What is the defining characteristic of a trailblazer?
As you ponder your answer, consider how it relates to our generation, as a whole.
At each stage of our lives, there has been quite a bit written about how Baby Boomers rewrote the rule book on what is possible for living life on our own terms.
Now that most of our generation are 60 and over, once again we are being looked at as blazing a new path for successful aging.
If this is true, and I believe it is, what is the defining characteristic of our generation?
I believe a defining characteristic of our generation, just as it is for most trailblazers, is how carefree we are.
But what does this mean for us today as we redefine the art of successful aging after 60?
In this fifth and final article of a five-part series for Sixty and Me readers, we’re going to answer this question as we focus on the fourth step of the 4 Steps to Blaze a New Path for Yourself After 60.
STEP 4: Be Carefree
Our Childhood and Adulthood Clashed
Once upon a time being carefree was as natural as breathing.
So, what happened between those free-flowing days of childhood and the strict conformity of adulthood?
How did being carefree become a radical act, along with being a defining characteristic of trailblazers?
To answer that we need to look back to our childhood.
As children, we didn’t ask for permission to be carefree. In fact, there was a time our parents actually encouraged us to be carefree.
But as we grew into adulthood, something drastically changed.
Society drilled into our young, impressionable minds that being carefree was irresponsible, frivolous, and childish. In many instances, being carefree could get you into trouble.
Of course, our generation made quite the statement that we would not go quietly into adulthood conformity without a fight. The stigma of being carefree, however, took root in the unconscious part of our generation’s mind.
While some never gave in and remained rebelliously carefree, the majority of our generation became the very adults they so vigorously vowed to never turn into.
In spite of this, each of us remained trailblazers, even if we would not admit to it.
A Radical Act
Whether you see yourself as a trailblazer, based on society’s definitions, there is a good chance you have been inspired to do things many people in your life did not agree with.
Examples include standing up for yourself, embarking on a new career or starting a business. It also includes making your own choices for romantic partners, taking a dream vacation, or simply choosing to make yourself your #1 priority.
All of these examples of being carefree make you a trailblazer.
Why?
Because in a world filled with people who choose conformity and play it safe, you are letting go of limiting beliefs.
What does this have to do with aging successfully?
Everything!
For letting go of limiting beliefs is the art of aging successfully.
Your Wake-Up Call
If you have found yourself yearning for something more but remaining stagnant out of fear of what others would say, allow this article to be your personal wake-up call.
Here are three simple, yet profoundly life-altering, steps for successful aging after 60:
Let Go of Limiting Beliefs
This means developing an empowered mindset by letting go of control for how you believe things should be. Start by identifying limiting beliefs that are holding you back from being more carefree. Once you know what they are, you can begin removing their influence over your life.
Go with the Flow
This is about being present in the moment and is another hallmark of a trailblazer. You can do this by surrendering control over details, which means opening yourself to receive the gifts of life rather than resist them.
Have FUN!
Give yourself permission to be delighted by the curiosity of what it once felt like as a child to have fun. Your inner child is still in you, and she is ready to play when you are.
Now It’s Your Turn
The trailblazers who came before you chose a path of least resistance, even if their path may have looked difficult from the outside. In doing so, they demonstrated a new and better way to drive through life on their own terms.
Now it is your turn to do this for yourself. But you may encounter some resistance.
Whenever resistance shows up on your new path to being a trailblazer, go inward and seek the guidance of your true, authentic self. It is your birthright to be carefree and your true, authentic self will always support you in being so.
Remember, you have access to all the energy and wisdom you need to overcome life’s obstacles and blaze a new path for successful aging after 60.
Join me in the video where I will share additional insights, such as why being carefree is scary and how to make it more enjoyable. I will also guide you through four powerful journal prompts.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you think you are a carefree adult? Have you been carefree through your adulthood? How did you accomplish this – or why were you unable to be carefree? Why do you think being carefree is scary?
