The first time I heard this phrase was from Dr. Ruth Westheimer at a recent book signing. It was Sherry Lansing, the first woman to head a motion picture studio and a friend of Dr. Ruth’s, who coined the phrase “Don’t retire, rewire”.

When you feel it is time to pack up your current career that does not mean you just park yourself in a rocking chair (although some days that could sound very tempting!). It is time to think about something else. Perhaps it is something you have always wanted to do, but there was never enough time. Perhaps there is something you have always felt a passion for but never had time to explore because you were too busy with life to figure out what niche you could carve out for yourself.

This is really a very exciting time in our lives. We are not Benjamin Buttons so let’s grow older with grace and remain interesting and vital human beings. Let’s connect with people and concentrate on them. Make relationships meaningful. Actively participate in your community. Maybe give a little bit back and volunteer doing something you like. This can be helping others through fund raising for a good cause or just lending a hand at your relative’s senior residence. It can also be through supporting the arts. Without people attending concerts, plays and art exhibits they would not be able to continue.

Of course, let’s not forget about supporting fashion! Try to be bold! Experiment with color and accessories as a way to dip your toes in the water. You won’t hear someone say “look at that woman in the beige dress”, but you will hear “look at that woman in the beige dress and orange shoes”!

Make your fashion statement fun…find YOUR Joie de Vivre…seize the day and brighten it. And as I recently saw on a wall hanging “Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle”