Well Wisdom Years + Stress Reduction Series - Joy Is Attitudinal—An Attitude We Get To Choose

One of the greatest revelations of my life is this:

Joy is attitudinal. It’s not situational.

It doesn’t wait for perfect circumstances, a balanced calendar, or everyone around you behaving the way you want them to.

Joy is a practice. A way of meeting life as it is.

Holocaust survivor and author Viktor Frankl wrote:

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

This quote lands in me like a truth I already knew, however, I did not live like it was for a very long time. 

Thankfully, now I firmly believe that if he could resource his agency in choosing his attitude—so can we.

Ageless Spirit = Fear in the Back Seat

One thing I know for sure: Our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs are not just mental—they live in the body.

• Thoughts affect hormones.
• Emotions influence inflammation.
• Beliefs impact immunity.
• Self-identity directly impacts our actions.

That’s why I have loved to teach what I call Ageless Living—living in a way where fear doesn’t drive the car.

Yes, fear is part of our humanness. But it belongs in the back seat… not gripping the wheel.

“Growing Older Is Inevitable. Aging Is Optional.”

One of my mentors, neuroscientist Dr. Mario Martinez, studied healthy centenarians worldwide.

He discovered that what they believed about aging had more impact than genetics.

He says:

“Growing older is inevitable. Aging is optional.”

What I have surmised is that he means that aging doesn’t have to mean decline, deterioration, or disconnection. You can age with vitality, joy, curiosity, passion and purpose.

But first—you have to leave a certain club.

Drop Out of the “Ain’t It Awful Club.”

This one comes out of the book “The Success Principles”, written by another mentor, Jack Canfield, and it's a must-read.

Let’s be real: A lot of people bond through complaining.

Aches. Pains. Politics. Drama. Negativity.

Jack calls it the “Ain’t It Awful Club.” And trust me—I was a card-carrying member for years.

But if we want vitality and peace, we have to get honest about who and what we surround ourselves with.

Do your relationships:

• Expand or contract you?
• Inspire or expire you?
• Lift you up—or wear you down?

Your energy is sacred. Protect it.

Gratitude Is a Wellness Tool

I talk about gratitude in every single workshop I teach—for one simple reason:
It works. When I focus on actively seeking good, appreciating the people in my life, and recognizing blessings everywhere, my life fills with love and kindness. 

Additionally, gratitude improves:

• Sleep
• Mood
• Immune function
• Emotional resilience

Each morning, I say “thank you” as soon as my feet hit the floor. Not because everything is perfect—but because it is a gift that many do not get to receive. 

And I love sharing this one: The Appreciation Game

It’s simple:

1. Tell someone something you appreciate about them.
2. They tell you something they appreciate about you.
3. Go back and forth.

Hot tip: If your partner’s mad at you, or in a mood… try this game. 

It rewires our brain toward connection. Why? Because our minds are Velcro for the negative, and Teflon for the positive. We have to practice training our brains toward the light.

 “I’m 92 and I’m Just Getting Started!”

One of my favorite stories is about a woman named Mary. She was 92 years old, dressed to the nines in a fabulous fedora, and when she introduced herself, she said:

“Hi, I’m Mary. I’m 92 years old—and I’m just getting started.”

That’s Ageless Living.

So let me ask you:

What if you could say… regardless of your age “I’m just getting started”?

Try it. Let it land.
You’ll feel the shift.

Your Final Takeaway

Meditation. Mindfulness. Breath. Gratitude. Community.

These aren’t luxuries.
They’re survival tools.
Thriving tools.
Ageless tools.

And my wish for you is not just to survive.

I want you to feel:

• Grounded and centered
• Tuned in and turned on
• Supported by your own peace
• Excited about your future

Because it’s possible.

And you, my love… I believe…

You’re just getting started.

With love and joy,
Liz 💛✨