The Beautiful Blank Page: Embracing the Art of Starting Afresh Over 50

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs. Sometimes, it's a gentle nudge, a feeling that something needs to change. Other times, it's a full-blown earthquake, leaving us feeling disoriented and wondering where to go next. For those of us who are in our latter wisdom age, this can be especially disorienting. Maybe it doesn't feel as possible as it once was. I am here to tell you that it is. The Universe gives us what we need; affirm the most beneficent changes and trust (see this blog)

The idea of restarting afresh can be both terrifying and exhilarating, especially for those over 50. It's natural to feel a sense of loss or uncertainty when life changes dramatically whether unexpected or a slow drip over time.

We've invested time, energy, and emotion into what was, and letting go can feel like a mini-grief process. But what if we reframed this moment? What if we saw it not as an ending, but as the opening of a beautiful, blank page, ready for a whole new story? Remember, your soul came here for a purpose. If you love, you experience the sadness that comes with grief. The ups and downs, twists and turns of life are part of your soul's desire to grow in love.

Why a Fresh Start is a Powerful Opportunity

The beauty of restarting afresh lies in its inherent potential. It's a chance to:

• Shed what no longer serves you: We all accumulate habits, beliefs, and even relationships that, over time, might not align with our true selves. A fresh start gives you permission to prune back, to let go of the dead weight, and create space for growth.

• Redefine yourself: Who do you want to be now? What values do you want to prioritize? Often, we've been so busy working, taking care of others, that we have lost sight of ourselves. A new beginning is an invitation to consciously sculpt your identity, rather than just passively letting circumstances define you.

• Pursue long-held dreams: Often, we put dreams on hold due to being busy providing for ourselves and others, perceived limitations, or even fear of failure. A fresh start can be the catalyst you need to finally bring your meraki* to the fore, chase that passion project, learn that new skill, or embark on that adventure you've always imagined.

• Gain perspective and resilience: Navigating the unknown builds character. You probably noticed that by now! Every challenge reframed or overcome, every new path forged, strengthens your inner fortitude and teaches you invaluable lessons about yourself and the world.

  
  

How to Approach Your Blank Page

So, you've decided to embrace the opportunity. How do you begin to fill that blank page with intention and purpose?

1. Reflect, Don't Dwell: Take some time to acknowledge what led you to this point. What did you learn from the past? What do you want to carry forward, and what are you ready to leave behind? This isn't about wallowing, but about gaining clarity.

2. Envision Your Future: What does your ideal fresh start look like? Don't censor yourself. Dream big. Visualize your new routine, your new environment, the feelings you want to experience. This clarity will act as your compass and the Universe responds to what you vision.

3. Start Small, But Start: The thought of a complete overhaul can be overwhelming. Break it down. What's one small step you can take today? Maybe it's researching a new neighborhood, updating your resume, or simply decluttering to create more space (a good one for me).

4. Embrace the Discomfort: Change is rarely perfectly comfortable. There will be moments of doubt, fear, and even loneliness. Acknowledge these feelings, but don't let them derail you. They're just part of the growth process.

5. Build Your Support System: You don't have to do this alone. Lean on friends, family, or even professional coaches. Share your aspirations and challenges. A strong support network can provide encouragement and perspective. Maybe you don't have as much of a support system due to loss, change in location, or drifting apart. If you have drifted apart, would you like to reconnect? Meet new people? A good example would be through MeetUp. Our Unity Spiritual Center ABQ has a MeetUp group that many people quickly joined. Go on a group tour. Join an association or group that has similar interests.

6. Be Patient and Kind to Yourself: A fresh start isn't a race to a perfect destination. It's a journey of discovery. There will be detours, lessons learned, and moments where you need to adjust your course. Celebrate every step, no matter how small.

Restarting afresh isn't about erasing your past; it's about integrating your experiences and using them as a foundation for a more authentic and fulfilling future. That is what wisdom through life experience is all about. It's an act of courage, a testament to your resilience, and an incredible opportunity for growth. Your life is calling you.

What blank page are you ready to start writing?

*meraki, v. adv. n., to do a creative endeavor with soul, passion, & love