Here is where I am struggling a bit these days – what is it I want at this point in my life. Most days I am pretty clear regarding what I don’t want and yes, just as I teach others, I can turn these into ‘do wants’. Here is a small sampling of what shows up for me so far:
I want:
- To be healthy and vibrant
- To be engaged
- To continue to cultivate my curiosity about life and people
- To be of service in a way that is meaningful to me
- To attract and create my legacy work
- To remain involved with the arts community, and to new forms of how this might manifest.
- To travel to places I have not previously visited
- To have ample ‘being’ time for savoring, flourishing, reading, writing, painting and gardening and of course meditation
- To care for our aging parents and see them safely through the transitions in their lives
- To be present to and for my family and friends
- To have clear boundaries regarding what is perfect for me
Okay! That’s not a bad list. AND why is it I feel like something is missing. I think it is simply this thing we call TRANSITION, the letting go of what no longer serves me, emptying the plate so that the new can be defined and take its rightful place. This is an important act of ‘Space Management’, something I have come to understand through years of piling too many things on this plate. Perhaps this leads to the next list – what am I prepared to let go of:
I am releasing:
- Work that no longer engages me and that no longer serves my clients
- Doing, doing and more doing
- Always pre-planning the future rather than savoring the moment
- Unrewarding and unfulfilling volunteer commitments
- Responsibility that is not mine to own
- Worry
That’s a start. I am sure there is so much more.
As we all move into and through our Third Act, knowing what we want, or at least asking ourselves the question, is perhaps the first step in determine our Third Act experience, or our legacy work. I have learned repeatedly that I cannot have what I don’t ask for and that If I am not clear, stuff shows up that I may not want.
There is not rush in developing this list, in fact I suggest we all take some time to slide into this zone, breathe, and take time to relax into it.
Some things to consider as you develop your wants:
- Remember all those things you always wanted to do/participate in and never had the time.
- What about your “Bucket List”? If you don’t know what this is watch the movie with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson.
- Remember your youth and all those values/ideals you had which vanished the moment you went to work. Want to re-visit them?
- What are the passions, creative endeavors you always meant to make time for and never did?
- What are the causes you most identify with? Is there something that you want to contribute to that cause within your community?
- What wisdom, learning or experience do you have to offer others?
As you take time to consider these questions, I encourage you to keep track of the answers – write them down. You may be surprised at what shows up. It is important for all of us to remember that our Third Act is a new beginning, filled with and fueled by possibility. The most important quality we can exercise at this time of our life is CURIOSITY!