Rekindle that long lost creative spark to live your best life now.

 

Your second story starts now.

So here you are, in what people often call the second phase of life: maybe you’re an empty-nester, or maybe you are about to retire. And you’re wondering, did I miss something along the way? Is there something more I’m supposed to do with my life? Is there a yearning to bring in some of the magic you thought would be your life?

Maybe you’re like me.

When I was about to turn 60 and I had this nagging feeling I hadn’t completely lived the life I was meant to live. It feels as though something is missing… somewhere along the lines I skipped over something important. I was acutely aware of what I’d call a yearning.

Now, I’ve been fortunate in so many ways, and, believe me, I’m grateful. I’ve always followed what seemed like the right path. Career, mom, wife, family member, board member, volunteer — all of it. Thought I’d been successful, and had a great life so far, I also realized I’d moved further and further away from that spark of something I once felt way back when. There was this consistent, nagging feeling, getting stronger over time, that I’d missed my opportunity for a more creative, or maybe even magical, life. The life I was born for.

The magic of a child’s imagination.

I remember there were things I really loved to do as a child. I remember being totally enthralled when creating or expressing myself through art, dance, music, acting. And when I did those things I felt bliss, joy, purpose, hope and a sense that my life would be big. I want to rekindle that magic. I want to experience that sense of purpose and use the gifts I was given.

So, I picked up the paintbrush again. And started playing the piano. And singing in a choir. Ultimately, the art calls me more, and I’m going to listen to that. But I will tell you, honoring the creative gifts I was given changed everything.

And now I’m here to tell you that pursuing the creative activities you truly loved as a child may be the key to reconnecting with the joy you felt as a child, and to creating the second story of your life that brings that kind of joy back into your life. Bold statement, I know. But there are many who would agree, and I believe it with my very soul.

Now it’s your turn.

Take some time and think back to when you were a child.  Were there creative activities that brought you irrepressible joy — the kind you haven’t felt since? Did you get lost in activities that just seemed so right and put you right smack in the moment? Do you remember what it felt like? I know I could get lost for hours doing those things that made my heart sing and my imagination soar.

Imagine taking one of those activities — maybe it’s painting, or maybe it’s dancing, or singing, or building things, or making up stories — and then building a practice around it. Close your eyes and take a moment to feel how doing just that would make you feel. Does your world start to change? Does it become more vibrant, more colorful, more authentically you? Do you carry yourself differently and have bursts of joy and moments of pure bliss? If so, I say, embrace the idea. Then, make it real by taking daily small steps to build on it. It could be the start of a whole new chapter, that precious second story. The story that fills your heart and soul.

You deserve it.

And, girl, after all you’ve done in this world: all the hard work, all the loving on others, all the good care to make good choices, be responsible and play fair — you deserve this bit of magic. So, take it!!! I know we’ve all heard this a thousand times, but it’s true, the more nourish your soul, the more you have to give to others. So, if you need that justification (although you don’t, just sayin’) take that too. Just do the thing.

In summary…

Remember what you loved to do as a child. That creative spark you had that moved you, made you feel joy, that you could lose yourself in. That passion that also made you feel like you had a big, big life ahead. You can rekindle that creative spark, build a life around it and live your best life.

Oh, and do it now. Because life is precious, and now is your time. Period. Start today. Take those itty-bitty baby steps. Or big, long, epic leaps.

P.S. Reach out if you want encouragement. I believe in you.