Get Unstuck Even During Sunset
Is it too late to get UnStuck during the Sunset of Life? No way…
Is it ever too late to get UnStuck? With the beginning of the new year, most people would say no and plan to do just that. Goals are set, and promises are renewed. The beginning of the year or anything new offers hope and change all over again. That is the beauty of life. Nothing truly stays the same. Yet as the old saying goes, “We plan, and God laughs,” we truly cannot predict the future no matter how hard we try.
When I turned Fifty, I was asked how I felt. I looked at the person, and with much enthusiasm, I responded with “I am alive and healthy.” I meant it wholeheartedly. Ten years later, when I became a sexagenarian, I was asked the same question by someone who was one year older. I looked at her, and again with zest, I exclaimed, “I am just fine.” Knowing me, sincerity could not be questioned.
As I reflect on the last eleven years during this day of renewal, I remind myself that without adversity propelling me, the chain of events which occurred during the sunset of my life would most likely not have developed. I write about this adversity in my book, Stop Depriving The World of You, under the Butterfly Effect. My husband’s health problems and eventually, my mother’s death, forced me to re-examine my life. Being one who continues to believe in taking action as a response to obstacles, I started asking myself, “What is the next chapter?”
I decided to travel inward to explore the possibilities…Thus, the journey of creating my next chapter began. What unfolded included speaking, writing articles and penning a book. Using the metaphor “chapter” could not be more appropriate.
Although I am extremely fulfilled by these new, professional endeavors, obstacles ensue as would be expected when venturing into unchartered territory. The great Napoleon Hill stated, “Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” I could not agree more.
Many people especially women do not see purpose past a certain age. Some fail to see the importance of tapping into their unique gifts and talents after age fifty never mind sixty. Easily forgotten is the idea a sunset can be the most beautiful time of day. Symbolizing life, why not apply it to yourself. Years of experience, rewards, and mistakes often accrue into a wisdom not possible during a youthful bloom. If you are open to exploring, you never know what may be possible. Remember, it takes years for a nondescript piece of carbon to transform into a glorious, sparkling diamond.
As this new year begins, do not just take my word for it. Walking along the pier of Key West, I witnessed one of the most spectacular sunsets ever. People applauded as they viewed with awe the masterpiece in the sky. Bear in mind, to see a beautiful sunset, you don’t have to go to Key West. Look outside your window on a clear day. Better yet, if you are in the sunset of your life, begin reflecting on your uniqueness. If you persevere, you will discover delights within. If you have not reached your sunset, there is much to look forward to.
Happy New Year!