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I have a reason for writing this story. Under normal circumstances, I would not consider myself the subject matter for a blog. However, I thought it was time to introduce you to the real Honey Good.
A few of my loyal readers have mentioned in their comments that they cannot lead my lifestyle. One woman wrote that she wished that I would speak to you, over 50+, about beauty, travel, home decor, style on a more economical plane. She added she enjoys reading HG. She thought more women would read Honey Good if I did so. For that reason I thought it would be a good idea to discuss who is the real Honey Good.
This story is dedicated to her and others who at times may feel a disconnect between our financial lifestyles.
Let me begin by saying we have so much in common. We are women 50+ who aspire to lead our best life possible.
We bleed the same. We experience the same emotions; joy, sadness, curiosity, grief, and gratitude. Also love, fear, desire, disbelief, anger, loyalty, disappointment, and wonder. I have different experiences than you but we share the same type of trials. Joy of family, friends, work, and tribulations.
When you aspire and wish you could lead my lifestyle, you can! It should not matter that my bracelet is perhaps more expensive than one you can afford. If you like mine, choose one with the same ‘look’ on a lesser scale. Choose something that speaks to you, that you adore. And, that is for everything else you want on a material level.
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I FIND JOY IN THE UNEXPECTED
If you asked me to describe my inner style, I would answer, “ Like you, I have more moments of contentment than distress. I wish I had the self- discipline to cultivate a more manageable lifestyle. I love deeply, forgive too easily, and most of my choices are authentic to the woman I am. Do I sound like you? I think so. Therefore, we have much in common.
Going forward, I am grateful for others’ kindness. I am grateful for the serenity of nature, for the unexpected happenings that make my heart sing. Do I sound like you? I hope so.
Yesterday, I learned that plants grow in water and I spent a few hours starting a water garden! I was elated and overcome with joy! This morning at 4:00 am I set straight out to work after watching a Youtube video. (I linked it in the Honey Good Post!)
At once, I ordered more glass containers, fertilizer and colored green rocks ( I adore the color green). Also clear stones for my city water garden from Amazon. Wouldn’t you like to try this? I think so. It is not expensive but a luxurious experience. Do I sound like you? I think so.
I find joy in the unexpected to the point, some would say, is absurd. As a matter of fact, I don’t care what others think. Why? Because I am a woman 50+ and, like you, I get it!
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I’VE EARNED MY PhD IN LIFE
Through my life experiences, I don’t run with the crowd. Something I like to say is that I am a woman over 50+ who has earned her PhD in life. I acknowledge that I have been very fortunate to have had wonderful opportunities. But, like you, I have suffered unexpected tragedies, trials and tribulations. I learned, because of my resilience and positive attitude, to maneuver through them. Because of them, I am a wizened woman.
So, you see like you, I have my baggage. I have an adult daughter who wants no part of me. This has robbed a part of me from aging exquisitely. The pain and other emotions are devastating. Do I wish I had handled this estrangement differently? Do I have regrets? Yes. I should have listened to my heart and roared. Instead, I took the high road. So, my dear reader, I make mistakes and have regrets just like you.
I HAVE FRIENDS OF ALL WALKS
I have friends that live on a higher plane than I do. Some are smarter and some have greater talents. There are some more organized and tranquil. Some are more diplomatic and some have more money. I love to engage with these women. I want them as my friends because they bring something to the table that I aspire to. They are my teachers, women I admire and want to learn from.
I have women and men in my life who love simplicity. And, in my opinion, live more grandly than friends of mine with deep pockets. Because their smaller net worth does not stop them from finding joy in life. They are purposeful people.
One of my friends takes trips around the world through books and videos. This is what he can afford. He is my walking travel guide. He knows every nook and cranny in Europe and Asia and has never visited any of the countries!
Another younger friend surprised me with a water plant and this started my newest project — my city water garden. The water plants came from Petco! They are used in aquariums with fish and turtles. What an emotional luxury this has been for me.
INITIATE YOUR PURPOSE
I am trying to make a point. To my readers who wish I would write more about the lifestyle they can financially afford I say this — “I have to be authentic to who I am. You have to be authentic to who you are.” What I want you to take away from my stories are my inner thoughts, not my material possessions.
