You are Worthy: To Live Life on your Terms!

There are so many wide ranging pre-conceived notions about growing older. Many of these outdated yet current ideas, I believe are more prevalent among today's younger generation than it has been in the past. For instance, one thing I learned from my parents was no matter your age, do things that make you happy and that keep you healthy and youthful.There were no stringent societal notions such as you are too old to do this, or do that. As I move through this journey at 67, I too have kept with my parent's paradigm of living and enjoying life no matter your age. This brings me to the social events I have joyfully and intentionally invested in doing for myself for the past two years. Being intentional is critical to finding the right community to surround yourself around for many reasons. For me, one where I fit in comfortably and fully as who I am without apology or explanation.

A couple weeks back, I attended a Black Tie, Black Excellence event at the Cosi Museum in Columbus, Ohio. It was nothing short of Amazing, three floors loaded with planned excellence! See the agenda above. I went to this event for the first time last November and actually experienced more of the festivities, but this year being in the right company of good people won over. Investing in social experiences with people who have similar values and character and who enjoy similar things is freeing. While it's important in every phase of life to meet and connect with the right people, for me it's even more important that I learned this lesson at this point in life. I am more confident, have more self value, and more aware of who, and what I let into my life, because my community at this point is richer and more fulfilling.

One thing I love about the community I surround myself around is that they love dressing up. That is a part of who we are. Dressing up in some areas of the country is not so common anymore. One day, I went to a TJ Maxx north of where I live to see their new things. I found this cute black and white designer DKNY dress. I took it to the cashier and the cashier admired how cute it was. She went on to say, this is so cute, but people don't dress up anymore. I quickly acknowledged "yes, many don't, but me and my friends do, and we love it"! She actually looked shocked.

Who else does this... getting old school ready by laying out what you are going to wear. I do love dressing up and this is part of my getting ready. I got this cute pewter chunky necklace, and silver drop earrings actually from Amazon. I was surprised. They have cute jewelry of all price points. One of my friends suggested I do more acessorizing...so here it is. I got these cute black be-jeweled designer shoes from Journee Collection from my favorite fashion retailer Macy's. My black cut away sides dress by Bar iii also from Macys

You probably guessed from the water glasses, I'm in a hotel room. Sometimes, finding the community of your choice takes you out of the city you live in, like in my case. Thank goodness, my drive to find that community is only a little over an hour to get there, but I love the idea of investing in myself to do things I love and can afford. A few of my friends also drive up and stay in a hotel. I love the idea as a senior that I can treat myself. I have stayed in this hotel so much this year that the hotel workers know me and always greet me with welcome back! I also get a great deal. Ohio is pretty inexpensive. You get a bigger bang for your buck.

The Black Tie, Black Excellence experience is literally a black cultural extravaganza with comedy, multiple dj's, dancing, an art exhibit, a runway fashion show from local fashion designers (Columbus is number three in the country behind New York and Los Angeles for the most fashion designers in the country,) and they are fabulous. Check out their annual Fashion Week; it is worth every dollar. Such creativity, uniqueness, and professional craftmanship. The clothes look like they came straight off a high end store rack.

The food oh my! Every event this community gives is a delectable curation of food delights. Trust, you're gonna wait in line because mind you even though there are three floors and the COSI Museum where this is held is huge. This year there were over 4,000 beautiful, professional, immacutely dressed people in attendance. But the wait in line from the vendors (on every floor) is well worth it. Sorry, my food was so good...I forgot to take a picture.

This year, I spent a lot of time hanging out with my friends taking pictures to savor the beautiful moments, and capture how elegant and fun the experience was. Many of the pictures belong to the Black Tie, Black Excellence; they are stamped as such. The following are my personal pictures of me and my friends having fun.

Remember, with all the noise and chaos going on in the world, you're blessed to arrive at a seasoned age, but if you haven't lived life so intentional up to this point, there is still today to begin curating the latter life of your choice and living life on your terms. Don't listen to what others think of you because it aint' always good. What is important is... what do you believe to be good and authentic about yourself. Start there and treat yourself by investing in you because you are worthy!

And that's a good Thanksgiving and upcoming New Year you can give yourself...is believing in you! Sincerely, Karen Marie