I have lived a charmed life. What is meant by ‘a charmed life’ in my experience is a life filled with both challenges and magical moments, where overcoming difficulties leads to personal growth and fulfillment. I used to say, “I am so busy, I am dizzy” because of a dazzling lifestyle. With my ultimate concierge by my side, life was almost perfect. We had dismal experiences, but we survived. We were a team. Together we defeated our troubles. On a personal note, I soared. I reached the heights because I was in my 40s when I met my ultimate concierge and real maturity was baked into the recipe of Susan Honey Good. Everyone deserves to live a charmed life, recognizing their own worth and embracing the journey with confidence.

With my children grown and happily married, I had time to work on my mind. No, I did not sit down and devour books. I am not that type. Instead, I had the time and the curiosity to experience living life on different levels. I took advantage of everything; leaving me with a head full of knowledge and a mind full of purpose. With my ultimate concierge by my side I devoured life. With my mother’s DNA a part of me I left no stone unturned, and I am grateful.

I continue feeling that, “I am so busy, I am dizzy” because I am, though my life dazzles to a different tune. Finally, I realized that living a charmed life is about embracing every moment and appreciating the journey, no matter how it unfolds.

THE ATTITUDE OF A CHARMED LIFE

You know that life throws every woman curves. No one is immune. This is the time you have to make choices. You can put “the mettle to the pedal” and swim upstream or sink, like a rock, into despair.

Every woman has moments when she loses hope. When this happens to me I swear I find a solution that puts me back into the business of living a positive lifestyle. In other words darling, I find mental solutions to ‘zippity-do-da!’ Here is an example.

Yesterday it poured and poured, non stop. Our home was dark and gloomy even though well lit. Everyone was complaining, including me. Suddenly, a light switch went on in my brain and I said to all those complaining. “It is the month of March. The rainfall nourishes the earth. The trees and bushes drink up the water.  Soon the city will be green and lush.” Everyone smiled…even America! Sometimes, just sharing a genuine or even a fake smile can instantly lift your mood and brighten the atmosphere for everyone around you.

When you want to change the mood in the room, remember that the way you speak can shift the energy. Speaking positively and with intention can transform not only your own outlook but also the atmosphere for others.

You have the power to rise-up. And, you can rise in style. You must take your time to look for solutions that will bring you satisfaction. Satisfaction leads to joy. I know. I am living through hard times, and I never stop looking for answers to elevate my mood. Each step forward empowers me to take the next, and the next, and the next step. The mind is a wonderful engine. It allows us to continuously create new paths. Embracing your own truth, and seeing reality through a positive lens, allows you to live a charmed life.

This reminds me of a true and priceless story.

MIND OVER MONEY

As most of you know I have traveled the world with my ultimate concierge. A friend of mine could not afford the luxury of travel so he traveled through books! Without bags of money he was Marco Polo. He could have written an article about his imaginary adventures, sharing insights and stories that inspired others to dream.

I would meet him in the park, a block from our condo in the sky, and discuss travel. You would have thought he had actually dined in Paris, rode camels in the Sahara and climbed the Great Wall in China. I swear, I marveled at his storytelling! He could have easily written about these journeys, capturing the lessons and excitement in every tale.

Sitting in his home or on the park bench he educated himself. I could see in his eyes, his expressions and the sound in his voice that he was living a charmed life on his terms. We were often playing at being world travelers, letting our imaginations and stories transport us to distant lands.

Our meetings and conversation took place on a particular park bench. He would start by saying, “So, where are you off to now?”  I would tell him. While I was away he was traveling along side of me in his books! Upon my return I would reunite with him on the park bench, and we would share the trip! He gained as much (and often more) knowledge through literature than I gained through travel. I once wrote an article about living a charmed life, inspired by these very moments and the lessons we shared. The moral of this story: When there is a genuine desire combined with a great attitude there are ways to lead a charmed life. Writing down your dreams or experiences can help you reflect, remember, and inspire others to do the same.

A DIFFERENT TIME IN MY CHARMED LIFE

There was a time in my life when money was very, very scarce. I thrived like my friend, and I was happy. I did not shop in stores or travel the world. Instead, I shopped and traveled in my head, and I took on projects that continue to serve me well to this day. During that time, I was able to achieve personal growth and a sense of mastery over my circumstances. In many ways the lack of money was a saving grace. It allowed me to turn my attention inward to high quality endeavors, where I found meaning in pursuing personal projects that fulfilled me deeply. I lived a rewarding life; a charmed life. Living this way made me feel more alive, vibrant, and fully present. And, so can you.

