100 Things I'm Not Going to Do Now That I'm Over 50

Wendy Reid Crisp

Wendy Reid Crisp reminds us older folks that we can now do what we please. By the time we're past 50, we've worked at jobs, cared for families, lived in society - all usually conforming to society's rules. Although this short, fun book is aimed at women, men can benefit as well.

"I'm not going to:
accept the label 'senior citizen';
call only when the rates are low;
drive boxy blue and gray cars;
countenance BS."

This is a small sample (4%) of all the things she isn't going to do. She gives a brief reason why she isn't going to do each thing. For example, she isn't going to "write down anything she doesn't want read in court" and reminds the reader that includes online writing as well. In the electronic age, it's easier for our wrong, hurtful, or embarrassing words to be out there for anyone to see.

Some of Crisp's observations makes the reader laugh at loud - if for no other reason that it's easy to see oneself in her words. Others are poignant. And some are self declarations - such as she's not going to hug little children any more. She doesn't want to feel like she has to hug everyone's children because it's expected.

100 Things I'm Not Going to Do Now That I'm Over 50 is a great little wisdom book. It can be read quickly. But then, go back and read it again leisurely. Flip through the pages and choose a couple. You'll find that you can agree and also stop doing whatever it is. Or you can choose not to agree. I have to hug little children - I can't help myself, especially my granddaughters. Even when you don't agree, you can respect her position.

You don't have to keep doing what "the other guy" expects you to do. By the time you're 50, you can do as you please. Ask Wendy Reid Crisp.