NextTribe: Proof That Aging Boldly = Better Living

Mama-Mania!

I’m writing this at the airport, before boarding a plane to Italy to begin our Creativity Retreat in Umbria. I’ll be gone the first half of May (after the retreat ends I’ll scout out future destinations in Italy for NextTribe trips.)

That means I’ll miss Mother’s Day. That’s not a problem for me as a mother because my kids are living far from me. And it could have been an issue for my own mom (one of the reasons I moved to Asheville is to be closer to her) except that I’ve had major mother time in the last few weeks—marking her 95th birthday. I know how lucky I am to still have her around, and I count my blessings.

On April 12th, her direct descendants—all 50 of them, including her six children—gathered for a weekend of mom-mania. As all her grandchildren and great grandchildren surrounded her and performed the song she always sang to them as babies—”I Love You a Bushel and Peck” from Guys and Dolls—I leaned in and whispered, “We should all be so lucky.”

Then on April 25th, my two sisters and I threw another party just for her friends. I was astounded by how many pals showed up. My mother has already outlived most of her lifelong friends, but somehow she keeps replenishing. Thirty five women gathered around her to sing Happy Birthday. I leaned in again: “As I said before, we should all be so lucky.”

***

The Big Take Away

Since I founded NextTribe, I’ve always quoted my mother to describe the spirit of what we do. “If you get older without a sense of humor, there’s no hope for you,” she always says.

Lately, she’s updated her prescription: “I think if you don’t laugh 10 times a day, you might as well get a shovel and start digging.” 

She makes a point of getting in her requisite number of laughs a day—hooting at the indignities of aging, at the craziness of the world, at herself—and she inspires happiness and positivity in others, which is why her kids, grandkids and great grandkids wouldn’t miss a chance to celebrate her, and why friends are so drawn to her.

What a rich life she has led (and she seems far from losing steam). Maybe with a bit of her attitude, we can all celebrate a 95th birthday that is even a fraction as full as hers.

We should all be so lucky.

And trust me, I know how lucky I am to have my mother around for so many years, still so vibrant and full of energy.

I know for many of you Mother’s Day is an annual reminder of a painful loss in your life. I read once that grief is a hole that is never filled, you just build your new life around it and try to move on. I hope my story helps you remember the good times, and that you’re lucky enough to have found fulfillment in your chosen families, careers, hobbies, and, if you’re really lucky, traveling to new places with new friends.

***

Don’t Forget: Pack Like a Pro

On NextTribe trips, the conversation often finds its way to packing. What type of bag do you use? How many pairs of shoes did you bring? Check or carry on? 

Based on my completely unscientific research, I guesstimate that 85 percent of NextTribe travelers could use some help with their packing. 

That’s why I’ve written a short book called Pack Like a Pro, which is now available on Amazon. I’d love to help travelers everywhere avoid mistakes, especially the heavy and clunky variety. 

Hugs,

Jeannie R.

Many of our 2024 trips are sold out, here are some that have a few openings left:

• Only 1 spot left on our Scottish Highlands Trip. (June 12-20) with the “Whisky Lassie.”

• 6 spots on our Santa Fe Like You’ve Never Seen It trip (Sept. 24-27).

• 2 spots on our Deluxe San Miguel Dia de Los Muertos. (Oct. 28-Nov. 4).