Before I dive in here, let me underscore that I did not take the photograph above, though I certainly would have if the opportunity had presented itself. If you’ve been following me for awhile, you know that damselflies (like the one in the photograph) inspired my company name (here’s why).
The quote and image cap the April page of my 2024 Eckhart Tolle wall calendar. When I got the calendar last December and opened it to my birthday month, I knew that this was my first 60th birthday gift from the Universe.
Tolle was the first teacher to break through my unconscious thinking patterns fifteen years ago when I was recovering from cancer. The blend of his wisdom quote and this radient damselfly felt like unequivocal affirmation of my journey.
Yes, I turn 60 today! Yahoo!
I’ve been preparing for this milestone intentionally for a year now, through a series of explorations to bolster my personal and purpose work infrastructure to support my Third Act of life – the final three (+?) decades I intend to live with vibrancy and meaning. I have touched on some of these explorations in blog posts over the past year and will share more in the coming weeks and months.
Today, though, I am savoring the vantage point, marinating in gratitude for the teachers, family, friends, community, and twists and turns of life that have led me to the sense of utter joy, wholeness, and happy anticipation that I feel today.
Our Deepest Calling
In his powerful little book Let Your Life Speak, Parker J. Palmer tells us,
Our deepest calling is to grow into our own authentic self-hood.
What I love about this sentiment is that it invites a sense of curiosity, wonder and meaning until the day we take our last breath. Every life situation offers the opportunity to learn more about ourselves, how we are showing up in the world and in our relationships, and how we can stretch into ever greater authentic self-hood.
It’s a badass decision to pursue this calling. It takes courage, perseverance, and vulnerability. Far from being “selfish,” growing into our authentic self-hood is the greatest gift we can give to the world.
Life as a Staircase
I recently discovered this short TED Talk clip of one of my favorite badasses, Jane Fonda, speaking in 2011. She is now 86 years old, with the record showing that she has walked the talk she gave over a decade ago.
I intend to do the same as I step into my Third Act.
