I’ve been doing a lot of thinking over the past few days and I have come to the conclusion that it’s hard to reinvent yourself late in life. How do you move forward to a new life when you’re still are reeling from the past one? Where does one start? How do you get the ball rolling – so to speak.
There are a lot of books out there about reinventing yourself – but it mostly is directed towards a profession. I’m talking about digging down deep and finding out one of two things: who are you? or who are you meant to be? Because clearly after a life change you are not who you once were. Despite friends and family wishing you would just pick right back up and move on the same ole’ person you were before.
Reinventing who you are starts with finding out what matters to you. What morals do you believe in, live by. What value to put on – anything? Even yourself. Perhaps writing a “mission statement” for yourself might be a good place to start. Something to think about – then of course, you’d have to know and understand what a mission statement is. I’ll tell you I know what it is not – a picture you hang on your wall for everyone to view, but for no one to live by. I know you’ve seen them hanging in the halls of many businesses’ right? – I have.
Franklin Covey has a great website for helping someone write their own personal “mission statement” – here is my first attempt using their website:
I am at my best when I am surrounded by grateful people..
I will try to prevent times when I am surrounded by hurtful people and when I am lonely.
I will enjoy my work by helping facilitate communication between management and my teams..
I will find enjoyment in my personal life by making people smile..
I will find opportunities to use my natural talents and gifts such as my love being creative – Photography, jewelry, advertising, mentoring..
I can do anything I set my mind to. I will help unsuspecting people in need..
My life’s journey is about my faith in God and fulfilling the purpose He has created for me..
I will be a person who my friends thought I was a great friend, mentor and lover of life..
My most important future contribution to others will be to make sure my nieces and nephews don’t ever forget my late daughter who lived life out loud and full of joy.I will stop procrastinating and start working on:
- feeding the hungry
- recycling
- mentoring young people
I will strive to incorporate the following attributes into my life:
- Love everyone
- help the needy
- live everyday grateful – even when life got tough
I will constantly renew myself by focusing on the four dimensions of my life:
- walking outside and seeing God’s creation
- Spending time with my spiritual family at church.
- Meditation when I can.
- Watching a funny movie. Laughing
So there you go…. go give it a try. http://www.franklincovey.com/msb/
Until next time,
m
Unimaginable Grief Unexpected Blessings 