Category Archives: Blogs

Stress used in a positive way is what top athletes and performers use to enhance their performance. With their healthy attitude stress for them is exciting, life-enhancing and enables them to achieve their goals. But the negative aspect of stress can lead to physical and mental illness and can put our bodies into a state of turmoil. We need to recognise stress and stressful situations and learn to control stress if we are to enjoy the rest of our lives. So many of us waste time and effort when we allow ourselves to become worried and stressed – as I know having previously been one of the world’s worst worriers! My mother used to wisely say, “worry is the interest you pay on trouble before it comes” Worry is wasted energy and we need to learn how to plan our lives to avoid stress. We need to discover ways to relax – to chill out – in order to combat stress that we cannot control ourselves. But how do we recognise stress, and what can we do to help ourselves cope with it?

For over 40 years I have worked within the exercise and fitness world. For many of those years I was also employed a fashion and photographic model. The work was demanding, but it enabled me to travel to locations and destinations all over the world, which I might otherwise have never seen. Throughout all the years I religiously looked after my dry, sensitive skin. A good figure and a glowing skin are prerequisites for a successful model. In 1980, at the grand old age of 40, (ancient for a model) I was delighted to be chosen by Oil of Ulay to appear in their UK and European TV advertisements for their classic pink moisturising lotion, which I can even remember my grandmother using! Imagine how flattered (and amazed) I was when, 9 years ago, at the ripe old age of 55, I was selected to launch Oil of Ulay’s new range of moisturising creams, specifically designed for MATURE skin! I became “the face” of Oil of Ulay’s Pro-Vital range of skin care products and appeared in extensive TV, newspaper and magazine advertisements world-wide for several years.

For those women lucky enough to embark on a new sexual relationship and who get it right, there can be many happy and fulfilling years ahead. There is no doubt that when a woman (or a man) finds a soul mate and a sexual partner they can trust, they invariably blossom. Supporting one another they can climb to greater heights with new opportunities and interests opening up to them. All the senses are re-awakened and with the right partner, someone with whom to share the ups and downs, life can seem worth living again. Emotionally re-charged these fortunate women and men find themselves facing the future with optimism.

One way to overcome loneliness is to try and find a soulmate with whom to share the rest of life. I observe my girlfriends, some young and others not so young in their quests. Having become very independent and self-sufficient myself since my own divorce I wonder maybe somewhat cynically, if it’s worth the hassle! Let’s face it; now that you babyboomers (those born immediately after World War 2) and older have reached this stage of life most will have acquired baggage. Many will have acquired so much baggage along the way, both emotional baggage, financial and family baggage. From the prevalence of dating agencies we know how difficult it can be for single women to meet suitable men in the first place, so it stands to reason that it will be even more of a problem for single women who have the addition of baggage. Single men who are attractive enough propositions to risk everything for – baggage or no baggage – seem pretty elusive. Making comparisons with past partners is the kiss of death, one must never look back, but forward with an open mind to what might be. Of course we do hear of success stories, of mature women who do meet their “Mr Right” in their quest for love the second time around. Perhaps for them, the best is yet to come?