Recently I was invited to an intimate dinner party with other Latina influencers by AARP to discuss a taboo topic among women: AGE. Let’s be honest, growing older and aging isn’t always seen positively. I learned a great deal from the women willing to share their journeys at this event and am sharing some of those life hacks today. Learning how to live life to the fullest is important at any age. I enjoyed celebrating our life experiences, sin cuenta.
Live Life to the Fullest
Ageism affects people of all ages. The young and old combat ageism and stereotypes based on how many times they’ve traveled around the sun. While connecting with individuals across the age spectrum at the dinner party, we created an inclusive space for an honest bilingual conversation about what it means to age – the good, the bad and the often funny and sometimes difficult things that come with getting older.
Here are 6 ways to live life to the fullest…. at ANY age!
How to Live Life to the Fullest
How to Live the Best Life
It was an interesting selection of bloggers and creators AARP had brought together for this discussion. I was certainly not the oldest, but at 38 years old, I was far from the youngest. My biggest takeaway from this event was the realization of my own bias; immediately I assumed the older women in the group would teach me a thing or two, while almost completely dismissing the young women who were probably not mothers or married.
Wow. It didn’t long for that assumption to be busted wide open and reality to be on public display. The truth is I learned creative ways to combat ageism from each of these women. In sharing our perceptions of growing older, living life to the fullest in pursuit of business and personal goals, I learned the nuances of how to live the best life possible with the one life we’ve got.
Live the Life You Want
6 Ways to Live a Great Life
Here are 6 ways to live a great life by daring to lead with compassion and finding happiness in getting older. I learned so much at this dinner event, but here are a few of my takeaways.
Gratitude: Kinda cliche, but truly the hallmark of everything. Moving with grace and gratitude is the only way to honor your past while reaching towards the future. To live the life you want, we should begin by acknowledging the gift of life we have first. Sometimes this takes meditation, writing gratitude lists, but connecting with inspiring people who share similar values always leaves me feeling grateful for the life I have.
Resist Self Limiting Beliefs: In our culture, the older generation is enthroned to wisdom while the rest of us should just shut up and listen. It’s time to retire that thinking! At this event, I listened to young women share ways ageism impacted their lives and the efforts to resist the stereotypes of their generation. One influencer shared how, in her work life, she’s constantly combating stereotypes on the limits a young person can contribute to her company’s success. Another influencer made an impassioned statement that, although she has a babyface, she is in fact not a baby at all.
I was totally guilty of this mindset and am grateful to be have been in their presence for the personal growth it afforded me.
Always Be Learning (Growth Mindset): Sitting at a table of Latina entrepreneurs and digital creators from 20 to 50+ years old, I realized how dedicated we are to learn and master new skills at any stage of life. Having the courage to take on ever-changing technology, learn from those around us and course-correct as needed means we’re engaging the present. We’re not stuck in the past – we’re living our best lives NOW!
Positivity + Resilience: Grit. If you want to lead an audacious and great life, you’ll need it sometimes. Life can be hard, but you are strong! And a positive mindset makes all the difference. One pregnant influencer shared her journey as 40+ new mom and the unexpected pregnancy that has inspired her to be more positive and resilient than she ever imagined possible.
Health: One of the youngest influencers at this event shared the most poignant moment of the night. As a young mother with an autoimmune disease, she begged us all to care for our bodies; to not take advantage of the one thing she desires more than anything…. OUR HEALTH. It was a big wake up call for me, as I definitely put my health on the backburner.
Wealth: Yup, I’m going there. We didn’t dive into financial discussions at the event but I have to add it here: we need to have your financial life in order. Money is a tool. Without it, life can feel unnecessarily hard. I get it! When my daughter was born, my husband and I were just starting out, working like crazy and making moves to improve our situation. Set a budget; pay yourself first; stay out of debt. Be disciplined and only spend money on the things/moments/people that are valuable to your life.
Life Sin Cuenta
So, what does it mean to live a life “sin cuenta”? It means being in your 20s as the CEO of a thriving company. It means being in your 50s leading groups of women around the world for craft inspiration. It means opening your mind to the perspectives of others and learning from everyone around you. And for me, it means living with less FEAR. A life sin cuenta means living each day of your life to its fullest potential without question of age.
