It’s never too late to transform

Into the Wilderness: Story 35

I was able to “retire” early- not to stop working, sleep in and watch TV. I retired early intending to reinvent myself. I’ve already started this transformation- and I’m so excited about what is ahead.

I’ve reinvented myself several times in my life. I was an editor of academic journals, then a college English Composition professor. I next became a fundraiser for a university, followed quickly by becoming the personal writer for an important person. This led to freelance speech writing- when a certain mayor pilfered a letter I had written him, turning it into a prime time television speech. Finally, I landed in the communications, public relations, content, marketing and learning functions of an organization- where I stayed for a long while. Next, I became an owner of a fitness franchise and a certified fitness instructor. I also began blogging and am now nearly a full-time writer- for the first time ever, writing for myself, not someone else.

I have enjoyed every one of these careers. While the stepping stones may not have been easy to leap across or they mapped circuitous, zigzag and sometimes deadend roads, my journey has been purposeful, focused on my core talents and ultimately fulfilling.

Sitting where I am today- in a glorious sliver of sunlight on the Spring Equinox- with a tablet on my lap, my dogs snuggling around me and a few candles burning- I feel enormously blessed. Thirty years ago, I never would have guessed I’d be joyfully reinventing myself again- and that I’d be able to do so without panic or frantic toil. That wasn’t always the case in the past.

How did I get here? I thought I’d share a few life learnings in case they provide value to you.

1. I never doubted my talents. This is not the same as self-esteem or self-confidence, which I struggled with at times. I had enough education and reinforcement to know I had a particular talent. I put everything into building this talent. I kept journals for myself and wrote for others, I edited essays and creative works, and I read book after book on the art of writing. I tried different approaches and pushed through impenetrable writing blocks by putting my hands on the keyboard and typing, even if the sentence was, “I don’t know what to say.” This persistence gave me writing resilience. No matter what task was assigned to me, I knew I could get it done.
2. Knowing I could get it done arrested my perfectionism. I didn’t have to write perfectly the first time. My mantra- make a mess so you have something to clean up- is one I still whisper. This blog often has a few typos or sentences or words that could be better. That’s ok; I’ll clean up my mess even after I publish it. Cleaning up the mess is often where the magic happens. I have learned to trust the process.
3. I also have learned to trust myself. Many of us have a knowing voice guiding, soothing, giving us glimpses into our own future. I always have had this voice, and it has been incredibly accurate. If I failed to listen, life turned rocky. But when I listened, I saw future scenarios play out in incredible detail. I cannot remember a single time my intuition failed me. When this whisper came, I learned to stop and tune in. Sound easy? It’s not. This voice has predicted some crazy stuff with absolute accuracy. I’d capture the message but also go on with my life, trusting events will unfold as they should.
4. Which is the next important point: be the best you can be in the present moment. There’s no, “when X happens, I’ll be, do or achieve X.” In this fast paced world, we’re constantly auditioning for the next role, step or opportunity. You have no idea which moment of excellence is going to open an entirely new lifeline.
5. Never depend on your employer. You may love your employer and all your friends there- I always did. But you have zero- yes, ZERO- control over this disruptive and often cruel world. One day, your boss designates you one of the most valued assets in the company; the next, you suddenly have a new manager with a different agenda. I recommend always having opportunities around you. Reach out and introduce yourself to experts in your field or discipline. Ask for advice or mentoring. Have an updated resume and cover letter at all times. Review your LinkedIn profile monthly or quarterly. This is traditionally called networking, but that word is inadequate. You’re choosing who you want on survivor island. Your best bud may be loads of fun but can he bow drill a fire? You need the bow driller.
6. Self-transformation can be fun, most of the time. At other times, it’s a bottomless dark hole with no rope to climb out. No matter which it is, you can tap your current talents and cultivate nascent ones. I became a certified fitness instructor in my fifties. Every single person in the classroom could have been my child- that’s how much older I was. I became the group mama bear, and I also developed dear friends I still keep in touch with. Taking on such a physical challenge in my 50s helped me grow. Not only did I become physically fit, but I also did things I never thought I could. I taught a class this morning and did 30 full body pushups. Being strong at 60 feels amazing- and I love seeing my muscles becoming bigger and more defined.
7. Fitness was not a goal 10 years ago. And that’s my next point. Follow your passions. Listen to the voice. You may engage in an activity with a friend and feel a surge of joy you haven’t experienced. Don’t ignore it. What is this surge telling you? You may have overlooked or left behind an undeveloped but inspiring talent. How can you tap this in your current job? Or, could it be a next step? After years of fitness, I certainly didn’t realize it would become a career. But the opportunity presented itself, and my heart giggled with joy.

And so here I am, a small business owner, fitness instructor and a writer with a a soaring audience. Somedays, I just get to be mama to my grown kids or grandma to my grand-dogs and cats. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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