THIS IS YOUR TURNING POINT: 10 WAYS TO EMBRACE THIS OPPORTUNITY
It’s your time to put aside fear and uncertainty to grasp this unique opportunity to chase your dreams, embrace change and "step up" in our new emerging reality
In the midst of the pain, monumental challenges and unimagined change felt around the world, and in each of our lives, the events of 2020 have led us to a crossroad… an exciting turning point.
A turning point in life is when something changes and you make a choice that leads to a beneficial result. Typically, we don’t fully realize these pivotal moments until later; the layoff that opens us up to the new job of your dreams, the illness that ends up changing our life for the better, or the breakup that wakes us up see our self-limiting mindset, which clarifies our path forward.
However, those of us who've been on this earth for 50+ years have an edge.
We don’t have to wait until later to see this turning point opportunity. We can embrace it now. We already recognize that the pandemic is giving us a unique gift. We know that it's times like this that invite clarity can take us in new and positive directions.
“What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Since my twenties, this powerful question raised by author, Mary Oliver, has been a regular touchstone for my thoughts and reflections. The practice of asking myself this question throughout my life, accompanied by an optimistic belief that anything is possible, has guided and propelled me on my life's journey. All of my life's meaningful experiences and personal development started with this evocative question.
The demands of our adult and early "mid-life" years can distance us from what we once dreamed our lives would be, as we build careers, care for our families, and meet the demands of our aging parents. This next chapter, our "third act," builds on these years. It offers the singular opportunity to reinvent and re-negotiate our lives on new and more authentic terms. It's surprising how much capacity we have for deep happiness and joy, both despite and because of life's challenges. Honest and sometimes painful reflection can bring us home to who we genuinely are and re-define our life story.
There is a growing movement in the 50+ age group that embraces new ways to live in our extended decades of life with curiosity and exuberance. We can reject our parents’ versions of aging and “retirement," decide not to step back but instead, look forward to a full, engaged life in our years ahead. By not stepping into those well-worn paths, we can make conscious choices to design new and exciting ways to live. Rather than seeing ourselves with diminished vitality, we now know that opportunities to thrive are all around us.
This is a momentous opportunity to embrace change, chase your dreams, make a shift, "step in" and "step up"
Even before the strain and for some, grief, of this pandemic, many of us in our 50's, 60's and beyond were already amid a life transition, or planning one — “empty-nesting”, ending or shifting a career, relocating, starting something new, looking for ways to serve, make and impact and share our wisdom, seeking new ways to create a meaningful, joyful life in the years ahead.
Certainly, COVID-19 has created unimagined pain and change that deeply affects every one of us—the loss of loved ones, jobs, security, and a predictable future. But, and I know you may be under too much stress right now to see, it has also given us all a momentous opportunity. This unexpected period in time has led us to reassess and define our priorities, deepen connections and perhaps unearth dreams that have been buried over the years.
Now, armed with this clarity, you can create your best life on every level, open-up, explore, help create a positive impact and live out your "wild and precious life" full of joy and meaning.
You stand at a new crossroad - a turning point.
Now is your time to hold onto hope, step intentionally into your life's "Third Act" path and envision all the ways you want to live, love, work, and serve others so you can fully thrive in the years ahead.
10 ways to embrace this turning point opportunity - renew & take action:
1. Rise above your challenges, live forward, and "step up"
Feel empowered to release fear, embrace your resilience, and leave your limiting, negative beliefs behind. You are strong. Most importantly, remember that you are in complete control of how you experience events, how you feel about yourself and how you perceive life’s possibilities. Embrace the opportunity to take action for change, both in your life and in the lives of others.
2. Deepen connections with others, with nature, and with yourself.
The pandemic has turned life as we know it upside down allowing most of us to find our way back to the basics. This is your time to till the soil, sow the seeds, weed and tend the garden that is your life. It’s a time to return to feeling “whole”.
3. Forgive.
Simply forgiving yourself and others releases all negative energy. Holding onto regret and anger is one of the most disabling behaviors we possess. Once you forgive, you will find peace and feel a renewed sense of freedom.
4. Be aware and grateful, spot your daily “aha!” moments
A truly happy life begins with being present. Over the last few months, we've been reminded of the fragility and preciousness of life. At the same time, we’ve rediscovered the joys and miracles of life. Pay attention to and feel a depth of gratitude for life’s magical moments, both simple and momentous; the first blooms of spring; time spent with a loved one; being in “flow” when you something you truly love. Subscribe to my free "12 Gifts of Your Third Act" email series and receive my soon to be released "Aha Moments Journal"
5. Believe in Synchronicity as a sign that you’re on the right path
As Albert Einstein said, "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Meaningful coincidences can guide and support you, like "proof" that you're moving in the right direction. These magical clues can lead you to extraordinary experiences. These “winks from the universe” are available to everyone, you simply need to notice them.
6. Reset and Renew
A daily routine that involves intentional, good choices around sleep, eating and exercise is foundational to our health and healing. But, it’s kicking off your day with meditation that can be the most powerful way to reduce stress, invite clarity and fuel renewal. - Deepak Chopra offers a free 21-day meditation series “Renew Yourself: Body, Mind & Spirit” with a daily message will help you renew hope, trust, and optimism. (free until August 31, 2020)
7. Be a time owner, not a time victim
Most of us have gotten into patterns of feeling overwhelmed, “if only I had more time”, “I don’t have time for that”, “ there’s never enough time”, “time flies too fast”. Know that you are the source of time and that you are also the source of the time pressure. You own your time, it does not own you. Try spotting your complaints about time as well as moments when you make a conscious decision to own or make the time. (Recommended read: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks)
8. Trust that it’s not too late.
Taking the first step toward reimagining or making life changes is the most difficult of all. Have faith that, no matter your age, there are wonderful possibilities for your life ahead. Instead of shutting down possibilities, cherish each moment and chase your opportunity to create the life you were meant to live.
9. Open up. Reimagine your future. Think outside of the box.
When was the last time you explored your dreams to create a plan for your "whole" life? (Not just a plan for your career, work, or a specific life goal) For most of us, the answer is “never".
Now is your time to look inside to explore your “why”; why you’re here, and what brings you the most joy and meaning.
10. Dream it, try it, go for it.
This is your “one wild and precious life”. (Watch this Ted Talk "Never Give Up" featuring the inspiring Diana Nyad "In the pitch-black night, stung by jellyfish, choking on salt water, singing to herself, hallucinating … Diana Nyad just kept on swimming. And that's how she finally achieved her lifetime goal as an athlete: an extreme 100-mile swim from Cuba to Florida -- at age 64. Hear her story."
It’s your time to unearth and chase your dreams and move toward the life you truly want to live. It’s a time to be bold and daring.
If not now, when?
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