Reinventing Myself

On Friday, I braved the snow and rain and trekked to Manhattan for a workshop on reinventing myself.

Ann Fry, an author and psychotherapist, led the workshop, which was sponsored by New York Women in Communications, Inc., which I'm a member.

Fry, who reinvented herself at 60, when she left Austin for NYC three years ago, went over six steps for how to reinvent oneself:

1. What do you want to STOP doing?

2. What you want to START doing?

3. What will you NOT allow people to stop you from doing?

4. What's your mantra?

5. How will you deal with uncertainty?

6. What do you need to celebrate?

In addition to the six steps, the 13 women in attendance talked about what makes our hearts sing? For me, it's research, organizing and planning. We talked about what it means to reinvent oneself: updating yourself, taking risks, hope and opportunity were some of the answers. We also discussed if we wait or take action. I take action.

Ann thought it was great that I took a buyout 11 days ago. When I introduced myself as an 11-year reporter, who recently took a buyout, she clapped. She also clapped when two other women said they'd been downsized. She said being forced into a situation where you have to change is the perfect opportunity to reinvent yourself. And I agree.

We ended the session by talking about our plans of action. Mine? I came home and started researching business plans for starting a tea party business. It's an idea I've tossed around in my head for a few months now. When I think about planning tea parties for little girls, brides-to-be or anyone who wants to have a tea party, it makes me smile. I want to move in a direction where I can't stop smiling. :)