It’s Your Half-Time

As I recently celebrated my birthday, I was mindful of all the different chapters in my life. The various stages of growing up, the lessons learned, and all the people who helped me along the way. My beautiful marriage and the outstanding sons we've raised together. How we've lived in different countries, states, and cultures. The certifications I've been able to achieve. The joy I experience most days and the gift of family and friends. I'm grateful to God for all of it. 

And yet, there was a time in my life when it wasn't always like this. Like many of us, I went through some dark seasons. Some days, I'd instead not have chosen. Some thought patterns and emotions I wish I'd skipped. Some conversations I wish I could take back. Some losses I still miss. 

Some events disrupted my sense of confidence, self-worth, and self-acceptance. 

Despite these events, something inside me said, "You have more life in you." I knew then that it was half-time for me. Looking at the apparent losing scoreboard of my life, I knew I needed to make a decision. Would my past continue dictating my future, or could I learn from it and move on to win in the second half of my game? I knew if I wanted to play the second half, I'd need help. So, my treatment became my ticket to feeling better, and the coping skills I still practice keep me strong. Half-time is not just at mid-life. It can be a life-changing season at any age.

Looking back, I see these chapters of my life as the classroom where I learned what my life was really about. They were formative years; some were painful, but they shaped me. They brought skills, growth, wisdom, patience, strength of character, compassion, understanding, listening skills, resilience, and grit, among others. The challenges, which at the time seemed like giant boulders, over the years became the same stepping stones that brought me where I am and who I've become today. Reframing your own challenges this way may help you.

From this experience, I've learned that depression and anxiety were not about to hold me down, let alone define the second half of my life. Twelve years ago, at my half-time, I promised myself that I would embrace my story and learn to love and value myself for who I am. When I started this self-acceptance, forgiveness, and gratitude journey, I finally understood more of God's love for me and how my story was a gift. I saw how every area of my life was elevated. My relationships improved, as did my mindset, health, career, and wellness. I felt free to be happy and pursue what I love. I’ve discovered my mess has become my message. 

So, as a Certified Women's Life Coach, I am committed to helping women like you know you are more than enough. To love yourself for who you are and look at all the good already in you and all you've overcome. To help you discover what you do best and do it so well you feel a sense of fulfillment. Don't compare yourself to others. You're an original masterpiece made in love by your Creator, who loves and sees you as one-of-a-kind! He packed extraordinary gifts in you that help you and others! Have you found your extraordinary traits yet?

Today, I wish to encourage you to live as if you knew nobody was judging, love as if you'd never been hurt, and enjoy every day as if it could be your last. And pursue and fulfill your dream as if someone depended on it. Guess what? They are. Someone needs your smile, that book you're thinking of writing, your original music, all your knowledge and skills, your art, your ability to teach or to encourage others, and your corporate experience level among others.

You never know the impact you can have on someone who comes in contact with you -even briefly. Your future version is counting on this moment for you to choose. It's your half-time. You get to choose, what would you like to do with the time you have left? Whatever your age, you can still do something great that blesses others! How would you use your "extraordinary" if you knew you couldn't fail? What would you choose for this next season if you had no limitations?

Maybe you were meant to read this today. I hope you find hope in knowing your life is beautiful, unique, immensely valuable, and worthy, regardless of your challenges. You're here -you're an overcomer. Now is your half-time moment. What will you choose to do?

Success to you!

Maria A. Mansfield

Author and Women’s Life Coach