DISQUS

I'd have to add The Clooney for his work on Darfur and other African issues (and his villa in Como). And Jon Stewart for being the only reliable news source in America.

Cleaning, including all dishes, vacuuming and laundering.

Fab new site, ladies! Nice design and layout. (Launched on my birthday, so thanks for the pressie! :)

Age is mental. We are fortunate to have wealth of information available about healthy lifestyles, which leads to more energy and a more holistic self-image, causing us to feel better and, thus, perhaps 'younger'. This can be strangely and ironically juxtaposed with society's obsession with youth and anti-aging; our fear of being considered 'old' causes us to pursue things that promise to keep us young. As many have already mentioned, a curious, whimsical mind that is available for brainstorming any subject is the crucial element to keeping the spirit youthful.

Living life to the full means different things to different people; to use your example, Madonna has always pushed things, asked us to reconsider our prejudices. I respect her energy, her ability to stay relevant and her (seemingly) genuine love for her craft of entertaining. I look at her and hope I can have that sort of focus when I am her age.

I always think those who smile stay young, and those who laugh are the youngest spirits of them all. Thank you for this question. As it's my birthday this week, this is all the more relevant.

I used to be a doormat. I let friends, acquaintances, boyfriends treat me however they wished, and I put up with some pretty abhorrent behaviour. I never thought I was good enough for anyone else, and I was so desperate to be liked. It's been a slow process, but I am grateful that I am now selective with the people I allow into my inner world. Realizing that not everyone has to be a 'friend' has been transformational for my self-image.

I love that idea, Jennifer! Three things. Fantastic.

I saw a documentary about studies done in Japan (?) with water crystals and words in many languages - love, beauty, truth vs. negative words - and the results were similar. A fascinating way to see the power of words and intent.

This is a beautiful question! Thank you, ladies!
I am grateful for my eyes, which change colour with what I wear, my curvy bod and my face (thank you Origins). And the person that's wrapped inside.

This is a great point, Jody. I'm far more comfortable with this interpretation, perhaps because what's not right upsets my balance and equilibrium. I often interpret the wrong decision more clearly than the right one.

I concur, Alison and Danielle. I could spend an eternity dithering around a decision. Trusting the gut is the second step for me, however. I've first got to listen to my intuition and really hear what it's saying, not necessarily what I want it to say.

Anytime, ladies! I (heart) trip planning. It's kinda like personal shopping, but with thousand-year-old monuments and buildings. ;)

I know far too much about navigating European airports and discount airlines, and could plan a European holiday for any tastes. Otherwise I'm full of basically useless information that comes in handy at pub quizzes and at dinner parties.

At one time, I had all sorts of opinions I would freely spew to anyone who would listen. I've since realized the flimsy nature of this sort of behaviour, and try to let my actions show my character. That said, I do struggle with finding compassion for the violent drug users of our town and the preteen mothers who, in Britain, have access to free birth control. I don't wear fur but do wear leather. I have no sympathy for any form of extremism, yet tend to keep quiet rather than argue with others about their views, whether religious, political or ethnic.

Getting laid off in 2001 was the best thing that ever happened to me. Embrace it, dive into your soul and take this as a sign. Congratulations!

Keep thinking positive, Tammy. In Scotland, people love to speak with me about American politics right now; people stop me on the streets when they hear my accent. There has been a shift in perception here, and that in itself should be celebrated. That said, I've received emails from friends all over (14 countries, at last count) who are pleading to their American friends to vote with the world. Its humbling to know that I have a voice and the rest of the world does not.

I'm excited about the book I'm working on, about finding my wedding dress yesterday, about getting over this flu bug that's had me down for a few days, about spending next week doing DIY. Life is about excitement. It serves as a lovely reminder of what it feels like to be alive.

That's such a wonderful attitude to have - being excited about life is the best way to be.

Amen, sister! I'm excited to see how the world transforms its image of America when we have such an inspiring leader at the helm. I'm excited to see how some of America will have to adjust their thinking once he wins. ;)

Please don't judge me for my (imaginary, luxurious) carbon footprint...but a Hawker Beechcraft King Air (with pilot, please) so I can fly to Portugal for the weekend or down to London for dinner with friends without messing around with airports. Clad in Prada and wearing Manolos, of course.

Fiction is my favourite escape, so I'll base this on the books I re-read again and again - I tend to be an author-based reader. Though it's fictionalized, Hemingway's A Moveable Feast inspires me every time I read it. Runners up are: Gibran's "The Prophet" for its life lessons; Faulks "A Fool's Alphabet" for creativity; Diamant's The Red Tent for its glorious story; Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being for its essence; Banks' The Crow Road for the setting and characters; The Great Gatsby and Catcher in the Rye for their simplicity; Superfudge for remembering my childhood. Fiction can change the soul, and that is a beautiful thing.

First of all, congratulations! Good luck with the decision. Upheaval can be a good thing.

Focus and visualization. The wisdom to realize when something isn't working and the gumption to change it. The nonstop flutter of muses.

I'm a couple of days late with this but what fab love is vibe-ing off of this page! Many responses are focused on the opposite sex - and I must say that though I am straight I certainly find women sexy, too. Either gender, when oozing with confidence, a good grin and a wicked sense of humor. And, like Danielle, traditional male chivalry is screaming for a snog.

Hilarious! I just read this to my fiance (who has this accent as he went to school there) and his cheeks went red! ;)

Thank you for including this. It's so important to personify money, to have a relationship with it and not fear it. An excellent posting.

Fantastic wisdom, Danielle, especially for those of us who work from home. The first two, especially - we're always rushing, and being in the moment and being honest about the focus needed is so crucial. Thank you.