I have been a little out of sorts recently, kind of restless with a feeling that I am stuck and outdated, which is a huge fear of mine. I remember when I was younger (and even now) when I would see older people who had no interest or curiosity about new technology, trends or topics and I would think “wow, how can they function and stay relevant. As a human resources professional, I would speak to more mature employees who were proud of being rooted in the past and reject new ways to do things. Then later, they would be shocked finding themselves laid off or out of a job. It was always hard to have these conversations with people and now as I am aging, I catch myself putting my head in the sand and not embracing that the world is moving forward, and I may not be pacing with the changes.
Luckily when I get out of alignment, it takes only a few weeks for me to act and do something about this dilemma. Being a Gemini, I like to learn and am all about self- development. I immediately dive headfirst into online classes, informational podcasts, anything which can further my professional development, spiritual and personal growth. In the last few weeks, I have completed a session on AI, Employee Engagement, Master Classes on Communication, Gut Health, and Applying Make-Up ( I was intrigued how to get a flawless smoky eye), you name it I am doing it. Also, as I am painfully aware, I typically am a late adopter to things that are the buzz. One of my new (old) great finds has been YouTube. I guess I just never got it before didn’t understand the whoop-de-do … however now that I have updated my TV’s, I am completely addicted and spend more time than I should really admit watching various content. I got hooked at first with home shows where random rich people give tours of their most personal spaces. I can’t believe someone would open themselves up to this type of voyeurism, but I am very into it now. I try to guess if they have an interesting style by their door, usually I am totally off. It is so indulgent but fun. What I think is a crappy piece of art has the most layered story. It makes me second guess who in this scenario has unrefined taste (that would be me.)
Moving on, I have also been watching influencers to only realize that all the great clothes I buy on sale (my personal sport – why buy for full price?) is me being several seasons out of style. I have learned that maximalism, bohemian, two tone jewelry (gold/silver – still have some yay), soft pale pink (not Barbie pink – which I invested heavily in), and clogs (always been a huge fan) are in for 2025. I also have been watching this one influencer named Lisa and she is adorable. She is a down to earth southern gal who just does shopping hauls weekly and shares what she liked and didn’t. She also talks a lot about foundation, lipstick, and liner. The amount of stuff she purchases is insane. The one area I do not understand is how she can buy so many designer bags, shoes, and outfits. She will go on a trip and buy Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent and come home with purses that look exactly the same to me and I wonder how many black bags with a cross strap do you really need? It is a crazy world we live in and I must say I am a subscriber to this insanity and look forward to her new episodes. At other times she shops at Walmart (which is less interesting to me) as she tries to sell more attainable looks. It probably is to appeal to us poor schmucks that can’t afford high end luxury. I mean if I am going to buy a $5,000 bag, I am not going to couple it with a bargain fake fur from Amazon. She actually does have good taste and is very entertaining. She is also a carnivore and tells us what she ate when she went on her trips, which is always the same. I think we all know the drill, bacon and eggs for breakfast and her other meals include hamburger, cheese, bacon, and fried egg. I am not sure how someone can eat like that but she is very thin and I guess this diet helps with her IBS. What the hell do I know? It does feel counter intuitive and not fabulous for your gut health ☹.
Anyways, back to the main topic – sorry for that excursion into nowhere land but I think that is part of my charm! I have decided to explore AI and how to integrate it into smarter work and life. I have played with it as a google search and also as a recruiter but really want to know where we are going with this technology. My friend Laura is an early explorer and she began dabbling with AI to create art, well it was really trying to develop the perfect unicorn (long story and not relevant). She recently listened to me carrying on about the lack of views and following of the blog. Five minutes later, she sent me a personalized song she created with AI called the Blogger’s Blues – it was really cute. She said, “You know AI can write your blog?” (which ironically never occurred to me before she said it) and I nervously tried hoping I had not been wasting all my time over the last few years – that would have been an embarrassing bummer! After several attempts, I was happy to see that it really can’t write my blogs with the same kitschy humor I possess – which is reassuring for now or I am just an incoherent writer which is entirely possible as well😊. However, it did get me to think, I love to write but no one really likes to read anymore except for Renee, Marla, and my cousin Laurie. Thank you to my loyal friends and family who I think do it now as an obligation or emotional support. So, I am going to try to make my blog appeal to more people by reading it as well for your enjoyment. This is a way for me to play around with technology, annoy you with my nasally voice and transition to an audio blog (not sure that is a thing). Who knows maybe it will take off or maybe it won’t …but I will learn and begin to embrace other vehicles to get my thoughts out.
As you get older it is so easy to get date-stamped, stay in your comfort zone, and then wonder why life is passing you by. It is important to remain engaged to keep active and maintain a curious mindset. As the wise Betty Friedan stated, “Aging is not “lost youth” but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” She was a smart woman, and I am trying to channel a little bit of that vibe and be admired for being a relevant old lady.
Seeking Wellness 