I always like to talk to boomer women who are doing interesting things during their life after 50. Recently, I had a chance to chat with Pamela Mulhearn, Certified Professional Coach and Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner. Pamela works with empty nesters and helps women get ready for their next chapter.
“For 11 years, I was a multi-venture entrepreneur and small business advisor. This gave me flexibility to be available for my children. The day came as my children started leaving the nest when I decided to sell the businesses,” said Pamela. “I took some time and volunteered for women’s organizations assisting women in reinventing themselves and making changes in their careers. I then decided to get certified as a life coach and have been working with women in transition ever since.”
Advice From The “Queen of Reinvention”
While I’m a few years post the empty nest, my life continues to evolve. I was curious to hear what Pamela had to say about her work with post 50 women. Here are excerpts from our discussion:
What trends are you seeing in women post 50 and post empty nest?
Transition Life Coach Pamela Mulhearn helps women in transition at emptynestinstitute.com.
“The biggest trend right now is women shifting toward ‘self-care of the soul.’ Women over 50 are taking stock of their lives and making the changes necessary to achieve happiness and fulfillment. There is a ripple benefit of this peace and contentment to all those around her.” (Yes Pamela. That’s me – I’m re-evaluating many areas of my life and working on setting more mindful intentions around my mind, body and spirit.)
Is there a common thread?
“I generally work with women in two categories. First, women who put their careers on hold for 20+ years to raise their families. With now grown children, these women find themselves trying to find a new purpose. Many of these women have devoted and flexed their lives around their children’s hectic schedules and are feeling lost. We work together to help them find their “ME” again.
Second, women who are trying to gain balance in their lives. One of my most popular programs is the “Midlife Makeover”. Together, we look at many aspects of their life such as health, career, relationships, spirituality and fun. This helps to focus on areas that need attention.”
What is the best thing to do when you are in transition?
“As a woman approaches 50, it is a time to take a pause and look at her timeline. She needs to ask the questions, Where have I been? Where am I now? And, where do I want to go next? This is such a wonderful time to change it up and make your life fantastic. It is a time to revisit dreams of the past, design new dreams and then, go out there and get started.”
( I hear you Pamela. Next week, I’m taking a big leap and starting my training to become a yoga instructor during my life after 50. The first class is Anatomy and Physiology of Yoga. Uh-oh! Oh-no! I wasn’t good in biology in college. Hope I make it through the sessions. Maybe I should go play Operation again – loved that game when I was a kid!)
What should you avoid?
“Women at this time in their lives should avoid staying stuck in the same patterns. Einstein said it best, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. At midlife, it is time to mix it up and do things differently. Try something new.”
Are there any good questions to ask yourself to help you move ahead and stay positive?
“Here are questions I ask my clients…
♥ What are your dreams and goals?
♥ What is your new purpose?
♥ Where do you want to live?
♥ What is that deep down yearning you have been ignoring?
♥ How are you going to have fun?”
Hmm, hmm, I am going to ponder my answers to these questions. What about you? Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Also enter the Giveaway below for Zen Meditation Balls to help you “leave the stresses of the day behind.”
You can find more information about Pamela Mulhearn’s coaching at the emptynestinstitute.com.
Judi
Great insights, Pamela! Thanks for sharing your wisdom in helping women post 50 reinvent themselves. I specifically help women in their 50’s reinvent their health. I’d love to hear more about what you’re doing.
Judi, thanks for interviewing Pamela and a hearty CONGRATS on training to become a yoga instructor!!
Kim so glad you found Pamela’s advice helpful. I would love to feature an interview with you sometime to share your learning with my readers.
I’d love to follow you around because you are doing all the things I’d love to do, need to do, need to learn. I love this post and the interview and would love a life coach. Plus winning these would be pretty great, too! Wonderful stuff, Judy.
Cathy, thank you for your kind words and glad you enjoyed Pamela’s advice. Some practical questions we all should ask ourselves from time to time during our life after 50.
Hi Judi, this really resonates with me. At 50, I decided to self-publish the second edition of my book and found my “new purpose” by launching my blog where I tell the stories of women reinventing themselves in midlife. It’s amazing how many of us are seeking to re-imagine the rest of our lives as we hit our 40’s and 50’s. The learning curve has been steep (especially on the tech and social media fronts!) but I am finding that learning and being open to new experiences is what makes me feel alive and engaged in midlife. And many congrats on beginning your yoga teacher training. I would love to write about your journey once you start teaching!
Helene, thanks for your encouragement with my yoga training. I look forward to staying in touch as it sounds like you have a similar audience for your blog. I agree that so many women in midlife are looking to reinvent themselves now that they can take more time for reflection of their own life in addition to their family.
How great! So many posts are for Mommy age.Thanks for linking up with us!
Janice, thanks for stopping by.