Facing U Turns of Life
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When Nancy Irwin decided to return to school at age 42 to get her Ph.D. in psychology, she was surprised by the reaction of many.
“I can’t believe you’re doing this at your age,” was a typical response.
As a way to counteract what people were saying, Nancy decided to start gathering stories of others who made U turns at mid-life. What started out as a way to prove that many people change direction in their lives, ended up growing into the book “You Turn: Changing Direction in Midlife.” The book is full of inspiration and testimony to all the people that make life changes.
Changes come in two forms, contends Irwin. There are the changes that arrive by default. The first story in the book describes the life that unfolded after Becky Douglas and her husband received a call telling them their twenty-four year old daughter had committed suicide. It was an irrevocable change that occurred without their consent or desire. It is a bizarre story that starts with collecting belongings at a school dorm and ends in the leprosy colonies of India. Change is inevitable according to Irwin. Our choice is to effect it or accept change OR suffer the consequences.
Irwin continues to stress that we need to embrace change, not fear it. She doesn’t like mid-life change being referred to as a ‘crisis.’ It’s a time for mid-life awakening, and an opportunity to stay awake, she points out. Throughout the book, Irwin provides specific tips people can use to understand and maneuver through their own transition.
From an external crisis or internal longing, many people embark on a chosen life-changing journey. Many people have a desire or need to change, but are frozen in fear or doubt. Don’t use excuses, such as the bad economy, the kids or an unsupportive spouse to stop you from pursuing your dreams. “Without fear, there wouldn’t be courage,” declares Irwin.
“Stand in a place of love. Even if you don’t know what you want to do, start on the path and trust the answers will be revealed,” she continues. “Trust yourself to find the path.” If you have a general idea, then you only need to be open to what comes along as you proceed in your journey.
Irwin concluded by saying she wrote You Turn to show it’s never too late to change. “I want everyone to live the life they love.” If it doesn’t come from your work, it can come from your family, volunteering or hobbies.
To learn more about Nancy Irwin, visit her website at www.drnancyirwin.com. Purchase You-Turn: Changing Direction in Midlife: Over 40 Stories
of People Over 40
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