Remember this: another women’s blessings can look better than yours. There is always going to be someone in your life and mine who has deeper pockets. I say this, hold onto your experiences by taking time to count your blessings and be grateful.
I live a life of luxury because I aspire to. To me luxury is in the pursuit of enriching my life. Of staying curious and trying new things. Time is a luxury. How will you spend yours, dear reader?
Initiate purpose into your life. Use your imagination plus ingenuity to aspire. Make a plan, work your plan. Take care of your body. Take risks. Have role models. Have goals. Dream. This will give you lasting joy.
Lastly, remember as you grow into your life over 50 — there is nothing worth more than to bloom by surrounding yourself with women you respect, admire and aspire to emulate. Amen.
Who do you aspire to? I would love for you to share your wisdom in the comments.
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Thank you for your personal story, Honey. When reading your blog it can sometimes cause envy because you have the funds for travel and expensive items that are not economically available to the majority of your readers. But – and this is an important “but” – as you stated, those of us who can’t afford EXACTLY what you have or travel extensively as you can make substitutions that fall into our financial lifestyle. As long as I’m happy with my life and what I can realistically afford I think it’s pointless and unproductive to feel jealous of your lifestyle. There will always be someone with more financial freedom than me as well as those with less. We should all simply appreciate your thoughts and ideas for the spark they light in finding our own personal nitch in life. Thank you Honey.
P.S. Sadly, I too have an adult child who would prefer my spouse and I stay out of his life. And out of our grandchildrens as well. I understand your pain.
Thank you for your comment. Concerning our adult children. I have had to try to accept that which I cannot change. Accept is an important word. Happy Valentine’s Day, girlfriend. Warmly, Honey
Thank you, Honey, for this insightful, authentic look inside your life and lifestyle. I have read your blogs over the past few years and have been inspired by you and a few other mature, women bloggers. So inspired, in fact, that I wrote and published my first book at the age of sixty eight. I also started writing my own blog posts about a year ago. I have had some wonderful mentors in my life and have been privileged to mentor others. I realized long ago that aspiring to live my best life was much more productive and rewarding than envying the accomplishments of others. Thank you for living your best life and for sharing it with your readers.
An author! How marvelous. What is your blog? I will visit your site. Where do you live? Thank you for your kind words. Look forward to hearing back from you. Warmly, Honey
Honey, thank you! I learned long ago that no one knows what goes on behind closed doors or in someone heart and mind. There are plenty that have lived in luxury…and jumped off buildings! It takes effort and discipline to live satisfied and in peace…finding joy in the many blessings around us.
My heart is heavy in knowing the pain you live with being estranged from your daughter. I am praying for you and your daughter…hearts that are softened, forgiveness, remembrance of the good and not the bad, renewed love and a longing to be together. I’m praying for a miracle. You can’t…but God can!
I am smiling, truly smiling. Your kind words resonate and so do your words of wisdom. I am so glad we are sisters from afar. Happy Valentine’s Day. Warmly Honey
Oh Honey! You seem to always have the “perfect” words to describe how I feel! AMAZING! I DO fall into the category of not having a lot of disposable income….but, I dress well, have a well decorated apartment, enjoy my life, and always wear RED lipstick!
My friends often ask me “why” I do certain things (such as having 3 women friends over yesterday for homemade strawberry coffee cake) and of course, coffee. And since it was Valentine’s Day….had a small gift, wrapped beautifully, for each of them). I don’t want them to feel they have to “return the favor”, so when they explain that they might feel “obligated” to return the favor….I just tell them that “this is just me”…the act of “doing it” makes me HAPPY! Which it really does!
I appreciate your saying “you’ve earned your PhD in life”! What a great comment! Hope you don’t mind if I use that myself!!!
Thanks again, for your words of wisdom. In case you are curious, I will soon be 75, live in an apartment, widowed but have my “special guy”, am estranged from my oldest son, joyful that I will this summer have my second great grand baby, dress very fashionable, and am often told I look younger! And, actually live in west Michigan….not that far from you!
Have a GREAT day, and THANK YOU❤️
MR
I love every word you wrote to me. I love to do for others, too. It makes me so happy. Arn’t we the lucky ones! I would love you to use my quote, I am glad you have a beau, I am sorry for your son that he is estranged from his mother, and I wish you a great day, month and year in 2022! Warmly, Honey