How I Live My Life With Positive Intention

By Judith Gelman –

I am 51 and in the best shape of my life, not only fitness wise, but spiritually, health and wisdom wise. I know this will be the best time of my life.

I have come to realize that the most important things in life are being kind and loving to yourself which transforms into being kind and loving towards others. Living a life of passion and positive intentions, will bring inner peace and happiness. I hope to make an impact in my small way by inspiring other women of my age that life can start at 50+!

My road hasn’t always been easy or direct but I have leaned that all things in life happen for a reason and it is all in how we view life’s situations. There may be times of pain and hardship but it is learning to grow positively from each situation that shapes us as spiritual beings.

I grew up a military and civil service brat (my father retired from the Air Force and then became an Air traffic Controller from which he later retired). Due to my father’s careers, I moved about 13 times before graduating high school. This taught me the ability to adapt to new situations. I graduated from college and worked as a Parole Officer for the state of Georgia for a few years. I then joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a Special Agent in 1989 and was assigned to our New Orleans Division for 3 years and then transferred to the Los Angeles Division where I have been for the last 20 years. I guess I take after my father by serving my country! My entire adult life has been spent not only in serving my country but serving my country in those professions that are mostly dominated by males. When first joining the FBI, the female population was about 10% and now, 23 years later, it is about 20%. I have thoroughly enjoyed my career and feel very proud that as a woman, I can do anything! I spent the first 21 years of my career with the FBI working various types of criminal cases. For the past two years, I have been assigned to recruiting which entails giving various types of presentations regarding careers with the FBI. I am constantly in the public eye and very much “on stage” representing the Federal Government. I see my position as a recruiter as an opportunity to encourage others, and particularly young women, that they can pursue their dreams and nothing is impossible. Additionally, I also feel that I encourage woman my age and older with the same message – that is in never to late to pursue their dreams and nothing is impossible, even after reaching 50+ years of age! With a kind heart and focused intentions, I believe anything is possible. I believe we are all connected in life and I want to want to leave a positive imprint on others.

Various transformative situations, both painful and happy, have occurred in my life over the last four years.

First, four years ago my father passed away in his sleep due to a heart attack. Then, just last year my mother passed away after battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS – aka: Lou Gehrig’s Disease). From these painful experiences of loss I have learned that we must take care of ourselves both physically and spiritually, and that we must appreciate every single day we have. Furthermore, we need to be nonjudgmental towards ourselves and others, but rather we must treat ourselves and others with kindness and compassion. For, we never truly know what personal trials and tribulations someone else may be facing at any given time. As for me now, I live each day to the fullest and believe in the motto: “Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff”.

As for Health – in the last couple of years I have lost 20 pounds due to eating clean and I strength train at the gym. I have always been physically active, but it wasn’t until I changed my eating habits and focused more on muscle building that things really changed for me physically. The adage: “it is 80% diet and 20% training” is so true! And so by bringing everything (i.e., Mind, Body, and Soul) into focus it allows me to be in healthy balance.

In addition, I married this year to a wonderful, supportive man who also shares in my vision. It is important to surround your self with like minded souls.

I now know and feel that at this point in my life I can have a positive influence on others. I’m often told by others that I am an inspiration to them, and not only because of my fitness level, but also because I am described as positive and passionate individual who believes in living life to its fullest.

I would love to share with all the women out there that they to can do anything they put their mind and heart to! It doesn’t matter what age you are to get fit, healthy and wise! Pursue your passions and follow a path of being caring to yourself and others. The rest will follow.