Two months ago, I had the pleasure of addressing the Golden Gate Breakfast Club in (yes) San Francisco. They asked for my life story; my personal reinventions, from the first (mid 70s) to the most recent (2022).
Reinvention can result from lofty goals achieved after years of effort or a fortunate surprise. It might be sparked from crisis or a burning desire to dig out of a wretched situation, which is how my story began.
Some people vision their destiny, but my future hung as a “guesstiny.” Newly divorced, with a 10th grade education, three small kids, no child support and few job skills, I scraped by in a full-time job with a minimum wage salary.
One night, my Pity Party was interrupted by a thunderbolt thought: Life wasn’t going to change until I did. I first accepted responsibility for who I was, and where. After completing a GED (high school equivalency) I qualified for a public assistance grant that funded a community college degree. It transformed my life.
Eight years later I founded my speaking business and finished my BA, finalizing my formal education. Other reinventions involved becoming a recognized author, launching a boutique Internet business (handmade inspirational jewelry) and editing books as a manuscript doctor.
In 2010, after the crushing end of a 35-year relationship, I learned to live alone for the first time in my life. The first year was rough but my inner spark brightened after discovering that I was living the life I didn’t know I wanted.
During the Lockdown, I took a part-time job in my mom’s nursing facility so we could see each other. When she died in 2021, I officiated her funeral with the stories, lightness and laughter she dearly wanted. Three months later, I became a certified funeral-life celebrant, blending my speaking and writing skills, bringing comfort to grieving families.
Sparking reinvention is possible at any age. Don’t let clods of misfortune or setback hinder you. Clear your path by remembering, “Don’t divot—pivot!”
© Leslie Charles, Speaker, Author, Funeral-life Celebrant. leslie@lesliecharles.com
