Sharing Second Act Wisdom |

I started the Second Acts series on my blog in July of 2013. Since that time, over 100 women from Australia, Canada, Great Britain, and the United States have shared reinvention stories that will inspire anyone asking the question: What am I going to do with the rest of my life?

Here are pearls of wisdom from thirteen of those amazing women…

I leave the “What If?” for my protagonists, and instead, whenever I hear the whispered question, I take a breath and answer “Why not?” It’s the beautiful thing about becoming “older.” If not now, when? D. J. Adamson

Find your passion in life—don’t quit or turn back until you’ve discovered the one thing that you really love. For me, it was books and words. And spread your wings—get to know people in your profession, speak up, present talks, make yourself heard. Judy Alter

Own your own life. At the end of it would you rather say I tried, I tried as hard as I could but I didn’t succeed or I was scared so I didn’t try? Nina Barrett

If you want a second act, or even a third, don’t wait. Work on getting it. As Albert Einstein said, ‘A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.’ Annalisa Carr

My second act was hard fought and worth every bumpy step. I truly believe I would not be here if I’d never divorced. The struggle created a strength in me that helped push me to reach for my dreams, to search for great love, and to write about strong women who will accept nothing less. Rayanne Haines

The play will continue, and each act will bring new challenges and new joys. My guiding passions continue to be my God, my PRH, and my children (including, now, my fictional children). Will I reinvent myself again? I’ll slow down, of course, if only because the body will demand it. Jude Knight

Start your second act the moment you think of it. Don’t wait until you have the time. If your life doesn’t feel right to you, make a change. Becky Lower

Listen to your inner voice. Be open to making a major change even if it involves going back to school to learn new skills. With the advent of the Internet, I was able to take creative writing classes that developed my skills and are now helping to advance my second career. Carole Ann Moleti

Don’t be afraid to try something new and/or change directions. Reinvention is nothing more than flying higher and higher into the stratosphere and making your dreams come true. You’re never too old or too young to live the life you’ve always dreamt of. You must take that first step, though. Opportunity doesn’t knock on closed doors. Mrs. N

I’d advise anyone planning to retire soon to examine your life now. If an event or activity doesn’t bring you joy, maybe it’s time to let that stuff go. Have you always wanted to travel somewhere? Don’t wait! Go now! But most important, indulge your passion. Live your dreams. Ashantay Peters

Sometimes it takes something traumatic to force a life change – for me, it was that double whammy of divorce and job loss. Those events forced me to evaluate what I wanted out of life, what was important to me, and the path I wanted to take. Lori Robinett

My advice for those reaching their Second Stages – Dare to think big! Nancy Raven Smith

Like Nike says, “Just do it.” It may be intimidating. It may seem like hard work. But the satisfaction of starting something new is worth it. I believe anyone with a bit of grit can reinvent themselves. Kristina Stanley