Business Opportunities and the Ophan's Club

Have you joined the orphan's club?

That's when both of your parents have crossed over to the other side, and you are left with memories and, if you are lucky, an inheritance. I joined the orphan's club on March 17th. It's been about a month that I have been absent-minded and distracted by my Dad's illness, death, funeral and cleaning out the family home. But I still attended meetings, pushed out marketing and reached out to sponsors and leads. I kept going but I made careless mistakes.

Today, I realize, I must move on next week because my business needs attention -- a major event is a few weeks away, subcontractors need to be released and deadlines have passed.

The void I feel, the numbness I am experiencing has led to an epiphany moment. I realized when delivering the eulogy for my Dad, that my generation was the next in line. I began to examine my life, my hopes, dreams, my legacy and accomplishments. And I realized that I want something different, something more from life. Or, perhaps, I want less - less responsibility and fewer demands.

The books I wrote, the awards I accumulated, the cities I have visited and the money I wasted, the charities I have supported, the love I have given and received all add up to a wonderful life. So why do I still feel something is missing? Honestly, I have been very blessed and I have had many more good times than bad. So what is the problem?

As always, when I ponder life, I typically end back at these two questions -- what can solve the issue and how urgent is it? (Don't ask me why I do this, LOL). So, here we go, off the top of my head: what are the types of businesses that can help those of us who have recently joined the orphan's club? Here are some possible business opportunities:

• Coaching - Life, career and business coaching/counseling may all be needed. We know we need a change but we often need help understanding what that means. Some, like me, will seek dramatic transformation; others only need focus and simple changes.
• Travel - Members of the orphan's club just want to get away -- go to a far distant land to clear their heads. Free time, fun time are welcomed but can't be compulsory. A retreat for orphan club members with counseling services might be great.
• Downsizing assistance - I know from my years of caregiving work that downsizing for deceased parents is a huge, emotional task. Many orphans also downsize their own lives as a result.
• Legal advice - Orphan club members are ready to update their wills, powers of attorney and advance directives. Some become aware of who to add to the will and those to cut during the last parent's funeral. They want to maintain control and make things easy for their loved ones in the future.
• Burial arrangements - There are some orphans who begin to make arrangements for their own demise. They now realize that it can be sooner than they ever thought. They have just witnessed either what they want or what they don't.
• Real estate - Often orphans are responsible for selling the family home. Those agencies that can handle not only the sale of the home but also the sale of the contents will fare well.
• Food delivery services - Orphan club members just don't feel like cooking much. They go to the grocery store and come back without everything they need. Prepared meals and deserts, especially dark chocolate (its healthy) are appreciated.
• Insurance - Once the orphan realizes how expensive funerals are, they may be interested in increasing their own policies so those remaining behind have an inheritance. Long term care insurance might be attractive after they witness a prolonged illness and all that is needed to support someone.

All of these ideas could be real money makers. Can you think or other business opportunities?

As for me, I will get back to work for now but that epiphany moment is still whispering in my ear, demanding attention. Where will it lead? I'll let you know -- I feel an international trip calling -- of course after The BOOM Conference. I will figure out the next steps and be more bolder, less critical and more willing to walk away in order to embrace a more delightful future.

PS - What is the purpose of this article? I just felt like writing.

PSS - Forgive me for the typos. Sorry, but I don't really care.

Angela Heath, Member, Orphan's Club

#lifepurpose #caregiving #caregivers #loss #grief #orphan