Well, well, well. I made it to seventy. Who’d da thunk it!
I’ve experienced and learned a lot over the years. Wisdom does come with age, as long as you are agreeable to learning and allowing that education to teach you how to do better and pay it forward.
Most of you know my story, and I am truly grateful to God for the transformation that happened many years ago. I was on the wrong path, but I was willing to learn a better way after a tragedy. I had a choice to make: either pick myself up and do the right thing or wallow in pity and stay on the same track. I had hit rock bottom, so as they say, there was no way to go but up!
Since then, I've gained extensive insights and led a life I never envisioned—one that extends beyond my own needs to serve others. Because of my previous lifestyle, my journey has been marked by compassion and understanding for those feeling hopeless and trapped. For over 40 years, I've built community connections that have allowed me to help those in need. This path has enabled me to work in ministry, establish ministry-focused businesses and programs, and keep serving others through my business even in retirement.
I became an author and keynote
speaker, engaging with small and large audiences in churches, women’s groups,
and ministry programs, among others. Sharing my story and the gospel. I never
imagined I’d be speaking publicly! I used to think my public speaking course in
college was pointless. Being extremely shy at that time, I’m surprised I even
passed the class. Yet, twenty years later, I was delivering my first speaking
engagement and used the knowledge from that course to do it.
To better serve others, I’ve earned
many certifications and taken continuing education classes in social services,
crisis management, and other areas, as well as in business. None of these do I
have a degree in, but I wanted to gain new skills.
I completed a seven-year
college-level Bible study that greatly helped me grow in my faith, thanks to
friends who encouraged me to enroll. It was the best decision I could have
made. I couldn't have written my second book without the knowledge I gained from
that study.
So, what am I getting at here,
folks? This isn’t a brag fest. This is an encouragement for those who feel that
they are no longer useful in their retirement years. If you have made it this
far, you have gained a wealth of information and experiences that need to be
shared. Don’t let that die with you!
·
Keep learning, no matter how old you are.
o
Learn a new skill
§
Take an art class
§
Learn how to write a book
§
Take a course, any course!
·
Figure out your encore.
o
Volunteer & serve
o
Create a Business – like consulting
o
Teach at a college – you are a wealth of
knowledge, share it
o
Write blogs or start a YouTube channel – you
pick the topic! Something you like, for example, sharing recipes, fixing cars,
etc.
·
Make it your duty to help bring up the younger
generations; they need guidance. You’ve heard of ‘it takes a village’! Be a
part of a village!
o
Mentor: how to do life, business, and health
o
Share the gospel, Bible studies, and Sunday
school class
o
Demonstrate:
§
Phone etiquette
§
Table manners
§
What a real conversation looks like
§
Compassion, love for others
§
You won’t die if you put the phone down and
spend real time with someone!
Yes, I’ve learned a lot over the
years. I could fill a book. Maybe there’s a part two coming for my
autobiography. Who knows! All I know is, God is good, I’ve been blessed with
the transformation that took place many years ago, and I know that looking
outside myself and helping others is… a must.
Oh, and chocolate is still a
major food group... ♥ And make that dark chocolate, please!
Debra Lee
Author & Keynote Speaker | “It
Is What It Is…But It Wasn’t A Tragedy” | “Making Wise Choices…the most
important lifestyle to master”
Book found on Amazon
DLBizServices.com | Biz &
Life Coach | Biz Services
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