Finding Your Second Act & Seizing It!
This summer has been a monumental one for me. It has come full force and totally whipped me into shape. Looking in the mirror and realizing how much time has passed and where the hell I am in life. I am scared, exhilarated, anxious, nervous, excited, terrified, happy - should I keep going?
You are probably thinking there is something wrong with me. Well, there is NOT! This is what young moms who are struggling dream about - the time when you are kid-free and can find yourself again. The time where the house is so still and quiet and you are only making a meal for 2 people. Yikes!!
The initial thought is “Now what”. We, as moms, define ourselves on how our kids are doing and sometimes get lost in the shuffle. Then they grow up and leave the nest and you are both proud and, let’s face it, a little lost. Our whole existence for many years has consisted of schedules, homework, attending sporting events or club activities. No matter if you were a stay-at-home mom or a working mom playing Superwoman was had by all.
Now, this eerie time known as “empty nest” has come to light and you have to sit and take a breathe. Well, I took a really long breathe and am ready. Ready to seize the day and get on with it.
This Fall, I am making a career change. One that I used to dream about after college that never came to fruition. I am taking a risk and even if it doesn’t stick, I will have no regret about it because I dove into the deep end.
The reason I am doing this is because it is the right time. With age, (I am 53 years old) comes wisdom and most of all curiosity. Curiosity for the things not yet done. So with that being said, here are a few tips that I did to get me to this exciting time in my life:
Make a bucket list/wish list - Sit down and really think about what you want to do. Remember the young girl you once were who looked at life with her eyes opened wide. Think about what gave you butterflies. This list could consist of whatever makes you happy. No wish is too small.
Find what you used to love - for me that was keeping a diary. Writing things down. So what did I do, but take that diary I had and turn it into a book. My oldest son has special needs and I wrote a book about raising him and my other son. The title is “Maternally Challenged”. Put my insecurities aside and just did it.
Make a game plan - Everyday make a to do list to achieve that goal and check things off. I always feel when you put pen to paper, it becomes more definite. You are physically checking it off. The feeling of satisfaction is right in front of you.
And finally, it is never too late - Never too late to start a new career, go back to school, move to a different place. Embrace the journey!!
At this stage of our lives, we as women sometimes feel we have nothing to add to the conversation. Well, for me that is so not true. My mouth is loud and I still have so much to offer the world. Never underestimate yourself! We have all had adversities in our lives and always have come out the other side. Some of us may be a little beat up, but we still are standing.
One final thought is : Never give up the roar of a woman! Carpe Diem my friends!
