferred this posts over to Boomers Footprint and they are available for you.  I will continue to develop many of these topics over the coming years but for now you can re-read them by using the categories or tag links searching on specific topics of interest to you. I have been going back to earlier posts and adding helpful categories and tags.

    PS. Please leave comments, even spelling and grammatical corrections. I look forward to reading them. They encourage me to keep writing, keep me focused and give me a clue about your interests.

  • Defining your Personal Legacy

    Sunset ablaze 1It may seem as if the sun is setting on us, as boomers. But we still have many years to make our mark, to make a difference, to create a legacy we are proud of.

    A generation is only as strong as the individual contributions each member makes.

    While as a whole, the perception of the baby boomer’s contribution to society may have a bad rap, many of us know that we have made a positive impact with our lives.

    As we approach this “3rd act in life”, now is a great time to review our legacy so far. (This is a common practice in the Thai culture – to re-assess life at age 60.)

    Every step we take, adds to our legacy. This happens whether we realize it or not. Our daily choices create our life, our personality and our contribution to history.

    Of course, in 100 years, our legacies may not stand out beyond our family history and the traditions we pass down through the generations. But we all make a mark and  leave a footprint on the planet.

    Today’s post includes an exercise to assess where we are.  So try to complete it now.

    Pull out a sheet of paper or your journal and begin. First, answer these questions:

    What is my current legacy?

    What words will be spoken at my memorial service?

    How will my life be remembered?

    What have I contributed, shared, taught to others?

    How have I made a mark?

    Finally, write down the three to five words or phrases which currently best describe your life.

    (Mine are – I serve, I teach, I play.)

    Regardless of your accomplishments so far, it is never too late to create a  meaningful legacy. Revisit your answers in a week or so to see if they still hold true.

    Over the next several months, I’ll be talking a lot about this topic. So stay tuned.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Fighting for our Independence

    waving flag

    “WE hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

    Declaration of Independence – July 4, 1776

    This is our American promise – “the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” We have the right to live our lives as we wish, to pursue happiness as we think best, by our own lights – provided only that we respect the equal rights of others to do the same. Our founding fathers thus outlined the moral foundations of a free society.

    But the truth is, we are still fight for our freedoms every day, not just for ourselves, but others who continue to battle against prejudices and discrimination based on religion, race, gender, age, sexual preference, disabilities, marital status, physical appearance, or political beliefs.

    Even with these legislative acts –  Abolition of slavery – 1865, Civil Right Act  – 1968, Equal Rights Amendment – 1920, Americans with Disabilities Act – 1990 and the current struggle in the LGBT community, it is sad that many of us are still NOT viewed as “Being Created Equal”.

    But nationwide, conversations are happening. There is one network reality television showing a way.

    “What would you do?” – a hidden camera TV series shows how people respond to real-life ethical scenarios. Some topics have been – racism, teen bully and pressure, homophobia, obesity, parenting, elderly abuse.  Great show to watch with family and friends to share your thoughts when witnessing an ethical situation– what would you do?

    It is time to Step UP. Take a stand when you see an injustice. Be part of the solutions.

     

     

     

     

  • The Baby Boomers Legacy – so far.

    Sunset 1

    While researching boomer topics and trends for this blog, I found numerous articles by experts and amateurs filled with such negativity about our generation. We have been called self-absorbed, self-centered, self-indulged and self-loathing (really??)  and just plain selfish.

    Here are two examples from fellow boomers:

    Joe Klien (Time magazine) “For the past several years, I’ve been harboring a fantasy, a last political crusade for the baby-boomer generation.  We, who started on a path of righteousness, marching for civil rights and against the war in Vietnam, need to find an appropriately high-minded approach to life’s exit ramp.”

    And:

    The “Me” Decade and the Third Great Awakening

    “. . . The new alchemical dream is: changing one’s personality—remaking, remodeling, elevating, and polishing one’s very self . . . and observing, studying, and doting on it. (Me!) . . .”   By Tom Wolfe

    According to Baby Boomer magazine, Boomers:

    • Have more discretionary income than any other group in America.
    • Control 70% of the total net worth of the American households.
    • Own 80% of all savings and loan associations.
    • Are not fanatically loyal to brands.
    • Watch more TV than any other group.
    • Read more newspapers than any other group.
    • Account for 40% of total consumer demand in the US.

    These statistics show boomers have a lot of power, resources and potential influence.

