Rediscovering who we are in our 50’s can be mind-blowing. Sometimes I feel like I’ve been unconscious and on auto-pilot most of my life. I’m choosing to be more aware of my decisions and thoughts. I’m working on being more deliberate with my choices and I’m doing my best to be authentically me…which can be a challenge for a people pleaser. This section is real talk. The tough and sometimes funny realizations that we encounter when we wake up!
The deep obligation I felt to please all, was a disaster in my life. As they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions…my good intentions got me into terrible, regrettable situations. I put the need to please others and gain their approval high above my own wants, needs or desires.
As I gaze out the window on this early fall morning and watch the leaves drift from the trees, I’m reminded that I can let go of old definitions of myself which no longer suit me.
There’s a common theme in the letters I receive from young folks and older folks alike: Worry.
Worry about decisions they have made, that might have been wrong and they feel stuck with.
Worry about decisions they are making for the future as though any decision made is a burden they will carry forever, if it’s the wrong one.
Worry about mistakes made in the past and feeling that these mistakes define them forever.
We search far and wide to see beautiful scenery. We aren’t the type to take the usual quick route. So, we added…
Gavin and I always have lots of things to talk about. We have a very strong and, dare I say, psychic connection. As we drive along, we dig deep. We always dig deep, not just during road trips. There is never enough time to talk about all we want to talk about.
Empty nesting has it’s challenges. Losing our parents is a big one. There’s no easy way to get through this life changing event that we all face, eventually. Looking back on this day for me, I realize that it was perfect.
My son Gavin Leatherwood plays Nicholas Scratch on the Netflix series, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. He “made it big” but it wasn’t easy getting there.
In this chaotic world, with our whirlwind of thoughts non-stop firing in our heads, a mindfulness practice is the space between the crazy. It’s a gift to ourselves. It’s peace. It’s a way to honor ourselves and get in touch when we are bombarded 24/7 from outside influences.
It’s such a dilemma.
On the inside I feel like a teenager but when I catch sight of my
reflection in the mirror, I wonder who…
Regaining my zest for life!
