As cougars

Who is a Real Cougar?

• A woman who isn’t afraid to knock down walls and crash through glass ceilings.
• A woman who adores men but refuses to be defined by the age of the man she chooses to be with.
• A woman who has gotten over listening to what other people think.
• A woman who knows how to keep her body healthy, her beauty radiant and her spiritual reservoir full.
• A woman who puts financial freedom high on her priority list.

Every woman, whether she realizes it or not, has a Real Cougar just waiting to be unleashed. Living your life as a smart, sexy, independent woman is the best gift you can give yourself. So get over listening to what other people think you should do and start living the life you deserve. This is the time to let go of your preconceived notions about aging, about sexuality, about beauty, about relationships with money, and give yourself permission to explore all of your possibilities.

I know many women think that a cougar is a derogatory word used to describe women who only prefer younger men. Nothing could be further from the truth. A Real Cougar, a term I coined in 2007, is any woman over 40 who is turned on and excited about life.

This fabulous female is changing the role of women today and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Achieving the rank of Real Cougar is a privilege, never an embarrassment. You have worked hard to earn your stripes, so be proud to revel in your accomplishments. For far too long, women over 40 have been pushed to the sidelines. You are mothers, business executives, entrepreneurs and teachers. You are a million things, but not the complete woman you have always wanted to be. Now is the time to change all that.

Every woman has a Real Cougar inside just waiting to be released—a woman who is strong, confident, independent, sexy and proud to be past 40.

Linda Franklin