Stop Giving Away Your Power

As we age, life can sometimes lead us to feel like we’re losing control. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Staying in power, in charge, and in love with your life comes down to following these simple (to write but difficult to live) tips.

The truth is that as we age, societal expectations and sometimes even well-meaning family members can make us feel like we’re gradually losing our independence. Decisions might be made for us, our opinions might be overlooked, and our desires might be sidelined. But here’s the good news: this doesn’t have to be the reality.

Know Your Worth

You’ve lived a rich and full life filled with triumphs, challenges, and invaluable lessons learned. Don’t underestimate the power of your experience! It gives you a unique perspective, sharpens your instincts, and makes you a phenomenal problem-solver. Reflect on your past accomplishments, big or small. Write them down, share them with loved ones, and remember the strength and resilience you’ve always possessed.

Don’t silence that inner voice! When faced with decisions, big or small, trust your instincts. Offer your advice and guidance when sought after, but also remember your opinion still holds weight, even if your role has changed. Speak up in family gatherings and social groups, or even mentor younger generations. Your voice matters.

Remember those activities that used to spark joy? Rekindle those flames! Pursue hobbies, explore new interests, or deeper into existing passions. Learning a new language, taking an art class, or joining a book club can reignite your zest for life and remind you of the things that bring you fulfilment.

Feeling valued and needed is a powerful motivator. Look for ways to contribute your skills and knowledge. Volunteer your time for causes you care about, mentor younger colleagues or family members, or even start a small business based on your expertise. Contributing your talents not only benefits others but also reminds you of the value you bring to the world.

Setting boundaries is a sign of self-respect, not weakness. Don’t feel obligated to say yes to everything.  Prioritise your well-being and activities that bring you joy. Saying no to requests that drain your energy allows you to focus on what truly matters.

Take time to appreciate your unique skills and strengths. Are you a patient listener, a meticulous organiser, or a witty storyteller? Recognising your strengths builds confidence and allows you to leverage those skills in new and fulfilling ways.

Life throws curveballs, and sometimes things feel out of control. Instead of dwelling on what you can’t change, focus on what you can. This could be your daily routine, your health habits, or even your mental attitude. Taking charge of what’s within your control empowers you and fosters a sense of agency.

The company you keep significantly impacts your outlook. Nurture relationships with those who appreciate you, value your opinion, and support your growth. Let their positivity rub off on you, and reciprocate by offering your own encouragement.

Trust Your Gut

Trust Your Gut

Reflect on past situations where your intuition proved to be right. Did you avoid a risky investment because something felt off? Did you choose a trustworthy caregiver based on a good first impression? Recognising these successes builds confidence in your ability to read situations effectively.

External pressures and societal expectations can cloud your judgment. Before making important decisions, take time for quiet reflection. This could involve meditation, spending time in nature, or simply journaling your thoughts and feelings. Creating space allows your gut instinct to surface clearly.

Sometimes, we downplay our intuition as “just getting old.” This is a disservice to your accumulated wisdom.  Your gut feeling is a culmination of years of experience, not a sign of decline. Trust that your instincts are still sharp.

Even the savviest seniors make missteps. If you ignore your gut feeling and experience a negative outcome, don’t beat yourself up. Analyse the situation and learn from it. This experience will further refine your intuition for future decisions.

The more you trust your gut, the stronger it becomes. Start with smaller decisions, like going with your first choice at a restaurant. As you build confidence in your instincts, you’ll be more prepared to trust them in more significant matters.

When your gut feeling leads you down a positive path, acknowledge it! This reinforces the power of your intuition and encourages you to trust it further in the future.

Stay Financially Savvy

Having control over your finances is one other way of reclaiming power. Learn about financial tools and resources available to you, or seek help from a trusted advisor if needed. Unfortunately, some may try to take advantage of seniors. Be cautious of unsolicited calls or offers, and do your research before making any decisions.

The first step is awareness. Track your income and expenses for a few months. This will help you identify areas where you might be able to cut back or optimise your spending.  Once you understand your spending patterns, you can create a realistic budget that reflects your current lifestyle needs.

Retirement can bring changes to your spending habits. Factor in potential healthcare costs, travel plans, and hobbies you might want to pursue. You may find you need to allocate more for medical expenses or recreational activities compared to your working years.

Differentiate between essential expenses and discretionary ones. Essentials include housing, utilities, groceries, and healthcare. Discretionary spending includes entertainment, dining out, and travel. It’s important to prioritise your needs and ensure your budget allocates enough to cover them comfortably.

There are ways to make your money go further. Regularly review your phone, cable, and internet bills. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for a better rate or consider switching providers. Many businesses offer senior discounts, so take advantage of these for groceries, transportation, and entertainment. If your current home feels too big or expensive to maintain, explore downsizing to a smaller property. This can free up significant funds that you can use for other things.

You’re in Charge

Remember, your life is yours to live. Don’t let others dictate your choices. You have the power to make decisions that bring you joy and fulfilment.

And never stop growing and learning! Embrace new experiences and keep your mind sharp by taking classes, reading, or participating in stimulating activities.

Remember, you are a strong, capable, and valuable individual. Every new day is your chance to live life to the fullest, following your own passions and making choices that bring you joy. Embrace your power and continue to thrive!