October 28th, 2009 by Jim Donovan
Don’t Let An Old Person Move Into Your Body:
How To Make The Rest of Your Life, the Best of Your Life
by Jim Donovan
reviewed by Edie Weinstein-Moser
As Jim Donovan welcomes his fifth ‘baby’ into the world of words, ironically, it is geared toward those who are chronologically at the other end of the life spectrum. All that being said, “Don’t Let An Old Person Move Into Your Body” has universal appeal, regardless of whether you are pre, post, or way past baby boomer generation. The subtitle is alluring as well, since those of us in the 50 plus range were fed the belief that as we age, we dry up physically, emotionally, mentally and sexually. Donovan aptly demonstrates, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. In his first three books, he speaks of the dramatic turnaround his life took, from homeless and hopeless to revitalization and creating the life of his deepest dreams. A boomer himself, Donovan expands the vision to assist those who may have given up on their dreams.
From the outset, he challenges the myths related to aging including those which claim that deterioration is a necessary part of the aging process and that we can only enjoy life after years of hard work, scrimping and saving and then ultimately retiring,
Donovan offers inspiring suggestions such as finding a purpose, managing physical well being, tapping into the Law of Attraction, (raising your energetic vibration to call in what it is you desire) using affirmations and vision boards, as well as steering clear of people who are unhealthy role models (he uses the delightfully evocative term ‘energy vampire’ to describe someone who sucks the life out of you with their negativity).
Chapter titles, that invite the reader to delve into their depths, include:
Redefining Your Purpose and Reigniting Your Passion shares the story of a 63 year old man who left his day job to become a stripper.
Whatsoever You Believe offers up an idea that I use often, called a ‘bridge belief’
that can span the gap between where you are in your life currently and where you
want to be.
You Don’t Have To Eat Dog Food Unless You Want To provides guidance in the
realm of finances, encouraging readers to be astute with regard to their assets and
liabilities, reading the well considered wisdom of Robert Kiyosaki who wrote the ‘
‘Rich Dad’ book series. A powerful quote from Kiyosaki is “Live within your means
and raise your means”.
A consummate word-smith, Donovan also suggests tried and true interventions including asking himself in the midst of a challenging situation: “What’s working?” as in what it is that he can find that is beneficial rather than detrimental. He practices what he preaches by providing himself with ‘extraordinary care days’ during which he enjoys what I think of as ‘get to’s’ rather than ‘have to’s’.
This book invites readers to commit to ultimate well being for what could be the most fulfilling times of their lives.
Order here
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October 5th, 2009 by Jim Donovan
Excerpt: Don’t Let an Old Person Move Into Your Body
In my opinion, life is not so much about how long we live, as it is our quality of life for however long we are on this earth. To achieve this, I have created a concept I call “My Health Team.” Rather than put the responsibility for my life in the hands of my doctor, I have chosen to take personal responsibility for it and have assembled a team of health practitioners and advisors. You see, while I believe the medical profession, at least in the United States, is very good at treating illness and excellent at emergency medicine, I feel there is a big difference between not being sick and being healthy.
Many people in our world today might be considered “not sick,” since they have no overt symptoms and are feeling alright. However, that is not to say that they are healthy. While traditional medical doctors, for the most part, are great at helping you if you have an illness, it is not within the scope of their work to treat a well person. For this reason I have assembled my own team of health professionals.
Since I believe the one that is ultimately accountable for my health is me, I have appointed myself captain of my own health team. Depending upon your present level of health and fitness and your beliefs about the subject, your team members will vary from person to person. My own personal team includes, of course, our family doctor, and when necessary, one or more specialists, my dentist, and a doctor who specializes in longevity and preventive medicine.
At various times, my team will include a massage therapist, personal coach, chiropractor, personal trainer, yoga teacher, and various other modalities to help me stay balanced. By employing the concept of a “health team” I am able to maintain the best health possible and continue to improve as time goes on.
In addition to my health team, I eat a reasonably healthy diet and supplement that with a number of vitamins, herbs and some of the cutting edge nutrients like Co-enzyme Q10, a powerful antioxidant.