CHOOSING YOUR CHARMED LIFE

If you are unhappy with your life because you recently retired or an empty nester, a widow, lack money, are a caregiver to a parent or a spouse, have problems with friends or family, or are lonely and bored, don’t despair. Remember to focus on the good aspects of your life. You have the ability, like my friend, to force your mind into a positive attitude. Listen to your heart and put your energy into making a plan that affords you personal joy, and decide to pursue joy intentionally. When you give or act, do so without expecting anything in return, as true generosity brings greater fulfillment. Any person has the agency to choose to live a charmed life. You can live a charmed life.

BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR YOUR CHARMED LIFE

Building a strong foundation for your charmed life is just a matter of being intentional about your personal development and deciding to create your own luck. It starts with living in the present moment—letting go of the past and refusing to let worries about the future steal your happiness today. When you focus on your own life and take control of your everyday life, you begin to notice the small moments of magic and charm that make life truly special.

Gratitude is the cornerstone of a charmed life. When you are grateful for what you have, you invite more happiness and luck into your world. Instead of worrying about what went wrong or what might happen, choose to see the beauty in the present moment. Your thoughts are powerful, darling, and they shape your reality. By cultivating a positive and optimistic mindset, you create a strong foundation for living a charmed life—one that is filled with success, joy, and a sense of magic that can carry you through any challenge. Remember, the charm in your life is something you create, moment by moment, with every thought and action.

MY MOTHER SET AN EXAMPLE

My mother is an example of a woman who never stopped growing her mind and chose to live a charmed life. Continuously active, well into her 90s she completed a daily crossword puzzle, played bridge, canasta and mahjong (and would have continued, but alas her friends passed away), played the piano, and mastered needlepoint. She truly mastered each of these activities, approaching them with dedication and skill. Week after week, she maintained her routines, showing remarkable consistency and discipline. I recall when she broke her leg skiing she made beautiful toe socks with jewels and went dancing with my wonderful father! The influence of both my parents has shaped my outlook on life, teaching me the value of resilience and joy. Her mind was never idle.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO FEEL LONELY OR ISOLATED

If you cannot leave your home or choose to stay home, you can play card games online, listen to podcasts, watch interesting movies and documentaries, and take classes through the internet. Anybody can take a course online, making learning accessible to everyone. Using a computer, you can easily access these resources from the comfort of your home. When listening to podcasts, you can adjust the playback to normal speed, double speed, or slow, depending on your preference. Learning to be tech savvy over 50 will help you find connection while at home.

Without leaving your home you can turn on your creative side. Make a few changes in your home décor, organize your closet or design a new storage space. Playing games or learning online can be fun and engaging. There are always ways to live a charmed life.

If you desire to travel and cannot, you can enlarge your life, like my friend, Marco Polo. Here are some great ideas to spread your wings without ever stepping foot on a plane:

• Read newspapers such as the London Times.
• Spring and it’s calming weather is around the corner, you can shop in exotic markets or fairs in your city or town.
• Expose yourself to concerts in the park.
• Enjoy art in your local museums.
• Listen to jazz in a jazz club.
• Join a mixed cultural dining group.
• Get to know yourself better through journaling!

This is how to live a charmed life. Be open and be creative.

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MAGIC

Creating opportunities for magic in your life means being willing to step outside your comfort zone and embrace the unknown. Life is full of surprises, and the most charming moments often happen when you least expect them. Don’t be afraid to try something new, whether it’s picking up a new hobby, traveling to a place you’ve never been, or simply saying yes to an unexpected invitation. Each new experience is a chance to create joy and add a little magic to your everyday life.

The secret is to stay present and open to the moment. When you live with curiosity and a sense of adventure, you invite magic into your life. Remember, darling, it’s not about waiting for something extraordinary to happen—it’s about creating those moments yourself. By being bold, taking risks, and allowing yourself to play and explore, you’ll find that living a charmed life is all about making space for wonder and excitement. So go ahead, create your own opportunities for magic, and watch your life become more charmed with every step you take.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES WITH GRACE

Every life, even the most charmed, encounters obstacles. The difference lies in how you choose to face them. Overcoming obstacles with grace is about trusting in your own strength and refusing to let stress or fear control your path. When challenges arise, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you have the power to create your own direction, no matter what life throws your way.

Grace means meeting adversity with a calm heart and a determined spirit. It’s about learning from your experiences, asking for help when you need it, and never being afraid to try again. Each obstacle is an opportunity to add a little more charm and magic to your story. By facing difficulties with resilience and a positive attitude, you transform setbacks into stepping stones on your journey to living a charmed life. Remember, darling, it’s not the challenges themselves, but how you respond to them, that defines your life’s magic.

