HELLO FRIENDS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As a Life Enthusiast, I am always interested in how people are “living.” Meaning, what are people doing to get the most out of the life they have. I often look to people who are modeling how I would like to live my life to see if I can figure out their “secret sauce!” Betty White was one of those people.

As you have probably already heard, Betty White died just weeks before her 100^th Birthday, today (January 17, 2022) For the record I am saying without question she was 100, she earned it.

Betty is one of those people I looked to as a model of how I would like to live my life. I consider her an OG Life Enthusiast. Her bawdy sense of humour, her love of eating junk food, and her authenticity is an inspiration.

As an 80’s kids, I definitely grew up on the Golden Girls. I didn’t always get the humour back then (but I love rediscovering it now as an adult) but it always made me laugh. These 4 strong women who were living their life by their own rules, I thought that was cool. Still do. In fact, my three closest friends and I call each other the “Gen X Golden Girls.” We have always joked when we are seniors, we will live together like the Golden Girls having adventures because life does not stop at 50!

I say that with extra passion as the Gen X Golden Girls are OFFICIALLY in our 50^th year (insert gasp here!) We don’t turn 50 officially until late summer to late fall period but…let’s be honest, we are 50!

So it isn’t just cancer that has me thinking about the importance of living a life full of joy.

Naming myself a Life Enthusiast took a lot of thought. It is a HUGE goal to live up to. But it is such an important part of who I am especially as someone living with cancer. I want to do my best to take back control from a disease that likes to be in control. I do what I can, and that’s enough. Another life lesson I have been learning as a recovering perfectionist. I am perfectly imperfect and I am learning to be okay with that.

I want to show people that life can be joyful even during dark times. It isn’t always sunshine and roses and acknowledging that fact is important. Being authentic in how you are living and who you are is the only way you can hope to inspire others with their journey.

I don’t consider myself a “model” of how-to live your life, like I said I am perfectly imperfect and no Betty White! But I think I am a good person trying to do the right thing, and that’s enough. That’s all we can all be, right?

How are you going to be “living” this year?

If part of your “living” goals this year is to work on your career journey my new virtual series “Your Career After…” starts this Thursday, January 20^th, 2022. You can take the courses on their own or as a bundle. They will be an interactive virtual experience to help you figure out your career foundation which includes building your personal brand, how to have a “good enough” resume, how to job search and network, and how to interview. Lots of great conversation, practical application, and tools for your career toolkit. I intentionally have a small audience for my sessions, so don’t wait to book or you could miss out. If now isn’t the time for you to take this series, don’t worry, there will be other opportunities! Join my Life Enthusiast Community to get newsletters, updates, and cool things to find out when the next session will launch!

JOIN US!

Today in honour of Betty’s birthday I want to do something else that is a BIG part of my journey as a Life Enthusiast and a huge part of who Betty was…giving back. There is a challenge #BettyWhiteChallenge happening today to honour her on her 100^th Birthday. Donate what you can to an animal organization of your choice, lots of options here:

CANADA HELPS

If you are unable to donate then I think you can celebrate Betty by hugging your furry family member and/or just enjoying something you love today in her memory. If you want to read more about how Betty White lived, read this:

BETTY WHITE JOYFUL LIVING

So what was Betty’s “secret sauce” I don’t think any of us will know for sure but this quote comes pretty dang close to giving us some insight…