A lifetime of cultural conditioning around success, characterized by "doing" and "achieving", is a strong force in each of our lives. Our culture's values around success-achievement (Have I accomplished enough?), affluence (Do I have enough money and possessions?), and attractiveness (Do I look good enough?)-often determine our sense of self-worth and how we measure up. As we mature success becomes more internal and has to do with values and purpose, development of self, and contribution to others. Explore how the size of your "to do" list, your achievements, and your busyness can hinder your ability to reflect upon what is really important to you and who you want to be and become. Learn to embrace being present in the moment, fully aware of yourself and your connection to something bigger. You can redefine what success means to you from the inside out and live from the inside out!
Journaling Your Way to Purpose We each have our special gifts and talents, strengths and values, beliefs and worldviews. Our sense of purpose derives from using these in powerful and meaningful ways, ways that matter to us and make a difference to others wherever we choose to participate. Our sense of purpose may shift and evolve over time but it is always anchored in our deeply held values coupled with our innate gifts and developed talents. Taking time to journal about these is an opportunity to mine the depths of our awareness so as to experience more productive and satisfying lives. Joining with other women in a meaningful dialogue also offers a way to reveal a diversity of attitudes toward living on purpose and, perhaps, to expand your own definition and perspective. Take away a commitment and action steps to move in the direction of your dreams.
Explore the many facets of what makes you "you" through an introspective yet playful "character study". Your journey starts with a self-assessment of your interests, skills, and talents; your evolving values; and the mental scripts that influence your life. All of these pieces combine in the particular persona or Character you allow to take center stage each day. And that Character determines your choices, actions, and beliefs regarding all that is possible in your life. With your coach and group, you will harness a new level of self awareness toward creating a more empowering, fulfilling life by choosing the character you want to take center stage.
Who Do I Want to Become When I Grow Up?:
As we move into the fullness of midlife maturity, it's crucial that we recognize any negative personal or cultural images we have and replace them with more empowering images. Our culture - in television, movies, magazines, greeting cards, and even in the workplace - exerts a strong mental and emotional influence over us with its negative messages about aging and its idolizing of youth. You can embrace new possibilities and take back your power. You can get rid of all those negative attitudes with thoughts and feelings that are positive and empowering and that help you to become more of who you truly are. No matter what age…you can become all that you can be. Remember that 40 is the new 30, 50 is the new 40, 60 is the new 50. Midlife is truly unlimited!