Stephen Sinatra, M.D., a board-certified cardiologist, a certified bioenergetic psychotherapist, a certified nutrition and anti-aging specialist, and the author of The Sinatra Solution, and co-author of Reverse Heart Disease Now, said that in his research, Co-enzyme Q10 was one of the greatest medical advances of the 20th century for the treatment of heart disease. And suggests what he calls his “Awesome Foursome” for maintaining heart health and treating chronic heart disease: magnesium, CoQ10, L-carnitine and D-ribose.
While they all do different jobs, he says, all support the production of ATP, the high energy molecule that fuels just about every physical activity in our body.
I exercise regularly, and as I said earlier, I’ve been inspired to set a goal of being in the best physical condition I have ever been. The interesting thing about this goal is that I can never reach it. It will keep moving as I approach it. The more fit I become, the more I increase my fitness capacity. This is one goal that I will enjoy never reaching.
One last thought about health and fitness. You may be thinking “I’m getting older; it’s too late for me to get fit.” Studies have shown that regardless of your age when you begin exercising, you can increase your fitness levels dramatically by following a regular exercise regimen. Of course, check with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise or nutritional program.
Excerpt: Don’t Let an Old Person Move Into Your Body
To learn more about Jim Donovan’s “P3″ – Passion, Purpose, Productivity Seminar for your employees, please email
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August 11th, 2009 by Jim Donovan
You may have noticed that I’ve been quiet lately. Some of it has to do with everything I’ve been doing here, like finishing a new book, but it’s also that I’ve been taking time to enjoy the summer, especially now that it’s actually warm here in the northeast US.
If you’ve been reading Jim’s Jems for a while, you may remember a story I wrote titled, “Summertime and the Living is Easy.” It’s here on my blog if you’d like to read it again:
http://tinyurl.com/mecyzq
I’m a big believer in taking time to relax, recharge and renew. This is time we all need to stay balanced and keep our energy and creativity at its peak.
Be sure to give yourself a break from your routine regularly. If at all possible, get away for a vacation or even a quick weekend trip.
If you cannot get away right now, why not give yourself an extraordinary self-care day?
As you may remember, this is a day when you do none of your regular tasks. You just relax, play and pamper yourself. It could be something as simple as taking an afternoon nap. Breaks like these can do wonders for your mental and physical health.
If you’re like me and love what you do, all play and no “work” is no fun either so I’ve been busy here in our home in the woods.
One of the things I’m particularly excited about is the completion of my new book, “Don’t Let an Old Person Move Into Your Body” – How to make the rest of your life the best of your life.
I’ve been writing this book, on and off, for several years but the timing just didn’t seem right until now. A couple of close friends who read an advance copy said it’s the best book I’ve written and they really enjoyed it. I know it’s the most comprehensive, coming in at 182 pages. That’s almost twice the length of my first book. You’ll be hearing more about this new book later on.
Based on the book, I’m instituting a whole new coaching program for baby boomers and people entering a new chapter in their life. If this sounds like you, please email me directly since the Web page is not even ready yet.
Having always been a leading edge techie, I’m excited that my second book, the international best-seller, “
This is Your Life, Not a Dress Rehearsal” is now available from the Apple App store for reading on an iphone or ipod Touch. It’s here:
http://tinyurl.com/lkq4d5
Not to exclude anyone, it’s also available for the Amazon Kindle here:
http://tinyurl.com/kvhj5y
And for fans of my first book, Handbook to a
Happier Life, I’m almost finished with a sequel titled, “52 Ways to a Happier Life,” which will be available shortly.
As I said, I haven’t been totally idle:-)
Be sure to follow me on Twitter and “friend” me on Faceboook (mention Jim’s Jems).
Enjoy the remaining days of summer. Be happy, be safe and be well.
Blessings,
Jim Donovan
PS. If you’re in the vicinity of Easton, PA, my friend, Joe Paretta and I are holding a fr*e financial seminar on September 17th at 7:00 PM, at “TranquiliTea” at 106 Fourth Street, Easton, PA.
