As an ‘empty nester’ I’ve chosen to direct my energy into making the ‘second half’ of my life a great adventure in learning, in enjoying wonderful new experiences and in living a life fully aligned with my own values.
Ever since the beginning of my foray into (accidentally) becoming a business owner and founder some decades ago, mentors have been a great source of motivation to me.
Having people to look up to who have achieved what I aspire to, shared similar experiences, overcome similar challenges and felt similar things has been both reassuring and motivating.
People who are 5 or 10 years ahead of me show me what’s possible – and keep my focus on what’s important.
They help me to not give up, even when I have felt exhausted, empty and hopeless. And anyone who runs a business (or has a life) will recognise those states.
Mentors show me how to create the energy I need to continue to live a life of my own design.
In a world where we can be distracted in a hundred different directions in any one day, having one priority can feel like freedom.
Focussing on personal goals and on being of service can give meaning and depth to life.
It’s an effort sometimes, to choose to adopt an attitude of always being a student and of realising there is no destination and that the joy is in the journey.
But, as Neil Peart wrote “If you chose not to decide, you have still made a choice”.
Clare Honeyfield is a coach who helps women founders to navigate the world and create an awesome life to feel proud of.
Clare is the founder of Stroud Farmers Market and director of Made in Stroud Shop and loves to get out in the world having fun and experiencing new stuff in her 60s.
