As I realized writing my last post, life is a continuum. My particular perspective on that continuum is constantly changing - moment to moment, year to year, decade to decade. One gift of aging is the expansion of perspective. Not only does who I am keep changing, but so does my understanding of who I am. I may face similar situations now to those of my youth, but I respond from a new stance. I may have had more energy before, but I am now more generous. Where I once would have wanted to "fix," I now offer compassion and understanding.
In the second half of life, we all face new challenges. Bodies are changing. Aches and pains become a problem, We don't sleep as well, recall is not what it was. Relationships are changing. I have lost one parent, cherish the time that is left with the other. I have grandchildren, one still in transit, each one new and fascinating. I have lost track of old friends, made new ones. Meanwhile, the world continues to change in sometimes frightening ways, as the latest economic disasters attest. I'm probably OK in that regard (although one never knows!), but I worry about my kids and their kids.
I ponder more than ever just what it means to be human. I feel a strong need to find a meaning for my own life and for that life that extends in all directions. I want to know all my shortcomings - not to change them, just to be aware, to extend some compassion to myself. I want to remember gratefulness, to make of it a daily practice. I want to learn to give. This last seems especially important, for what else gives my life meaning?
I know many of you share some of these desires, concerns and issues. I believe we all stand to gain the most through dialogue, so I welcome comments.
I am also offering a telecourse through my life coaching business on these questions. This will run for 5 weeks on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8 Mountain time starting November 4, and will cost $125. Send me an email (see sidebar) for more information or to register.
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