BEING, BECOMING, and BELONGING – A Transformative Journey to a Flourishing Future
This blog introduces you to a new framework for navigating career and life transitions, born from the inspiring journeys of the many women I've supported at Flourish After Fifty. Over the span of the last two years, I have witnessed women who, by embracing their present selves (BEING), charting bold new paths (BECOMING), and forging a strong sense of identity and connection (BELONGING), have actively created their flourishing futures.
This framework represents the culmination of those valuable insights, providing a comprehensive guide to navigating through change with purpose, building meaningful connections, and cultivating a rock-solid sense of self—the hallmarks of a truly flourishing life. This roadmap doesn’t offer a linear process but rather a multifaceted exploration of what it means to live authentically and wholeheartedly. Through the lens of BEING, BECOMING, and BELONGING, this framework offers guidance by shedding light on the interconnected dimensions of this transformative experience.
CONTEXT: What happens to women in the years after fifty?
The decades after fifty usher in a whirlwind of transitions for many women which can include profound shifts in identity, roles, and relationships. Some women find themselves navigating an empty nest as children leave home, while others experience the loss of a spouse or close loved ones. Career changes or retirement can prompt a re-examination of one's purpose and goals. Physical changes from aging, menopause, or health issues require adapting to a new normal.
Long-held beliefs, values, and priorities may be questioned as women seek deeper fulfilment and authenticity. With the wisdom of lived experience, this stage presents opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and redefining what matters most. Though these myriad changes can feel overwhelming, they also open doors to explore new possibilities and craft a life that aligns with one's evolving sense of self.
BEING - knowing yourself in the present moment.
At the core of this framework lies the concept of BEING – it's about embracing one's present self with compassion and acceptance. It serves as the starting point, the foundation upon which the rest is built. By cultivating a deep connection with the present moment and one's innermost values, desires, and aspirations, women can navigate transitions with greater ease and resilience. Being in the present moment involves fully immersing oneself in the current experience and letting go of past worries and future uncertainties. This practice fosters mindfulness, enabling women to appreciate the beauty, joy, and opportunities that exist in the present.
Equally important is being with one's authentic self - nurturing a deep understanding of one's core values, passions and purpose. This self-awareness serves as an inner compass during times of change, guiding decisions that align with one's true nature. When women embrace BEING, they approach transitions with greater acceptance, resilience and self-compassion. BEING provides the solid ground for personal growth and transformation to take root.
BECOMING: Embracing Your Evolving Self
The journey extends beyond the present and is also about BECOMING – an evolution of identities, knowledge, capacities, and relationships. The process necessarily includes a shedding of societal expectations as women embrace their authentic selves and unlock new possibilities for growth and self-expression. One liberating aspect of this is that women redefine who they are and explore new roles aligned with their true selves. A common refrain I hear is, "I want to live life on my own terms now."
BECOMING also means an active pursuit of knowledge and understanding. This is a time when women build on the wealth of life experience and accumulated wisdom by actively seeking new knowledge, exploring different perspectives, and challenging their own beliefs. Their hunger for growth empowers them and equips them to navigate the world's complexities with a deeper understanding and an open mind.
BECOMING encompasses the development of new capacities and skills. Women may discover hidden talents or pursue passions that were previously put aside. They engage in activities stimulating their minds and bodies, whether learning a musical instrument, starting a business, or taking up art. These capacity-building opportunities empower women to unlock their full potential.
BELONGING: Finding Connection with Yourself, Others and the World
Through this interplay of BEING and BECOMING, women cultivate BELONGING – a grounding sense of identity and connection with themselves, others and their communities. BELONGING bridges feelings of purpose, self-acceptance and being part of something greater.
To cultivate belonging, one must first be deeply connected to oneself through the BEING process. Understanding one's values and truth provides an authentic foundation for building meaningful bonds.
Relationships also transform during this phase. Women reassess existing bonds, nurturing those that bring joy and fulfilment and growing new ones to reflect their evolving identities. BELONGING involves nurturing those relationships that offer support, shared experiences, and a sense of connection.
BELONGING extends to connecting with the broader world through passionate pursuits, actively engaging in causes and participating in community initiatives. This reciprocal interaction enables women to feel part of the broader world while positively impacting through activities aligned with their values.
Ultimately, BEING, BECOMING, and BELONGING are interconnected and complementary on this journey towards a flourishing life after fifty. Embracing one's present, authentic self (BEING) is the catalyst for an empowered self-evolution (BECOMING), which then fosters a deep sense of identity, purpose and community (BELONGING).
This path demands vulnerability, courage and a willingness to challenge norms. It is not about conforming to societal expectations of women as they age but leading authentically from one's inner truth. While confronting the inevitable ups and downs, women gather the resilience that comes from wholehearted living in alignment with their core selves.
Each woman's journey is unique in its twists and turns. However, this framework provides guidance on the path to personal growth, self-discovery, and a renewed sense of purpose and passion for life. At Flourish After Fifty, we support, inspire, and celebrate every facet of this transformative process.