26 Surprising Habits of Happy Older Women (#18 Might Catch You Unprepared)

The beauty of aging is that we get to take time to reflect on who we are and what we want out of the rest of our life. It can be a time when our lives blossom. Here are some observations from the many conversations I have had with aging women.

The thoughts below are just thoughts. Happiness is experienced in the moment. For a thought to become a habit, it requires awareness, intention and dedicated action. If you choose to embrace any of these thoughts and make them habits, it will definitely create space for a happy and thriving life.

1. They feel comfortable in their own skin. They have “come into their own being.”

2. They never stop learning.

3. They feed their intellect and soul with a new, beautiful awareness of themselves and the world, every day.

4. They don’t sweat the small stuff. They see the larger picture.

5. They are always trying new things. They don’t believe in the saying that “curiosity killed the cat!”

6. They appreciate “alone time.” They understand the difference between lonely and alone.

7. They live for the journey, not the destination.

8. They spend time in nature because they know nature is a reflection of their own beauty and gives them a larger context in which they live and love.

9. They know the value of friendship and are always growing and seeking new friends.

10. They are not afraid of emotions. They feel deeply and definitely don’t see emotions as a sign of weakness.

11. They do not sit in judgment of others or of themselves.

12. They understand the sacred nature in each person that makes up their world.

13. They do not spend their time on relationships where people do not nurture and nourish one another.

14. They have healthy personal boundaries, not walls.

15. They respect their children’s boundaries and admire their successes.

16. They do not blame others because in doing so they give away their power.

17. They seek love.

18. They take care of their bodies and leave the shame of not having the ‘perfect’ figure for the younger generations. If possible, they are physically active.

19. They are invested in the greater good and seek to make some kind of contribution in the world.

20. They know their wisdom and speak it.

21. They have a creative aspect of their life – be it writing, music, a hobby or craft.

22. They don’t sweat the small stuff. They always trust they will find a way through or around a troubling issue.

23. They understand that it is okay to ask for help.

24. They see the glass as half-full and not half-empty.

25. They laugh, sing, dance, read and celebrate every moment of their life.

26. They have a vision and intention for each day, week, year and decade. They set an intention each day for thriving.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you have habits that bring you happiness? Which ones are you especially proud of? Please share in the comments below.