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In transition: what does that mean? That's one of the first questions I ask myself as I consider my options. Childhood to adulthood, work to retirement, the changes ageing brings: each of these examples represent turning points in our lives and provide a 'crack in everything' (as Leonard Cohen would say) to allow light to shine on our identity, contributions, and dreams. Transitions are not timebound, straight lines, and/or not always easy to navigate. Books, conversations, gurus: they can offer suggestions, prescriptions, and ideas; however, the journey is personal. Composing a further life(MCB) asks for individual courage and support...from within as well as from community. Reflection allows and can gentle the process. How do I want to define myself? Especially as the old roles may no longer have the same significance. What's in my toolbox of skills and talents? What were/are my dreams? What about creativity? Thinking about these questions can begin the process of knowing yourself again. These matters form the first part of the course I have been facilitating: New Chapter; New Life Story. Personal journeys offer a window into the landscapes of our lives... Personally, I have so enjoyed the conversations around these questions as I sit in community with others wandering the same path. Do I want to continue these explorations in the same format? What are my unfulfilled dreams? How do I value my creative spirit? Such interesting responses have come from within me. Then a talk: fear as fuel rather than as gatekeeper. Such an adventure! Stay tuned for more episodes from the borderlands! In transition...blue, blue, blue
I wrote these words/lyrics after retirement. I wasn't sure what my next steps would, could, should be. James Hollis would say I had entered the Swamplands; Bill Bridges would say the neutral zone and would say it was necessary...without the costumes/identity of work, and some relationships, I was in transition and feeling vulnerable. Time for Reflection. Who was I? What would I keep? What would I let go? I have written of this time extensively in my other blog: Pat's Journey. After much reading and writing, I decided to create opportunities for conversation and exploration....to build community as we move into the next chapter of our lives; it is not necessary to go further alone. Rekindle. New Chapter; New Life Story was born; other options have followed. Their descriptions are to be found in this blog and in the Services section of my website. A life of Active Wisdom would best frame my ventures.Reveal. As a Transitions consultant, I facilitated courses through an Eldercollege at Capilano University as well as in the larger community. Conversations have been enlightening, supportive and offered opportunities for participants to renew passion and purpose in their lives. The time has come to ask the questions again! Stay tuned...and look for name changes, performance, and connections as, once again, I am In Transition! |
AuthorSophie (creative spirit) and I are aging gracefully and dancing with the possibilities of a life of active wisdom on the West Coast. Archives
November 2016
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