Lost your zest? Get it back!

Lost Your Zest? Get It Back! Many years ago, I heard a sermon that focused on attitude. The part I especially remember dealt with how a person can greet a new day. One can say: “Good God! Morning! or “Good morning, God!” The latter appealed to me as a solid expression of a certain zest for life. Until then, I hadn’t thought about whether this quality was apparent in my own life. Since then, I have become more aware of its presence, not only in my life but in the world at large. Unlike patience, perseverance, and empathy, zest does not depend upon certain circumstances to induce it. It is free-form and uninhibited; suited to every moment and purpose. It is the “how” of intense, vigorous pursuit of what is at hand: challenging the uncharted sea or simply smelling the roses. Zest is the hallmark of athletes and mystics; prophets and politicians. It deals with the manner and intensity in which things are done. It is not confined to any particular ethnic group. Yet, there are groups who exhibit it with a particular flair. Consider the Greeks and their wild plate- smashing spectacles at a party. Plate-smashing for them is a fine indicator that a good time was had by all. Have you ever watched Polish youth as they stomp and shout through their endless polkas? Such revelry! Such gusto! Such zest! Religion and history are studded with personalities who displayed zest. You can work your way through the Old Testament and David with his marvelous psalms to St. Francis of Assisi with his passionate Canticle to Brother Sun and find zest. Alexander the Great ruled with it. And what about the Vikings and Columbus? Surely they explored with it. Our Pilgrim Fathers, Revolutionary heroes, and western pioneers fashioned our country in a spirit of zest and passion for life. Zest can be readily identified in theatrical productions. Who can forget the brawny, lusty Zorba in Zorba the Greek or Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof with his rendition of “To Life”? The relish for life comes through in the paintings of such masters as Delacroix and Toulouse-Lautrec. Their style, color, and subject matter reflect a keen enjoyment of what they observed and perceived. One’s spiritual life can be lived with zest as well. That venerable Benedictine monk, Dom Hubert Van Zeller, had the formula for it in his book, We Die Standing Up. Sports and zest are easily correlated. We see it on the tennis courts, on the football fields, and across the land with countless Little League players. There is a myriad of musical compositions that must be played with zest: Italian tarantellas, Jewish horas, national anthems, and military marches. The Madison Avenue guys and gals have cornered the market and popularized it in their commercials. The Pepsi generation drinks with it; Old Milwaukee Beer fans go whaling with it; and odor-conscious people shower with it. Life without zest is drab and uninviting; with it, satisfying and colorful. Those persons who cultivate it are blessed with gratification in all that can be felt and accomplished in the daily celebration of life.

Litany of Elegance ~ dedicated to women over forty

Litany of Elegance Blessed is the woman who affirms herself each day Blessed is the woman who believes that beauty comes from within. Blessed is the woman who challenges media stereotypes of aging. Blessed is the woman who dares to try something new after fifty. Blessed is the woman who envisions change as an opportunity. Blessed is the woman who focuses on the “bigger picture” - not just herself. Blessed is the woman who grants herself permission to make mistakes. Blessed is the woman who handles adversity with dignity and grace. Blessed is the woman who initiates dialogue with her younger counterparts. Blessed is the woman who joins a group trying to make a difference. Blessed is the woman who knows the difference between aggression and assertiveness. Blessed is the woman who learns the difference between sex and love. Blessed is the woman who manages her money wisely. Blessed is the woman who nurtures the young with her wisdom and experience. Blessed is the woman who opens her heart to the less fortunate. Blessed is the woman who prioritizes her needs with integrity. Blessed is the woman who questions The Establishment when she sees immorality. Blessed is the woman who relishes her role as mentor and legacy leader. Blessed is the woman who speaks with quiet authority. Blessed is the woman who trusts her instincts on when to act. Blessed is the woman who understands that aging gracefully is something to be proud of. Blessed is the woman who values her own worth. Blessed is the woman who wears her silver hair and wrinkles like a badge of honor. Blessed is the woman who opts to X out negative thinking. Blessed is the woman who yearns for that which is substantial and not superficial. Blessed is the woman who zeroes in on the qualities that will help her become … A Woman of Elegance ~~ Chloe Jon Paul