“Don’t worry about what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Robert Thurman
I read that to a group and their hands went up. “I don’t know what is next for me?” The wobbling of not knowing seems to take away from the message.
Write down what makes you come alive. This is not solely about money, a career, being productive, or making a difference.
This is time for you. You who are sitting in the empty nest or on your way.
So do it now. Write down what makes you come alive. Don’t think too much, simply write without going back to read what you write.
– Food
– Hiking
– Having a few people over to your home
– Bookstores
– Music
– Baking
– Scrapbooking
– Travel
– Watching children ride their bikes or dig in the sand
– Art exhibits
– Trying a new wine
– Dancing
– Calling an old friend and catching up
– Getting in the car and driving out of town
– Reading a mystery , love novel
– Hearing an inspiring story
– Getting help with a project or idea
– Being invited to a party
– Planning a trip
– Holidays
– Movies
– Swimming
Well, you get the idea. Now write your ideas. Go back and read them out loud, slowly. Which ones stick in your heart?
Write again. Read it out loud. If there is one you want to try, mark it on the calendar and do it that day.
Be your own explorer by focusing back on yourself, learning what matters to you now.
It takes practice and some days you won’t want to do anything. Ok by me. Is that ok by you?
Enjoy the end of this summer season . Plan something for yourself.
Take good care,
Natalie
800-446-3310 Los Angeles
Natalie Caine, M.A. natalie@lifeintransition.org
My son is off to college, and all seems well. We passed the first downer phone call and I handled it badly despite the advice I’ve read. I worried for days until the next call home….When I asked about the issue in the last call, he barely knew what I was talking about. He had apparently taken some very adult steps to remedy his concerns, and moved on quickly. I have occasionally worried that I was too involved in his college search, but he seems to be handling every thing just fine…I’ll keep my fingers crossed until the first grade report arrives nonetheless!
Meanwhile my youngest is a Junior in HS and determined to be completely independent in her college selection process. She is using http://www.collegeprocessmadeeasy.com, gives me updates once in awhile about what she’s thinking, but refuses to get into any full fledge discussions.
I’m feeling completely useless and abandoned, instead of thrilled and relieved that my children have grown into successful independent young adults. How long does this feeling last?