73 and Writing a New Mission Statement
73 and Writing a New Mission Statement
(NOTE: I wrote this in early 2025, and was planning on moving to Las Vegas. Since then, plans have changed and we're staying in California.)
I am preparing to make a big move. California is my home, and yet it’s time to go and time to find adventure. We’re moving to Nevada, and while that sounds like fun, it’s also scary as hell. I was born in California and will miss it dearly, but I’m ready to live closer to family and live a simpler and less expensive life.
As I began packing and purging stuff, and there’s a lot of it, I came across an old mission statement from about 20 years ago.
My Mission (old one)
To design my life, develop and challenge my talents, promote my values, and create a nurturing environment for those I care for.
It’s sweet. It’s simple. Yet it doesn’t give me the push I need today. Moving at 73 with a disabled husband is not going to be the challenge I speak of in that statement. It’s likely to be a shit-show.
I need a new mission statement that’s more kick-my-ass-into-gear-it’s-time-to-get-to-work!
So I really need a kick in the ass to get me motivated. We have to downsize and sell our home while looking for a smaller place to live vicariously through the internet. It’s so much work that I wonder if I’m up for it. And sometimes a good cry is justified. But then I remember that I have to be up for it. And I will be. Damn it.
I like the idea of using my previous Living Long or Simply Growing Old Post as a place starter. Thus I begin my Live Long and Prosper Mission Statement with The Questions.
And Now for the Hard Questions:
Step 1: My WHY
- Why am I moving at this point in my life? To live more simply and focused.
- What do I hope to experience in Nevada? To be able to have more family connection.
- What inner calling would this move reflect or answer? To experience a new place! (I was an Air Force brat, yes, that was years ago, but in some way, experiencing new places became a part of me.)
Step 2: Identify My Core Values at 73
I’m certainly not the same person I was 20-years ago and it’s time to review that list of values again. I found this one online from Brene Brown and love it. You can download here.
Brene Brown List Of Values 092421
137KB ∙ PDF file
Out of this long list of values, I was finally able to choose FIVE that feel like my true compass right now.
- Purpose—living intentionally and choosing how I spend my time and energy as I prepare to move AND after I move.
- Connection—engaging with others through empathy and openness during and after the move. And with family!
- Simplicity—Letting go of what no longer serves me. Creating spaciousness for the move.
- Spiritual growth—Practicing Beginner’s Mind and letting go of attachments as I prepare to move. I really want to explore Beginner’s Mind after 70.
- Contribution—focusing on what I can offer others, through my writing, coaching, and animal advocacy.
Step 3: Who I Am Becoming?
Who am I becoming as I prepare to relocate? I feel a little silly saying this part, but here goes:
- “I am a woman who can move and experience many new things.”
- “I am becoming a focused and intentional woman with immediate purpose!”
Step 4: What I Want to Offer or Create
- What do I feel called to contribute in this next chapter? Writing that helps and inspires.
- Who do I want to connect with, help, or inspire? Women who recognize the power of their aging.
- What creative or spiritual work wants to come through me? The above work!
Oh yeah, baby! Feelin’ the groove.
My New Mission Statement
Tada! Here it is! I’ll keep this handy in my moving notebook and review it a LOT over the coming months, especially when times get challenging. But I’ll save the tweaking for my arrival in Las Vegas. (Yes, that’s where much of my family lives.)
At 73, I am stepping into a season of empowered simplicity, letting go of the past, and moving toward creating and experiencing new things. In this new chapter, I am committed to living closer to the silence within, to creating meaningful connections, mentoring and coaching others through transitions, while living a life that shines on my purpose, peace, and magic.
I think I like it! Now it’s your turn!
Using my layout above, you can create your new mission statement—only if you need one. And thank you for reading this essay. It helped me get clear on my move and for that alone, it was a blessing to write. I hope it helped you too!