You may have noticed that I’ve been quiet lately. Some of it has to do with everything I’ve been doing here, like finishing a new book, but it’s also that I’ve been taking time to enjoy the summer, especially now that it’s actually warm here in the northeast US.
If you’ve been reading Jim’s Jems for a while, you may remember a story I wrote titled, “Summertime and the Living is Easy.” It’s below if you’d like to read it again
I’m a big believer in taking time to relax, recharge and renew. This is time we all need to stay balanced and keep our energy and creativity at its peak.
Be sure to give yourself a break from your routine regularly. If at all possible, get away for a vacation or even a quick weekend trip.
If you cannot get away right now, why not give yourself an extraordinary self-care day?
As you may remember, this is a day when you do none of your regular tasks. You just relax, play and pamper yourself. It could be something as simple as taking an afternoon nap. Breaks like these can do wonders for your mental and physical health.
If you’re like me and love what you do, all play and no “work” is no fun either so I’ve been busy here in our home in the woods.
One of the things I’m particularly excited about is the completion of my new book, Don’t Let an Old Person Move Into Your Body – How to make the rest of your life the best of your life.
I’ve been writing this book, on and off, for several years but the timing just didn’t seem right until now. A couple of close friends who read an advance copy said it’s the best book I’ve written and they really enjoyed it. I know it’s the most comprehensive, coming in at 182 pages. That’s almost twice the length of my first book. You’ll be hearing more about this new book later on.
Based on the book, I’m instituting a whole new coaching program for baby boomers and people entering a new chapter in their life. If this sounds like you, take a look here.
Having always been a leading edge techie, I’m excited that my second book, the international best-seller, This is Your Life, Not a Dress Rehearsal is now available here from the Apple App store for reading on an iphone or ipod Touch.
Not to exclude anyone, it’s also available here for the Amazon Kindle.
And for fans of my first book, Handbook to a Happier Life, I’m almost finished with a sequel titled, 52 Ways to a Happier Life, which will be available shortly.
As I said, I haven’t been totally idle:-)
Enjoy the remaining days of summer. Be happy, be safe and be well.
PS. If you’re in the vicinity of Easton, PA, my friend, Joe Paretta and I are holding a free financial seminar on September 17th at 7:00 PM, at TranquiliTea House at 106 Fourth Street, Easton, PA.
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March 19th, 2009 by Jim Donovan
As the title of one of my books points out, “This is your life, not a dress rehearsal.” You deserve the best life has to offer.
This means having a life where you feel safe in your own home. A life where you are treated well and respected by others. A life that is free from the things you do not wish to experience.
In the filed of professional coaching, there is something called Tolerations. These are the things that, for whatever reason, you tolerate in your life. Sometimes, they’re minor inconveniences like a friend who’s always late for appointments.
Sometimes, people tolerate serious things like physical or emotional abuse. You do not have to tolerate that which you do not want or have in your life.
Take some time to look at your life as it is right now. What are you tolerating that you’d rather be rid of? Do you tolerate friends who constantly put you down? Why? Why not surround yourself with people who will support you in your endeavors, whatever they may be. After all, it’s your life, isn’t it?
Do you tolerate a boss who treats you poorly? No one should have to put up with disrespect. Maybe you should have a talk with this person and let them know how you feel. Perhaps, it’s time to look for another position or a career change.
Do you tolerate an abusive parent, spouse or child? Don’t! Go and get some help before it’s too late.
What about your home? Are you tolerating a dirty, cluttered environment when what you really want is a clean, uncluttered one? Change it! Do you tolerate an automobile that runs poorly or is unsafe? Have it fixed!.
What are you tolerating in your health? Do you tolerate being overweight and in poor health when you’d really rather be healthy & fit? You’re in control you know. It’s your life and it’s up to you to make it what you want it to be. Tolerate nothing. You are in control. This is your life, not a dress rehearsal.
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March 15th, 2009 by Jim Donovan
How many times have you said, “All I want is to be happy?” So many of us get caught up in looking outside of ourselves for happiness when, in fact, happiness is something that you can choose at any time. The old saying “Happiness is an inside job” does not refer to working indoors. It means that it is we who choose whether or not we are happy.
