07 - Enjoy Every Stage
50 Years, 50 Lessons
Lesson 7: Enjoy Every Stage
A few weeks ago, I was at an intimate venue with Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo). He was doing a small launch of his new solo album. In the dialogue, someone asked him what his favourite decade was.
He spent a moment reflecting on several, then said, “This one.” He reflected that his kids were grown and healthy, he was still enjoying his music, and loves being healthy enough to continue to perform and write new songs. He loves his comfortable and relatively simple life in rural Ontario.
It’s interesting. Every decade is a stage, or a chapter. If you take time to reflect on each, try to recall your favorite.
Then, try to think about the advancements you have experienced in your life. And the world tragedies and humanity-shifting events. These events contributed greatly to who we are today, and how we show up, think, and feel.
Consider that in my 50 years…
Seatbelts became legally required.
Graduated licensing was introduced.
Grade 13 was no longer a thing.
Email.
Faxing, then scanning, then e-signatures.
The internet.
Computers and music in our hands.
Social media.
E-Vehicles.
Constant access to…everyone and everything.
Now, AI.
There’s always a tendency to rush to the next thing. “When the kids are out of day care…when the kids can drive…when the kids leave the house…when I retire…” But every phase of life—childhood, parenting, career, caregiving, empty nesting—holds value. Instead of speeding up, what if you just stood still and looked around? Would this stage be your favorite?
Coaching Thoughts:
What’s one thing this stage of life allows you to do that wasn’t possible before?
What’s something you’ll miss about this phase when it’s over?
What have you learned in each decade, and how do you carry those lessons today?
Your Turn?
What decade was your favorite? Or what big inventions or changes have led to a significant change in our experiences?
To All: Thank you for being on this journey with me – past, present, and future.
Julie
