70 Years Young. How One Woman Found Herself After a Lifetime in Corporate

In the end, it's about remembering

Photo by Christian Buehner on Unsplash

This morning, one of my coaching clients, a woman in her 70s, told me that she had “finally found herself.”

The statement struck a chord.

She had worked most of her life in a corporate environment, but only after switching to a non-profit organization five years ago did she experience this profound sense of self-discovery.

Her story lingered with me, stirring questions about the nature of identity, purpose, and the often circuitous paths we tread to reach them.

Do we “find” ourselves, or do we simply remember who we are and were always meant to be? Why, sometimes, does it take so long?

The Labyrinth of Expectations

As women, we often navigate a complex labyrinth of societal expectations, gender norms, and internalized beliefs. We are encouraged to be caregivers, nurturers, and pleasers, often at the expense of our own dreams and ambitions. We’re told to be “nice,” to avoid conflict, and to prioritize the needs of others. While these qualities are valuable, they can also obscure our authentic selves, leading us down paths that may not align with our deepest desires.

For my client, the corporate world, with its emphasis on competition, hierarchy, and profit, may have felt misaligned with her core values. It’s possible that the shift to the non-profit sector, with its focus on social impact and community, allowed her to tap into a deeper sense of purpose and meaning.

The Masks We Wear

In our quest for acceptance and belonging, we often adopt various personas, or “masks,” that we believe will make us more likable, successful, or worthy. We may suppress our true thoughts and feelings, conform to societal expectations, and play roles that don’t truly reflect who we are. These masks, while sometimes necessary for navigating social situations, can also become barriers to self-discovery.

It’s possible that my client, for years, wore a “corporate mask,” adapting her behavior and personality to fit the mold of her workplace. Perhaps it wasn’t until she shed this mask and embraced her authentic self in the non-profit sector that she was able to fully “find” herself.

The Whispers of the Soul

Even amidst the noise of societal expectations and internalized beliefs, there’s a quiet voice within us that whispers our truths, our passions, and our purpose. This voice may be faint at times, drowned out by the clamor of everyday life, but it’s always there, waiting to be heard.

Perhaps my client had always felt a pull towards social causes and community service. Perhaps this inner voice had been whispering to her for years, but it wasn’t until she made the shift to the non-profit sector that she was finally able to listen.

The Courage to Change

Self-discovery often requires courage. It takes courage to question societal norms, to challenge internalized beliefs, and to step outside of our comfort zones. It takes courage to shed the masks we’ve worn for so long and embrace our authentic selves, even if it means facing uncertainty or disapproval.

For my client, leaving the corporate world after so many years must have taken immense courage. It’s a testament to her strength and resilience that she was willing to make such a significant change, even in her later years.

The Tapestry of Life

Self-discovery isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process. It’s about unraveling the layers of conditioning and societal expectations to reveal the essence of who we are. It’s about listening to the whispers of our souls and having the courage to follow their guidance. It’s about embracing our imperfections, celebrating our strengths, and living a life that’s true to ourselves.

My client’s story reminds us that it’s never too late to embark on this journey of self-discovery. Whether we’re in our 20s, 40s, 70s, or beyond, there’s always an opportunity to peel back the layers, connect with our authentic selves, and live a life that’s filled with purpose and meaning.

The Impact

When we find ourselves, we not only transform our own lives, but we also inspire and empower others to do the same. My client’s reminding us that it’s never too late to pursue our dreams, embrace our passions, and live a life that’s true to ourselves.

As we navigate the complexities of life, let’s remember that self-discovery isn’t about finding something new; it’s about remembering who we’ve always been. It’s about shedding the masks, listening to the whispers of our souls, and having the courage to live authentically.

In the words of the poet Mary Oliver, 

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” 

Let’s answer that question with courage, authenticity, and a deep commitment to living a life that’s true to ourselves.

Embracing the Unfolding

The journey of self-discovery is not a straight line; it’s a winding path filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. It’s a process of continuous unfolding, of shedding old layers and revealing new depths.

My client’s story reminds us that this unfolding can happen at any age, in any stage of life. It’s never too late to question, to explore, and to evolve. It’s never too late to reclaim our power, embrace our authenticity, and live a life that’s aligned with our deepest values and desires.

As women, we have a unique opportunity to lead with courage, compassion, and creativity. We have the power to challenge societal norms, to break free from limiting beliefs, and to create a world that celebrates the full spectrum of human experience.

Let’s honor the women who have paved the way before us, and let’s inspire the generations to come. Let’s embrace the unfolding of our own journeys, and let’s support each other in the pursuit of self-discovery, purpose, and a life well-lived.

The Power of Authenticity

In a world that often values conformity and external validation, there’s a quiet power in embracing our authenticity. When we shed the masks and show up as our true selves, we not only experience a deeper sense of fulfillment, but we also inspire others to do the same.

My client’s story is a testament to the transformative power of authenticity. By embracing her true self and pursuing her passions, she not only found herself but also created a ripple effect of positive change in the world around her.

As we navigate the complexities of life, let’s remember that our authenticity is our greatest strength. It’s what makes us unique, it’s what connects us to others, and it’s what allows us to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Let’s celebrate the women who dare to be different, who challenge the status quo, and who lead with courage and conviction. Let’s create a world where authenticity is not only accepted but also celebrated, where every woman feels empowered to embrace her true self and live a life that’s filled with purpose, passion, and joy.

In the End, It’s About Remembering

The journey of self-discovery is not about finding something new; it’s about remembering who we’ve always been. It’s about peeling back the layers of conditioning, societal expectations, and internalized beliefs to reveal the essence of our being.

It’s about reconnecting with our passions, our values, and our purpose. It’s about embracing our strengths, acknowledging our vulnerabilities, and living a life that’s true to ourselves.

And while this journey may take time, it’s a journey worth taking. Because, in the end, the greatest gift we can give ourselves and the world is the gift of our authentic selves.