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  “Mother, May I?” was a game we played as kids that we also played with our children. It reflected how we raised them. They had to ask our permission to perform certain tasks. It kept them safe and taught them values and manners. Then, they grew up and no longer had to ask our permission to do (almost) anything—May I bungee jump? We’d rather not if you want our opinion, we might have said. Might I go on an exotic trip? Yes, may we tag along? Is it okay if I move in with my girlfriend? Are you serious,...

  As we’ve aged, the two of us have found ourselves getting more stuck at times in making decisions, including very important ones. To improve our ability to do so, we look for answers and signs. And recently, we discovered an exercise that we think will give everyone who participates a boost to prioritize. Consider trying it, if you find yourself in a similar situation. We’ve borrowed it from George Kinder, an author, thought leader, and life-planning pioneer who has been at the forefront of the financial services industry (www.georgekinder.com) through his Kinder Institute of Life Planning. He’s also trained thousands...

 We’d like to start a Smile Project. Remember the song: “When You’re Smiling, The Whole World Smiles With You.”  A smile can be like a warm blanket or a familiar song. It’s amazing the effect it can have on you, personally, and on those with whom we interact.  How and when to smile might take some practice, but it’s so worth it. Physically, a smile lifts the face and can, temporarily, smooth away wrinkles in your aging face. Equally important, a smile makes you approachable. It exudes friendliness and charm. It makes the other person see your warmth and feel...

We’re not getting younger. Heed this truism: Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Time is ticking away. Live in the moment: Grab onto happiness  There are places to visit, meals to eat, sights not to miss. Occasions to attend. New people to meet. Dates to go on and, ugh!, homes to clean, bills to pay and taxes to prepare and pay. Children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews with whom to spend time. Get that annual checkup; don’t put it off. If something’s wrong, find out in the early stage. Visit your dentist at least twice a year....

You have a CT scan for a broken pelvis. The radiologist sees a suspicious spot on an ovary. More tests are ordered. The results are not what you hoped to hear. But nothing is conclusive “until we go in and look or biopsy,” the doctor says. More anxiety while you wait. Afterward, he suggests immediate surgery to have all your parts removed. What! You’re in shock.  Do you listen blindly? Nod yes and say, “Whatever you suggest doctor; you’re the boss.” Some of us had parents who never questioned a doctor’s opinion. Our generation is a bit more educated and...