“Spectacular achievement is always preceded
by unspectacular preparation.”
― Robert H. Schuller
― Robert H. Schuller
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| Hello and welcome. Cindy |
If you and I are so blessed, older-age is coming. There's no surprise there, we will all grow older or die trying (a little bit of humor intended). As we have lived long enough to recognize, if we plan to succeed at anything you and I must have a plan. Second Act Living is no different, so what's your plan?
Here's what I've discovered since I've begun my journey toward my 50th birthday.
1. We Must Have Plan "A", Plan "B", Plan "C" etc.
Why? It's simple: often things do not go according to plan. This point is particularly poignant for me. In my late 30s I got to fulfill a long held dream of going to college abroad (USA). After graduating and with no savings, I went straight to work at my ideal ministry position. My future with that organization was quite promising and I expected to serve a minimum of fifteen years. My plan involved saving lots of money and "exiting" to my next phase of life with a "fat" pension check, neither happened. What I didn't foresee was: burn-out, ill health, a couple of surgeries, living with chronic pain and other changes that caused me to resign in year seven. With very little savings I was on to "Plan B" which involved me relocating to another island.
2. The Best Time to Start That Plan is in Your 20's or 30's.
Second Best Time-NOW!
So, you didn't stash away or invest 20% of your income and lived contentedly on the remaining 80%. You didn't manage your health properly, you don't have your dream career, you're feeling stifled emotionally, you're divorced, single or separated, not to mention possibly quite lonely and ultimately you're worried about your older years. I'm going to tell you something: IT'S NOT TO LATE TO BEGIN AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN! How do I know? Because I'm living it. So, what's next? Get a plan! I've found "Achieving Goals" by Brian Tracy to a very helpful tool, watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XktHAwYK1Xw. However, when I was most conflicted the decision to seek help from a life coach provided the most clarity and courage. Meet my coach here: https://www.facebook.com/kaylus.visioncoach. The bottom-line? Get a plan! Create a picture for yourself of the older-life you envision and take steps daily to make it happen.
3. There's No Need To Worry, No Really.
Father God already lives in OUR future. I have a Christian world-view, resultantly my relationship with Jesus colors my perspective. I am confident Father is with me, as He is with you, at every age. The Bible says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6, New International Version [NIV]). Another Bible verse that's been extremely comforting to me is Isaiah 46:4, "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you" (NIV). If you are tempted or prone to worrying keep these verses in a prominent place to remind yourself, Father is already living in your "Second Act."
I end where I begin. If you and I are so blessed, older-age is coming, resistance is futile (said in my best "Borg" voice, Star Trek fans will get it) so begin planning today for a SPECTACULAR SECOND ACT.
Lovingly,
Cin
SNAP SHOT: Ron Edmondson offers 10 disciplines that are great to implement at any age. Read about it here: : http://www.ronedmondson.com/2015/07/10-disciplines-id-recommend-everyone-start-in-their-twenties.html
COFFEE AND CONVO:
Twitter: secondactlivingbah @secondactliving
Gmail: secondactlivingbahamas@gmail.com
