You probably didn’t know this, but I recently turned 50—on July 26, to be exact. And while I don’t feel 50 in my mind, in my body I’m definitely starting to feel it a bit! 50 is an interesting age: a watershed moment when many people re-evaluate their lives. Over the last few years, I’ve started paying more attention to how different people deal with this important transition in life. I’ve noticed that people generally make one of two choices when it comes to middle age. When you enter this period of life, you stand before two objects: a ladder and a recliner. You have the choice of whether you are going to sit down in the recliner and focus on being comfortable … or whether you’re going to accept the challenge to keep climbing up the ladder of personal success. Most people choose the recliner. At this point in life, many people are tired, beaten down from life, and have no interest in new challenges. So they sit down in the recliner with no intention to grow and learn as a person. On the other hand, a much smaller percentage of people realize that life isn’t about being comfortable. It’s about growing into your full potential and using the challenges of life to propel you to new heights. So instead of turning away from the challenges and checking out of life, they take a good, long look at the ladder … and they start climbing. Which brings me to my guest on this episode, my friend Laura Venecia Rodriguez. Laura is an author, researcher, and speaker dedicated to helping individuals over 50 regain or discover their mojo and “shine” with renewed purpose and passion after reaching an impasse or experiencing a major upheaval or change in their lives. She shares information on ancient and contemporary tips, techniques, and wisdom that enhance the body, mind, and spirit. You can find her inspiration and wisdom in her weekly newsletter, “Shine After 50:  Regain Your Sparkle” as well as her “Shine After 50” Youtube channel. Laura is also the author of Gentle Yoga After 50: Get Fit, Flexible, and Feel Fantastic!, where you’ll learn information and insights about yoga that Laura has learned since starting yoga at age 15. You can find out more about Laura and her writing at her website, https://shineafter50.com. I’ve asked Laura to be a guest on today’s episode to especially help those of us 50 or older (or who are approaching that age) to understand what we can better to shine and succeed as writers. You’ll learn about some of the key challenges we face in this period of life, how to navigate life transitions, lots of insights about how yoga can help you be more healthy and centered, and much more.