My Blog Circle:

• Dr. Dorree Lynn

Disarming, charming, enthralling, and dynamic are all words that have been used to describe Dr. Dorree Lynn. A powerhouse personality coupled with vast professional expertise, she is the voice of a generation. Offering sage wisdom – often delivered with wicked wit – that is both timely and timeless, she is the speaker and media expert of choice. Among the many facets of Dr. Dorree:

Dr. Dorree has been featured & quoted in various magazines and newspapers such as:

Newsweek Time
Health
US Magazine
Parenting Magazine
Ladies Home Journal
Glamour
Marie Claire
New York Times
The Washington Post
USA Today
Los Angeles Times
Money Magazine
CBS Market Watch
Newsday
More
Men’s Health
Cosmopolitan

A well-known speaker on the lecture circuit, Dr. Lynn is noted for provocative, informative presentations salted with wisdom and peppered with humor. She has spoken to various groups including the National Education Association, the Public Relations Council, John Hopkins University, American University, the Well Spouse Association, The American News Women’s Club and the American Association of Political Consultants. She has traveled extensively as a consultant to hospitals as far away as Pune, India, universities, and corporations, and serves on the executive board of Arts for the Aging (AFTA). She also served on the board of the American Academy of Psychotherapists for many years and was a member of the editorial board of their publication, Voices. In addition to FiftyandFurthermore.com, Dr. Lynn writes for many other respected websites and publications including Grand Magazine, Be Fabulous Magazine, VibrantNation.com, YourTango.com and her own column, “Between the Sheets” in DC’s popular newspaper The Georgetowner.

How did you get to where you are now?

Although I have multiple degrees and a satisfying career, in fact several careers, the best way I would describe how I've gotten to where I am now is through a series of paths not taken, paths sometimes well honed and the willingness to pick myself up when I have fallen down.  The specifics of my personal life journey seem less important to me than my overall value system.  I've also always reached out to others to help, thus my motto, "Life is too hard to do alone---Reach out".

How do you see yourself differently now than you did 10 years ago?

Ten years ago, I had a clearer concept of age.  Today, I don’t go by the numbers. I calculate my age by looking behind me at those who may be younger and saying “been there, done that,” and looking ahead and saying “I’m not there yet". Calculating my age by life stage make tons more sense than years. 

Ten years ago, I never bargained for the fact that I get tired (which I still have not come to terms with) nor did I ever expect to have the wisdom I believe I've gained.  Speaking out, teaching and mentoring are more important to me now than they were ten years ago. And, of course forever learning.To my surprise I didn't expect to become an author. it's taking a life time of knowledge and reaching a broader audience. I get so much wonderful stuff back.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I want to continue to grow into a voice for positive aging, honest relationships and genuine intimacy: eliminating the myths, and revealing the truth, lies and must-tries for sex in our bonus years.  I am aware that all of this is dependent on that most fragile of unknowns, health. That factor scares me.  I hope to have the closeness of family, friends, community including a community that I don't personally know.  I hope that my inner beauty, spirituality and most authenticity will integrate and grow.

Be thoughtful.  Take more risks.  Be courageous.  Look back to learn but not to blame yourself.  The future is always an unknown adventure.  When I was young, I thought getting old was the end of the world.  Now, I feel like Christopher Columbus on a voyage of new discovery.

Whew! So many and varied...ranging from Ram Dass to Lolo Sarnoff, who founded a still burgeoning organization (AFTA) at the age of 72; Lolo is now 94.  Other role models include women and men a decade or two older than myself.  I watch and learn and incorporate what I believe they have done well that suits me and eliminate the aspects that are not comensurate with my own personality, abilities and skill sets.  My mentors vary from those who are pragmatic to spiritual to passionate and quirky. I've  especially admired those who have been willing to forge their own path.