By Marceta Reilly, PhD, PCC

I recently read a good book entitled, The Gift of Years by Joan Chittister. It is interesting because it talks about three stages of “old”. There are the young old, 65 to 74; the old old, 75 to 84; and the oldest old, 85 and over. The book intrigued me because I came to understand that adolescents aren’t the only ones who have anxieties about “finding themselves.”

I remember in my own life, during our “raising kids” era, I thought the mothering duties would never end! And then suddenly–the kids were out of the nest, and I had the whole rest of my life in front of me! What did I want to do with it? How did I want to evolve into my own person and give up the full time mother role?

I had the same anxieties when I took early retirement from school administration. Who was I without my school? My district? My career title? And now here I am, at the door of “young old”, and wondering when I want to take social security and what that means about my productivity, my purpose, and my goals. Who am I now and who do I want to “be” in my senior years?

It’s a perfect time for me to find a coach! People often think that coaching is best for newbies and those getting started in some new role. That is very satisfying work yet, as a coach, I have found the process to be most exciting when I am working with a seasoned person who is discerning new paths, new horizons, new ways to “be.” The conversations are about redefining strengths and applying them to new pathways in order to discover new possibilities in life.

Even veteran coaches value having a personal coach, especially at key times of their lives. Coaches help us get through the fog of uncertainty so that we can emerge strong, confident, and clear in our purpose and goals—no matter what our stage of life is.

What will be your signals to reach out for a coach?