Reserve Your Ride on the Fun Train

Getting Back on Track for Women 50 and Over

By C.J.

When Coleen Douglas called me and invited me to “get on the fun train” I immediately called Noreen Santaluce, my journalist mentor, to join me in finding out what Coleen had up her sleeve. In the true Lois Lane style we cut through the chase to get the whole story. Noreen is always fascinated with how people get their great ideas. I’m wondering what other people do for fun when there’s a moratorium on sprinkler systems? Between us we have a lot of questions.

As a life coach Coleen experienced lots of situations where the cycle of life had left many of her clients with a void in the joy factor. Recognizing that this wasn’t an unusual dilemma, she decided to meet it face to face. Some say that life happens when you are making other plans. Coleen says plan your life for meaning, balance and fun.

With an MA in organizational development and a background in medical advocacy Coleen is well equipped to listen deeply and support her clients with practical action-oriented guidance. She offers one-on-one sessions as well as group gatherings. Additionally, she’s a drummer and singer. Music brings a spiritual essence that enhances her own life journey while enriching groups’ experiences.

She developed her uplifting class called GET ON THE FUN TRAIN! for women 50 and over who may have been diverted from their social lives while taking care of others, and losing track of their own social needs and connections. Beyond that reality, consider that change is always in the mix. The ebb and flow of seasons is quite different as we progress through the decades. For instance — as a child turning on a sprinkler in your front yard was a spontaneous and open invitation that was always accepted.

Some of the happenings in life that disconnect us from our joy factor are basic, as Coleen reminds us, stuff happens. Friends and relatives that we have enjoyed being with move away. Medical challenges of our own or our loved ones require our assistance and time. If we are still in the midst of our careers, whether as employees or entrepreneurs, our calendar gets pretty darn full. Even when there are celebrations going on and moments of pure delight, it’s a good idea to make fun a dedicated calendar entry.

Coach Coleen is real aware that “action is alchemy,” and the little steps she introduces in her workshops and as homework will stir up each persons fun factors. Though it’s individual and autonomous, once one participant sparks the joy factor there’s a ripple effect. In the group setting everyone’s ideas and definitions of fun become a catalyst for positivity that is contagious. With one-on-one clients the possibilities are endless when they communicate with their own families and friends about their new fun destination.

Getting a boost to activate your fun meter is like going to a fine buffet. There’s a lot to taste and share.

Register for the July 2015 “Get on the Fun Train” class through Capitola Parks and Recreation to be held on five 5 Wednesdays, July 1-29, 1:00-2:30 p.m., at the Capitola Community Center, 4400 Jade St, Capitola. Cost is $79 resident/$93 non-resident, with an additional 10% discount for women 62 years and above.

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For more information visit: www.cityofcaptola/recreation/page/recreation-classes or contact www.coleendouglas.com or call 831 325 7917