Guest Blogger: Claudia Hufham – Claudiareinvented
1. A set of tools; cordless drill, work gloves, and a hammer at the very least. I was lucky enough to get a toolbox full of my Dad’s tools after he passed away. It makes using them so much better. It’s like he is right there with me saying “you got this Coggie” (his nickname for me).
2. At least one friend that makes you laugh; no matter what is going on. I think the trick to this is reaching out to them when you need them! I have several friends in my life that fill this need for me but sometimes, when I need them, I feel like I don’t want to bother them and think I can chase away my own blues. Knowing they have their own lives and are busy, I sometimes hesitate to call. Most times they just know when I need them. It’s that telepathic thing! Either way, they are always there to pick me up! Thank goodness! 
3. At least one friend that knows everything about you and loves you anyway – see above! Same friends and what a relief it is to know that no matter what, even with all my imperfections, they love me.
4. One outfit that makes you feel fierce. Make sure, whether it’s a suit or a great pair of jeans and a shirt, that you can always pull this outfit out of your closest when you need that boost of self confidence!
5. The knowledge that words can hurt worse than a punch in the gut. Most of the time I say what’s on my mind and there have been several times in my life where I wish I could take back what I have said. That’s impossible, so choose your words wisely and think before you speak!
6. A piece of furniture that has never been owned by anyone before. I have lots of 
furniture pieces from my Mother and Grandmother that I adore! I love the history and to me it’s like having them there with me all the time, but I just purchased a dining room table and chairs that is all mine. Big enough to seat my whole family and something I can pass down to my kids.
7. A tried and true recipe that makes you believe you can cook – whether it’s from your Grandmother, Mother, Father or Joanna Gaines. Find it and perfect it! I am not a very good cook, so when I need to reclaim my confidence in the kitchen, that one tried and true recipe always turns out well. Mine is the perfect potato soup (so not hard, I get it) that my Mom made for me and I made for my kids growing up. Comforting on a cold winter’s day
8. The capability of living alone. This is really hard for some people and I get it, but you just never know what life is going to throw at you, so being able to be alone and enjoy it is important.
9. The skills to change a tire. Now there is a difference between knowing how to do something and actually doing it! I know HOW to change a tire, but calling roadside assistance is SO much better. Which is something else every woman needs, an AAA membership!
10. The understanding of how to take care of yourself. We are often so busy taking care of everyone else that sometimes we don’t stop to take care of ourselves. Know what does it for you. A pedicure, massage, trip to the beach, whatever it is, do it as often as needed!.
11. The awareness that no one is going to save you. You need to be able to save yourself! I cannot stress this one enough. It is SO empowering to know that I can count on myself!
12. The ability to say “NO”..period…no apologies. This one is a hard for me. I often find myself saying “yes” to things I really don’t want to do because I don’t want to disappoint anyone or get into a confrontation about it. No more! If I don’t want to do something, it is OK and I will say “no” with no regrets
13. A passport. I am in the process of getting my passport. I am not sure that I want to travel outside the country, but I want to be ready if the mode strikes!
14. A knowledge that what goes around comes around. I learned this a long time ago and always taught my children that the Universe has a way of getting you back if you put out some bad vibes!
15. The realization that being kind is an art and refer to #10. In my new job, I often have to talk to customers. It amazes me how mean some people can be about something SO trivial! We aren’t talking about a life or death situation here. They get so incensed that they may have to wait up to 10 days to get a street light back on. Thank goodness I have enough sense to let them talk and then say “have a good day” before I hang up.
16. A hobby that makes you happy. Mine is writing. Find something that makes you smile when you start it, while you are in the middle of it, and when you finish it!
17. Someone that you love more than yourself. Well, this is easy, my family. I hope you have someone like this in your life!
18. The memory of an ex that makes you smile. Most relationships don’t end well, but getting past the hurt and remembering the good stuff is such a much better place to live!
19. The understanding that, just like you, all women have something that they don’t like about themselves. You are not alone and try to see it for what it really is…not all that important!
20. The belief that you are worthy of treating yourself with respect. This one is hard and often takes a lot of time to get to, but worth the struggle getting there! Do what you need to do to believe it and live it
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About the Author
Claudia Hufham is a blogger, mom to two grown kids and a Boxer/American Bulldog, who found herself looking for a new career at age 59. In her quest to reinvent herself and save her sanity, she started a blog. Her humor and down to earth story telling of her life lessons have led her to be featured on sites like Feedspot.com. You can read more from Claudia at Claudiareinvented. You can follow Claudia on her Instagram and FaceBook Page as well.
Claudiareinvented is featured on Feedspot as one of the Top 10 Women Over 50 Blogs
