Between a Rock and a Hot Place: Why Fifty is the New Fifty by Tracey Jackson. Harper. 2011. ISBN 9780061869286 (paperback), 287p.
Tracey Jackson is very much aware that the saying, “Fifty is the new thirty,” is a lie. That’s why her book, Between a Rock and a Hot Place
Jackson addresses menopause, sex drives that aren’t what they used to be, children leaving home, the loss of jobs after the age of fifty, spending money for enjoyment versus having money for retirement. And, she attacks each issue head-on, realistically, but with humor. She’s been there, and, as a writer, she knows how to tell it to us with no punches pulled. It’s a matter of getting on with life without pretending that we still have the bodies and the health we once had.
Here’s the message I liked in Between a Rock and a Hot Place. “This is a very important way to look at yourself as you move forward from fifty on: ‘I do me really well.’ Doing you is all you can do.” She might have been talking about relationships at that point in the book, but face it. The secret to happiness in life is being yourself. “I do me really well.”
Shirley -Unfortunately we don't have control over others decisions. From what I have read, you are in the beginning of your relationship with this man. Although 8 months is time enough to sort through feelings, I'm not sure you should take him exactl
Hello old lady2,and JKL..... my location is 1/4 mile out of Sun River Oregon, Bend is the town. It is a ski, area in the winter, which may or may not be a down side. There are many older people that cross country, ski, and snowmobile. In the win
Loved your poem and will share with my yoga class tonight!
So, what I hear you saying is that this is unacceptable. Be clear and sure. You are not o.k. with this. If he wants this relationship (with you), he has to take down his profile and just be with you---it's always a risk on both sides. Thanks for fill
Love the title of this book and love the “I do me really well” philosophy.
Thanks for this review..will def be checking out tracey jackson
I like that philosophy of “I do me really well,” too. I think it takes most of us at least 50 years to get to that point, though.
Will have to look for this book! I regularly preach to my clients, mostly young mothers, that the important goal is not being perfect, but being a “perfectly good mom,” i.e. the best mom you can be, incorporating all your humanity: strengths and flaws. All we can be is our own best selves, so I LOVE this phrase “I do me really well.” Thanks for calling this book to attention.
You’re welcome, Ann. Had a funny similar conversation today with a co-worker. She was objecting to an email she had about “a lifestyle expert”. She said, “What makes someone a lifestyle expert? I’m the only expert on my lifestyle!” And, she’s right.
Between a Rock and a Hot Place is such a fun title. Going to have to get her book.
I hope you enjoy it, Hawk Lady!
The secret to happiness in life is being yourself. “I do me really well.” Lesa, I love this phrase. Thanks for the tip on this book. I will read it.
I am who I am. I know who I am.
Isn’t that a great comment, Vera? And, I don’t think most of us realize that until we’re in our fifties. It takes time to know who we are and be comfortable with that person.