Our society has, in the past, been obsessed with using “things” in a never ending attempt to find happiness only to realize that it does not work.
Most of us just want to be happy. A Course In Miracles, says that not only should you be happy but that you should make yourself happy.
In any given situation, you can choose how you represent what is taking place. You can give away your power and let outside circumstances take away your happiness or you can claim your God given birthright to be happy and at peace, regardless of what is going on around you.
Think about it. How many times have you become unhappy because of something completely out of your control? How many times have you let other people’s opinions of you control how you feel?
There was a time in my life when I thought that if I just bought enough “stuff”, I would be happy. I thought a new car or a better stereo or bigger house would make me happy. I used to look to other people to provide the happiness that was lacking in my life.
When all of that did not work and I was still not happy with myself, I was devastated. I now realize that all the material things in the world and all the other people in the world cannot, of themselves, make me happy. Only I can do that and the good part is that it does not take anything outside of myself.
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February 20th, 2009 by Jim Donovan
That’s right, these three amazing women, Carrie Wilkerson, Kathleen Gage and Mari Smith are just three of the women that make up the “Dynamic Divas series.
A while back, I wanted to do something really “out of the box.”
While lots of people have produced information series with groups of experts, this is the first program to tap into the expertise and knowledge available from an amazing group of women.
There’s way too much to explain here, so I’m asking you to take a look at the site and see this awesome group for yourself.
PS. If you hurry, you can still take advantage of the introductory offer.
PPS. For you guys reading this, it’s not just for women.
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January 30th, 2009 by Jim Donovan
Several years ago my wife, Georgia, and I began the practice of making a “looking forward to” list at the start of the new year. This is different from my list of goals in that it typically has all kinds of things on it. Obviously, we list the big things like any vacations we’re planning but we also list things we might enjoy doing on a weekend or an evening out.
For example, in addition to a vacation this year to Alaska, someplace I’ve always wanted to see, we’ll list “everyday” activities like seeing specific movies, visiting a museum or going to particular restaurants.
Once of the things we’ve noticed since adopting the practice of making a looking forward to list is that we do more. We went from hardly ever going to the movies, for no particular reason, to attending 12 or 15 movies a year.
Having our list eliminates the dialog many couples have of asking, “What do you want to do dear?” and hearing, “I don’t know, what do you want to do?” It always reminds me of the movie “Marty” where the characters go through this routine throughout the movie.
When faced with trying to decide what we want to do on a given day off we can always pick something from our list. Another version of this is to make a list of everything you want to do before you leave the planet, however, for obvious reasons, I’m not as fond of that idea.
I recently met a woman who said she had almost finished her “bucket” list, from the movie of the same name. “What will you do then?” I asked her. “I guess I’ll just die,” was her response. Personally, I’d rather just keep a list of what I’m looking forward to.
Something else you may enjoy is an activity I learned at a live seminar given by my friend, Terri Levine. Terri suggested we look back to our youth and think about some of the things we used to enjoy doing but, for whatever, reason, are no longer engaged in. For example, when was the last time you went ice skating? For me it’s been years even though, as a teenager, I throughly enjoyed it.
What are some of the things you used to enjoy that you may like doing again?
What’s stopping you?
Caution: If you’re older, remember to start slowly and, in some cases, get a physical checkup before starting any strenuous activity.
Even though LaCrosse is usually associated with youth, my friend, Ski, plays with a group of older guys appropriately named the “Old Dogs.” Yes you can still play but you’re gonna feel the pain:-)
Remember, it’s never too late to have a happy childhood.
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December 15th, 2008 by Jim Donovan
There’s an old saying, Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish ; and you have fed him for a lifetime.
With the holiday’s upon us we have an opportunity to put this idea into practice.
I’m not suggesting you not give gifts, just that you consider including the type of gifts that can “Teach a person to fish.”
Along with the usual gifts, why not include the kinds of items that can have a real and lasting impact on someone’s life?
Books, audio programs, videos, seminars, coaching programs and the like are gifts that can have a positive impact a person’s life forever.
I know how important this is.
