Since the day I was born the life expectancy of humans has increased year by year so that at this point in time the average person will live well into their 80’s and 90’s and even beyond. In fact, the baby boomer generation, all 78 million of them - will live another 30 years past conventional retirement age For those hitting midlife now, well, who knows how long they will live. Think about it - thirty or more years, after retirement! But what is the media, the culture, books, movies and television telling you about this time of life? It tells us to:
Hang on to where you're at until you're sixty-five, save your money and then retire. Live in a segregated community of senior citizens, go on a perpetual vacation, if you can afford it, or go be a greeter at Walmart or do volunteer work for your church or some do good non profit, buy long term disability insurance and get out of the way of the younger folks – those in their first act - they have work to do – you are no longer in the game.
Well, this is ridiculous!!! Starting at midlife we need to start planning for those extra 30 or 40 years and going on a perpetual vacation is not it! The human psyche thrives on challenge and productive work, not play and recreation - these are your reward for the work you've done and also a way to rejuvenate yourself for more work. Therefore, regardless of what those with a vested interest in selling you this idea, have to say, going on a perpetual vacation is not what your heart and soul really want or need. What we need, what we want, just like those in their first act, is to get up every morning and do some useful work. People feel good about themselves, are healthier and more satisfied with their lives, when they are doing something on a daily basis that contributes to the greater good in some way. This can be paid or unpaid – but it has to be work and the most satisfying work uses your gifts, talents and skills in the highest and most productive way possible.
Because I am passionate about this idea I have written a book – Second Act Soul Calls – A Guide for the Re-Imagination of Your Life at Midlife and Beyond with Passion, Purpose and Possibilities, Outskirts Press – available on Amazon this Spring. In my book I talk about what it will take for you to listen for and answer the call of your soul in your second act. I have also created this blog and will write on this theme on a regular basis - sometimes weekly, sometimes bi-weekly weekly and sometimes monthly - it all depends on my schedule and of ocurse when something hits me as needing said on this theme.
I will write on the challenges, the potentials and the pitfalls of this time of life. In addition, I will interview and feature people who have created a successful second act and will review books and articles with this theme or the theme of remaining vibrant, engaged and excited about life in your second act.
I would love your feedback so please leave a comment here or follow me on Twitter and here on this blog. I’m excited about this work and this time of life and I hope you are as well.
Blessings, Lorraine
