In our FORCEFUL 50’s, change is no longer about someday.
There are no more, “I should haves,” “would haves,” or “I could haves”. It is about how we are going to give ourselves permission for this next chapter, or new season in our lives. My daughter is leaving the nest in August and I am feeling this new season upon me, even writing this now brings up a lot of emotions. A chapter is ending, but another is just beginning.
We ask ourselves, “How did I get here?” For us women, turning 50 is a milestone, society tells us that we are at a crossroads, or what is commonly known as “Empty Nest Syndrome”, which to me sounds well… empty, as well as sad and a feeling of loss.
It is a time when us women need to seriously take stock of our lives, our lifestyle habits and make some changes. For many of us it is a time of self-reflection. It is a time of growth, ready to explore new goals we have put on the back burner for so long. This new season can also be a time for doing all the things we have put aside for many, many years.
We might begin thinking about our purpose, about finding what makes our heart sing and fulfilled. We are ready for something new, something we LOVE to do.
For those of us who are stay-at-home moms (like myself) we invest so much of our time into our kids, our marriage, friends and family, our careers, even our pets come first! But you know what? Why not make ourselves happy first? Hmm, now there is a thought!
Taking care of ourselves is a gift we give ourselves. Whether it is a massage, a manicure, meditation or a hike in our mountains, It is time to give ourselves permission to do these things… and do them often and do them with other women! This is when the magic happens.
But for some of us we may lose our sense of purpose, leading to poor food choices and unhealthy choices overall. Having purpose does not mean you have to change the world, although if you think you can, then why not? But really it comes down to finding meaning in the day to day.
On the other hand, a new season can also bring anger, bitterness, regret, guilt or loneliness, life is no longer how we have known it to be. We prepared our kids to leave the house and hopefully have success on their own, but we forgot how to prepare ourselves. Right?
This is a time for re-invention to develop an identity that is your own. It all starts with your thoughts and habits, and this means that you can change them! At any moment!
What is your favorite thing to do? What brings you sheer happiness? What has been holding you back from doing these things?
It is never too late to change your life, the point is to push past your normal way of doing things and get this..focus on yourself!
Get healthy, mentally, physically, and spiritually. You will have more time now, so take advantage of it! Try doing one thing everyday that improves your physical, emotional and spiritual self, for starters…get moving!
There is a great satisfaction in focusing on yourself. You can now grow in a way that you want to, rather than prescribed by others.
Be the person who gives permission, rather than seeks permission.
Now is your time, go be awesome!
xx Lisa
Lisa Taitelman is a Transformational Coach, who calls herself a Trail Blazer, she currently guides groups of women and challenges them physically through hiking, emotionally, through sharing and connection, and spiritually through meditation. She inspires and educates women that it is never too late to reinvent yourself through her 6-week hiking empowerment program called Finding Your Trail. For more information on her different programs, please visit her website here: www.lisataitelman.com