BUILDING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS THAT LAST

A truly charmed life is filled with meaningful connections—with friends, family, and the world around you. Building strong relationships that last is about nurturing empathy, understanding, and open communication. When you take the time to listen, share your thoughts, and show kindness, you create a sense of magic and joy that enriches your own life and the lives of those you love.

Strong relationships are built on trust and a willingness to support one another through life’s ups and downs. Whether you’re deepening bonds with family, making new friends, or rekindling old connections, approach each relationship with warmth and authenticity. The charm of your life grows with every genuine connection you make. By surrounding yourself with people who inspire and uplift you, you create a support network that helps you navigate challenges and celebrate successes. Remember, darling, the magic of a charmed life is often found in the love and joy you share with others.

A CHARMED LIFE EVERY SEASON

We all want to change with the seasons; the seasons are moods that bring out a woman’s unique energy level. Winter is solstice and spring is equinox. The name equinox is derived from the Latin word aequus that means “equal.” An equinox is the exact instant when the sun is directly over head. The day and the night are of almost equal duration. It marks the first day of spring. This is your time to spring forward with equilibrium, darling.

As humans, adapting to change is a natural part of our emotional journey, especially as the seasons shift. Sometimes, it’s important to forget past hardships so we can fully embrace the new season ahead. Think about what happened last winter—how those challenges shaped you, but now it’s time to move forward.

I know times have been emotionally tough in our country. Without doubt, it is has had a negative affect on everyone from the very young to the young at heart.

IS A CHARMED LIFE POSSIBLE?

Darling, I listen to the news. Lately I have been hearing that loneliness is the number one illness in the United States, and I am not surprised. COVID started the demise of social interaction and none of us, including me, are back into the full swing of life. Everyone shops online. Plays cards online. Takes classes online. Watches movies online. Meets with their doctors online. People are also playing games or engaging with others online as a way to connect.

There is no hustle and bustle in shops and department stores. The store fronts in my beautiful Chicago have space available signs in the window instead of mannequins dressed to the nines. Our streets are in need of repair. People of all ages walk down our once beautiful Michigan Avenue dressed poorly because ‘who cares.’ Robberies are commonplace. No one can walk home from a restaurant at night, and owners with small dogs are being attacked in broad daylight by thieves who steal then sell the dogs!

It’s no wonder loneliness is threatening many women. People are staying home because of fear and lackluster. So, amidst this climate, how can a woman of any age lead a charmed life? Even in times of loneliness, don’t give up on your dreams—it’s possible to realize them at any age with determination and the right mindset. Trusting the universe to bring new opportunities can help you stay open to connection and positivity.

THE SECRET TO LIVING A CHARMED LIFE

Here is the secret: you have to give yourself a shot of positive adrenaline; a combination of self discipline and desire to put on your tutu and dance! What does that mean? It means you have to use your willpower to uplift yourself. No one can do it for you. If you want to live a charmed life you have to create a charmed life. Remember, your mindset creates your experience—what you focus on internally shapes your external reality. The world’s most successful people actively cultivate their own charmed lives by following universal principles and monitoring their personal rules. I suggest the following tips:

• Follow your passion—pursuing what you love brings meaning and joy to your life.

10 TIPS TO CREATING A CHARMED LIFE

1. Learn a new skill that will ultimately make you happy.
2. Volunteering is a marvelous activity for emotional wellbeing.
3. Love! Quality time with your family fosters emotional health.
4. Social connections with women will help reduce loneliness. Join one or all of my private Facebook Groups. 
5. Sleep. Go to bed and wake up at the same time. Eight hours of sleep should be the minimum. If you cannot, take cat naps during the day.
6. Live in the present. That is your present. The past is over!
7. Deal with stress. Take time during the day to smell the flowers in your life.
8. Eat healthy. Missing breakfast causes irritability and fatigue. Concentrate on reducing refined foods, especially sugar. Consume protein and drink water.
9. Exercise, darlings! You do not have to join a gym. Walking, swimming, stretching, Pilates, or yoga are all wonderful options.
10. Live, love, and laugh so you can grow to be 100 years young!

Dear reader, do not disconnect yourself from life. Become a woman who is broad in thought, warm to others and recognizes her wisdom.  That is how to live a charmed life.

For more inspiration and practical tips on living a charmed life, download your free copy of our guide today.

Do you live a charmed life? What is your secret? Comment below, let’s discuss!

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