It’s easy to conclude that the fun things in life have passed you by. If you are 45 or older, you start to see your life as half over instead of half still ahead.
We live in a culture that honors youth over age, and someone “our age” just isn’t expected to be spontaneous or idealistic. Someone I know described herself in this stage of her life as “moving forward, going nowhere, with nobody”.
We can have a sense of adventure combined with the good sense of years of experience. We can still think of all of the “what if” possibilities that are available to us.
Or, you can choose to be grumpy, complaining about your body aches, and confusing losing your keys with losing your mind.
Your adventure for rediscovery and possibilities starts now. Let’s embrace it with open arms and a full tank of gas.
The Problem: A Lost Sense of Adventure
We all have heard the jokes-
“she’s menopausal” meaning overly emotional or irrational.
“she’s set in her ways” and resistant to change or trying new things
“she’s a cougar” an older woman finding younger men as a way to recapture her youth
We’ve lost our sense of adventure and pursuit of our purpose when we give in to these stereotypes.
Or spend all of our time and resources reducing wrinkles, fighting the gray, and trying to reclaim our previous body. We are scared to death to lose the tug-of-war.
Don’t focus on the past, you are not going that way!
The Solution- Rediscovering Yourself and Your Purpose
When is the last time you thought deeply about who you are? What makes you unique, special, one-of-a-kind? Don’t you dare tell me there is nothing special about you!
You have a mix of personality, gifts, and talents that have always been there- developing like fine wine over the years. You have experiences that the younger do not have. Even the hard things are tools in your toolbox that you can use to help someone else.
Find out who you are, then do it on purpose.
Dolly Parton
Tell Yourself Your Own Story
What would you write on your “life resume”? On a traditional resume, you would include:
Personal info- single, married, kids…?
Objective-your mission statement, values, what’s most important to you.
Education (formal or informal)- learning first aid as a mom of several boys counts!
Work and life experience (you will be surprised when you write it out chronologically).
Awards and honors (what do your family and friends admire about you and say you are good at)?
Skills (it may take days and a long scroll of paper to list all of the things you can do).
References- who knows you the best and always has your back?
When I did this exercise, I realized that there was a common thread in everything I have done in every role in every season of my life.
For example, here is a list of my “skills” that have been used as a mom, ministry leader, mentor, team builder, event coordinator, entrepreneur, coach…
Planner
Organizer
Problem solver
Systems creator
Anticipate problems/ be prepared
Pay attention to details
Think through the logistics of people and things and schedules (7 kids!)
Make people feel secure and comfortable (tell them where to go and what to do)
Hospitality
Notice those left out or left behind
Determine goals and follow up strategy
The WHY does not change; only HOW you do it based on WHO is in front of you.
5 Questions to Help You Rediscover the Possibilities Ahead
These 5 questions can be downloaded as a FREE PDF guide to help you take the steps to your next adventure.
How do I unclutter my mind and get rid of the negative self-talk?
Can I get rid of the noise, and stop letting others write my story?
You are never too old and you are never starting over. You are starting again with experience and there are no shortcuts to that.
And you never have to go it alone. We have a Facebook Group full of friends that would love to have you join us on our virtual road trip to “Someday”. Whatever your someday adventure might be, don’t leave it until the 8th day of the week. Start now!
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