Best Time to Start Writing the Next New Chapter of Your Life

What’s the best time to start writing a new chapter of your Life? 

Right after the previous chapter comes to an end.

Closing the door, turning the page, moving on…it doesn’t matter what you call it – what matters is that the past is behind and you are now free to figure out who you are, what you want and fully embrace what’s ahead.

An ending doesn’t have to be filled with sadness and grief,  it’s simply your life beginning again in a new way.

It’s a point in your story where a new chapter begins.

It’s an exciting, positive  time, full of possibilities.

Think about the last book you read or the one you’re reading now. How do you feel when you turn the page to a new chapter? If you’re like me its excitement, anticipation, delight…you can’t wait to see what will be revealed in those pages.

Your life is just like the book and I’m excited to see what you’ll create in Life 2.0!

Have you begun?

Don’t procrastinate or keep waiting for the ‘right’ time to start building and living your new life.

This is it. It’s exactly the right moment to begin.

“But how do I know this is the right time or the right place? What if there is a better time or better starting place? How will I know for sure?”

Here’s the short answer. You won’t.

If a writer doesn’t know what she’ll write next or the direction she’ll take what does she do? She empties her mind and gets all her ideas down on paper. She seeks out new experiences that help trigger creative thought. She gets into Action. Course corrections are easy and effortless once action has been initiated.  So therefore the right place is right here.

As far as the right time goes. Every minute that passes is a minute you’re on the blank page between chapters. Nothing happens here it’s a vast expanse of nothingness. Think of the present moment as the right time. One tiny bit of Action will catapult you forward onto the new page where the next chapter begins. From that point you’re in motion and the next step will reveal itself. It always does.

Trust.

“But what if I’m not ready?”

You are as ready as you will ever be. Waiting to-be-ready is a Life Buster. Let’s call waiting-to-be-ready what it is…fear. Fear of making a mistake? Fear of looking foolish? Fear of not succeeding? Fear of…?

Sisters, at this point in our lives these fears carry zero weight. You, me, all of us have made so many mistakes we’ve lost count, looked foolish hundreds of times and not succeeded many, many times. Think about it….you’ve been through so much, had so many experiences and yes……always, always come out the other side.  You’ve come to understand that if things don’t work out as planned there is something better waiting for you. You know this without a doubt. In fact you’ve offered this wisdom and encouragement to your kids, loved ones and friends. Am I right?

You are READY

Keep reminding yourself….

Fear paralyzes. Fear wants you to stay right where you are. Fear wants you to be small. So look it in the eye and say, “Hey I hear you fear but I’ve got other plans”, and go forth with one tiny step.

Focus on the beginning instead of the ending. Some women say they can’t wait to get on with Life Part 2.0 and then they hang onto Life Part 1.0 for dear life.  I feel deep sadness when I see a woman in this place. All I can see is that the world isn’t going to benefit from her wisdom, energy and unique gifts. Does she know how powerful she is? Does she know how much she has to offer? She is so much greater than she think she is.

You can do this.

I can do this.

We can all do this.

You can Live the life of your dreams in Life 2.0. You can become all you are meant to be. You can contribute to the world in ways that only you can.

As I write this I’m reminded of what Brene Brown offers in her book, Gifts of Imperfection. The best of intentions are just that words and thoughts until we give ourselves permission to have it, own it, do it, be it. So Sisters  here’s your Permission Slip to go forth and be all you can and create the most awesome, amazing, rich, loving, fulfilled life you can imagine.

ACTION STEP: Here’s a great strategy to create a new mindset and trigger Action.

Every day for 30 days do something NEW. Create a 30 day calendar for this, the structure will make it easier. Here’s some daily examples. Take  a new route to an ‘old’ place. Eat a new food. Listen to a podcast or Ted talk that is new to you. Go somewhere you’ve never been. Go to a movie. If you haven’t tried journaling try it now – get all your ideas and thoughts on paper – don’t edit just write until you’re empty. Book a facial or massage (I can’t believe how many of us have never done this or do it once in a blue moon). Let your voice be heard and write a letter to the editor about something you’re passion about, post a comment on a blog or send a thank you to a voice you appreciate.  Go to a new class – yoga, barre, pilates, painting, writing, gardening, cooking…you get the idea. The secret here is to do something NEW every single day. You will start to get glimpses of the world outside the parameters of your ‘old’ comfort zone and the previous chapter.  You will start to see the possibilities. Somewhere in the 30 days you will realize you’ve broken free. When this happens there’s no going back.  You will be on the new page beginning to write the new chapter. You’re off to new places…today is your day. Go Sisters. I’d love to hear how you do – email me or post in comments below.

You may find these helpful:

Midlife is the time to show up and be seen.

How to make every dream you dream possible

How to Find Passion and Feed Your Soul

Mothers Wisdom you gave your kids. Now give it to yourself.

How to overcome fear once and for all.

PS Please pass this along to a Sister who needs a little pep talk and inspiration to get going. As a friend we can always see the potential in each other. Show her how much you believe in her and help her get started.

Can’t wait to hear your stories,

Cheryl x