Experiencing a moment in your purpose is a feeling that’s hard to describe. I have spent a lot of time trying to figure out how I will live the second half (rest of) my life because the plan is to die empty. Public service (not necessarily public sector) is my future and helping folks transition from a past season of their lives to one of significance and purpose is currently a huge part of that public service. Through my halftime (midlife) journey I discovered that I am a portfolio person. That means my ideal life is made up of a few major interests that build on each other to result in my unique assignment on earth.
Last week was a taste of that purpose or destiny if you like. I had the privilege of facilitating a halftime round table. I was in awe of the brave men and women who have decided to address the smouldering discontent within them before it turns into a raging fire that will destroy the future they desire and are destined for. I cant wait to see the results at the end of the year when they complete this program.
I enjoy having deep, defining and exploratory conversations with folks not willing to settle for a lesser life than the one they are capable of living. Especially a life that derives meaning from serving others. It’s two-way traffic as I also increase clarity for my journey. Folks the second half of our lives is all about interdependence. We go further when we go together. Be open to good conversation. You may just find the solutions you need.
As we went through the content of the day guys just started firing random yet thought-provoking statements. As we delved into various issues and gave each other feedback, light bulbs just started turning on in our minds. It was like those automatic lights in modern buildings that only come on when someone enters the room. Folks here were shedding light on each other’s journey and it showed on their brightened faces. We experienced many aha moments. That’s what sets the halftime program apart in my view. It’s a life program that guides you to finding your element, activating it and living it. Not just another training with a certificate to add to your CV. I have facilitated several round tables and I learn something new every time to apply on my journey to significance.
That session last Friday had many small insightful moments that when put together formed one collective brightness. We felt more confident because we could see where we are headed. At least much better than how we came in that morning. This was the feedback from some of the participants.
Things are created twice. That’s a quote that was said by one of the halftimers as she took us through her roadmap. First, we see things in our mind then manifest in the physical realm if we put in the effort required. The lesson here for me was that our minds give us leakage beforehand on life situations, which guides our actions towards achieving our goals.
Be your own joy. This one jumped out and I had to write it in caps on the flip chart. I kept glancing at it throughout the morning session. Many times we are dependant on other people or situations to determine our joy or contentment with life. Halftime will burst that outlook. That’s because there is a lot of internal work that is required as we take stock of our lives. We look at the past (your first half) and explore how we can use it as construction material for the future we want to build. This will often take a toll and look messy at times because many of us don’t introspect naturally especially when it gets uncomfortable.
Halftime is more of archaeology. We have to do the work and go deep to align our life’s journey if we are to finish well. And for that to happen you need to carry your own sunshine and be your own joy. Otherwise, one can get overwhelmed and give up. Sadly many have started this journey and when the hard work began they ran back to their comfort zone. What a tragedy.
Good news folks. For those faint of heart, you don’t have to walk alone. Karibuni to Halftime Africa. You still have to put in the work but we will walk with you as you attempt to find and live your best life yet.
These are just a few of the lightbulbs that came on last week at our meeting. I was uplifted seeing the resolve in those guys. They may have crutches of one sort or another (but then again, don’t we all) as a result of life’s challenges but I started seeing them turning those crutches into ladders for climbing into their higher calling. At that moment my personal mission statement came alive. It states, “I desire to use my speaking and influence (leadership) to positively impact people’s lives and communities”. Oh, we also help you come up with that too, a personal mission statement. The reason you do what you do.
We are soon opening up signups for our July roundtable. If you are in that transition period, let me encourage you to book your seat at the table. Drop me a line or call 0746198520. You know what they say. If you are not at the table then you are on the menu. Don’t be swallowed up by whatever challenges you may be going through especially in this hard covid life. This process will help you get clear, get free and get going. Welcome to halftime.
It was my son Dan who introduced me to a ‘portfolio’ life, when he was 20 and I was around your age. It was a great revelation. Now at 76, Mr Covid decided to hit my pause button, but I am gradually resuming the portfolio in my second half.
When I was much younger, I heard a 48 year old say that he felt more energetic now than he did in his 20s. First, in my mind, he might as well have said he was 104 years old! Now, smack in my midlife, I would never go back to my 20s it my 30s…even if they were brought to me on a silver platter.