Q: I'm having my 72nd birthday next month and would like to invite a few friends to join me for my celebration. I do not how to do so as I live primarily on my Social Security. I have friends who would have liked to have a 70s party, but they could not afford it. My parents always taught me that when you have a strong will and are persistent enough, you can do anything!

Were they right?

A: How about an old-fashioned and easily doable party? A potluck birthday party! You appear to be a fun and happy individual with friends who would be willing to help make your wish come true.

Do you have family members living nearby whom you could recruit for helping out? Sharing your party would serve as a happy occasion and provide memories for a lifetime. Hopefully you are living where you can accommodate friends and provide a location for the party.

Simply write out your invitation list and detail the time and place. Set a respond-by date so you have time to gather supplies and perform other necessary tasks. Depending on your weather, be prepared to accommodate both an inside and outside party.

Ask each guest to bring their favorite dish, and explain that you will provide the drinks. For entertainment and laughter, ask each friend to come prepared to discuss how and when you became friends, and how important your friendship has been and will always be to you.

You could also ask everyone to donate a dollar toward your favorite charity as his or her birthday gift to you. That would solve the gift issue and make everyone feel good about helping others.

Don't forget to ask one of your guests to take pictures to create a memory photo book. You will find it to be a lifetime treasure, as it will bring back memories every time you turn the pages.

I would not be surprised if your friends have such a wonderful time, they plan a similar birthday party for themselves.

Happy birthday. Wishing you many, many more!

BABY STEP MOTIVATION SOLUTIONS!

Q: I would like to improve my health, but to date I have not been able to motivate myself to begin a walking program, which my doctor recommends. I do not have the willpower to do so. Can you encourage me?

A: One tried-and-true habit, which has proven to be successful, is the "baby steps" approach. This technique can help overcome any fear of failure. Often, it is just getting started that is actually one's biggest challenge.

Choose a positive attitude, and be resolute as the little train who thought he could!

To begin, simply walk slowly for 10 minutes. That is enough. Continue for several days, then increase your walking time to 15 minutes. Do so until you feel comfortable and find yourself enjoying your walk. You will begin to feel better about yourself.

Do not put yourself under pressure or on a deadline.

Continue to build up your walking time and maintain a positive attitude.

As you begin to realize the benefits are worth your effort, you have conquered your challenge!

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at [email protected]. Betty is a friend of Doug Mayberry, whom she helps write this column. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.