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There’s nothing like a sunrise hike to clear your head when there are huge decisions on the horizon. (Coco, Costa Rica)
During my time “between jobs” I’ve been asked more times than I can count: “How are you so calm, happy even?” And the classic, “How can you possibly travel right now?”
Easy. Money comes back; time does not. And who doesn’t want some time off? Of course I’m out here enjoying myself!
It really is that simple. The first time I was let go, I did panic. I ate brie all day, hiding in the dark as the news spread. And then…I had the most beautiful, transformative year of my life. I’m in a volatile industry; working at the same job for 30 years just isn’t a common thing anymore in the journalism world.
When I was younger, I didn’t realize what a gift that volatility was, that it meant I would never be “stuck.” By taking the emotion out of it and learning that I am not defined by my job, I could make big changes at any age—like right now.
So this time, I’ve vowed to dig deep and find projects that align with what I want out of the second half of my life.
Along the way I’ve learned so much about what stops people—mostly women—from making big life shifts after they’re a “certain age.” But first, some context.
Sunset drinks while the world around you changes colors: a direct portal towards getting your “magic back” and deciding what changes you want to make. (Tamarindo, Costa Rica)
Before my little mid-life gap year/sabbatical that I just returned from, I tried out a million and one things, including this newsletter. I had meetings about strategic consulting, one-off event throwing, part-time writing gigs (including Newsweek’s entertainment desk, which stuck—I get bonuses for views, so click away if you want a free way to help your girl out!)…then I boarded a plane in mid-October. I’ve always said that I “get my magic back” while traveling. I went to Singapore, the Catskills, the Jersey Shore, Denmark, Iceland, NYC (mid-week jaunts felt so indulgent!), Vegas, New Mexico, and then…Costa Rica for a month.
I got back at 4 am last night.
I am centered.
I am grounded.
I am confident in the choices I made while dunking in volcanic mud baths, having drinks with like-minded free spirits, tucking into beachfront breakfasts while listening to the waves quietly lap the Pacific coast. I had a lot to think about and didn’t want to be in the thick of my stress loop back home while doing so. My pre-travel saying “yes” to every idea, meeting and introduction had been necessary and exhausting. But also thrilling. And then, far away from my New York pad, in a magical and tropical place where I feel my true self, I went through my options. The most important decision I made in regards to what you’re reading right now?
This newsletter made the cut.
Other projects are brewing, but for today, it is enough to share that I’m committed to sharing my reinvention story here—so get ready for more regular updates. Enough people have told that me by middle age it’s too late to change careers, or that it’s “inappropriate” to create what I call my second act. That’s crazy!
“You only live once” is a fine adage…I guess.
But it’s bigger than that. You live that life every day. And we have a lot of days left.
So let’s ditch whatever cycle we’re in and do it already!
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