It’s easy to think of reinvention as creating something completely new out of your life.  The fact is often reinvention is a matter of letting something that’s always existed come out to play!  Sometimes acknowledging a part of us that we’ve tried to hide or deny for many years is all it takes to open up a space for possibilities!

Sue Cullen, our Life/Work Design Editor, shares her thoughts on this through a story in which many of us may see ourselves!

Last week I walked into a room where I was going to speak and, like at most conferences, saw a number of tables filled with items that were for sale to the group. 

What stood out most to me was a table covered with beautiful bags and greeting cards.  I loved the design, color and eclectic, international feel of the graphics on them which seemed to perfectly represent the mission of this U.S. based non-profit organization.  These items were intended to be used for fundraisers and I knew they were going to be a hit.

I matter-of-factly asked who the artist was and was greeted by silence and some unusual expressions.  Slowly, several fingers in the room pointed to a woman who was sitting modestly in her seat.

I went over to her and raved about her talent…..to which she very sheepishly responded, “I don’t think of myself as an artist.”  Seems like she had already shared that sentiment with several of the group members and that’s why they responded so tentatively when I inquired about the “artist”!  I nearly jumped out of my heels and asked her how she could possibly say that.  The proof of her gift was right in front of all of our eyes.

She went on to explain that in her family there was no value placed on artistic talent.  So she basically covered it up her whole life.  Ironically, as an adult, she chose to marry an artist.  (That’s showing ‘em!)  But still she devalued her abilities in relation to his.

As we talked more I learned that she was inspired to create her pieces by the mission of this organization she had joined - which ironically was formed to empower women and children around the globe.  By the way, this woman was born and raised in the good ol’ USA…..How wonderful the group also had an impact in its own backyard!

This artist explained that she had LOVED doing the work displayed in the room and secretly was beginning to think about a business plan going forward.  How could she NOT do it?  As she finally gave herself permission and claimed her genius, I felt privileged to be a witness to another birth of a midlife reinvention!

Reinvention? 

The fact is she was still the same person.  She had been an artist all the time.  Her gift of art didn’t just magically appear.  Her masterpiece had been buried inside of her for all those years.  It just took a blend of awareness, inspiration and the right, safe environment to get it out.

The renowned sculptor Michelangelo is credited for thinking that every block of stone has a masterpiece inside it.  His job was just to find it.

I’m quite convinced that the same principle holds true for people. 

We may not have Michelangelo to discover the masterpieces that we are inside; but we really don’t need him.

Maybe when we think life/work reinvention, we should just think fascinating archeological dig!  Is the real you buried under a stone wall of shoulds, don’ts, can’ts and not-good-enoughs?  Can’t see your genius because what you do well comes so naturally that you take it for granted?

Then it’s time to start excavating.  What do you love to do?  What do other people compliment you on?  What makes you lose all track of time?  What’s buried inside that can’t wait to come out?  What can you not NOT do?

With a combination of self-awareness, honesty, feedback, inspiration and the proper environment, it is possible to sculpt your true self……in your work, your play, your relationships and all parts of your life.

What does the real you look like?  It’s never too late to carve her out!

Sue Cullen, WomenBloom's Life/Work Editor and founder of Sue Cullen & Associates in Austin, inspires and empowers individuals and teams to reach their full potential through career, leadership and team development and life/work balance coaching. She also offers Every Step Matters™ workshops and retreats to help women find meaning, joy and value in every step of life.