I read somewhere that dancing is one of the best exercises for the brain. I also read about the plasticity of the brain and its ability to create new neurons and pathways  at any age. Could this idea be part of the solution to fewer "senior moments"? I have the added pressure to stay alert because my son is a doctor and at any sign of weakness, his medical training kicks into gear. All joking aside (kinda), the body and brain are a team, so I am always curious about ways to cater to both while still having fun.

So low and behold, last October, I received a notice from my daughter's old dance studio (Soo Dance Unlimited) about an adult beginner tap dance class. Automatically, images of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers flashed in my head - I was on stage with the bright lights, the glittery costume, and the wild applause. Coming back to reality, I realized that learning tap was something that fit my criteria; good for the body and brain but more importantly, it is social and fun. So here I am 10 classes later, tapping, albeit, a little laboured but still an enthusiastic member of "Chrissy's Rockstar Tappers". The combined sound of the group tapping and the lighthearted laughter are food for my soul  as well as my body and mind. I think, Wendy Rose is a good stage name, what do you think?

I am finding that likes, dislikes and desires don't diminish as you age. Plus, there are fewer excuses or inhibitions to hide behind as in years past (kids, job, the need to impress etc.) and even fewer number of years ahead to postpone those desires. If the urge is there, then there is a hidden talent, waiting to be exposed - go after it! Remember age is only a number and you are never fully tapped out until your final curtain call.

The word "retiring", should be retired from a person's vocabulary and replaced with "rewiring". My rewiring began at 57 when I choice to leave the 9 to 5 workforce to enjoy the last third of my life as my own boss. I was never heavily invested in a career or rising up the corporate ladder. Whatever position I took, had to meet the following criteria:

• Worked with my family's schedule
• The job had to have a continual learning curve
• Was located close to home so walking was an option and having one car was never an issue
• I would not be micromanaged and there was room for personal input
• The organization was customer oriented and not all about the bottom dollar
• An opportunity to empower and not enable others was the main vision

Looking back I accomplished that and was able to help with the family expenses as well. At 57, my kids were grown, financially independent; and my husband had only a couple of years until his "rewiring". I jumped ship. I know everyone's situation and goals are different but I looked at my situation. Sure, the house (1912 vintage) is small and a little dated but it is paid for. I can live with my 90's colour scheme and painting techniques (sponge painting will come back). Unfortunately, home renovations are not one of my talents or desires. My perks of being more available to family, friends and myself are my priorities.

My strongest fascination now, as I age, relates to the "big picture" and how we as humans fit in. My human brain will never fully figure out that question but I am open to exploring and rewiring and learning more about myself, through new experiences. My desire is to write about my aging escapades and  hopefully inspire others to head their own expedition of self-discovery.

There is a common Life energy that flows through nature connecting both animate and inanimate forms. There is an intricate dance and balance between sun, earth, plants, animals etc. The energy of the sun, nourishes the plants that in turn feed the herbivores providing food energy for the carnivores. Nothing in nature is in isolation.

The common, creative and conscious energy is the driving force for all - including us humans. Our bodies are made up of the same elements, minerals and life energy that make up the planet. The best way to feel our connection with nature is to spend time in nature. The air we breathe, the food we eat and the sun rays we bath in are some of the major keys to our survival and well-being.

As a human and natural-being we have the ability through our Ego, to recognize ourselves as  separate individuals. We are able to go beyond mere instinct and tap into free-will, advanced problem-solving and creative pursuits. With these unique abilities, we have the power to choose to fall in or out of alignment with our natural selves and nature itself.

We must have a deep respect, reverence and conscious awareness of how our interactions with nature affects the energetic flow, harmony and interconnections of the various hierarchies and ecosystems in nature. To destroy nature is to destroy ourselves.

Awareness begins by recognizing that we are an integral part of nature and as such we need to nurture this connection everyday.

