A Few Life Lessons with Joan Lunden
Joan Lunden has just about done it all! Along the way, she’s picked up many valuable lessons about life and aging and compiled them in one book: Why Did I Come Into This Room? A Candid Conversation About Aging. Here are a few!
Celebrity Senior Citizen.
Aging can be challenging, but it can be even more difficult as a recognizable public figure. In the public eye, the scrutiny surrounding Boomer women is more intense.
How Old Am I Really?
Age is just a state of mind! There are cultures across the world that do not place the same emphasis on “age” that we do here in the United States. Joan asks us, how old would you be if you didn’t have to live by the numbers? You are only as old as you feel!
There Is a Senior Care Crisis In Our Country.
Joan is not only a journalist, author, and motivational speaker but also an advocate! Joan is part of a group fighting for family medical leave. Did you know that the United States is one of only two countries that does not guarantee support for families dealing with medical challenges? Joan came to this work through a personal connection when her mom’s health was declining, and she was suffering from dementia.
Can We Really “Have It All?”
Joan knows quite a bit about balancing career and family! As a mother of seven, Joan was able to maintain a flourishing career and manages to make it to her children’s soccer games. It doesn’t come easy; Joan explains that priorities and organization are essential. Realistically, you can’t do it all, and that is why making sure that you know what your priorities are, is essential. You are capable of doing what works for you and not being overwhelmed if you stay focused and intentional.
Just Say Yes!
Early on in Joan’s career, she was not getting the pay and opportunities she wanted. By saying “Yes!” she was able to build trust and her resume. Joan ended up doing everything from traveling to countless countries to dressing up as a Vegas Showgirl, but confronting her fears and always saying yes put Joan on the map.
Women Must Seize Every Opportunity.
The gender pay gap is very real! Women only make 79% of what men make. Fighting this discrimination is difficult, no matter what industry you are in. For Joan, building her career meant always saying, “Yes!” From dancing with Vegas showgirls to repelling a building with the special forces, Joan took on every opportunity. Women have to remember not to count themselves out too early or fear they are “too old” for something and just go for it!
Having It All Means Having Priorities And Staying Organized.
Women are not only making moves in the workplace, but also maintain the bulk of the duties at home. Realistically we can’t really have it all, which is why having priorities is so important. We have to be intentional with our time and decisions and know what works best for our schedules and our families.
Our Parents Can Be Our Best Role Models.
One of Joan’s earliest lessons about finances came from her father, a valuable lesson on appreciation and depreciation. Joan’s mother inspired her to see women as independent and financially adept. When Joan’s father was unable to continue to manage his businesses as an entrepreneur, her mother boldly stepped up and kept the family afloat. Watching her parents inspired Joan to see the world a little differently.