Meet Me at the Crossroads of Your Life

How do you know if you are at a crossroads?

Crossroads happen when you feel discontent with your life or when something in your life has come to an end. Examples include breaking up with a significant other, retirement, career change, empty nest or thinking about making a change in your life or going after a dream.

What does a crossroad feel like in life?

Crossroads can be both exciting and overwhelming and terrifying at the same time. It's uncharted waters and you may not have a clear path ahead even if you have a dream or an idea in your mind about what you want to accomplish. You can also feel 'at a loss' for what to do next. For instance, if you have always been a stay at home mom or dad and your kids grow up and move out you may be thinking, now what? What is my purpose in life? If you retire from a career that you found success in you may wonder what you will fill your time with after the vacation period wears off. Everyone is met with crossroads in their lives. There is no set age that these appear at and sometimes they are sudden like a break up with someone you planned to spend your life with, losing a loved one or getting laid off.

What do I need to know about crossroads?

The first thing to understand is that a crossroad is an opportunity and you have choices. It's not something to be feared but rather a chance for you to grow and reinvent your life. In order for you to do this to your benefit, you will need to take some time to go inward. Examine your life, your wants and needs. Be honest with yourself about what was working in your life and what wasn't. Take time to discover what lights you up inside. You may need some trial and error experiments to figure this out. Don't be afraid to take healthy risks during this time. Try on different projects, activities, lifestyles until you find what fits. You will also need to practice self love during this time. Be extra gentle and kind to yourself as you find your footing. Forgive yourself and others. Let go of what was and begin to move into what will be. As you do this know that people may fall away and new people will come in. Allow the process to unfold. Trust that things will work out for you.

Crossroads can be an incredible time of life if you take time to allow yourself to grow into the next phase. If you need conversation around this or perspective, a life coach can help. Life coaches give you the time and space you need to examine your wants and needs and tap into your strengths, envision a future and find solutions for getting there.

You may also find it helpful to connect with a group online or in person who are going through a similar life transition. Seek out support and connect with others so you feel less alone on your journey. The Journey by Jen Facebook page and the Journey by Jen Travel Group on Facebook are great places to begin where you can connect with others who are looking to grow and get outside their comfort zones and experience new places and experiences while doing their inner work.

To learn more go to the Journey by Jen Podcast.