Midlife Transformation
My midlife
journey began in my late-30s when I embarked on a new life
as a divorced single parent. Through many ups and downs, I
learned how to balance being a single mom, making a living
and exploring new relationships, while healing lifelong behavior
patterns that were no longer serving me. I participated in
a wide variety of personal growth workshops, classes and seminars
as well as individual psychotherapy which gave me a great
deal of insight and new ways of approaching life and relationships.
I also deepened my yoga and meditation practices which continue
to be sources of deep inspiration.
In my late 40's and early 50's, I found myself facing
a new set of midlife transformations. I was definitely experiencing
a changing body and the hormonal
imbalances related to menopause. I had raised two wonderful daughters
and was now facing an empty nest, an unexpectedly grief-inducing milestone in my parenting.
I had had a successful 15 year career as a project director
and most recently executive director in non-profit organizations.
Yet I found myself yearning to use my talents and passions
for something more personally meaningful.
When my last job ended, it was the
first time in my life I didn't have the next thing lined up.
Facing the unknown, I chose to view my situation as a
gift, an opportunity to figure out what I really wanted to do with
this next chapter of my life. Listening to my heart and paying attention
to the guidance I was receiving from inner and outer sources,
I discovered the profession of life coaching and embarked
on an amazing journey through which I am now living a life
more true to myself than ever before. I feel engaged
in living my purpose and energized about the second half of
my life. This journey has brought me new meaning, direction,
energy and balance. In my mid-50's, again following my heart, I moved from Santa Monica, CA, my home for 50 plus years, to Marin County. I am now blessed to live in a home of my dreams, a charming little cottage by a creek surrounded by Marin's spectacular natural beauty. And Life continues to bring surprises and unexpected turns in the road, some challenging, many delightful, and all used intentionally for my continued, lifelong growth and learning.
From Inside Out
On my journey, I have learned to
trust my heart and to deepen my faith in the process of Life.
I have learned to listen to my own inner wisdom and to cultivate
a loving relationship with the wisdom of my body. I have made room for quiet
time, self-reflection, feeling my feelings, having fun with
my family and friends. All activities that used to be at the
bottom of my To Do list! I am treating
myself with more loving-kindness and self-forgiveness and pursuing
a life I had previously only dreamed about. For the first
time, I am actually living the ideals and principles I had
been studying for years!
The Lessons of Life
I value the life experiences I have
had as a woman at this time in history, raising two wonderful
and healthy daughters, navigating a long term marriage and
divorce and several subsequent relationships. I have been
an inspiring and productive leader in various non-profit settings.
I have worked with women's health issues, smoking, cancer,
community health and early childhood issues.
I have learned a lot about managing time,
people, finances and multiple projects; balancing personal,
family and work life; being accountable; listening deeply
and communicating effectively with people; negotiation and
diplomacy; strategic planning; the power of intentions and
goals as well as trusting the process and mystery of Life;
and prioritizing what's really important.
I am now living those priorities
and a much simpler, less stressful and more joyful life of
my own making. This potential for a joyful and deeply fulfilling
life is what I have to offer my coaching clients.
Carol Sutherland, PhD, MA
Life Coach
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