Embracing the Journey: A Year of Self-Discovery and Personal Growth Together with Julie Bjelland
Do you want to embark on a conscious exploration of self-discovery and personal growth with me? I find myself in a new phase of life after reaching midlife and menopause, experiencing an empty nest and making a conscious choice to end a relationship that no longer aligned. These shifts have opened up new space for me to focus more on my own journey.
I am excited about this new phase, and I thought it would be wonderful to connect with other HSPs on a similar journey to support each other, cheer each other on, and share what we are discovering about ourselves together!
There are several phases of life that can provide us with extra time and opportunities to focus on our needs. Here are a few notable stages:
Empty Nest: When children move out of the family home to pursue their own lives, parents often find themselves with more free time and fewer responsibilities. This stage allows individuals to redirect their attention and energy toward their own needs, interests, and personal growth.
Retirement: Retirement marks the end of one's professional career and the beginning of a new chapter. With the absence of work obligations, retirees have the freedom to prioritize their own needs, passions, and well-being. Retirement can offer ample time for self-reflection, pursuing hobbies, traveling, and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
Post-Relationship Breakup: After the end of a significant relationship, individuals may find themselves with newfound freedom and an opportunity to focus on their own well-being and personal development. This period can be a time of self-discovery, healing, and creating a life that aligns with their own desires and aspirations.
Career Transitions: When transitioning between careers or taking a break from work, individuals can have the chance to reassess their goals, values, and passions. This stage allows for self-reflection, exploring new avenues, and investing time in personal growth and development.
Midlife: Midlife often brings about introspection and a reassessment of one's life choices. It can be a transformative period where individuals have the opportunity to focus on their own needs, aspirations, and personal fulfillment. It's a time for self-reflection, self-care, and pursuing new directions that align with their authentic selves.
Sabbaticals or Extended Breaks: Taking a sabbatical or an extended break from work can provide dedicated time to focus on personal needs, growth, and self-care. It allows individuals to step away from their routine and immerse themselves in activities that bring them joy, fulfillment, and personal exploration.
While self-care is important at all stages of life, these phases may offer more apparent opportunities for self-focus and extra time to nurture your own growth, well-being, and personal fulfillment and to make choices aligning with your true self.
One of my initial steps is initiating the selling of my home to move closer to the water, something I've always desired. Right now, I prefer to think about my life in terms of one year at a time, allowing myself the freedom to rent and explore without being tied down to a specific location just yet. I am looking forward to diving deep into getting to know myself in this stage and learning what brings me joy and what feels in alignment with where I am at this phase of life.
Would you like to embark on this journey of self-discovery and personal growth together and share your thoughts, experiences, and aspirations as we navigate this exciting chapter of our lives together and make the most of this year as we embrace the adventure of becoming more authentically ourselves?
I envision us engaging in conversations where we can support and learn from each other. Additionally, I'm considering organizing a live chat or an event to facilitate real-time conversations if that's something we all desire. This ongoing conversation throughout the year will allow us to share ideas and cheer each other on. ❤️
If you are interested in sharing this journey, we will connect inside my private Sensitive Empowerment Community.
Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a renowned HSP Psychotherapist and a visionary leader in the field of high sensitivity. As the founder of the Sensitive Empowerment movement, she is passionately committed to raising awareness about the extraordinary value inherent in sensitivity. Recognizing the vital importance of education and support, Julie is dedicated to equipping HSPs with the necessary tools to reduce their susceptibility to mental and physical health challenges. Her extensive array of resources stands as a heartfelt endeavor to provide this essential support. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com.
Some men have expressed frustration about my focus on women’s autism experiences, but this emphasis addresses a longstanding research gap that makes women-centered support essential.