Midlife Is A Great Time to Pursue Your Passions -- And Discover What Really Excites You!

Create space in your life for greater self-expression and creativity — passionate pursuits in which you get lost in what you really love. What excites you so much that you can’t wait to get out of bed in the morning?

You may have thought your secret wish to write a children’s book or learn country dancing was silly and pushed it to the back recesses of your mind. It may be that you want to learn how to play the guitar, take a pottery class, or write your own screenplay. Most of us have something that we have always wanted to do, or have a talent for.

Maybe you daydream about hiking in the woods and sketching in a nature journal or maybe you have always wanted to learn Italian. Revisit the activities you enjoyed as a child — playing the flute, bike riding, canoeing, ice skating, skiing — all the things you used to love, but as an adult, never felt you had time for.

Is there something you’ve thought about doing, but never thought you’d be capable of trying? Whether it’s running a marathon, horseback riding, or becoming a clown, call on your courage and take the first step. Make the phone call, schedule the lesson, buy the supplies — whatever steps are required to convince your subconscious that you are serious about focusing on that goal. Stop making excuses!

There is no greater tragedy than to find yourself at the end of your life regretting that you never dared to explore your true passions. When you’re doing what you love, your work improves, you’re more productive, and you have more energy to direct toward other areas of your life. Pursuing what you enjoy inspires and renews you. It makes you feel alive.

[Excerpted from Bring It On! Women Embracing Midlife]