Now that you have an empty nest and your life has taken a new path, this is your chance to reinvent yourself. I know there are a lot of people who don’t like change but let’s face it, your life has already changed, so why not really shake things up!
So now you want to know what I mean by “reinvent yourself”. Simple, become the person you temporarily forgot about while you raised your children, worked and took care of a household. Everyone makes sacrifices when they have children, that’s just what parents do. You put your life on hold so you can focus on your children’s dreams and goals.
Well, now that your children are not completely dependent on you anymore, it’s your turn to actually make your dreams a reality. Oh, I can just hear you now, I have already lived my dream by raising my children, that was my goal in life. So are you saying your life is over now? That this is all there is? Sorry, but I simply can’t accept that!
Take the First Step
Let’s start with something easy. Let’s work on the outside and build up to the inside. When is the last time you bought yourself new clothes? I’m not talking about an outfit, I’m talking about a complete update. You now have a life of your own and clothing styles have changed dramatically in the last 20 years!
If you don’t have a clue where to start then may I suggest your local mall? Just take a walk around the different stores and get an idea of what the new styles look like. Look at the colors and textures. Try on a few pieces to see what looks good on you. While you are walking around notice what other people are wearing. Now go home and think about what you have seen and make a plan.
What do you want your clothes to say about you? Do you want to present yourself as serious or fun loving or maybe a little of both? Now, look at the clothes you have and be brutally honest with yourself when you ask the next two questions. Do I really look good in these clothes and do I present myself the way I want others to see me?
Got the idea? Now go for it! Clean out that closet and stop by the Goodwill on your way to the mall. If you have to buy a little at a time then buy some pieces that you can mix and match to make several outfits. Then pick up a piece here and there as you can. You will love how your new look makes you feel.
Hair and Makeup!
To complete the outside you simply must have an updated hairstyle! I am willing to bet you have worn your hair the same way for at least the last 10 years. It is past time for a change. I’m not saying you have to do something drastic, but if drastic is what you want then go for it! Look at some pictures of women with your face shape and see what looks good to you.
Makeup is a whole different world when you hit 40. Everything changes from the type of base you need to what kind of powder will keep you from shining too much. The best advice I can give you is to first look at other women and see what you like then go to somewhere like Clinique and let them do your makeup and show you how. They do this for free!!
Continue to Reinvent Yourself
When you reinvent yourself on the outside it will only be natural to work on the inside. Are you who you want to be? Again, be brutally honest with yourself. Are you really doing what you want to do with your life? Did your dreams take a backseat to raising your children?
Maybe you wanted a career, or if you have a career you may have wanted a different one. It’s not too late. Really! Just do it! If it requires education then go for it! Life experience counts toward some classes and there are a lot of grants for people over 40. You are never too old to start something new!
Traveling the world is something a lot of people have on their list. If it is on yours then just do it!! Get on Google and pull up a map, pick a destination and go! I know, you still have to work but you do get vacations and weekends! I understand money is an issue but things can be done inexpensively. The whole point is to see the world, not buy it!
Don’t Just Dream it, Do it!
So many people live their lives without ever fulfilling their dreams. Don’t be one of those people. You can do this! It doesn’t matter how much change it requires. You deserve to be who you want to be. You are worth the time it will take to make the changes.
I know some of you are thinking that you are exactly who you want to be. I congratulate you! It is pretty awesome that you were able to achieve that while raising children. That is not meant to sound sarcastic, I am very serious! A lot of us, myself included, were not able to manage our dreams, goals, children, jobs, and homes at the same time.
My dream was writing. Putting my thoughts out there for everyone to read has been my dream for as far back as I can remember. Oh, I tried writing some short stories when my daughter was little but when you have a child and a full-time job along with a house to take care of something has to be put aside. This blog is my dream that I made my reality. It wasn’t easy. I am not a computer genius but figuring it all out was worth it to me.
Is It Worth It to You?
That’s what you need to figure out. What are you willing to do for yourself? Are you willing to put as much time and effort into you that you put into your children? The answer should be a resounding YES! You are just as important as anyone else.
So what are you waiting for? It is time to reinvent yourself! The rest of your life is knocking at the door. Are you going to answer it or are you going to pretend no one’s home?
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