Action step #4: Embrace your current season
Some aspirations and desires will be more suited to another season of life. But some are perfectly tuned to where we are right now. And as we embrace where we are—rather than where we are not—joy and gratitude replace stress and regret.
For example, a friend of mine had a really hard time when her kids went off to college. She wanted to keep being “volleyball mom” and didn’t know how to navigate life now that her days didn’t revolve around her kids. But then she realized: “Wait a minute! I’ve always wished I had a college degree. Why not try that now?” Sure, she missed the volleyball years. But she threw herself into her current season and is loving it.
Other aspirations can be dialed in as long as we create the conditions necessary for that season.
For example, another woman had loved community theater in her single years but assumed she would have to give it up as the kids came along. But then her husband said, “Why? This gives you life! Let’s figure this out. Since most of the rehearsals and shows are on nights and weekends when I can be with the kids … you go do your thing!” With a supportive spouse (one of the factors to consider), and realistic expectations (she knew she and her husband would have less time together during theater season and make up for it at other times), she and her family thrived.
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