Wonders - The Midlife Self-Discovery Workbook: Practical Exercises to Reconnect with Your Life’s Purpose

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Paperback ISBN: 978-1-63807-051-1 | eBook ISBN: 978-1-63807-733-6
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For Dennis

Contents

A fter providing psychotherapy services for hundreds of clients since 2001, I have had the privilege of witnessing people develop and grow through various stages of their lives. The life stage that has fascinated me most has been the transitional years referred to as midlife . This period comes with tides of change that can feel surprising and sometimes disruptive, intimidating, and disorienting, but it also offers an ocean of opportunity for transformation and joyful adventure.

My personal midlife journey has paralleled those of many of my clients, further stoking my passion for studying the research and developing ways I can best support people through this time. This workbook is intended to inspire and support people in midlife beyond the scope of my personal practice while also providing the concrete information and practical tools needed navigate the midlife journey.

Midlife is not necessarily a time of crisis, but rather an opportunity to make conscious shifts and choices. Part of this process requires thoughtful reflection on past experiences to understand how you arrived where you are and to inform how you will forge a meaningful path moving forward. Ive designed this workbook to support you through this process of midlife self-discovery by providing exercises, prompts, and reflections that help you examine your core values, beliefs, and priorities, so you can embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.

each begin with the story of someone who has navigated the ups and downs of the midlife journey fruitfully. While these stories are inspired by real clients I have helped over the years, the individuals in these stories are not actual clients. Each account provides a realistic portrait of midlife challenges and how the process of self-discovery helped the individual address those challenges and move forward.

I suggest you set aside uninterrupted time each day to read, practice, reflect, and engage in this workbook as part of your journey of devoted self-discovery and self-care. You should write directly in your workbook, but I also encourage you to continue the work outside of it. A journal or notebook will allow you to capture more reflective writing and expand on the exercises I provide.

Midlife is a glorious time of change, growth, and renewal. Enjoy the journey, knowing you will emerge on the other side with a refreshed perspective and a plan for your life that honors your truest self and your real purpose at this stage of your life.

T his workbook has been designed as a guide and a tool kit for your midlife journey of self-discovery while striving to be as inclusive as possible to honor the life experiences of adults everywhere. Most books and articles written by and for people in midlife focus on the commonly referenced milestones such as aging, empty-nest syndrome, or career changes, but this workbook has been organized thematically, with focused topics, discussions, case studies, and exercises that support the process self-discovery.

The six topics I cover are:

Self-Awareness

Values

Beliefs

Self-Love

Self-Confidence

Purpose

The exercises, tools, and strategies provided in the chapters were carefully chosen to walk you through the process of reflecting, reevaluating, rediscovering, and renewing your life from the inside out. Ive organized the information and exercises to help you get in touch with your authentic self. While this book is meant to provide uplifting encouragement, I never would minimize the pain and difficulty of your life challenges past or present. If at any point in working through the exercises in this book you experience strong emotions, there is no shame in seeking support from a licensed mental health professional. In fact, it can be a valuable form of self-care to engage with a counselor who can assist you along your journey should you need it.

This journey doesnt end once youve completed the last chapter. Instead, this workbook provides strategies for learning and growth you can revisit as your life continues to unfold. I encourage you to read the information and dedicate time to work through the exercises. Move mindfully through the book, giving yourself a chance to absorb and digest all you will encounter. As you work through the book and adopt new techniques for tuning in to your true needs and desires, it is my fondest hope that you will realize your lifes purpose and feel a renewed motivation for ongoing self-discovery.

If youre reading this workbook on a touch-screen device, you can add notes and highlight text just like you would in a physical workbook.

Some sections will prompt you to write in answers or personal responses. Its easygive it a try right here: ___________.

With your finger, tap and hold for a few moments on the line above. Depending on the device youre using, an icon such as a magnifying glass will appear. Lift your finger and youll see an options menu. Select Note (or Notes) to add and save your own text. When youre done, an icon or highlighted area will remain, which you can always return to and tap if you want to reopen and read or edit your note.