Would you like to defy the aging process? Would you prefer your mature years to be a time for you to bloom into your full glory? Mary Jaksch joins the show today to discuss how you can reset your life’s clock.
Mary Jaksch is a Zen Master, psychotherapist, author, blogger, expert on personal fitness and aging and mother. Mary has two nationalities, English and German, and currently resides in New Zealand with her partner, David. Mary wrote the books, Learn to Love and Youthful Aging Secrets, and has two active blogs. The Goodlife Zen blog is primarily about happiness, wellness, personal growth, productivity, and more. Her Write To Done blog encourages writing, helps writers find direction through inspiration, tips, and more. Mary also mentors and coaches writers and offers courses to help aspiring writers hone their craft. Oh, did I mention that Mary accidentally signed up for an International CrossFit Competition? Catch today’s episode to learn more about the fascinating things in which Mary is involved. She will surely inspire you!
Self-expression
Mary Jaksch began her career as a classical musician as a flautist and continued that career until she was nearly 38 years old. At the time, her marriage was ending, and Mary questioned some of her choices in life. Mary wondered if she was really benefiting others and changing their lives by performing on stage. Mary yearned to have a positive impact on others and began her psychotherapy career. She also learned karate and began a 25-year process of becoming a Zen Master. Mary shares how she inherited a nest egg after her mother’s death only to have a builder abscond with her money, which left her in debt.
Keep learning
It may be natural to have a fear of failing at something new, but we need to keep learning. At a time when Mary was left in debt, Mary’s son encouraged her to become a blogger. At the time, Mary didn’t even know what a blog was! Mary’s son created a website for her, and the rest is history. She realized she could positively impact others and make a living doing so. Mary had always loved teaching others informally and shares an incredible story of when she realized for sure, that she was truly good at it. It was only natural for her to teach others to write well via her Write To Done blog.
CrossFit at age 70
Even though Mary Jaksch was involved in karate training, she wanted to press her body even more, and then share her journey along the way. That was when she decided to venture into the world of CrossFit. Mary had medical tests conducted prior to beginning what she labels her CrossFit Experiment. She repeated the tests midway through and will repeat them again upon her completion of the competition in order to compare the test results. Mary decided to document this incredible journey via her writing and YouTube videos. Mary says it’s important to set limits for your body and then push yourself to exceed them. She is realizing that her mobility and flexibility have improved. She says her joints are stronger, too.
Breaking boundaries
Mary Jaksch grew up mostly in Germany. In that culture, you choose what your career will be, and then you do it without ever varying. Mary describes it as being inside a corridor that you can’t leave. Upon moving to New Zealand, Mary found a different culture that did not have a preconceived idea of what you should do. She realized she could evolve in different ways without anyone questioning. This has allowed her to roll with whatever comes, and to not shy away from new things, but embrace them.
Spirituality
Mary says she has always been an intensely spiritual person. When she encountered Zen, she realized she had been doing Zen through her meditations for a long time without having a particular name for it. Mary’s philosophy is that life should be joyful and strives to always be kind to others, which she largely attributes to her Zen training. She says she has softened a lot after her Zen training, which has made her sensitive to what she needs personally, and to the needs of others.
Writing
Mary sticks to her plans. She has expectations for herself, and she strives to meet them. On the other hand, she allows herself to play and have fun. She realizes, even through writing, that there will be things written that won’t be so good. She doesn’t allow negativity to creep in when that happens but perseveres. Mary says its important to write every day. Mary’s book, Youthful Aging Secrets, is the first in what will become a six book series. Mary gives accounts of others who have defied aging and who are inspirational to others.
Highlights of the Episode:
- 1:27 – Multiple ways of expressing herself
- 2:56 – Mindset shift
- 3:08 – Making an impact
- 8:17 – Determination to succeed
- 15:10 – Realizing she was an educator
- 16:-27 – 2nd book in the series will deal with fitness and the body
- 24:04 – Living in a confining culture
- 24:53 – A liberating culture
- 24:41 – Strong spiritual core
- 34:49 – Keep going!
- 40:12 – People doing extraordinary things
- 40:51 – Next steps for Mary
- 42:14 – Beyond mental blocks
Resources Mentioned:
- Goodlife Zen Blog
- Write To Done Blog
- Youthful Aging Secrets: Live Better for Longer by Mary Jaksch
- Mary’s Facebook Page
- A-List Blogging Masterclass
- Mary’s CrossFit Videos
- Learn To Love: A Practical Guide to Fulfilling Relationships by Mary Jaksch
- Free Gift – A free workbook is available to those who purchase the Kindle edition of Mary’s book, Youthful Aging Secrets: Live Better for Longer, on Amazon.
The Fem Five:
1. Favorite book for women?
- Youthful Aging Secrets: Live Better for Longer by Mary Jaksch
2. Favorite self-care hack?
- Daily meditation
3. Best piece of advice and who gave it to you?
- “When your life falls apart, focus on the day-to-day chores.” – a fellow mountaineer
4. Female CEO or thought leader you’re into right now?
- Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand
5. One piece of advice you’d give your 5 years younger self?
- “Keep going!”
Last Time on The NextFem Podcast
The Ambition Decisions: What Counts as Success for Women – with Hana Schank and Elizabeth Wallace
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