As we sit here in 2023, I think it’s time for us, especially those at a mid-point in our lives, to consider where we are in our lives and what the path before us look like.

As we grow, we are conditioned to believe that the “right” path before us is a traditional path of going to school, getting a job, finding a partner, building a career, creating a family, and living happily ever after. We learn WHAT to do in order to be successful and happy. We are often given many things on the to-do list early in life but then the manual becomes ambiguous when we get to the “happily ever after” part.

The phrase “happily ever after” suggests a perfect, idealized ending to a story in which all conflicts are resolved and the characters live in a state of eternal happiness. This sets us up for disappointment.

Some of us wake up in our late 30s-early 40s and start questioning ourselves and our path - where the heck is my happily ever after?

Even if we aren’t so naive to believe in it fully, there is still a part of us that believes in the story we are continually fed that if we do all the things then life will be good.

What if we got it all wrong?

What if… you are simply chasing what feels like you “should” want instead of what will actually bring you joy?

What if… instead of some formulaic plan for everyone we instead were taught how to connect to our own strengths and how to offer our gifts to the world?

What if… it’s never too late to shift and take action on what will bring you more joy and fulfillment.

Reimagining your life path at midlife can be a powerful way to find greater fulfillment and thrive in your later years. We have many years ahead of us at midlife - change allows for the possibility to be happy in a different way, to find success in a different way.

It requires us to go within for the answers not look outward.

Remember, it's never too late to reimagine your life path and find greater fulfillment and happiness in your later years. A year of thriving is always better than continuing to feel the heaviness and burden of not living a life led by our best Self.

"The most successful people I know are focused on solving important problems and are incredibly present and mindful in their work."— SAM ALTMAN, CEO OpenAI (Creator of ChatGPT)

The Road Not Taken

BY ROBERT FROST

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,And sorry I could not travel bothAnd be one traveler, long I stoodAnd looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;Then took the other, as just as fair,And having perhaps the better claim,Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing thereHad worn them really about the same,And both that morning equally layIn leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!Yet knowing how way leads on to way,I doubted if I should ever come back.I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by,And that has made all the difference.

How do we forge a new path forward toward living life fully?

Knowing your SELF.

Turning inward allows us to start a new relationship with ourselves. It allows us to connect to our Inner Daimon/best Self in a meaningful way. This allows us to make decisions that are best for us not based on information for the masses.

Listen to S1E1 Get Clear podcast

Reflect on your values and priorities.

Do you know your core values? It can be a powerful practice to continually check in on our values and also our priorities in life. Our schedules and how we spend out time don’t always align with what we say is most important to us.

Quick practice:

* Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus and relax.

* Take a few deep breaths and clear your mind of any distractions.

* Ask yourself some reflective questions, such as:

* What do I care about most in life?

* What brings me the most joy and fulfillment?

* What are my core values and beliefs?

* What do I want to achieve in the next 5-10 years?

* What kind of legacy do I want to leave behind?

* Write down your answers in a journal or notebook. You may also want to create a mind map or vision board to visually represent your values and priorities.

* Review your list and identify any common themes or patterns. This can help you identify what's most important to you and what you want to prioritize in your life.

* Use your list to guide your decision-making and goal-setting. When faced with a decision or opportunity, consider whether it aligns with your values and priorities.

Consider your strengths and passions.

Take a test.

* Character Strengths

* Strength Finder

* Human Design

* Enneagram

Consider your accomplishments

Receive and reflect on feedback.

Remember that identifying your strengths is an ongoing process. As you gain more experience and knowledge, your strengths may evolve and change over time. Stay open to new opportunities and experiences, and continue to reflect on your strengths and how you can use them to achieve your goals.

Identify possible obstacles.

There are three (probably more) key obstacles that hold us back from taking action to live a more fulfilling life.

* Fear - Fear of failure, rejection, or the unknown can hold people back from pursuing their passions and taking risks that could lead to a more fulfilling life.

* Social Pressure - Social pressures and expectations from family, friends, and society can make it difficult for people to pursue their own goals and passions.

* Negative Self-Talk / Lack of Self-Confidence - Negative self-talk can undermine self-confidence and lead to feelings of self-doubt and low self-esteem. A lack of self-confidence can make it difficult for people to pursue their goals and passions.

There are many excuses that will be created to keep us stuck, keep us in the familiar cycle of behaviour. Excuses like our busy schedules, the needs of our family, all the fears, and the lack of self-worth. Can you see the story in your mind that keeps you on your current path? Can you see the subtle ways we sabotage ourselves?

Identify potential possibilities.

Encouraging imagination and seeing new directions and possibilities can be a powerful way to expand your horizons and create a more fulfilling life. It can allow us to take smaller steps outside of our comfort zone.

* Practice brainstorming. Brainstorming is a powerful tool for generating new ideas and possibilities. Set aside some time to brainstorm ideas for new directions you could take in your life, whether it's a new career path, a new hobby, or a new relationship. Try MindMapping - there are some great, free, online tools like Miro.

* Engage in creative activities. Engaging in creative activities like writing, drawing, or painting can help you tap into your imagination and see new possibilities. These activities can help you think outside the box and approach problems from a new perspective.

* Surround yourself with inspiration. Surround yourself with people, books, and media that inspire you and challenge your thinking. This can help you see new directions and possibilities that you may not have considered before. Seek out groups (in person and online) with like-minded people.

* Take risks. Taking risks can be scary, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Try something new, even if it's outside of your comfort zone. This can help you see new possibilities and expand your horizons.

* Travel. Travelling to new places can help you see the world from a different perspective and expose you to new ideas and possibilities. Even if you can't travel far, try exploring new neighbourhoods or cities in your own area.

Take action.

Change requires disruption. And to shift your path, the reality is that your choices may impact those around you like family, partners, kids, etc.

* Identify your fears. It's important to understand why you are scared and what specific fears are holding you back. Write down your fears and try to identify the root cause of each one. Fear is normal when we face change. Don’t let it stop you.

* Communicate openly and honestly. It's important to communicate your thoughts and feelings openly and honestly, but also in a way that's respectful and non-judgmental. Use "I" statements to express how you feel and avoid blaming or attacking the other person.

* Listen actively. Listen to the other person's perspective and try to understand where they are coming from. This can help you find common ground and identify potential solution