Raquel

1. Embrace Femininity: It's a Source of Power, Not Weakness

Every woman has a choice to make. We either embrace the special power and, yes, the magic of being a woman, or forever live a life of discontent.

Rejecting the "Weaker Sex" Myth. The book challenges the notion of women as the "weaker sex," urging readers to embrace their femininity as a source of strength and influence. It emphasizes that women possess a unique power that men often spend their lives trying to win over.

Beyond the Libber Mentality. While acknowledging the importance of feminist ideals, the book cautions against confusing equality with sameness. It suggests that women should not try to "act like" men but rather leverage their feminine strengths in both professional and personal settings.

The Art of Being a Woman. The book celebrates the multifaceted nature of womanhood, encompassing roles such as lover, wife, mother, friend, and professional. It encourages women to find joy and fulfillment in embracing all aspects of their identity, rather than resenting or resisting their biological destiny.

2. Ageism is Real: Fight It with Vitality and Relevance

In the dog-eat-dog entertainment industry, with its attendant media scrutiny, forty still marks a point when the first barbed references to age start to pollute the atmosphere, accompanied by whispered insinuations that the axe is about to fall.

Confronting Societal Bias. The book acknowledges the existence of ageism, particularly in industries like entertainment, where youth is often prized above experience. It encourages women to challenge these biases by remaining vital, relevant, and engaged in their passions.

Redefining the O-Word. The book challenges the negative connotations associated with aging, arguing that "old" should not be a dirty word. It advocates for a shift in perspective, viewing age as a time of celebration, wisdom, and self-discovery.

Boomers Breaking Ground. The book emphasizes the importance of the boomer generation in redefining aging. It encourages boomers to embrace their extended longevity and serve as role models for younger generations, demonstrating how to navigate the challenges and opportunities of later life.

3. Menopause is a Battle: Arm Yourself with Knowledge

Until I hit fifty, I was feeling pretty cocky. Then I hit a brick wall.

The Change of Life is Real. The book candidly discusses the challenges of menopause, acknowledging that it can be a difficult and transformative experience for many women. It emphasizes the importance of preparing for this phase of life and seeking support when needed.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): A Personal Journey. The book shares the author's personal experiences with HRT, including both the benefits and the drawbacks. It stresses the importance of individualized care and working with a qualified physician to find the right hormonal balance.

Beyond Hormones: Adrenal Support and Lifestyle. The book highlights the role of the adrenal glands in managing menopausal symptoms and emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management. It encourages women to take a holistic approach to their health during this transition.

4. Preventive Aging: The Body's Miracle Needs Nurturing

My body is the shape I live in and it shapes the way I live.

The Body as a Temple. The book emphasizes the importance of viewing the body as a sacred vessel that deserves respect and care. It encourages readers to invest in their health and well-being, recognizing that this investment will pay dividends in terms of longevity, quality of life, and youthful appearance.

Four Pillars of Preventive Aging. The book outlines four key components of a preventive aging program:

• Cardio training for heart and lung health
• Strength training to maintain muscle mass and bone density
• Flexibility training to reduce joint pain and stiffness
• Relaxation and stress relief to promote mental and emotional well-being

The Mind-Body Connection. The book stresses the importance of cultivating a healthy mind in a healthy body, recognizing that mental and physical well-being are interconnected. It encourages readers to adopt a positive attitude and engage in activities that nourish both their body and their spirit.

5. Yoga: A Path to Rejuvenation and Inner Peace

By my midteens, the ballet classes had shaped a near-perfect body.

More Than Just Exercise. The book highlights the unique benefits of yoga as an anti-aging tool, emphasizing that it encompasses cardio, flexibility, strength training, and stress relief. It also notes that yoga stimulates the endocrine glands, which govern the hormonal system.

The Spine and Nervous System. The book emphasizes the importance of spinal health and its connection to the central nervous system. It explains how yoga postures can help to realign the spine and improve overall health and well-being.

Clearing Emotional Blocks. The book shares the author's personal experience of using yoga to release trapped emotions and heal emotional wounds. It suggests that yoga can be a powerful tool for clearing emotional blocks and promoting inner peace.

6. Food as Medicine: Customize Your Diet for Optimal Health

I consider eating for fun and flavor one of the joys of living, but if I ate everything that my appetite dictates, I’d blow up like the Goodyear Blimp.

Beyond Weight Loss. The book emphasizes that diet is about more than just weight loss; it's about nourishing the body and preventing disease. It encourages readers to view food as medicine and to make informed choices about what they eat.

The Importance of Customization. The book stresses that there is no one-size-fits-all diet and that each individual needs to find a customized eating plan that works for their unique body chemistry. It recommends consulting with a qualified nutritionist to develop a personalized diet.

