Last week I had a conversation with a woman I know at the gym about “aging”. You know – one of those “how the heck did I get to be this old” conversations. I learned that she’s 76 and I never would have guessed it. Why? Because her spirit is so much younger. We pass each other at the gym almost every day as she goes into her yoga class and I climb up onto the stepmill. We’re often in the weight room at the same time. I want to be just like her when I grow up.
The timing of the conversation was interesting because I had been thinking about that very thing when I was out walking that morning. About how odd it is to notice that in my mind, in spite of the fact that I’m 63, I feel like I’m 43. So why is it that when I look into the mirror, there’s a 63 year-old self looking back at me? Who is that person? I know the 43 year-old much better. She’s me. At least her spirit is.
Most days I’m in a state of mind where I can graciously acknowledge that I can’t do anything about the inevitable process of physically aging. Some gray hairs. Some wrinkles. Well actually, I could choose to slow down or “reverse” (if you believe advertising) that process, but I won’t. There are parts of being physically 63 that I really cherish. The parts that come from living life. From sharing a path for 35+ years with my partner. From raising a beautiful daughter. From traveling to climb mountains around the world. From continuing to challenge myself personally, physically, professionally.
The part that matters to me? Really matters? The woman inside. The one who is living life. Living truths that come from personal adventures, experiences. The one who is curious, passionate, ready for challenges, interested in personal growth, expanding. The one who believes right down to my core that if anything I know or have learned in these 63 years can be helpful or useful to someone else … that’s why I’m here. The one who knows that no matter how challenging it feels to be starting a coaching practice right now, this is exactly where I need to be. To mentor, teach, encourage, support, empower.
The one who is committed to building a community of women who lift each other up, because together we can create change that is so needed in our world. I need your help. I want you to be part of this community. Our community. Go over to the Home page right now, scroll to the bottom of the page, and sign up for the You Have To Just Start newsletter. Stay connected. This is just the beginning and from here, with you on board, we’re going to build some momentum. If you want to talk about creating change on a personal level because you’re not sure who you see when you look in the mirror, head over to the Coaching page, click on the no obligation Discovery Call and let’s talk.
Because … to quote Brené Brown:
”I think midlife is when the universe gently places her hands upon your shoulders, pulls you close, and whispers in your ear:
I’m not screwing around. It’s time. All of this pretending and performing – these coping mechanisms that you’ve developed to protect yourself from feeling inadequate and getting hurt – has to go.
Your armor is preventing you from growing into your gifts. I understand that you needed these protections when you were small. I understand that you believed your armor could help you secure all of the things you needed to feel worthy of love and belonging, but you’re still searching and you’re more lost than ever.
Time is growing short. There are unexplored adventures ahead of you. You can’t live the rest of your life worried about what other people think. You were born worthy of love and belonging. Courage and daring are coursing through you. You were made to live and love with your whole heart. It’s time to show up and be seen.”
There is work to be done in our community. Join me, show up and be seen. Grow into your gifts. It’s time.
Your biggest fan,
Jean
