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Living in the Third Act

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Tom Sarlo

May 5, 2023

United States

Categories:

Retirement, Firefighter, Giving Back, New Beginnings

In an article by Reader's Digest, "Third Act Encores, True Tales of Peoples' Best Later-in-Life Accomplishments" (February 16, 2023), the Third Act is a time in life after careers have ended upon retirement, children are grown and on their own, and we are finding new meaning and living our best life with joy, engagement, and purpose. Some folks plan for their Third Act, and others can be at a loss.


Many dreams start at an early age. Life can come with twists and turns; those dreams can go to the sideline. As we move toward our Third Act, we may get an intuitive thought or idea or want to recapture those dreams.


One story is about Andrea Peterson, an inspiring woman living her dream in her Third Act. Andrea, at age five, and her mother found themselves escaping a fire and standing on a ledge outside a building. With the firemen down below, one yelled to the mother, "Throw the kid down!" Once on the ground and saved, Andrea told the fireman she wanted to be a firefighter too. The firefighter said she could be a mommy, a teacher, or a nurse but not a firefighter. The firefighting profession did not allow women at the time. That dream never left Andrea.


Later, Andrea furthered her education as the only woman in her aviation class. There she met her husband, who was a Vietnam Veteran. Andrea's husband was diagnosed with cancer in the years to follow, possibly from Agent Orange. Andrea cared for her ailing husband for over 30 years before passing. On an ambulance trip with her husband, Andrea thought about working in an ambulance. She attended ambulance training, became certified, and worked for a year before speaking with her supervisor about being a firefighter. Andrea found herself in a class of early 20's students, but that didn't deter her. She passed the training and moved into a new career!


Andrea remembered her childhood dream. Andrea learned and grew from her adversities in life. As she approached her Third Act, Andrea's childhood dream came full circle, and she is living that dream.


Navigating the Third Act with guidance is helpful when approaching the post-employment years. This phase of life can be fulfilling and rewarding. According to Patricia Cavanaugh, a retirement coach and licensed therapist (the3rdact.com), there are five principles of a successful Third Act to lead a happy life.

1. Create a plan that gives positive emotions. That can be something as simple as spending time with grandchildren or having a moment to enjoy a hobby.

2. Have positive relationships and friendships you want to bring into your Third Act.

3. Get involved in activities that bring a feeling of accomplishment, such as community work.

4. Have a sense of engagement with activities that focus and can be challenging.

5. Find what gives new meaning and purpose—feeling motivated and wanting to get up in the morning and look forward to the day.


A meaningful and purposeful Third Act may involve giving back to your hometown. Consider this giving to make a genuine and positive impact on humanity.


Photo by Tobias Rehbein on Unsplash.

Source:

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Catalog #:

0523.101.01.050523

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