My friends, do not lose heart…Especially do not lose hope. Most particularly because, the fact is that we were made for these times. Yes. For years, we have been learning, practicing, been in training for and just waiting to meet on this exact plain of engagement.
Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Women Who Run with the Wolves
Do you find yourself, like me, beginning to wonder how to re-invent yourself as a result of this time of quarantine? Are you in need of a career change, because your industry no longer seems as viable as it once was? Or as a recent retiree do you wonder how in the world will you ever find a new path, meaning or direction? How can you make a difference? Now is not a time to lose hope.
The world begins to beckon – or should I say the energy is afoot in the inner sanctum of my soul. After 4 months of corona virus isolation and social distancing, (a time of great awakening might I say) I feel the juices begin to stir. Professionally and personally at the age of 75 it’s different than when I was in my 50’s let alone my 30’s. No longer the goal oriented, focused, initiator and leader of various “movements” – this time with “nothing to do” has been particularly revealing.
How do you wish to engage yourself? I’ve re-calibrated some existing resources and am developing some new ones, and if you are interested in this process of re-inventing yourself, I hope to hear from you.
First, I’m offering a FREE package of Career Self Assessment Exercises from my book PUT YOUR SPIRIT TO WORK: Making a living Being Yourself. As the new economy begins to redefine itself, you can do the same by conducting this personal inventory of strengths, interests, values, and goals. What will be your guiding light moving forward? Discover anew how you would like to engage yourself with others. I’m also available for individual coaching through the process, and often just one session is all that is needed to complete the self assessment process and move forward independently.
Second, my years of experience facilitating Elder Circles here in Tucson, AZ, has redefined itself into a monthly Wisdom Circle via Zoom, the 2nd Friday of the month from 10 – 11:30 am. Here we practice the principles of Conscious Aging as we probe deeply into our personal experience of Life Review, Life Repair, Leaving a Legacy and Mentoring others. These facilitated small group discussions provide ample opportunity to share your latest thoughts on timely topics. To receive notification, please email me and express interest.
I’m grateful to be able to continue to offer my writing groups, online using Zoom. Crafting Your Spiritual Autobiography is a six week writing group with prompts where each participant shares their story aloud and receives feedback about the significant life events that each has deemed to be “spiritual.” For more information about groups starting in the Fall check out the Events Section on my Home Page.
And finally, my latest offering is to share with you my experience of home sharing and its many benefits. For four years now I have shared a home with a woman my age who has Parkinson’s Disease. Sharon wanted to “age in place” and she needed someone to share her home to make that possible. I responded to the call to cook an evening meal and be there in the night in case she has a fall. That simple request has blossomed into a deeply rewarding mutually beneficial relationship. For a quick glimpse into our story check out the video produced by the Pew Charitable Trust.
I have also joined forces with other visionaries here in Tucson, AZ, to create Tucson Home Sharing, Inc in order to promote the many financial and emotional benefits of home sharing to others. As a result of the pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis, we are convinced more and more individuals will take a look at this opportunity for affordable housing. For both of us, sharing the time of isolation and social distancing has been a gift that just keeps on giving.
My life has slowed down enough so I can finally catch up with myself. And what I discover is how the old pace which I prided myself on keeping up, no longer exists. I definitely prefer the slower, more peaceful way of doing and being. Are you ready to re-engage yourself? The world awaits your engagement – whether it be new employment, a volunteer activity, or a newly revised plan for mindfulness and self care that you put into practice now for this particular time.
Stay Safe
Stay Sane
Blessings,
Deb
July 2020