    However, this magazine article does not show the entire picture. The plight of millions of other older Americans are startling.

    Some statistics from “The Economic Collapse:

    #2 According to a recent poll conducted by Americans for Secure Retirement, 88 percent of all Americans are worried about “maintaining a comfortable standard of living in retirement”.  Last year, that figure was at 73 percent.

    #4 Today, one out of every six elderly Americans lives below the federal poverty line.

    #10 According to a recent AARP survey of Baby Boomers, 40 percent of  them plan to work “until they drop”.

    Read more statistics from The Economic Collapse at:  http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/25-bitter-and-painful-facts-about-the-coming-baby-boomer-retirement-crisis-that-will-blow-your-mind

    So the question is:

    How will Boomers use their financial power?”

    Can we redeem ourselves and leave a positive legacy in this 3rd act?

    Can we “Make a difference for Ourselves, Others and the Planet?

    While I can’t deny, we could have done a much better job with the opportunities we were given, I’m still hopeful that we can Step Up and make a significant contributions to society as we age.

    As I continue to write, I will search for and share success stories of boomers who are making a positive impact in society.

     

  • When I’m 64.

    blog post

    I cannot believe that I am 64! Of course I said this when I turned 50, then 60 and now 64.

    Many of you might have too.

    This is a big year for me.  I set out to re-invent myself and I know I am not alone.

    Like many boomers, I ponder where life will take me next? What’s in store?

    I have had a dream for awhile now and am finally ready to make it happen.

    Today I launch ABoomersFootprint.com.  Some of you have heard me talk about this idea for perhaps 10 years.  Yes, 10 years.

    In my defense, I can say honing the message, thinking about my readers and gaining the self-confidence that transitioning from accountant to writer were possible took some time. But now I BELIEVE.

    My message, better outlined on the Mission and About Dorothy pages is to present topics and conversations in areas of importance to Boomers in which I have experience and knowledge.  This is why I have chosen the tag line:

    Making a Difference for Ourselves, Others and the Planet

    As boomers, we have plenty of critics who focus on how selfish we were and still are.

    While there may be truth to this point, we also have made great contributions so far.

    The past is the past. The question now is:

    How will we make a difference in our future?

    During this “3rd act in life”, our opportunities and needs will change. In ABoomersFootprint.com I want to educate, encourage and challenge all of us to take personal and community responsibility for our choices as we age.

    Are you ready?  Stay tuned.

  • Palm Springs/Desert at 115 degrees

    FullSizeRender I had planned a driving trip to Southern California for many months, beginning with two visits in Palm Desert and Palm Springs. The time to travel had arrived.  Just a week before departure, my friend, Dennis, called to say the forcasted temperature is 115 Degrees. Oh no!

    Then two days before leaving, my friend, Johnny, called to say that a raging forest fire was approaching his home in Pioneertown, just above Joshua Tree National Park.

    I thought I could handle the weather but smoke and ash were another story. But just like my website suggests challenges are good.

    So I proceeded to load (overload, actually) the car and head south at 9:06 AM Saturday morning past. I could only chuckle when the first song playing on the radio was “I must be crazy.”

    Three days later the heat is not unbearable and later today I will experience the fire conditions as we drive to visit Johnny’s home.

    I am so glad I didn’t waste time worrying about all of the what if’s that could have happened. I trusted that all would be well.

  • Celebration

    Congratulations on a successful year of CHANGE.

    Even if you made just the tiniest adjustment, it is a step in the right direction – and this is a reason to celebrate.

    Last week the charge was to review the year and our progress. Hopefully, we learned something from the exercise.

    It could be a strength we rediscovered, a weakness we need to work on, an untapped skill, a forgotten dream or just a desire to continue to grow and develop.

    Personal development is the ultimate goal of my coaching tips and techniques. Because this both our task and challenge in life.

    How can we do better, how can we experience more of life, how can we persevere through tough times, how can we tap into our true personality and passions, how can we best use out unique talents and skills. We began the year identifying our biggest dreams.

    Of course, it may not have been easy to reach them in one year.

    We had to believe that we could succeed. We had to overcome limiting beliefs and obstacles. We were asked to consciously bring more joy and happiness into our lives. We had to set goals, adopt new habits, know when to delegate, overcome procrastination and ask for the support of our friends and community.

    This is asking a lot. So as a new year begins, it is time to recommit to our dreams.

    Are we continuing on pursuing our dream or still working on solving a problem in life. Either way stay with me as we move int0 2014.