Life pulls you in many directions—careers, family, relationships—and somewhere along the way, you lose yourself.
But what if you could pause to reconnect with your inner self, remembering how wonderful you truly are?
When you get off the virtual treadmill of life and spend time in quiet, tender contemplation, you suddenly feel a renewed spark, like experiencing the first light of day. You feel hope and then gratitude for giving yourself this gift of time.
For most of us, this phase of life is full of transition: an empty nest, retirement, or a move. Your old roles and responsibilities have shifted—maybe a little, maybe a lot. For some, it is an entirely new chapter, ripe with adventure, self-discovery, and the unfamiliar.
Depending on how long and hard you’ve dedicated yourself to others, it may take a while to journey within and make this renewed connection. Your former life didn’t leave much time for self-care, so now’s the time to prioritize your well-being.
As you reflect, you’ll get to know your inner goddess, who represents your wisdom, intuition, and creativity. You may feel hesitant to sit down to think.
You may fear that your self-judging voice will be the loudest. I call that voice “CJ” for the Critical Judge. When I’m sitting in the quiet, I politely—and sometimes repeatedly—remind her that this is my time and that she should go and read a book!
Rituals to quiet the mind
Rituals can be a powerful way to quiet the constant mental chatter. They require both thought and action and offer a break from the inner commentary.
I love rituals! One of my favorites is a burning bowl ceremony. It’s simple and quick:
- Think of something—or many things—you’re ready to release and write them down on paper.
- Consider things or people that drain your energy (aka energy vampires). Can you say goodbye to any of them?
- What about limiting beliefs? Do you have any that no longer serve you? Write them down. Keep writing until you feel complete.
- Then, toss the paper into the fireplace or tear it into tiny pieces as a symbolic release.
You can simplify your ritual by lighting a candle, listening to calming music, or writing in a journal. The key is to give yourself a few moments most days to “just be.”
The benefits of connecting with your inner goddess
You will be amazed at the good that can come from this quiet time with the goddess within.
- Releasing FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) — This practice helps you step away from the external pressures that pull you away from inner peace and focus.
- Energy Renewal — One of the most powerful benefits of self-reflection is the renewed energy and clarity it brings. By simply breathing with intention (I love Dr. Andrew Weil’s 4-7-8 breathing technique), your body begins to shed stress, gaining peace of mind instead. Your shoulders relax, and you settle more deeply into calmness.
Additional benefits of inner reflection
- Acknowledgment — You may recognize recent accomplishments that deserve to be celebrated.
- Clarity — What’s truly important may rise to the surface. “Wow, I hadn’t thought of that in years—I love to play the piano and haven’t sat on a bench in over ten years!”
- Joy — As you relax and reflect, you may begin to feel as if you are coming back to life, experiencing a renewed sense of joy.
- Intuition — We all have an inner wisdom that may have gone quiet while raising a family or building a career.
Embracing a new chapter
Mid-life allows you to explore new possibilities for the rest of your life, and your inner goddess will help you identify and nurture the ideas that bring you the greatest joy and fulfillment.
If you’re like most people—especially women—you may ask yourself, “Who am I beyond my roles as a mother, partner, or professional?” The answers you get from connecting with your inner goddess may surprise and inspire you, but I bet they will also wow you.
You are strong, radiant, and full of wisdom gained throughout your lifetime. Oprah repeatedly reminds us, “It’s never too late to achieve your best life.” Now is exactly the right time to go within, uncover the treasures that have been waiting, and let your light shine brighter than ever.
