What NOW?

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Now that the kids have left for college and you’re trying to muffle through all the feeling of loss and sadness, why not figure out what’s next for you? What can YOU do to rediscover who you are without kids full time? 

I have a solution….

In our Love What's Next Project our participants use an acronym to help them uncover what it is they want to do within each of the 6 Love What's Next Pursuits and then make it a reality. It’s called the RISE Higher process...it's so simple and yet it works every time!  

It takes you step by step through the Pursuit to really figure out what you want to do and how to accomplish it.

I’m going to show you how this can work for you based on the question at hand…”What NOW?"

R-REFLECT: Think about what it is that you want to do now that you have extra time and write down everything that comes to mind. Here is an example…
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• Take up a new hobby
• Start writing a blog or maybe a book
• Get fit with exercise and healthy habits
• Go back to school
• Go back to work
• Learn a language
• Travel
• Visit friends
• Reconnect with your creative side

I-IDENTIFY:  Decided what it is you want to do from your brainstormed list of ideas. 

• Take up a new hobby: "I love baking and cooking but I’m an amateur. I don’t know how to make all the delicious pastries like danishes and croissants and I’d love to learn how to make home-made pastas and Italian sauces.  I haven’t had time to really dedicate to this interest so I think now just might be the right time."

S-SEEK: Now that you know what you want to do, it’s time to seek out the avenue that will enable you to accomplish this new pursuit.

• "I’m going to research online all the cooking schools in my area and see what their curriculum and tuition looks like. I’m also going to see if their are any online course offered if my schedule and budget don’t meet an on site course. I’ll also look at all the reviews and go on site before making my decision."

E-EXPERIENCE: Now that you’ve REFLECTED and taken the steps necessary to IDENTIFY what it is you want to do and you’ve SEEKED out how you can make this a reality, it’s time to EXPERIENCE it. 

• "I chose to take a class in person because my budget and schedule allowed for it and it gives me an opportunity to to get out more and meet new, like minded people like myself. ​"

The last, but not least step in the RISE Higher process, is to document (journal) your experience! This gives you a roadmap for the future. If you write about your experiences, how you’re feeling about this new adventure, and what you’ve gained or not gained from it, having written it down will help lead you the next time you want to figure out “what’s next”. 

Viola! That’s how it’s done! Easy Peasy RIGHT?! 

Now it’s your turn! Use the RISE Higher process to discover what’s next for you during this new phase you’re facing. It can be your next great adventure!! 

Good luck! 

xoxo
Nicole 

Do you have an idea of what you want to do now? Share with us, we'd love to hear all about it! Use the comment box below.