Most baby boomers are looking forward to retirement. They have worked for many years and are now wanting to reap the benefits of their hard work. But really what is retirement? Wikipedia says: Retirement is the point where a person stops employment completely.

During a long walk last week, the first in a very long time, I had some time to clear my head of all the planning and details that I feel the need to go over and over in my head. I started to think about my November 7th tradefair and my motivation for putting it on. I feel so blessed to be at the place in my life with a clear vision of what my passion is, and the reason I am here is because I took some risks and stepped outside of my comfort zone. I began to think about how difficult it is for people to let go of the past, sometimes there is comfort in holding on to their baggage. As I was thinking of this, I realized how at the other side of this, is that so few of us enjoy being in the moment. We are here and we wish to be there, then poof, the moment is gone. Guilty.... I am so busy DOING, that I forget to BE. This is a lesson I have learned before, but one that is obviously...

There is so much talk about finding your passion, stepping out of your comfort zone...etc, etc. What does all that really mean? Some people are very good at taking risks and staying positive through the challenges. Then there are the people who think that if you do what you are passionate about, it will be easy, comfortable, a natural process. It can be, but don't be fooled you will be challenged and you may even fail. The growth is in the challenges, can you overcome them and what do you learn from them? Your self-esteem and self-confidence will be tested, but the beautiful part is the growth that happens when you come through it. It is so important to believe in what you are doing and why you are doing it. A friend of mine told me recently that the most important thing is to know who you are and what your intention is. I get asked all the time, why I do what I do with Fabulous@50 and sometimes I really don't know what to say. It is obviously my passion and I am challenged constantly. I get great pleasure in seeing other people happy and seeing the personal growth....

By Charmaine Hammond & Debra Kasowski

Passion-driven women in the workplace and in our communities will have a better chance of survival during any economical climate when the level of passion and connection to purpose is high. Passion for what you do creates an energy that propels you to take action and think progressively. In fact, it has a positive contagion factor, like a stone in the water creating ripples, passion does the same thing. This passion is ignited in the people who you serve. They want to do business with you and associate with you because of the person you are and the experience you give them when they do business with you. Customers that are fueled with your passion are committed to your mission and values and will continue to do business with you. The same applies to the communities and groups you may volunteer with and support. When you bring passion and a sense of purpose to your group and volunteer efforts, it inspires and connects others. To re-ignite your passion and make...

The word entheos is the root word for enthusiasm and means "in spirit" When we are filled with the spark of enthusiasm, we are literally filled with our true essence and this is why we feel so alive and energetic. I urge you to make a list right now of the things that make your heart sing. What do you that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning?

Here are three things to do:

Make a list of your strengths and unique abilities

Make of things you find easy. (Remember what is easy for you is not easy for everyone else)

What do you love doing? What are your favorite pastimes, activities, projects, recreation, social activities, foods, hobbies and so on.

As you make your list you will realize that these things are your very own inspiration. You will understand that participating in the things you love to do is your purpose in life.

Each and every person has strengths and unique abilities. Once your make your list, then you can determine what type of jobs and activities...