Kate Schaefers, Ph.D., LPJean Tollefson, M.S., N.C.C.
Authentic Renewal: Cultivating Wholeness in the
Second Half of Life
“Wholly unprepared, we embark upon the second half of life…”
“But we cannot live the afternoons of life according to the program of life’s morning…”
““Ancora Imparo”Ancora Imparo”
© Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
Drawing of Michelangelo by Voltera
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The Second Half of Life – The Second Half of Life – Shifting VisionShifting Vision
Presbyopia◦ Age related changes to
our vision◦ Usually occurs in our
40’s.◦ We become more far-
sighted.
QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
6© Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
The Second Half of Life –The Second Half of Life –Shifting VisionShifting Vision
Shifting Inner Vision◦ Reflection◦ New Perspective◦ Seeing the world
with new eyes.
QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
7© Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
The Second Half of Life -The Second Half of Life -Shifting Values and PurposeShifting Values and Purpose
External expansiveness Endless time Infinite options Denial of death Expecting life to happen
Internal clarity Limited time left Limited choices Personal certitude Accepting life as it happens
First Half Second Half
Frederic Hudson, Ph.D. (1999) The Adult Years: Mastering the art of self renewal.
8© Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
The Second Half of Life –The Second Half of Life –Shifting Needs and PrioritiesShifting Needs and Priorities
Source: Mainiero & Sullivan, The Opt-Out Revolt
Kaleidoscope Careers
Early Career: Challenge
Mid Career:Men: AuthenticityWomen: Balance
Late Career:Men: BalanceWomen: Authenticity
9© Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
Aging Gracefully - Wisdom Aging Gracefully - Wisdom SourcesSources
Role ModelsResearch FindingsCulture and FaithPersonal Wisdom
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Lessons from The Blue Zones
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The Power9
Source: Buettner, Dan (2008). The Blue Zones
Move Naturally - in activities you love
Right Outlook - have purpose, develop sense of calm
Eat Wisely - eat 20% less, avoid meat and processed foods, wine in moderation
Belong to the Right Tribe - surround yourself with “nutritious” people, make family a priority, participate in a spiritual community
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DISCUSSION: DISCUSSION: Role Models for Aging AuthenticallyRole Models for Aging Authentically
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Think of a person who has aged in a way that you admire.
What qualities come to mind when you think of this person?
What has knowing this person evoked within you?
© Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
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Approaches to AgingApproaches to Aging
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Warren Schmidt
“…the most you can hope for is to make some kind of
difference…but what difference have I made?”
Jimmy Carter
“…retirement years are a time to define, or redefine, a successful life, both in retrospect and for our
remaining years.”© Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
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"I'm convinced that the challenge of aging isn't to stay young;
it's not only to grow old but to grow whole –
to come into your own. It's your time to embrace that challenge and figure
out who you are now that you're not who
you were." ~ Connie Goldman, p. 12
Authentic Renewal:Authentic Renewal:The ProcessThe Process
Life Review
Clarify Self (talents, passions, values)
Develop a holistic lifestyle vision for the second half of life
Consider options in context of living a balanced and holistic lifestyle in the second half of life
15© Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
Life ReviewLife Review
“If a glimpse of the future is
possible, it must come from an
intimacy with the present clarified
by the great works of the past.”
~ Robert Kaplan
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Clarify Self - Talents, Passions and Values
Talents - Richard Leider’s Calling CardsPassions - Ann Nelson’s Top 100Values - Frederic Hudson’s 6 Core
Values
When we live our lives in ways that express our treasured talents, connect with our true passions, and are grounded in our fundamental values, we live authentically.
17© Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
TalentsTalents
“The key to acting on purpose is to
bring together the needs of the world
with our unique gifts in a vocation
– a calling.”~ Richard Leider
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PassionsAnn Nelson’s Top 100
“And there, as if she had been waiting for me all those years, was Ann herself.”
~ Jenette Nelson
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Hudson’s Core Values
Personal Power: Claiming Yourself
Achievement: Proving YourselfPlay & Creativity: Expressing
YourselfSearch for Meaning: Integrating
YourselfCompassion & Contribution:
Giving Yourself Intimacy: Sharing Yourself
Hudson & McLean (1995). Life launch: A passionate guide to the rest of your life.
