In this Tuesday’s blog, I invited you to write to me at Ask Honey and tell me why you are a fierce woman over 50. Why? A few years ago I was given the same assignment and after I wrote down my thoughts I thought to myself, “I am a fierce woman. I am powerful because I am worthy of the woman I have become.”

The Story

I received an email from the editor of Chicago Woman Magazine. It read, “You have been nominated to be in our magazine as one of Chicago’s Fierce Women over 50.” I was instructed in the email to answer a list of questions, one asking me to explain why I am a fierce woman over 50.

I began my quest by opening my dictionary. I wanted an exact definition of the word fierce. It was what I expected: Hostile and violent by nature, extremely powerful or destructive, ferocious, savage, aggressive, hostile.

I recall staring at the email announcement and saying to myself, “Oh my God, I am so excited!” And, I recall how I felt about the question on fierceness. I had a knot in my stomach because I could not see myself as a fierce woman.

On Being a Fierce Woman Over 50

I stressed and stressed over the weekend. My deadline was Monday. My Ultimate Concierge noted how preoccupied I seemed and asked why. I told him I was having trouble answering one of the questions. We talked it over; he tried to be helpful but could not equate me with the word, fierce.

It was my beloved pooch, Orchid, who passed away two years ago, which led me into my answer. I remember her head was laying in my lap. She looked up at me with such love and devotion and suddenly the word fierce became so positive!

Our devotion to one another was fierce. 

My fingers hit the keyboard of my beloved, Apple, and almost effortlessly I wrote my piece for Chicago Woman. Three years later it remains my favorite.

Why I am a Fierce Woman Over 50

I am fierce

because, above all else, I am a

visible and relevant woman. 

I am fierce

because as a woman, my femininity

is my greatest asset. 

I am fierce

because my word is my bond. 

I am fierce

because I give back. 

I am fierce

because everything I do is with

purpose and often with passion. 

I am fierce

because I am passionate,

through my writing on

www.honeygood.com about helping

tens of thousands of women

(nearly 150,000 followers) learn

to lead magical lives after 50. 

I am fierce

because I use my power

in a soft manner. 

I am fierce

because I am loyal. 

I am fierce

because I see life as a series of

challenges, not problems. 

I am fierce

because I walk on the sunny side

of the street. 

I am fierce because

my top priority is my

husband and my family. 

I am fierce

because I am worldly. 

I am fierce

because I know inner beauty

surpasses outer beauty. 

And most importantly, I am

fierce because I am grateful. 

You Are Powerful

Darling, when you are in a tizzy or a funk or really feeling down and out, remind yourself of the powerful woman you are. Look back on your accomplishments and use them as the propeller to move you forward. You are fierce, you are ardent, you have vigor. You are a kick-ass woman and don’t you forget it!

Ask Honey – Advice For Every Woman

July 8, 2020

De De Asks:

Hi Honey,

I enjoy your posts and articles. Many times you have hit the nail on the head for me! My question is: What is the best way to stay motivated to do the healthy things you know you should do in these terrible times of COVID-19?  I am 75-years-old, have always had a happy positive attitude, and been healthy. I still work full time (4 days a week).

With the COVID-19 onslaught, I am now working at home. I can’t decide if I like it or not. It seems as I have had several health issues in the last year or two, that my strength of determination and motivation has gone way down.

I was diagnosed with Fibro about 5 years ago and it has been an uphill battle to find what works for me (foods, medications, exercises). In the last few months (since COVID-19 appeared) I have been less and less motivated to do anything that I used to enjoy. I have decided to start back on a healthy diet and try to keep exercise on my daily agenda. And, I pray I do everything I know to do but, the motivation to stay with a healthy lifestyle is going away. Can you give me any ideas? I appreciate your wise advice!

Thanks,
De De

Dear De De,

In today’s world, it is natural that you are feeling a lack of motivation. The normalcy of life as we know it has changed for the worst and is taxing everyone, some more than others. No one is immune to this struggle. Every person young and older is carrying a heavy load of discontent as they try and face down COVID-19 and the other problems facing our country and the entire world.

I suggest you force yourself to stick with a daily routine. Routines always make a person feel worthy because disciplining oneself is difficult. I say this from personal experience. This will not be easy and this is the reason you will feel uplifted. Stick with your disciplined program for two weeks. Your motivation will return and the Fibro will calm down. I promise.

Each morning before you get out of bed think about the reasons you are grateful. I can think of three right now. You are working, you have a roof over your head, and food on your table. And, at your age, you are worthy of the woman you are.

Now, go girl, go!

Warmly,
Honey

 

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Margo Asks:

I am struggling today. Each day I wake up filled with anxiety. I wish I could be as optimistic as you are and have hope for our country but I find I cannot. I have come to the conclusion that what is going on is a revolution, a hijacking of our country and we are letting it happen without a fight.

The systematic firing of countless people who do not bow down to this is outrageous yet no one will stand up for them, they are afraid to do so. I keep wondering and waiting but it looks to me like we’ve waived the white flag and surrendered to this. I am truly sick inside.

Dear Margo,

I understand your worry. At least 50% of our citizens are as worried as you are so you have a lot of company. The silent will vote. They always do. And, they will vote for a democratic society built on high ideals. Will they win? That is the $64.00 question.

So, what can you do to feel better? Turn negativity into productivity by becoming a productive woman within your family. If you have grandchildren read them stories of the history of America. If they live far away read to them on Zoom. Or, if you have adult children buy them a gift, the classic novel, Chesapeake, by James Michener. It is a saga about the history of the families settling on America’s Eastern Shore in the Chesapeake Bay from 1583 to 1978. After they read the novel arrange for a Zoom discussion.

I know this will not be an easy task. Nothing worthwhile ever is…. so, don’t give up. It was difficult for the pioneers to settle on the landscape of our beautiful Country. Now, it is your turn to expose their marvelous story to your family and even your friends.

You will wake up knowing you did your part and feel good.

Keep me posted.

Warmly,
Honey

 

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Jenny Asks:

Where did we go wrong? How did we get into this world where we hate other people if we are all the same? What do we have to do to be able to redeem those errors?

Thank you, Honey.

Dear Jenny,

We are not all the same. There are good people and bad people. There are people with roofs over their heads and people without a home. And, there are people with family support and people who are orphans.

People redeem themselves by taking positive action to make a life change. Change is hard. Usually, a positive circumstance of importance hits home and a light bulb goes off! I would love to see several million light bulbs go off in unison right now. Finger’s crossed.

If you want to aid people you can involve yourself in helping out in a soup kitchen or a specific charity of your choice.

You are in control of your feelings. Be grateful for your blessings. That will ease some of your anxiety. I have read on countless occasions that happy people are grateful people.

Why you are a fierce woman over 50? Let me know in the comments at the bottom of this page. I want to hear from you.