I have a confession to make.

It wasn’t until I was into my 40’s and divorced that I experienced the delights of a personal rebellion, which I missed, at what some would consider the appropriate time, during adolescence.

During my teenage years my parents moved several times, which forced me to focus on adjusting to new schools. One of these moves was international and necessitated cultural adjustment and an entirely different educational system. Most likely, during my adolescence, I was clinging on to an already rocking boat. I went to university and then straight into the world of work. Gap years were not common back then.

As a young woman in the 80’s, I was proud of my career accomplishments, my jump onto the property ladder and the travel adventures I went on during my annual holiday.  During the 90’s, I was in a relationship and became a mother. But, by the year 2000, then in my early 40’s, I was divorced.

I doubt my explorations would be considered too wild. I was after all a single mother. And, the new friends I made were mostly divorced parents too. Nevertheless, I managed to find a boyfriend with a midlife motorbike and a subsequent, and less conventional one, had long hair and tattoos.

Meanwhile, old dreams were resurrected, new passions explored and commitments made to live in a more conscious and aware manner. My explorations lead me into esoteric worlds, exploring yogic practices, meditation and shamanism. Other people I knew got remarried and merged families. One sailed around the world, after receiving a redundancy settlement.

The 40’s and 50’s can be beneficial years for reflection, resurrection and renewal. I would argue that this is the best time for it. (Please don’t wait until you retire!) 

Midlife transitions may be fuelled by a boost of energy and hope. But, I believe they are very different from adolescent rebellion. Adolescent rebellion is about growing up and separating from parents and other figures of authority. 

Midlife rebellion is about growing down. Unless the motorbike or the sailing sabbatical or the new relationship is accompanied by some soul searching and inner work, the spiritual potential of this life stage will not be achieved.

This is a time of transition, actually a succession of transitions according to astrology. Most notably, around age 42, there is a Saturn opposition and a Uranus opposition. (Both transiting Saturn and Uranus are in a position opposite to their natal position in your birth chart.) And around age 50, a person experiences their Chiron return. Chiron represents our core wounding and healing journey. So, this is a great time to dive into a deeper level of personal and spiritual development work. 

There is a great opportunity at age 50 and beyond to finally dissolve the power of old wounds to dictate the course of a life. Chiron is the archetype of the wounded healer. Our wounds become our medicine. Do you know what yours is?

During private coaching with me, I help people to work out their Life PhD. These are the gifts and purpose that lay hidden in your wounding patterns. If you happen to be a coach, healer, consultant or leader of another type, knowing your Life PhD can help you understand who you are best equipped to serve. It may also tell you why you tend to repeat certain types of experiences and relationships. Valuable stuff!

In the process of re-positioning and re-evaluating what you want out of midlife and beyond, you may lose all attachment to the traditional concept of retirement. If your work becomes, increasingly, an expression of your gifts and experience, and you feel that you are fulfilling a purpose, then why retire?

I would argue a person can retire from a job but, they can’t retire from their purpose.

If your life is currently lacking direction, you are feeling unclear or stuck and unsure where or what you are being called towards, I can help by holding sacred space for you during this time of enquiry and transition.

Please contact me to learn more about private coaching.