My Third Act…
Welcome to my third act! Thank you for being a part of my journey. These monthly messages will be a combination of personal and professional updates and my reflections during this phase of life. As always, I’d love to hear feedback, receive questions and engage with each of you.
As I said in a social media post recently, I don’t like the word retirement and it doesn’t even describe what I want for this period of my life. While a plan like this has been in the back of my mind for some time, it was driven into reality this summer by financial possibility and a realization that I was “no longer a fit” at my current job. I am heading into my third month without the daily grind (except for my coffee) and I am beyond convinced that I made the right decision even if I miss coworkers and some elements of that role.
So what will this act include? For those of you who know me, this list should be familiar. In the past three months, I have already been able to spend sooooo much meaningful time with my children, family, close friends and loved ones. I am seeing and feeling the health benefits of reduced stress, healthy eating and more activity - especially outside. I actually read a novel and am diving into short story collections. Professionally, I plan to spend more time thinking and writing. I’m excited to see where this goes for me. Also, I will continue to offer coaching and spiritual direction through my new business, Diamond Hill Coaching. I plan to launch a website in September, so stay tuned!
I am still a bit in shock that I actually have the freedom and health to write a third act for myself. While I don’t know exactly where this will go (that’s the fun of it!) I thoroughly expect it to continue to be some version of a tragicomedy, involving all of the deeply mixed emotions, hopes, dreams, dissolusionment and learnings of my first two acts. (Broadly speaking I see growing into motherhood as my first act and raising four children as my second act.) However this life stage develops, it will continue to include the journey of going inward to connect to myself and Spirit as I discern my outer direction. This same dynamic informs how I work with people, in spiritual direction or in coaching, in one on one or group settings. Living from a place of connection to your particular self and the sacred within you allows a relationship of inner trust to expand so that you can take action in the direction of your most important values and life goals.
Blessings!
Marian