The people I see every day are typically between the ages of 35-55, and often times as a result of some major event, such as an unexpected divorce, they find themselves a bit lost in their journey– they’ve deviated from the path they had in mind, and they are not sure how to proceed going forward. This can also happen to people that suffer a near-death experience, the death of a family member, or a change in their employment status. Whatever the catalyst, many of us will at some point find that life has thrown us a twist, and how we face this challenge can be a defining moment in our lives.

Personally, it was never my intention to run my own law firm, and yet, in order to maintain a good work-life balance that allows me to enjoy a significant role in my son’s early years, I have had to leave firm life behind me. The risk of failure is great– especially as a divorced, single mother– but the potential for a happier, more fulfilling life drives my desire to try and implement some of my ideas, as unpopular as they may be with some of my older colleagues, who fail to understand why a divorce lawyer would try to promote healthier family relationships. Suffice to say that I’ve grown tired of watching the detrimental impact litigation can cause during a divorce, and I’ve learned in the past few years that I am far from being alone. The tide is turning, and many skeptics are now beginning to appreciate alternative methods that can provide for a gentler way to divorce.

Changing gears is never easy, and meanwhile flying blind is incredibly scary. When that moment comes that you find yourself a bit lost, unable to see a clear path, just know that it is a normal part of the adventure, and it is okay to ask for help. There are some great guides out there that can help light a path for you. Life coaches, are a wonderful resource that many more are turning to these days. This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing one for my tv show. Lorie Falk did an excellent job of explaining her role as a life coach and the process to finding greater clarity.

Ultimately, I think we all have an internal compass that will guide us in the right direction. Unfortunately, sometimes external factors tend to cloud our thinking, we lose our vision, and perhaps we allow fear to paralyze us. Don’t allow fear to get the best of you– form whatever team you need to help you get un-stuck, find your focus and go kick some butt!

By Regina A. DeMeo, Esq.