After spending my entire life near the ocean, I find myself now drawn to the mountains and the desert. To say is has been a surprise is an understatement. My inclination is to think that this isn’t me. However, with all of the changes that have come as a result of this midlife transition, it may not be the me that I knew but it seems to be the me that is emerging. Why? I don’t know.

Since turning 60, I’ve been dog sledding, visited wolf and bison sanctuaries, enjoyed Mule Days in the Sierras and an equine experience in Santa Fe, as well as experienced the high desert of Colorado, Idaho and New Mexico. Whenever I start to question it all, I look at pictures, as if to prove to myself that I was actually there and enjoyed myself. What is absolutely true, regardless of why, is the unmistakable allure of this new experience of nature and animals.

My mind goes to an exchange in Nancy Meyer’s hit movie, Something’s Gotta Give. Harry (Jack Nicholson) tells his doctor, Julian,(Keanu Reeves) about “suddenly really liking something that you never thought you could like…it’s unnerving” Julian responds “Actually I think you can expect just about anything. People have done some really crazy things.” For Harry,  his perspective changes in the aftermath of a heart attack. For me, it’s what has happened after being thoroughly unsettled once I entered midlife. My frame of reference broadened. 

I think back to a workshop hosted by The Hudson Institute, when Pam McLean encouraged us, as adult learners, to try at least one thing out of our comfort zone each year. It was an invitation to begin again, to renew our sense of wonder and feel the prickle of excitement that comes from something completely new, when we:

-step into a space of not knowing and wanting to learn

-take risks with the hope of some new treasure to be discovered

-become open to the influence of the unknown

Just like in The Alchemist… As Coelho tells the story of the shepherd, Santiago, he reminds us of the treasure that new experiences can bring. For Santiago, a repeated dream of buried treasure, near the pyramids in Egypt, leads him on a journey of discovery, one that requires him to risk everything. The subtext for us, as readers, seems clear. Follow your heart.

Santiago repeatedly heeds his still small voice, thus seeing new places, meeting new people, facing challenges, fears and threats, all for the promise of treasure. Not surprisingly, he experiences resistance when life challenges him. He often considers going back to his flock, to what he knows, to what’s familiar. That’s where perceived safety lies, right, with what we already know? But, is that true safety? Staying put? And, at what cost?

Fortunately, Santiago doesn’t give in to this instinctive flight reaction. He’s counseled by those he meets along his path to “listen to your heart, follow the signs”. His wise counsel proves to be invaluable, as it both challenges him to continue and soothes him when he’s overwhelmed. In time, Santiago realizes all that is out there for him, well beyond anything he could have ever envisioned for himself. With that in mind, it might compel us to ask ourselves, of what are we capable and who can we count on for support?

For Santiago, just like for all of us, signs come in all shapes and sizes. A sign is what stirs our heart, what makes us catch our breath. The question is “are we  listening?” and, just as important, “what are we willing to do about it?” The through line in The Alchemist is clear: “life is truly generous with the person who lives their personal legend (ie lives their truth, follows their path)” Prosperity, whatever that means for each one of us, is about dreaming AND taking action, including (or maybe especially) in midlife when it might be tempting to coast or downshift. 

In all fairness, it’s not as easy as it may sound, certainly not black and white nor all or nothing. While I’ve had many adventures in recent years, I’ve also experienced my share of resistance, fear and old programming. Recently, while in Santa Fe, I had a chance to go horseback riding but didn’t take it. I was afraid, questioned my ability and feared feeling embarrassed or maybe getting hurt. So, I talked myself out of it and that opportunity slipped away. No judgement nor self criticism, though, but, rather, awareness that while it’s important to be challenged it’s also ok to listen to what is true in the moment. It’s a reminder that we do our best with what we know at any given time.

We’re soon headed to Colorado and will be trying our hands at panning for gold. A new experience. At a different time in my life (and a more competitive one), I’d set my sights on being the best gold miner in the group. Now, with the wisdom of this age, all I’m bringing to the table is a good attitude and a desire to have fun. 

Maybe that’s what striking it rich means, making all that we experience precious. That’s the alchemy.

#MEA #ModernElderAcademy #PamMcLean #aarp #aging