What Was I Thinking?! This is a familiar thought to me and I wonder if it’s the same for you. there have been so many bizarre decisions made since I was 55, and as a consequence, have found myself in so many pickles, I have to wonder what happened to my gut? We all know our gut is always right so why don’t we listen?!

What is it that finally allows us to own our errors of judgement, relieve any guilt we feel, to accept our faults and boost our self-confidence? How does it strengthen us?

There are certain behaviours we are nearly all guilty of perpetuating

#1 is usually procrastination

I raise my hand and plead guilty. My unspoken motto seems to be If I can put it off until tomorrow … I’ll get it right! Really? Why tomorrow? What’s wrong with today? Do you relate?!

It’s never worked for me and I wonder if it’s worked for you?

I have spent the last 2 years and several months procrastinating. I was in an untenable living situation that stripped me of all my power and I didn’t make the decision to save myself and leave until the other person wanted to change. I left my power at the front door when I moved in …

Apparently, instant decision-making is something men are more likely to do than women although I know a lot of women (same age group) who do the same thing. Why? Because the gut feels good…

Women are more likely to base any decision they make on a heart level which may not always be the way to go. And then, we frequently agonise over the decisions we make.

In 2015, I decided to pack up and return to the UK from Australia. A move that was supposed to boost my creativity and help me take my business in a different direction. Again … really?

Truly one of those What was I Thinking? decisions. It felt so right and was quite simple to achieve … until I began looking for friends and family and it became a whole new Bouilloire de Poisson (so much more attractive than a Kettle of Fish!). It was as though people shouted ‘run for the hills!’ … she’s back!

And what happened to my power? Down the toilet …

Your power and life-changing events …

Usually something which is or can be a body blow; not necessarily bad but an event that changes your life forever. The birth of a baby, getting married, the death of a parent. Even moving house can cause some outcomes you never expected.

I have found that most things that will cause profound change will weaken you on some level. Probably as a temporary measure to help you find the time to absorb and find the change you need to make.

Your Courage is Empowering

How many women do you know who underestimate their power and ability? How many men do you know who are guilty of the same behaviour?! Not many I imagine.

How many women do you know who learn from their mistakes? Owning your mistakes does not involve judgement. It’s about acceptance and realisation that we are all human and all guilty of putting ourselves down.

As a 55Plus woman owning your mistakes is a game changer.

In a nutshell, accepting your mistakes will add to your living a life deserving of respect, AND …

□ Remove guilt
□ Increase your power through self-confidence
□ Help you make better decisions
□ Stop you comparing yourself to others
□ Ensure you Abandon perfectionism!

I would love to know what you think about reaching a stage at which you’re willing to go through your mistakes. Involving acceptance and the realisation none of us is perfect! If you’re willing to go through the exercise and would like a little help to find the process that works for you … let me know!