As we go through life, we all experience times of change; such as becoming redundant or retiring from the workforce.
Each of these changes can impact on us and how we feel about ourselves in varying degrees. Some changes we can, with a little foresight, prepare for and others we just cope with as best we can when they happen.
One thing that it is important to remember is that at each stage of life we are playing a
A Sculptured Candle
role; and that role is not who we are. For example, our role could be a Plumber, a Parent, a Fireman, a Doctor, a Secretary, a Farmer. We identify with these roles and often that is how we identify ourselves. We forget that we are so much more than that.
So that when a life change occurs like retirement; we often feel the loss of our role in life as if we have lost ourselves. And that can be scary. Remember, what we do is a role that we play, not who we are; so therefore, when our lives change, all we have to do is choose another role and off we go again.
The trick is to find ourselves another role that gives us the satisfaction and meaning to our lives that we want. Many people do this really well and reinvent themselves very successfully, but some need some help to find their direction.
Getting help to make the changes in our lives easier is a very sensible thing to do. So if you are struggling with a big life change, my suggestion is that you find someone to help you let go of the past and find you way to a new life.
Hilary Thompson
The candle is now changed into a pattern.
Facilitator at Flourishing Relationships Retreat
Flourishing Relationships 