Staying socially active as we age is as important as staying physically active. As my career is nearing retirement, opportunities to socialize will fizzle. Instead, they are abounding with opportunities to meet up with other like-minded women as a member of the Forever Fierce group.  And today, I want to explain how that came to be.

We all know Instagram is the go-to visual storytelling platform and inspiration platform. I took the Instagram plunge in 2012 with a cute photo of my daughter, Channing. That was just my comfort level then, but little did I know that ladies my age were already embracing and connecting to the platform.

Around that time, I realized there was a void in the arena for advanced women who talked about aging gracefully—living in good health while being fashionable. This inspired my blog, The Age of Grace, which began in January 2013.

But let’s return to how my virtual connections became real in New York City.  Some people you admire from afar, whether through how they support my blog, because of their faith, or their sense of style.

Lesley Wolman and Eugenia

I first discovered Lesley on Instagram, a singer, actress, nurse, wife, and mother. I even featured her in my Women of Grace series. Lesley lives in California but frequents Manhattan on business trips with her husband or visiting her daughter in college. We’ve tried to meet many times in real life, once in Philly and again when I was in Napa last summer.

We finally had our chance recently. Lesley already had plans to see her daughter’s performance at Steps On Broadway in New York City. We initially agreed to have afternoon tea at Bergdorf’s but decided to have lunch at Lesley’s hotel. We were fortunate Brenda (whom I met last year at the Chico MeetUp) could join us.

After lunch, we headed over to Bloomingdale for some shopping and chit-chatting. I forgot about my discovery when driving to New York City. Some apps help you locate parking near your destination.  If you pre-pay, it’s about one-half the price it usually costs. I found a parking space less than one minute from the hotel.

I say all of this to say that it’s healthy to socialize at any age. It’s good for stimulating your mind to meet new people and travel to unexplored places. Lesley, it was fabulous to meet you finally. Brenda, it’s always a treat to see you.

Thank you for reading.  Have a wonderful week.

p.s.  Thank you to Lesley’s husband, Jeff, who took our photos, and my daughter, Channing, for the pics in front of a brownstone in Harlem.