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Define a Second Half Define a Second Half LifestyleLifestyleHow do I want to live my life at this
point?
What am I doing right now to support my priorities?
What changes do I want to make to better reflect these priorities?
How can I create a holistic lifestyle that reflects who I am and how I want to live?
21© Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
Creating a Lifestyle of Creating a Lifestyle of Balance and Well-BeingBalance and Well-Being
MIND: How can I appreciate and share my wisdom?
BODY: How can I develop a lifestyle based on wellness?
HEART: How can I nurture a sense of belonging in my life?
SOUL: How can I connect with my sense of purpose in life?
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23© Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
MIND: Cultivating WisdomFind Work that has
MeaningCommit to Life Long
LearningCultivate a sense of
AbundanceStrengthen Autonomy
through Wise Choices“Wisdom is the supreme partof happiness.” ~Sophocles
24 © Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
MIND: A Path to Wisdom The brain continually re-
sculpts itself. New brain cells form
throughout life. The brain’s emotional
circuitry matures & becomes more balanced with age.
Elders use two hemispheres more equally.
…Enhancing creativity and complex problem solving!
25© Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
MIND: Appreciating and Sharing Wisdom Volunteer your time and wisdom! Take a class in something of interest. Join a book club. Take up a new hobby (e.g. piano, quilting). Write an ethical will, or your life story. Practice gratitude for the blessings of your
life. Talk with a financial planner to align your
finances with your values. Be proactive with important details of your
life - your will, living will, etc.
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27© Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
BODY: A Lifestyle of Wellness
Appreciate our body’s wisdom.
Be naturally active, engage your body in joyful ways (dancing, singing, stretching, laughing).
Slow down, live mindfully. Engage in things that give
you energy, vitality. Explore and create “thin
places” in your life.
We can’t choose our ancestors, but we can choose our lifestyle.
© Kate Schaefers, Ph.D., LP28 © Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
BODY: Connecting with Nature
“Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the wind longs to play with your hair.”~ Kahil Gibran
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BODY: A Lifestyle Of Wellness
Incorporate mindfulness into your daily life - through prayer, reflection, meditation, breathing.
Choose daily physical activity that you enjoy - Garden, Take a walk with a friend, Try a Labyrinth.
Explore sacred places in your environment. Be active in managing your own health. Explore new ways to cook that feeds your body
& soul. Find activities that give you energy, and
incorporate them into your daily life. Spend time with people who support your
healthy lifestyle.
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31© Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
HEART: A Sense of BelongingAttend to Kin/FamilyNurture Relationships that
offer a sense of LoveEstablish Relationships
that offer Support Invest in Communities that
Offer Opportunities to Connect with People
© Kate Schaefers, Ph.D., LP
“A cheerful heart is good medicine.”
~ Proverbs 17:22
32 © Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
HEART: Sense of HEART: Sense of BelongingBelonging
Volunteer in ways that help you feel loving and giving.
Practice the art of asking for help when you need it, and accept it with grace and gratitude.
Learn to tell people in your life how important they are to you.
Connect with people who share a passion of yours, and work together for common good.
Find outlest for your creativity, and allow yourself to share this side of yourself with others.
Remain open to new relationships in your life.
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34© Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
SOUL: A Life of Purpose
Nurture a Rich Spiritual Life
Know What is Important, and Live with Integrity
Build a Legacy of Value
Be Committed to Growth
Your life is a sacred journey.
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© Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
SOUL: Connect with Purpose
Document your life story in a journal or scrapbook that can be shared with loved ones.
Create a vision board, or other form of “road map” to chart your life path and clarify purpose and values.
Consider sharing your gifts through volunteering.
Find ways to be more active in a spiritual community.
Take time for solitude and reflection.Remain open to the inner journey of self-
discovery, through journaling, reflection, prayer.
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37© Schaefers & Tollefson 2009
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Contact InformationContact Information
Kate Schaefers◦www.encorelifeplanning.com◦[email protected]
Jean Tollefson◦[email protected]
Soon to be launched:www.authenticrenewal.com
© Schaefers & Tollefson 2009 39
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