Reading self-help and listening to personal development audio programs transformed my life from one of desperation to a life beyond anything I ever expected. And they continue to do so today.
One of the major contributors to the achievements and successes I enjoy today is the fact that I have developed the habit of reading inspiring books and listening to personal development programs regularly.
With so many people uncertain about the economy, job losses mounting and financial news worsening each day, I want to make a special offer on what I believe is an ideal Holiday gift.
I have 14 copies of the CD version of my Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck audio program remaining. These are the one’s in the big vinyl binder.
When they’re gone, I will be changing the packaging to something smaller.
Since they make an impressive looking gift, not to mention the life changing information they contain, I want to offer you the chance to order one or more at a special “clearance” price.
If you want to give the gift that will keep on giving, long after the tree is taken down, go here.
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November 10th, 2008 by Jim Donovan
Writing a post for my friend, Kevin Puls, site “For-the-Troops,” got me thinking about my time in the Army.
As I stepped off the plane in Seoul, Korea I experienced an immediate culture shock. Prior to landing in Korea, my world travel consisted of a trip to South Carolina, Fort Jackson to be exact, and passing through Seattle on my way to report in at Ft. Lewis, Washington for my flight to Seoul.
Up until that point, most of my life had been spent in New York City and nearby New Jersey. Having spent most of my enlistment at Fort Monmouth, I was quite content to stay there so being sent to Korea was unsettling, to say the least.
You can read more of my views of being stationed in Korea and witnessing the historic release of the crew of the USS Pueblo here.
Below are some photos – then and now.
Please take a minute to think of all the men and women serving in our military and all those who have given their life for their country. Perhaps, one day, we will move past killing one another and their sacrifice will not be necessary.
American Forces Korea Network (AFKN TV), Seoul, Korea
Radio control room at AFKN (American Forces Korea Network), Seoul. Yes, I was that young once:-)
It was not the 4 Seasons but it was home for 12 months. This is where me and 11 others called home, heated by a kerosine stove that went out about 3 AM. Made for chilly mornings. Of course, going outside to the latrine to shower didn’t help either:-)
Riding north over the Imjin River bridge on our way to cover the release of the crew of the USS Pueblo. A few days I’ll never forget.
Now, back to the present. It’s nice to be able to look back and only remember the good times.
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October 21st, 2008 by Jim Donovan
The field of personal development and lost one of our true greats last week, with the passing of my friend, Charlie “Tremendous” Jones on October 16th.
He was, in my opinion, a truly amazing man who contributed greatly to the betterment of humanity and he will be missed by anyone who had the pleasure to know him.
Several years ago, I had the distinct pleasure of spending an evening with Charlie, near his home in Mechanicsburg, PA. At the time, his company, Executive Books, had sold a significant number of copies of my book, This is Your life, Not a Dress Rehearsal and, during a phone call, I mentioned it would be great to meet him “some day.”
He responded by inviting me to come out there to have dinner with him the following week. After talking over dinner for a while, he invited me to come back to his home with him where I was to spend a remarkable evening with an even more remarkable man.
Once I had seen his vast collection of books, some of which dated back to Revolutionary times and many signed first editions of self-help classics, we walked around his property. Charlie dedicated his life to, in his words, “Changing the world, one book at a time,” and his collection of books would have filled a small library.
On his country property is part of a carnival and a building that is decorated for Christmas all year round. As we sat, singing Christmas Carols in July, he explained the reason for the decorations. On weekends he would invite children from the orphanage in nearby Reading, Pa. to come and spend time there.
When I asked why, he replied, “So that they will remember that there was one day in their life that someone loved them.” That, in my opinion, is the essence of Charlie Tremendous Jones. He was a man whose heart was bigger than even his towering stature and I, for one, will miss him.
As the hour started to become late, this amazing man, at the time near 80 years of age, said to me, “I’d love to keep taking, Jim, but it’s getting late and I have to fly to Romania tomorrow to give a seminar.”
His selfless dedication to his life’s purpose and the magnificant contribution he made to the world is why I am honored to call Charles Edward Jones my friend. May he rest in peace.
Information about his Homecoming Celebration and ongoing details can be found here.
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