Just Be

About the Book

It's a privilege to grow old gracefully. You must abandon all fears and stereotypes of Aging and plunge fully into it with enthusiasm, tact and even the childlike wonder of discovering new things. Just be. In her third book, JUST BE: AGING GRACEFULLY, Ambassador Erieka Bennett seeks to impart wisdom she has gained in living life fully, unapologetically and magically for 65 years. With an international career encompassing corporate communications and diplomacy throughout Africa, Erieka is well-positioned to present a broad view of what it takes to step into “senior” status feeling healthy and optimistic about the years ahead. “It is my hope that this book will complement other material on spiritual, physical and emotional health that has begun to inspire a paradigm shift on the approach to aging well,” she explains. “It’s a great privilege to grow older, and we can make it more fun by altering our thoughts and attitudes. Aging should be seen as a time to do what you love … and just be. Contrary to the obnoxious idea that life is coming to an end when we see the first gray hair, we should prepare for and treat aging as the rewarding start of something new.” Anyone can age gracefully, with the right tools. This must-read gem- Just Be: Aging Gracefully - is such a tool, especially for the man or woman “over 50” but also for young adults. As Erieka explains, it’s never too early to start paving the way for rich, productive, healthy and beautiful twilight years.

About the Author

Erieka Bennett was born in the US south, the daughter of a military man who moved his family to postings in France and Alaska when Erieka and her brothers were young. When the family settled in Alabama during Erieka’s teen years, the wanderlust spirit seized her, and she struck out for a career in New York City at age nineteen, landing a job in news media. Later, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she immersed herself in politics and honed her skills in communications, management, and diplomacy. She has applied these skills exceptionally well for the last four decades in her passion for uniting people of color throughout the African Diaspora. Erieka founded the (AU) African Diaspora Mission in Ghana in 2005, the first diplomatic mission of its kind in the world. She serves as the head of mission in Ghana. The Pan-African organization’s goal is to elevate Africa’s reputation, improving relations between Africans and African-Americans and encouraging people everywhere to invest in the continent, especially people of color. Erikea is a regular guest of African leaders to help launch initiatives that promote and advocate for advancing business, tourism, and peace throughout the continent. Under her direction, the mission convened the first summit of American and African journalists more than ten years ago to discuss ways to enhance Africans’ potential and reputation, published a thank you book to President Bill Clinton, commemorating his trips to and support of Africa, and opened a school for orphans and vulnerable children. Erieka’s other books include Erieka's Magical Realism and President Clinton’s Legacy to Africa.