Food Combining and Other Principles. The book shares the author's personal dietary guidelines, including the principles of food combining and the importance of avoiding processed foods, sugar, and caffeine. It also highlights the benefits of certain supplements and remedies, such as Bieler's Broth.

7. Skin Deep? Respect the Skin You're In

Skin is the sexy, highly sensitive wrapper that covers your body’s entire surface.

More Than Just a Wrapper. The book emphasizes that skin is not just a superficial covering but a vital organ that reflects overall health and well-being. It encourages readers to treat their skin with respect and care.

The Importance of Daily Care. The book stresses the importance of establishing a daily skincare routine, including cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. It shares the author's personal skincare secrets, including her reliance on a simple, affordable moisturizer.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Treatments. The book explores various advanced facial treatments, such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser resurfacing. It cautions against rushing into drastic procedures and emphasizes the importance of consulting with a qualified professional.

8. Hair Hang-Ups: Find Your Crowning Glory at Any Age

Subconsciously, we relate to our hair as the animal, or sexual, side of our nature.

Hair as a Reflection of Self. The book explores the psychological significance of hair, suggesting that it reflects our personality, style, and even our subconscious desires. It encourages readers to embrace their hair as a form of self-expression.

The Perfect Haircut: A Personal Journey. The book shares the author's personal experiences with haircuts, including both triumphs and disasters. It emphasizes the importance of finding a skilled cutter who understands your hair type and personal style.

Wigs, Extensions, and Falls: Embracing Versatility. The book explores the use of wigs, extensions, and falls as a way to add volume, length, and versatility to your hairstyle. It shares tips for choosing and wearing these hair additions, as well as for maintaining their natural look.

9. Makeup Magic: Accentuate the Positive, Eliminate the Negative

By observing my mother in her relationship with my father, I learned that women have different roles to play.

More Than Just a Cover-Up. The book emphasizes that makeup is not just about concealing flaws but about enhancing natural beauty and expressing personal style. It encourages readers to view makeup as a form of art and self-expression.

Corrective Makeup: Highlighting and Shadowing. The book shares the author's expertise in corrective makeup techniques, including highlighting and shadowing. It explains how these techniques can be used to reshape features, create dimension, and diminish the signs of aging.

Creating Your Own Routine. The book provides a step-by-step guide to creating a personalized makeup routine, including tips for choosing the right products, tools, and techniques. It encourages readers to experiment and find what works best for their individual features and preferences.

10. Personal Style: Express Your Authentic Self

Style is being yourself, but on purpose.

Beyond Trends: Authenticity and Individuality. The book emphasizes that true style is about expressing your authentic self, rather than blindly following trends. It encourages readers to embrace their unique qualities and to develop a personal style that reflects their personality and values.

The Importance of Fit and Cut. The book stresses the importance of finding clothes that fit well and flatter your body type. It encourages readers to identify designers and brands that consistently create clothes that work for their individual shape.

Three Essential Pieces. The book suggests that a stylish wardrobe can be built around three essential pieces: a pair of pants, a top, and a jacket. It encourages readers to invest in high-quality basics that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of different looks.

11. Dating After Divorce: Navigate with Wisdom and Self-Respect

My breaking heart and I agree
That you and I can never be
So with my best, my very best,
I set you free . . .

Picking Up the Pieces. The book acknowledges the emotional challenges of dating after divorce, including feelings of loss, anger, and self-doubt. It encourages readers to allow themselves time to heal and to avoid rushing into new relationships.

Living Alone and Loving It. The book challenges the societal pressure to be in a relationship, suggesting that there is value in embracing singlehood and enjoying the freedom and independence it offers. It encourages readers to focus on their own personal growth and fulfillment.

Navigating the Dating Pool. The book offers practical advice for navigating the dating world, including tips for online dating, meeting new people, and setting boundaries. It emphasizes the importance of self-respect and avoiding desperate behavior.

12. Family and Friends: Nurture Bonds That Endure

We all have debts of conscience to pay, and some have nothing to do with mortgages or money.

Beyond Romance: The Importance of Other Relationships. The book emphasizes that relationships with family and friends are just as important, if not more so, than romantic relationships. It encourages readers to nurture these bonds and to prioritize meaningful connections.

Reconnecting and Making Amends. The book stresses the importance of resolving past conflicts and healing old wounds with loved ones. It encourages readers to take the initiative to reconnect with family members and to express their love and gratitude before it's too late.

Passing the Torch: A Legacy of Wisdom. The book concludes with a call to action, urging older women to share their wisdom and experiences with younger generations. It encourages readers to embrace their role as mentors and to pass on the torch of knowledge and empowerment.

Last updated: February 28, 2025