Karen Salmansohn, 59, is a former NYC Creative Director in Advertising and a bit of an over-planner. She’s now seriously planning her 100th birthday party. The thing is - it’s not yet for another 41 years!
However, there’s more to this story than love for a good party and a bit of a planning obsession...
More info: notsalmon.com
Croissan’wich is her creation! At least its name
Image credits: www.alexandershen.com
Karen had an exciting, fast-paced career in advertising. At the age of 27, she was already a Senior VP and an award-winning ad writer.
She even came up with the name “Croissan’wich.” This was chosen in a huge JWT Agency competition to become the official name of Burger King’s then-brand-new breakfast sandwich.
Instead of naming products she decided to write books
Image credits: www.notsalmon.com
Her ad copy and commercials motivated others to buy some cool things. But Karen wanted to offer a different kind of inspiration. She says: “Instead of inspiring people to try a new toothpaste – I wanted to write books to encourage people to think in new ways.”
So, Karen left her office chair once and for all and became an author of many bestselling books.
So, Karen left her office chair once and for all and became an author of many bestselling books.
49 y.o. mom to be
With all her career twists aside, in her late 40s, Karen found herself an accomplished professional, multi-best-selling author, and all that jazz. However, by that time, she had also suffered a miscarriage behind the scenes.
Karen did not want her past dictating her future. She decided to create a happy family later in life. The result was a positive pregnancy test - finally - at the age of 49!
After navigating her way through sexual assault, infidelity, and miscarriage Karen became the mother of this precious boy!
Though the pregnancy went well, and she welcomed a beautiful, healthy baby boy named Ari into the world, for Karen, this was when the hard work really began.
“Having someone so small, so precious and totally dependent on me, opened my eyes to how precious life actually is.”
“Having someone so small, so precious and totally dependent on me, opened my eyes to how precious life actually is.”
On his 7th birthday she made a big promise...
Image credits: www.instagram.com
As Ari celebrated his seventh birthday, Karen made some promises to both herself and her son. Watching Ari enjoy his birthday party, she realized she wanted to be around to see so many more of these occasions.
“I promised my son, Ari, that I would do everything in my power to live to one hundred. Ari wanted me to live to two-hundred, but I bargained him down to one-hundred. He accepted my counter offer!”
Karen has embarked on a quest to learn as much as she can about living a longer, healthier, and more prosperous life.
“I promised my son, Ari, that I would do everything in my power to live to one hundred. Ari wanted me to live to two-hundred, but I bargained him down to one-hundred. He accepted my counter offer!”
Karen has embarked on a quest to learn as much as she can about living a longer, healthier, and more prosperous life.
In the gym... keeping that promise
“I read stacks of books, interviewed top aging and wellness experts, and immersed myself in cutting edge research studies about longevity.”
“The more I’ve read, the more I’ve come to believe it’s possible to take charge of my health and mental well being so I can grow older while enjoying a better quality of life. A life that is not just healthier - but one which is also happier as a result.”
“The more I’ve read, the more I’ve come to believe it’s possible to take charge of my health and mental well being so I can grow older while enjoying a better quality of life. A life that is not just healthier - but one which is also happier as a result.”
"Plan de Vida" is centerian hack to longevity
So, to the question - why be so bold to begin planning your 100th birthday bash a mere forty-one years early?
“I wanted to engage in ‘Plan de Vida’ which translated means “reason to live.” It’s a common practice among peppy elders living in Nicoya, Costa Rica, a famed centenarian hotspot. These residents credit their longevity to living with a purpose.”
“I was determined to embrace the aging process while moving forward with renewed vigor, healthy mental clarity, increased activity levels, and, of course, a sense of purpose. Ultimately, I needed to be excited by the life I was leading, regardless of my age.”
“I was determined to embrace the aging process while moving forward with renewed vigor, healthy mental clarity, increased activity levels, and, of course, a sense of purpose. Ultimately, I needed to be excited by the life I was leading, regardless of my age.”
A happy mindset about getting older results in boosted longevity.
Karen explains the Plan de Vida concept further by detailing a study from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology - which she also wrote about in her longevity book “Life is Long.” This study reports how a happy mindset about getting older results in boosted longevity.
“The study showed that people who enjoy a positive attitude towards aging lived more than seven years longer than those with a negative attitude.”
“The study showed that people who enjoy a positive attitude towards aging lived more than seven years longer than those with a negative attitude.”
She has 41 years to plan this party
Image credits: notsalmon.com
So, back to that 100th birthday bash. Karen has planned it to be fun and casual - not a formal sit down. It won’t be a serious, somber life gone by kind of party! In fact, it will be high energy festive - so far from that!
When asked about the ideas she has for this remarkable occasion, Karen explains that it won’t be any ordinary 100th birthday party. This is one event she plans on making as epic as possible
When asked about the ideas she has for this remarkable occasion, Karen explains that it won’t be any ordinary 100th birthday party. This is one event she plans on making as epic as possible
Party is on August 19, 2060 and it's an open invite
Image credits: www.nycgovparks.org
So, what does a 100th birthday party look like to an inspirational career woman and devoted mother?
“I am going to host the party by the giant fountain in Washington Square Park. My son Ari may even be the musical act, as he is already writing and singing his own songs!”
“I plan to do a lively dance and be in great shape - I’ll have healthy treats - and if it is raining- come anyway - just bring an umbrella!”
See you there?
One of the reasons Karen has given herself a head start on the planning is because she wants to invite as many people as possible. And yes that includes her millions of followers in social media - and anybody reading this article! Karen wants to celebrate this momentous occasion with us all!
“I decided to use the next 41 years to create an RSVP list that anyone can register for through my website.”
“...And I’ve already designed those all-important invitations!”
“I decided to use the next 41 years to create an RSVP list that anyone can register for through my website.”
“...And I’ve already designed those all-important invitations!”
That’s right; you too are invited to attend Karen Salmansohn’s 100th Birthday bash.
The Venue: Washington Square Park
The Date: August 18th, 2060
The Time: 5 pm
RSVP: info@notsalmon.com
But, don’t worry - that gives you a total of forty-one years' notice, therefore plenty of time to clear your schedule. So, there’s no excuse to miss out!
See you there?
The Venue: Washington Square Park
The Date: August 18th, 2060
The Time: 5 pm
RSVP: info@notsalmon.com
But, don’t worry - that gives you a total of forty-one years' notice, therefore plenty of time to clear your schedule. So, there’s no excuse to miss out!
See you there?