As you begin the new year, what do you intend to take responsibility for? This question probably applies to many things you do without thinking about them. For example, if you have children, you take responsibility for their well-being. You likely have many other unquestioned responsibilities having to do with family and extended family, your household, your job, various committees and boards you may be part of, and so on.
Time to Evaluate
Even with these unquestioned responsibilities, it’s good to periodically take time to evaluate if each is something you want to do or to continue doing in the same way. Maybe it’s time for a change in what you’re responsible for or in how you fulfill that responsibility.
In addition to the things mentioned above, is anything gnawing at you that concerns you or piques your interest? Is there an issue in your community that you’d like to contribute ideas or actions to? How about in your state or region, or in the country, or in the world? The Modern Elder Academy (MEA, https://www.meawisdom.com) uses a wonderful word for that kind of inkling: “glimmer.” A glimmer is something you haven’t quite paid attention to yet, but that keeps tickling the back of your mind. A glimmer can be about anything: career, relationships, health, etc.
Glimmers are important because they suggest something you may need to incorporate into your life so you can continue to grow and learn. About four years ago I realized I was coming to the end of wanting to work inside large organizations. Either as an employee or as a consultant, I had done that for over forty years, and that was enough. I had a glimmer that what I wanted to do was to work with and on behalf of older women. In response, I followed that glimmer, and the result is Prime Spark, designed to help women over 50 make the rest of their lives the best of their lives. I now have a membership community, over one hundred podcasts, blogs, speeches to several organizations, and a newsletter. All from following my glimmer.
Time for More?
There’s a wonderful Hawaiian word kuleana. Like many Hawaiian words, it can have several different meanings, but generally it refers to each individual’s privilege and responsibility for the land and the community. This idea becomes more and more salient for many women as they enter midlife and beyond. There seems to be a natural maturation, starting around the late forties continuing into the sixties, when many women are wanting more in life: more engagement, making a larger contribution, feeling as if they are fulfilling their legacy. There’s not necessarily anything terribly wrong with their current life; it’s just time for more.
For me this happened when I was 50. I’d had a successful and rewarding corporate career, living in a place I loved, in a house of my dreams. And at some point, it became not enough. I had a vague glimmer of more. Have you experienced that feeling? It’s important to pay attention, and in whatever way possible, to act on it. If we don’t, we can very easily stagnate and simply live day to day but not thrive.
What is Your Kuleana?
This brings us back to the question: What do you intend to take responsibility for in this new year? Many of us live with lots of privilege, which gives us the responsibility of paying it forward and contributing to society in ways that align with our interests and skills. This is your kuleana, the privilege and responsibility that is yours. In 2025, how will you fulfill your responsibilities to yourself, your family, and your world?
Learn More…
The Prime Spark Membership Community is designed for women age 50 (or close) and older to support one another. We learn and grow together while furthering the mission of Prime Spark.
Membership currently is closed. If you’re interested in joining, please send an email to [email protected] and ask to be placed on the waitlist.
To learn more about Prime Spark, go to www.primesparkwomen.com.
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