Lifelong Passion and Purpose

Lifelong passion and purpose are crucial pillars in guiding every stage of life. The Education Evolution podcast consistently emphasizes the alignment of the learner's experience with these pillars. As I transition beyond working in schools to serving causes that impact marginalized communities, it is time to release the Education Evolution podcast (for now, at least.) Tuesday marked the wrap up of the podcast. There and here, I’m reflecting on my personal journey of lifelong learning and expressing gratitude for what this platform has achieved.

Lifelong Learning is of Critical Importance

Lifelong learning is vital to continue to grow and thrive. The world–and education–constantly evolve, and we must adapt accordingly. Whether it's educators learning from colleagues, parents learning from children, or all of us learning to navigate changes in technology, lifelong learning keeps us relevant and adaptive. Reflecting on my decade of managing a micro school and the different roles I've played since the '80s, I've realized the importance of evolving our learning process.

Development Does Not End in Our 20’s

While on a reflective summer trip to Central America, I discovered the concept of the "Third Act" from screenwriting. Borrowed by those looking to find purpose post-"adulting," this phase is about resolution and redefining oneself. Our lives are like three-act plays, and this third act, like in screenwriting, answers problems and brings the story to a close. I used this “forgotten” phase to reevaluate past messages and to better understand my future direction.

Thriving During the “Third Act”

While enjoying solitude and the beauty of Panama, I realized:

• A movement is underway promoting thriving during the Third Act.
• Fitness plays a pivotal role in ALL phases.
• Community is invaluable and often overlooked in our US culture

I discovered many resources, including thirdact.org and a TEDx talk by Jane Fonda, who redefines aging as a time of potential. Using this newfound knowledge, I conducted a life review, a reflective practice which many undertake annually. This led to greater clarity about holistic themes in my life. This topic is unpacked in Tuesday's podcast (below).

(See Education Evolution episode 182’s show notes for a detailed list of resources.)

Among the treasures of this phase, I've discovered passion in various directions: from admiring artists like Georgia O'Keefe to discovering fitness routines that challenge and invigorate me. The importance of staying active and engaged, both physically and mentally, cannot be overstated. The role of community is also paramount. From personal experiences in my work to pursuing spiritual endeavors, the sense of belonging and purpose within a community shines through as a defining aspect of thriving in the third act.

Gratitude?

As I serve with others' impact projects, it is with a deep sense of gratitude. This gratitude extends to everyone who played a role in the podcast and those who shared their stories of passion and purpose. As we move forward, it's important to remember that evolving is a part of life. Age is just a number, and reflecting, adjusting, and living with passion and purpose is timeless.

Every phase of life is an opportunity to learn, grow, and redefine ourselves. Let's be an example to our learners and showcase what it means to live with passion and purpose. We have the power and responsibility to make the most of every chapter in our life's story!