Each Life Decade Well Lived
We arrive at the various stages of life quite as novices. ~ Francois de La Rochefoucauld Each decade offers obstacles and opportunities. Executive mentor Bobb Biehl, author of Decade by Decade, believes life has these predictable stages, Childhood Seek security Adolescence Self awareness Twenties Develop survival skills Thirties Career success Forties Struggles and finding significance Fifties Find one’s stride Sixties Strong strategic thinking Seventies Nurture next leaders Eighties Savor accomplishments Nineties plus Reflect and rest TheWheelofCreativity.com reports that, from birth to ten, “If we do not build trust, autonomy, initiative and industry in these early years, we end up developing mistrust, shame and doubt, guilt and inferiority instead. In short, we need to feel our world is safe, we can rely on ourselves, we are inherently good and we can do good in our world.” Wheel of Creativity adds, “as we develop social relationships outside our families, we begin to form our own identity and gain confidence in ourselves in the world. If we don’t develop this sense of self – either through too little guidance or too much control – we get confused and can spend a lifetime looking outside for someone else to tell us who we are and what we think and feel.” Of the next three decades, Carrie McEachran, executive director, Mooretown, Ontario, Canada says, “My 20s taught me the true meaning of unconditional love with the birth of my two babies. Setting goals and working hard took on a whole new meaning when I became a mom. “My 30s taught me that it’s okay to put myself first sometimes. It taught me the importance of self-care for not only my own well-being, but for my children. “My 40s are teaching me to let go of everything that has been weighing me down (negative friendships, habits, etc.). The 40s have also taught me to stop worrying about what others think.” For the grand finale, “The Ultimate Checklist for Every Decade of Your Life” recommends, After 40, find a solid mentor and take time to reflect on how you want the last two decades of your working life to pan out. … build meaningful and deep relationships with peers, friends and family. Remember, this stage is all about maximizing your own potential. From 50 to 60, stay relevant. Learn from those younger than you – and provide them with mentorship and guidance … carefully choose what you have the best shot at and commit to it. Beyond 60, maintain your legacy. … enjoy the finer things in life. Travel the world, potter around in your garden and give back to your community. Spend time with friends you never really had enough time for in the past. Tick those remaining ‘to-do’ things off your bucket list. Along the way, remember, There are three stages of life: youth, maturity, and ‘My, you’re looking good!’ ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower Aging is not “lost youth” but a new stage of opportunity and strength. ~ Betty Friedan You’ve got to get to the stage in life where going for it is more important than winning or losing. ~ Arthur Ashe NOTE: If a life stage disappointed, one resource can be NIH National Library of Medicine’s “The Recovery Process“ Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. COMMENT. Radiant Tree Books Life Well Lived offers floral photographs, wise words and invitations to see life as a garden of possibilities. This book also offers instructions for creating Illustrated Wisdoms and allows lots of space for personal notes, sketches and meditations. Here are opportunities to both enjoy life’s seasons and find enrichment. Details: 8 x 10 inches Sketch Journal [with guides and prompts] 60 Pages $20 Preview Purchase View All Books Thanks for shopping!