How are you feeling these days about where you are in your life’s purpose? Certain, uncertain, no clue? Finding your calling and living out of a sense of purpose in your life is a journey and one, I believe that ebbs and flows.
Where are you in your season of life influences your journey as well. Are you – parenting, caretaking for your own parents, or dealing with your own health issues? Having the energy and focus to listen to God’s calling on your life also impacts on how well you can move forward in a healthy manner.
As you move into your second half of life, an awakening can occur. You become more aware of the passage of time. You wonder what you want to do with the time you have left. More questions begin to arise. You wonder who you are, what your purpose is, what your passion truly is?
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to enjoy the journey towards your new life. God may be calling you to get your reflection cap on to become more balanced, to hear His voice and move into what He is calling you to enjoy.
Examine Your Health
How healthy are you? What kinds of things do you need to do to get as healthy as you can? Self-care is a challenge. Yet as we age, taking care of ourselves so we can have the energy to serve and enjoy others become a priority. How are you caring for yourself?
You have to have your own health in hand before you can move forward very far and/or know your limitations and what you need to do to care for your health. You are not your limitations, though.
Determine Your Strengths
One of the best tools available for determining your strengths is the Strengthsfinder. Available for about $20 online it gives you a great profile of what 5 areas are your sweet spot. You can also do VIA, a values inventory assessment for free which also gives you a good overview.
Leaning into your strengths give you a positive boost each day. You build confidence and competency around your strengths, not focusing on your weaknesses.
Consider Your Passions and Interests
When you think about what you like to do, what comes to mind? I know when I have talked to women before, I sometimes get a blank look. Start by creating a list of things you are interested in. The list could be wide and varied.
Don’t put any limits on yourself, like “I could never do anything like that.” Let yourself play with ideas. Also let long ago dreams come to the surface. Keep a running list for a while. See what comes to the surface. What resonates with you?
Reflect on Your Personality
What do you know about your inside self? How do you speak to yourself? Do you do the things you don’t want to do?
One way to discover more about your own personality is through the Enneagram. The book, The Road Back to You is a good place to start. There are nine basic personality types, and hundreds of different combinations. Knowing more of your authentic self gives you more self-compassion as well as compassion for other.
I also will be offering a workshop on Transforming Your Three Intelligences in July, using the enneagram personality styles so you can connect with your head, heart and instincts in healthy ways. Email me, nancy@nancyboothcoaching for more information if you are interested. Watch for more information.
Spend Time in Prayer
Finding your calling or next purpose for your second half of life takes time. Most of all, it takes time in prayer. What is God stirring in your heart? As you go through the above steps, what made you excited? Where do you see Him at work? Where do you want to join Him?
Your calling is a discernment process and worth the time and energy it takes to get to the next place in the journey.
A friend and I were discussing where she is right now and her face was glowing. I commented on what she was doing and she said, “We’re in this together.” Yes, I said, but “you are in the right place at the right time.”
It’s what we all want, isn’t it?
The Take Away
What about you? Where are you on your journey? What are your next steps to intentionally move forward on your journey? How can I support you?
I look forward to hear how you are moving towards your purposeful life. Let me know if you are interested in learning more about your personality, too!
Nancy Booth helps you discard chaos and get unstuck as you journey towards a well-nourished life after 50. She helps you embrace wellness, purpose and intentional relationships in your life. Her coaching process helps you design your own personal roadmap to help you build a healthy, purposeful and peaceful mind, body and soul. She would love to walk your journey with you, the life you’ve always wanted.