There comes a point in life when I find that success is measured less by achievement and more by authenticity. As I move into a new chapter, I’ve discovered that the confidence I once sought from others has quietly been replaced by something steadier from within. As I enter my seventieth year, I’d like to share a few reflections on the mentors who shaped me and what it means to become more fully myself.
Vlog transcript below. Watch the full video here!
Today on Moments of Realization, express three uplifting gifts in the third act of life. We all know what it means to strive, to build something, to matter. For many, there comes a moment in life when striving feels out of sync, like a new chapter is opening, what we might call the third act.
In the previous chapters, we were more focused on accomplishment, we achieved, we focused on money, raised families, led teams, solved problems. The third act calls us somewhere different. The third act is more about completion, not finishing all your projects or checking every box, but becoming complete within yourself.
Three qualities guide us here. One, lift hearts. By paying to what brings us joy, we naturally inspire others.
Our presence makes it easier for the people around us to feel good about themselves. Colleagues grow confident in their potential. Friends feel safe to explore difficult issues.
Loved ones notice when grandpa shows up happy. Two, own our failings. Where we once aim to optimize, to be the best partner, parent, leader, lover, we could be.
The third acts asks something more honest and tender. We begin to trust that all of our experience, exactly as it is, is a gift. We let go of holding our mistakes as shameful, our challenges as declined.
Three, be present. In later life, we have deeper access to flow. Nothing else going on except you and me, right here, right now.
Nothing held out, relating simply to connect. When you lift shame in yourself, you lift it in others. You don’t have to live up to any ideal.
You don’t have to be productive. You just show up, fully yourself. This is radiance.
You no longer absorb the approval of others to feel good about yourself. As I enter my seventieth year, I recognize how fortunate I am to have been mentored by some truly great figures. I became more fully myself because they were there.
I would love to hear about how your life is expanding as you shift from one chapter to the next. Thank you.
Let me know how all this works for you,
David Lesser