Simply ways to connect with nature can include:

- focusing outdoors on the simple act of conscious breathing; remembering how oxygen is produced by plants
- swimming in or being near water; a large percentage of our bodies are made up of water
- walking barefoot on the ground; connecting with Earth's energy
- listening to the sound of birds or the wind in the trees; nature's sound therapy
- mindfully walking outside and observing nature in the neighbourhood or in a park
- picking and tasting the fresh, fruits of nature
- regularly getting outside soaking up some sun; gardening, exercising, meditating in a special spot that is calming, peaceful and dominated by nature

Just as this Life energy feeds, nurtures and guides nature's natural rhythms, it does the same to us as well. However, humans can choose to ignore the natural ebb and flow of things and become out of alignment. We cannot successfully thrive separate from nature. We must remember that we are an extension of nature. Communion with nature, re-sets us, centres us and opens our hearts to our true nature and the confirmation that there is a more powerful, loving, creative energy continually working in the background.

What does success look like to you? Is it measured by the number of possessions you have accumulated? Is it the amount of money in your bank account? Is it the position you hold in the corporate world? Is your level of success measured from the outside? If so, how is that working for you?

Ask yourself:
"Why do I want so much stuff?"
"What does the drive to obtain more and more money bring me?"
"Am I looking outward to be accepted, to belong and to be validated?"
"What really matters to me and where do I go to get it?"

Do we not all want the basic human needs to feel safe, secure, to be connected and loved? Do we not all strife in some form to find love, peace, joy and personal freedom? If so, where is it hiding?

Success is not found in that next job, that next promotion, in the accolades from peers, a ten pound weight loss or the ability to finally purchase your dream car or home. There is nothing wrong in obtaining various goals or milestones. The downside to such endeavours is the importance we put on them to make us happy and to prove to ourselves and others that we do matter and that we are worthwhile and noteworthy.

True, meaningful and lasting success is an inside job. We need to be willing to take a closer look at ourselves, our thoughts, our beliefs, our habits, our feelings, our physical health - the whole package, before we can have the clarity to take action and to successfully move forward.

Are we taking self-responsibility for our lives? Are we being compassionate and forgiving towards ourselves? Are we willing to be vulnerable and real? Are we giving time and space for our emotions to be acknowledged, to be felt and allowed to flow through us?

If we are not willing to be curious about who we are and experiment with what feels right for us, then society will continue to string us along its path of fear, separation and empty dreams.

Meditation, stillness, time alone, freedom from distractions, the courage to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs, the ability to breathe into emotions and allow space before action and room for an alternate perspective are some methods into the world of self-discovery.

Our true power is within; our true connection with the Source who feeds and guides us is found within. A seed must be planted in the dark earth and watered before it is able to build strong roots and flourish. Continue to look inward for peace, guidance and a source of joy and success will naturally follow.

"Being R.E.A.L." is the pathway to practical wellness.

R - Relationships. Developing and nurturing a social network that involves real face-to-face connections is essential in helping to prolong life. Loneliness and isolation is lethal to the human heart.

E - Emotions. Emotions are our compass. They let us know what feels good or bad, what feels right  or wrong, what feels to be the better choice or direction to pursue. Allowing emotions to be felt, accepted and released in a safe and healthy manner takes courage and the willingness to be vulnerable. Being vulnerable is being real and authentic and it encourages others to follow suit.

A - Attitude. Our stories, our beliefs and our thoughts shape the way we see things. We must strive to be open-minded, empathetic and willing to question our beliefs if we are not finding the peace and joy that we seek. A simple shift in attitude or perspective can be life changing.

L - Love of Self. We are spiritual beings having a human, physical experience. We are unique extensions of a loving, creative consciousness that is continually flowing, creating, expanding and experiencing itself through us and all that is. Our mind encourages the illusion of individuality which is essential for an unique experience, however we must not forget our interconnectedness with nature, the Universe and each other. Nature does not berate itself and neither should we. We must learn to see ourselves as co-creators with this loving consciousness and lovingly embrace and accept all aspects of ourselves as we continue to make choices and navigate life to the best of our ability and knowledge at the time.

It is by "Being R.E.A.L." that we are gifted with a wellness that encompasses a more liberating, joyful and more meaningful life experience and that enlightens our soul and feeds the ever expanding and changing energy of the Universe.