1st, 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th Act…How is Your Life Evolving?

Life evolves.

My 3rd and 4th Acts have taken place here at Southwestern College – first in Admissions and now as Director of Student Services.  My 1^st act was also in higher education – as a Residence Hall Director, Director of Student Support Services, and then as a Doctoral student. I advised, taught, managed, and supervised people, programs, and budgets. It was a very left-brained experience.

My 2^nd Act was a journey into my right brain; kicked off by a head injury from a car accident. I explored metaphysics, yoga, Ayurveda, energy healing, and all things woo-woo. About halfway through my 2^nd Act, I trained as a Life Coach and started my own Life Coaching & Energy Healing practice (www.emilah.com); thus, integrating the left and right brains.

And then, a decade into my 2^nd Act, something curious happened.

I started yearning to work in community (rather than on my own) and earn a steady income (rather than the financial roller coaster of solo-preneurship). I found myself wanting to contribute not only to the personal and spiritual growth of individuals, but also to the growth of an organization that shared my values.

The Universe obliged. I was offered, and accepted, work at a Unity church and reconnected with my administrative and supervisory capacities. I also rediscovered my love of working within organizations. After a year, I knew it was time to move on but I didn’t know where to.

The Universe obliged again, offering me this opportunity to re-engage in higher education in a way I never thought possible. Integrating my administrative, managerial and coaching skills with a commitment to “Transforming Consciousness through Education” is the fulfillment of a dream I didn’t know I had. But there it is; a true expression of who I am at this point in my life.

I’m surprised at my life today, but this 4th Act is satisfying because it’s a natural evolution of my life’s work, passions, and yearnings. I’ve been prepared and guided each step of the way – whether or not I knew it at the time!

 So I wonder…

• What Act are you in? What has brought you to this place, time, and decision-point?
• As you consider re-engaging with higher education, what passions and yearnings drive you?
• How have the previous Acts prepared you for your next Act?
• How is this Act an evolution of your life? What would be a true expression of who you are at this point in your life?

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