An Inspiring Story of Reinvention

Someone recently pointed me to an inspiring article in the Boston Globe about Sigrid Olsen who reinvented herself after losing her fashion business and the rights to design under her own name.   Kind of a bum deal for her, and in this economy I'm sure other people are facing different yet very similar major life changes too.  What's so inspiring about this story is that you absolutely can pick yourself up and remake yourself, no matter your age or where you've just come from.  And why not?  I found the following quote in the article quite interesting:

Until recently, the idea of older people reinventing themselves — starting from scratch in a new endeavor — was not taken very seriously. “Something in us feels that people our age should be consolidating our experiences, integrating all that we’ve learned and accomplished, and resting on our laurels — not engaging in risk-taking projects, embarking on unmapped adventures, and enduring the awkwardness and vulnerabilities of new mastery,’’ writes Harvard sociologist Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot.’’

A major life change is a great time to reinvent yourself, but I don't think you need to wait for something drastic to happen either.  You have dreams ~ "unmapped adventures" to take!  If you want to change things in your life, then what's stopping you? 

I think sometimes we worry about what other people will think if we drastically change our look, or our lifestyle, or whatever it is we are changing with deliberate choices.  But if it's something you truly love, then lead out with confidence and go for it!

Sometimes we don't have the luxury to change when we want, like in Sigrid's case, she was forced into reinvention as I'm sure a lot of people find themselves at times.  Not included in the online version of the article were Olson's  "essential practices" to "regain equilibrium and redefine [yourself] after a major life change":

1. 

Connect with nature. 

Next to the grandeur of nature, your problems seem very small. 

2. 

Inhabit your body.

Breathe, move, dance, run ~
anything that helps you feel awake and alive.

3. 

Find a community.

Seek out people who are honest and fun, 

who will listen and tell the truth.

4. 

Clean house. 

 Literally and metaphorically, 

clear the clutter that complicates your life.

5. 

Cherish beauty. 

 Try to put beauty in your path each day 

and take the time to enjoy it.

 

6. 

Open your heart. 

Give of yourself. 

Generosity breeds abundance. 

 

7. 

Create. 

 

Make something. 

Paint, sculpt, cook, plant a garden, keep a journal.

8. 

Celebrate life. 

Eat good food, have a party, travel, laugh a lot.

I think those are great ways to take care of yourself, no matter your circumstance!

If you want to see how Sigrid Olson reinvented herself, hop on over and read the article.  Have you ever had to reinvent yourself?  If you were to reinvent yourself today, what would you do?

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