As someone who started an unexpected business that has now become a way bigger operation than when I started, I am so so grateful about the second act I did not see coming. It’s woken me up a bit. Made me work insanely hard. And forced me to use areas of my brain that have been quiet for years. I think I spent a lot of time on “what now?” When I stopped doing stand up or stopped writing as much as I used to. And this feels like a welcome pivot. Loved this piece. It’s true. “You’re never too old and it’s never too late.” Not that I didn’t believe that. I just didn’t realize you could go in a COMPLETELY different direction!
You are such a phenomenal role model in this way — it can be something you love, it doesn’t have to be a life long dream or have been an ongoing side hustle to become your next step. I love your vintage store and hope to visit it IRL sometime.
Great read! And important to put out there - as there’s soooo many women in their second (or third) acts that finally feel/have felt that “peace” for finally giving themselves the permission (albeit annoying) and space to follow a path that brings joy - rather than the expected/traditional roles that they were made to think (by parents, society, their younger selves) was the right road to acceptance or success! Bravo!
Such a thoughtful piece, Christine. I found myself nodding along while reading, and feeling grateful that I have reached a point in my life where I understand in a real way that fulfillment and success are not tied to outcome. What good is it to have a big title or make lots of money if you are miserable? Of course, it's wonderful to be acknowledged, but for me the 2nd act has been all about finding alignment in my life and really tapping into my creativity in a way I did not allow myself to do as a younger woman. Letting go of the need for perfection, the worry about what others might think, and the fear of failure has opened up so much space to explore, evolve, and connect, and that's the energy that propels me to keep going, and asking, like the fabulous Lyn Slater, "what's next..."
I love the creativity and drive I'm seeing in the 40+ set. Inspiration is all around us. I pivoted from fashion to wellness — I like to say Conde Nast to cannabis (or W Mag to weed) when I first moved to LA. Now I'm evolving deeper into health optimization as a CMO, integrative coach and educator. I think if you are an eternally curious person, there is always movement and growth. I am more aligned with my purpose today at 51 than I ever was. Thank you for reminding us of the possibilities! They truly are endless.
One aspect that affects so many of us is caring for aging parents. As my mother’s full-time caregiver, I wonder if I have it in me for a second act. I keep waiting for the time when it will “just be me,” but does such a time ever come? I’m not taking chances and just ordered the book! Thanks for an enlightening post!
That is an excellent point, Diane — and one so many are experiencing as the “sandwich generation” continues to grow. Sending you strength and support; your time will absolutely come. xx
So good. Also, I too started a second chapter at 40, with a whirlwind wedding, baby and firmly establishing our roots in the south (for now.) And it's the sweetest season of life. xx
As someone who started an unexpected business that has now become a way bigger operation than when I started, I am so so grateful about the second act I did not see coming. It’s woken me up a bit. Made me work insanely hard. And forced me to use areas of my brain that have been quiet for years. I think I spent a lot of time on “what now?” When I stopped doing stand up or stopped writing as much as I used to. And this feels like a welcome pivot. Loved this piece. It’s true. “You’re never too old and it’s never too late.” Not that I didn’t believe that. I just didn’t realize you could go in a COMPLETELY different direction!
You are such a phenomenal role model in this way — it can be something you love, it doesn’t have to be a life long dream or have been an ongoing side hustle to become your next step. I love your vintage store and hope to visit it IRL sometime.
Great read! And important to put out there - as there’s soooo many women in their second (or third) acts that finally feel/have felt that “peace” for finally giving themselves the permission (albeit annoying) and space to follow a path that brings joy - rather than the expected/traditional roles that they were made to think (by parents, society, their younger selves) was the right road to acceptance or success! Bravo!
Thank you, Meg!!
Such a thoughtful piece, Christine. I found myself nodding along while reading, and feeling grateful that I have reached a point in my life where I understand in a real way that fulfillment and success are not tied to outcome. What good is it to have a big title or make lots of money if you are miserable? Of course, it's wonderful to be acknowledged, but for me the 2nd act has been all about finding alignment in my life and really tapping into my creativity in a way I did not allow myself to do as a younger woman. Letting go of the need for perfection, the worry about what others might think, and the fear of failure has opened up so much space to explore, evolve, and connect, and that's the energy that propels me to keep going, and asking, like the fabulous Lyn Slater, "what's next..."
Love seeing all of your creativity in action, Dina — and forever grateful for you reading my work.
Bravo!!! Here’s to our 2nd acts!!!🙌🏻
Whatever we choose them to be!! xx
I love the creativity and drive I'm seeing in the 40+ set. Inspiration is all around us. I pivoted from fashion to wellness — I like to say Conde Nast to cannabis (or W Mag to weed) when I first moved to LA. Now I'm evolving deeper into health optimization as a CMO, integrative coach and educator. I think if you are an eternally curious person, there is always movement and growth. I am more aligned with my purpose today at 51 than I ever was. Thank you for reminding us of the possibilities! They truly are endless.
I love your trajectory from W to weed! Your curiosity is bringing to light so many fantastic avenues toward better well-being.
One aspect that affects so many of us is caring for aging parents. As my mother’s full-time caregiver, I wonder if I have it in me for a second act. I keep waiting for the time when it will “just be me,” but does such a time ever come? I’m not taking chances and just ordered the book! Thanks for an enlightening post!
That is an excellent point, Diane — and one so many are experiencing as the “sandwich generation” continues to grow. Sending you strength and support; your time will absolutely come. xx
So good. Also, I too started a second chapter at 40, with a whirlwind wedding, baby and firmly establishing our roots in the south (for now.) And it's the sweetest season of life. xx
I love this, Rachel — and couldn’t agree more about this time of life! So look forward to meeting IRL at a future The Board gathering. xx
This is one of my favs!
That means everything to me, Heather!!