Hélène Tragos Stelian is a blogger, author, life coach, and mom. On her blog, Next Act for Women, she shares stories of women who have reinvented themselves in midlife and beyond, and provides resources for those on similar journeys towards finding their life’s purpose.
I have something to share here. I have lived most of my life “mindlessly”. That is, I’ve done so without clear thought behind my actions and decisions, and often driven (at least in part) by fear. I chose the college I did because that’s where my older brother was going, joined a sorority because that’s what “everybody” was doing, majored in History because it had few credit requirements, pursued a career in retailing for lack of any other interests, married my first husband because I was afraid of being alone. You get the picture.
While many of my friends tell me they, too, made youthful decisions somewhat unconsciously, I’m truly amazed at how much more aware and thoughtful my own twin daughters are at age 18 than I was at their age. And while I’m proud and thrilled for them, I’m also a bit envious.
What dreams might I have pursued, what goals might I have reached, if I been more thoughtful and aware in my teens and early twenties?
When I approached age 50, I finally had a wake up call, reminding me that it wasn’t too late. With several decades of empty nesting ahead of me, I could still craft a more conscious life for myself.
My work today as a life coach and writer combines my many interests in human connection, psychology, research, writing, and teaching, along with my dedication to results. By identifying my strengths, my passions, and my values, I have been able to define my purpose.
I’ve determined my personal mission to be:
… to use my talent for researching and synthesizing ideas, along with my passion for informing others, to challenge, empower, and inspire people to purposeful and transformative action.
This mission statement is now my guiding star. It provides me with clear direction when I come to any decision point in my life. I wake up every day knowing why I’m here and what I’m meant to do, excited for the journey ahead. And I am working to translate my purpose into actionable plans that will define my path.
What is YOUR life purpose?
Through my training with iPEC (The institute of Professional Education for Coaches), my clients, my research, and my own journey, I have developed a powerful workshop that allows anyone to identify their own purpose in life.
If you’d like to read more on the subject of purpose, I recommend the following books:
The Power of Purpose: Find Meaning, Live Longer, Better, by Richard Leider
On Purpose: How We Create the Meaning of Life, by Paul Froese
If you’d like to find out more about how Hélène can help you find your life purpose, email her directly at helene@nextactforwomen.com. She can tell you about her free life coaching consultations, or how you can host a workshop or work with her one-on-one.
Hélène Tragos Stelian
Hélène Tragos Stelian is a certified life coach, speaker, and author. As an expert on the midlife transition, she works primarily with women facing an empty nest who feel stuck or lost—she’s been there! She helps them put themselves first, reclaim their identity, figure out what they want, and feel excited about their future. In her blog, Next Act for Women, she shares stories of women who have reinvented in midlife and beyond, and provides resources for those on similar journeys. In addition, she writes about midlife, women, parenting, and college for other sites, including the Huffington Post. Hélène is the author of three books: Moving to College, Finding the Right Colleges for You, and Getting Ready for Baby. Connect with Hélène on Facebook and Twitter.
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Kathy @ SMART Living 365
Tuesday 30th of August 2016
Hi Helene'! I agree that most of us didn't spend a lot of time thinking about our lives when we are young. They say that more people plan their wedding or vacations more carefully than they do their entire lives. But I too write about how important it is to be mindful and conscious about the things that we do. When we were young we had a good excuse, but over 50 it's time to start directing our lives in more fulfilling and wonderful ways. And I've read (and written) about Richard Leider's book on Purpose. It's great. I got to see him speak a few months ago and he is wonderful. Now I have to check out the other book you recommend. ~Kathy
Janice Wald
Tuesday 30th of August 2016
Blogging proved your title true for me.