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Beginning
the Process of Change
By
Dr. Dale V. Atkins
Losing
weight creates change; Changes in your body, your self-esteem,
your emotional health, your spiritual wealth, your relationships
and your dreams. Some of the change comes naturally and
feels really right. Some of it creeps in and stares you
in the face until you deal with it one way or another.
Change opens the door for deeper levels of change and
before you know it, you're snowballing into new territory.
You possess both the power and the opportunity to live
the life you deserve. You've heard me say this many
times, exercise your right to change. Embrace change.
Celebrate change. Move on and move up. You are worthy
of complete and total happiness. Grab it and go!
Happy New You! –kd
There
seems to be a common trend today for women at midlife. More
and more women in their 40's and 50's and 60's (notice how
the parameters of midlife are expanding) are reexamining
their lives and making lifestyle and career changes while
exploring new possibilities.
Some have been thrust into self discovery by a specific
event in their life (divorce, illness, death of a loved
one, loss of a job, empty nesting) while others intuitively
know they need to embrace change and grow. Whatever the
reason for their new focus, women are finding satisfaction
at midlife by following their passions, joys and dreams.
Here are a few TIPS for beginning the process of change:
- DeClutter
Your Life. To allow for growth, women especially have
to feel their home is in order. Take care of the "externals"
(home, finances, loved ones, and other relationships)
so you're not overwhelmed with sundry concerns while you're
starting the "internal" process of change. This
is the time to clean those closets, simplify your daily
routine, let go of weighing relationships and make sure
those that you're responsible for (children, spouses,
parents) are taken care of so you can make room and space
for the new.
- Listen
to Your Internal Voice and Face Your Fears. Self confidence
and self esteem build as you listen for your true calling.
Focus on what YOU know you are meant to do rather than
what other people think you should do. But, listen to
others because they may have some good insights. This
is a process and does not happen overnight. Visualize
being the person you truly know yourself to be.
- Give
Yourself Time to Transition. Learn what is motivating
your change and what you need to move forward. This may
be the time to take a class or study with a mentor to
develop your abilities in a new or dormant area. Find
the path that works for you to accomplish your goal.
- Discover
What Gives You Meaning and Purpose.
Ignite old passions or explore new ones. What have you
always wanted to do or gave up doing that you're still
longing for? Find your passions by examining your talents,
skills, interests and unique gifts which will undoubtedly
lead you to your life's purpose.
- Allow
for Spiritual Growth. Opening up to your true essence
and authentic self connects us to our spirituality. Try
and take time to quietly reflect and "let go"
by meditating, praying, journaling and inviting nature
into your life. Find the time for solitude to really inquire
of yourself what is next for you in your life.
Remember
as you change, so may your relationships with loved ones,
friends and colleagues. You may welcome new people in your
life who share a similar focus as old relationships wane
or improve. Embrace the change and spend time with people
who support you and have walked this path.
By welcoming change into our lives, we have the opportunity
to dream and make those dreams come true!
Dale Atkins
dratkins@kathleendaelemans.com
Dr. Dale Atkins' latest book, I'm
OK, You're My Parents: How to Overcome Guilt, Let Go of
Anger, and Create a Relationship That Works,
draws on twenty-five years of experience as a relationship
expert to present a comprehensive guide to repairing difficult
relationships, gaining control, and building a life that
you and your parents can live with for years to come.
Click
here for more info on I'm OK, You're My Parents
(Requires the free Acrobat
Reader; click the button below to download the Reader)
Other
books by Dr. Dale Atkins:
Sisters
From
the Heart: Men and Women Write Their Private Thoughts About
Their Married Lives
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