RE-Inventing Yourself?

by Deborah on August 1, 2020

My friends, do not lose heart…Especially do not lose hope. Most particularly because, the fact is that we were made for these times. Yes. For years, we have been learning, practicing, been in training for and just waiting to meet on this exact plain of engagement.

Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Women Who Run with the Wolves


Do you find yourself, like me, beginning to wonder how to re-invent yourself as a result of this time of quarantine? Are you in need of a career change, because your industry no longer seems as viable as it once was? Or as a recent retiree do you wonder how in the world will you ever find a new path, meaning or direction? How can you make a difference? Now is not a time to lose hope.

The world begins to beckon – or should I say the energy is afoot in the inner sanctum of my soul. After 4 months of corona virus isolation and social distancing, (a time of great awakening might I say) I feel the juices begin to stir. Professionally and personally at the age of 75 it’s different than when I was in my 50’s let alone my 30’s. No longer the goal oriented, focused, initiator and leader of various “movements” – this time with “nothing to do” has been particularly revealing.

How do you wish to engage yourself? I’ve re-calibrated some existing resources and am developing some new ones, and if you are interested in this process of re-inventing yourself, I hope to hear from you.

First, I’m offering a FREE package of Career Self Assessment Exercises from my book PUT YOUR SPIRIT TO WORK: Making a living Being Yourself. As the new economy begins to redefine itself, you can do the same by conducting this personal inventory of strengths, interests, values, and goals. What will be your guiding light moving forward? Discover anew how you would like to engage yourself with others. I’m also available for individual coaching through the process, and often just one session is all that is needed to complete the self assessment process and move forward independently.

Second, my years of experience facilitating Elder Circles here in Tucson, AZ, has redefined itself into a monthly Wisdom Circle via Zoom, the 2nd Friday of the month from 10 – 11:30 am. Here we practice the principles of Conscious Aging as we probe deeply into our personal experience of Life Review, Life Repair, Leaving a Legacy and Mentoring others. These facilitated small group discussions provide ample opportunity to share your latest thoughts on timely topics. To receive notification, please email me and express interest.

I’m grateful to be able to continue to offer my writing groups, online using Zoom. Crafting Your Spiritual Autobiography is a six week writing group with prompts where each participant shares their story aloud and receives feedback about the significant life events that each has deemed to be “spiritual.” For more information about groups starting in the Fall check out the Events Section on my Home Page.

And finally, my latest offering is to share with you my experience of home sharing and its many benefits. For four years now I have shared a home with a woman my age who has Parkinson’s Disease. Sharon wanted to “age in place” and she needed someone to share her home to make that possible. I responded to the call to cook an evening meal and be there in the night in case she has a fall. That simple request has blossomed into a deeply rewarding mutually beneficial relationship. For a quick glimpse into our story check out the video produced by the Pew Charitable Trust.

I have also joined forces with other visionaries here in Tucson, AZ, to create Tucson Home Sharing, Inc in order to promote the many financial and emotional benefits of home sharing to others. As a result of the pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis, we are convinced more and more individuals will take a look at this opportunity for affordable housing. For both of us, sharing the time of isolation and social distancing has been a gift that just keeps on giving.

My life has slowed down enough so I can finally catch up with myself. And what I discover is how the old pace which I prided myself on keeping up, no longer exists. I definitely prefer the slower, more peaceful way of doing and being. Are you ready to re-engage yourself? The world awaits your engagement – whether it be new employment, a volunteer activity, or a newly revised plan for mindfulness and self care that you put into practice now for this particular time.

Stay Safe
Stay Sane
Blessings,

Deb
July 2020


Soul Collage cards

Summer is racing ahead, and the July 15 deadline to register for the third season of Soul Path Discoveries is rapidly approaching. Sign up today for this popular and well-regarded workshop facilitated by Gail McMeekin, LICSW, and Deb Knox, Life Work Transitions Coach. (NOTE: The registration process and pricing are a little tricky. See registration tips.)

Join us from Monday evening, August 19, through Friday noon, August 23, 2019 at the incredibly peaceful and restorative Ferry Beach Conference Center in Saco, Maine.

Using the complementary processes of Soul Collage® and Crafting Your Spiritual Journey, you’ll explore creativity communally and individually. You can expect to 

  • Reclaim your center
  • Rewire and strengthen pathways in your brain
  • Discover new connections to your heart
  • Ignite your creativity

Whether you just need a break from daily challenges or you seek new tools for facing major life changes that leave you upended, our Soul Path Discoveries workshop gives you the techniques and inspiration to set your intentions and further your goals.

SOUL COLLAGE ®

Using the powerful tool of Soul Collage, Gail McMeekin will lead you through a series of reflecting exercises and 4 powerful questions. You  will create your personal Intuitive or Intentional Cards that capture your unconscious wisdom and guide you in your next steps.

CRAFTING YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

Deb Knox will facilitate exploration of your past and present Spiritual Journey, helping you view experiences through a new lens to create innovative pathways toward your soul’s desire. You’ll gain insights and a useful framework for moving forward with your writing.

Register today

The Ferry Beach Retreat & Conference Center registration team is happy to help if you need assistance. Email them at registration@ferrybeach.org or call 207-282-4489.

The Center is also generous with transportation to and from the airport and train station.

Soul Path Discoveries, a workshop in Maine, August 19-23, 2019

June 7, 2019

Join your hosts, Gail McMeekin, LICSW, and Deb Knox, Life Work Transitions coach, at the Ferry Beach Retreat & Conference Center on the scenic coast of Maine. This interactive workshop uses the tools of SoulCollage®, Spiritual Autobiography, and the power of creative community to help you build a roadmap for spiritual growth. In small groups, […]

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CRAFTING YOUR SPIRITUAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY

August 1, 2020

Discover your life story and experience the power of your words and wisdom JUMPSTART or DEEPEN your Personal Creativity, your Spiritual Journey, and your Writing Practice Presented by Deborah Knox, Life Work Transitions Are you ready to discover your life story and write about your past with an eye to your future? Explore significant life […]

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Tips on how to register by July 15 for Soul Path Discoveries workshop

July 5, 2019

Some of you have let me know that the registration process for our upcoming workshop in Maine is confusing. The Ferry Beach Retreat & Conference Center is our venue, and we’re using their registration system, which is indeed a bit tricky, with several options and steps to complete in a particular order. Here are some […]

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