Dear Reader,
Midlife is a time of introspection and evaluation when we look back at the choices we've made that have brought us to this point in our lives. For some women, it serves as a time of celebration - a reason to feel good about the way you've lived your life. For others, it's a time of frustration and fear - fear that the life you truly want to live will become less and less possible with each passing year. If this rings true for you, don't worry, you're not alone. Most women feel as though the lives they live do not reflect their deepest longings and desires. It's important to remember this: you have a choice about how you spend each and every moment of your precious life. You can begin, right now, to take small steps that will allow you to join the ranks of women who are celebrating ageless living!
When it comes to getting older, I've been lucky. My close (older) friends have always celebrated aging. At birthday gatherings I hear them say things like: "Life only gets better with age!" Or, "The older I get, the stronger I feel. Now I care more about what I think instead of what everyone else thinks." These messages have deeply influenced the way I view getting older. Rather than fear the passing of time, I feel a sense of excited anticipation with the approach of every new year. The power of positive role models has helped me form beliefs about aging that have served me in empowering ways. I always know in my heart that the next year of my life will provide me with the wisdom and experience to live a happier and healthier life. And it has . . .
The year I turned forty, I met Dayle Haddon. We were introduced to each other at an event in Santa Fe, New Mexico where we were both scheduled to speak. As I listened to Dayle share her life story, I was impressed by her incredible grace and power. She had been challenged by some of life's most difficult circumstances-the death of a husband, the need to reenter the workforce after years of raising a child, and the stress and conflict that can arise when women try to achieve success in their professional life, while honoring their high standards of parenting a child. It was obvious that the difficulties Dayle faced had only served to make her stronger and wiser.
During lunch, Dayle and I had a chance to talk. Immediately she felt like a kindred spirit. She had a deep commitment to self-care and it showed. She radiated beauty - a deep, soulful beauty that comes from living with integrity. Dayle has that rare quality of "congruence" - someone who walks her talk, and honors her whole self - body, mind and spirit. It's this quality of authenticity and inner beauty that makes her the perfect person to write a book about ageless living.
If you're ready to enter the next phase of your life with a sense of excitement and anticipation, you'll want to read (and use!) the practical advice and resources offered in this book. As a warm and compassionate guide, Dayle will show you why beauty, true beauty, starts on the inside with the relationship you form with yourself. She'll share her simple, step-by-step process for looking your best, honoring your self-care, uncovering the wisdom you've gained from years of life experience, and using it to create deeper connections with those you love.
Now more than ever the world needs healthy, whole, vibrant women who own their grace and power. I urge you to give yourself the gift of this book. As you honor your needs by using Dayle's five principles for ageless living, you'll begin to see that the process of aging presents you with the opportunity to experience a beautiful unfolding of your most authentic self. Enjoy!
Cheryl Richardson
CHERYL RICHARDSON is the author of the bestselling books Take Time for Your Life and Life Makeovers. She was the first president of the International Coach Federation and holds one of its first Master Certified Coach credentials. Her work has been covered widely in the media, including numerous appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
