Today I Choose to be Spirited – How to be Spirited

How to Be Spirited: A Guide for Women Over 50

Yesterday, while deep in my sixth decade, I realized something profound while watching my granddaughter chase butterflies: being spirited isn’t about age – it’s about attitude. Learning how to be spirited after 50 involves reconnecting with our inner spark and embracing life with renewed enthusiasm.

Understanding What It Means to Be Spirited at 50+

Being spirited after 50 doesn’t mean trying to recapture our youth – it means embracing our wisdom while maintaining our zest for life. As author Christiane Northrup writes in “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom,” “Growing older is inevitable, aging is optional.” This perspective perfectly captures the essence of becoming spirited in our mature years.

Many of us juggling caregiving responsibilities, career transitions, and health changes might feel our spirit dampening. However, research shows that women often report higher life satisfaction in their 50s and beyond, once they learn to prioritize their own joy and purpose.

Physical Strategies for How to Be Spirited

Movement is fundamental to maintaining a spirited outlook. I discovered this truth when my husband pointed out something I’d never noticed: my energy levels soared on days I took my morning walks, regardless of other circumstances. This observation led to a complete transformation in how I approach physical activity.

Instead of viewing exercise as a chore, try these spirit-lifting approaches:
– Dance in your kitchen while cooking (studies show dancing improves mood and cognitive function)
– Join a women’s sports league (many communities have age-specific groups)
– Practice gentle yoga or tai chi for both body and mind benefits
– Schedule walking dates with friends instead of coffee meetups

The key is finding movement that brings joy rather than feeling like obligation. When we move our bodies regularly, we naturally become more spirited in all aspects of life.

Mental and Emotional Approaches to Being Spirited

Maintaining a spirited outlook requires regular mental and emotional maintenance. Research from the Harvard Study of Adult Development suggests that maintaining strong social connections becomes increasingly important as we age.

Consider these practices:
– Start a weekly gathering of like-minded women
– Take up a new hobby that challenges your brain
– Practice daily gratitude journaling
– Engage in activities that make you laugh

One particularly effective strategy is what I call the “Daily Delight Practice.” Each morning, identify one thing you’re looking forward to, no matter how small. This simple habit helps train your brain to seek out joy and maintain a spirited perspective.

Social Connections and Being Spirited

To be more spirited, we must nurture our social connections intentionally. Studies show that women with strong social networks live longer and report higher levels of happiness. This becomes especially important after 50, when life transitions might naturally reduce our social circles.

Create opportunities for meaningful connection by:
– Organizing monthly potluck dinners
– Joining or starting a book club
– Volunteering for causes you care about
– Taking group classes in areas of interest

Remember that quality matters more than quantity. Focus on nurturing relationships that energize and inspire you rather than drain your spirit.

Professional and Creative Ways to Stay Spirited

Whether retired, working full-time, or somewhere in between, maintaining professional and creative engagement is crucial for how to be spirited after 50. Many women find this period ideal for pursuing long-delayed dreams or starting new ventures.

Consider these possibilities:
– Start a small business based on your expertise
– Mentor younger professionals in your field
– Take classes in subjects that interest you
– Begin a creative project you’ve always dreamed about

The key is to stay engaged with activities that challenge and fulfill you. One woman in my circle started a successful pottery business at 63, proving it’s never too late to pursue new passions.

Spiritual and Personal Growth

Becoming spirited often involves deepening our spiritual connections, whatever form that takes. This might mean traditional religious practice, meditation, nature walks, or philosophical study. The goal is finding what brings meaning and purpose to your life.

Some approaches to consider:
– Develop a regular meditation practice
– Join a spiritual community
– Start a wisdom journal
– Spend time in nature regularly

Remember that spiritual growth looks different for everyone. The important thing is finding practices that resonate with your personal beliefs and values.

Maintaining Your Spirited Nature Through Challenges

Being spirited doesn’t mean always feeling positive – it means maintaining our essential vitality even through difficulties. When facing health issues, relationship changes, or loss, we can still nurture our spirited nature through:
– Seeking support when needed
– Maintaining routine self-care practices
– Staying connected with supportive friends
– Finding meaning in challenging experiences

Remember that being spirited is a practice, not a destination. Some days will feel easier than others, and that’s perfectly normal.

Conclusion: Embracing Your Spirited Journey

Learning how to be spirited after 50 is about embracing who we are while remaining open to growth and joy. It’s about finding balance between wisdom and wonder, between accepting our limitations and pushing our boundaries.

As we navigate this chapter of life, remember that being spirited isn’t about competing with our younger selves or others. It’s about living fully and authentically in the present moment, bringing our unique gifts and perspectives to each day.

By implementing these strategies and maintaining a commitment to personal growth, we can cultivate and maintain our spirited nature well into our golden years. After all, as Maya Angelou once said, “The fifties are everything you’ve been meaning to be.”