Unlock Your Potential After 50: How to Learn from Barbie
Since her debut in 1959 Barbie has had roughly 200 jobs, numerous Dreamhouses and quite frankly, who can keep up with the number of cars she owned. Clearly, she’s a doll with the courage to change, try new things and appreciate all life has to offer.
I am a Barbie girl, not quite the same age as the original, but old enough to have received her camper for Christmas when it first came out in the early 70s. Can we refer to older dolls as vintage? Our gal Barbie is shy of 65, and one could argue after having all the jobs and doing all the things, it may be finally time for her to slow down long enough to smell the pink roses. As a cultural icon known the world over, who could blame her if she chose to retire and spend the rest of her days in one of her dreamy, well-appointed houses?
Instead of winding down, Barbie is once again showing us how to live the dream life. The Barbie Movie release created an unprecedented buzz and the entire planet overwhelmingly responded by embracing a pinkification and celebration of all things Barbie. Barbie added one more stellar accomplishment to her already stellar portfolio, a dream summer blockbuster hit for the ages. Now, in full transparency, I must point out I am someone who has worked and played in the Barbie Dreamhouse, so as a writer on the brand, seeing Barbie achieve the recognition she deserves fills me with pride.
I hosted a movie watch party and as I sat in the dark theater with 19 friends (most over 40), all wearing pink for the occasion, it couldn’t have been a better way to celebrate what will clearly be seen as an unprecedented cultural event. As a woman of color, living my childhood dream and writing for such an iconic brand and doll, the Barbie Movie felt like a love letter to my childhood and career. There were countless times throughout my career I felt compelled to downplay my work as a copywriter and my creative contributions to a stellar high-performing team. The Barbie Movie and all the excitement it generated served as a permission slip to experience life in a way that is authentic and meaningful. It created a space to celebrate individuality, uniqueness and to embrace inclusivity.
Throughout my career, friends who shared why they would NEVER purchase a Barbie for their kids or questioned how I could by proximity align with something that perpetuates body shaming. Then there were the friends who shared negative Barbie memes and tagged me on social media. Seriously, why?
America Ferrera’s character in the movie deftly highlights the dilemma we as women face, on the daily when she said during her monologue: “You are so beautiful, and so smart, and it kills me that you don’t think you’re good enough. Like, we have to always be extraordinary, but somehow, we’re always doing it wrong.” Therein lies the conundrum we face as women. To do and be all the things and only to question ourselves afterwards.
Throughout our lives, through every milestone or event, we as women second-guess our talents, gifts, knowledge, experience, and expertise. Somehow, we don’t feel worthy or deserving of the gifts we have or truly believe what we are capable of, so we hold back and refrain from allowing our inner light to shine its brightest and fullest. For women over 50, there is the added pressing weight of, “am I too old,” or “is it too late to even entertain my dream?”
My sister and I often comment on how we are different from our grandmothers. This conversation often takes place as one of us is driving home from the gym or Pilates or en route to a business event. We are active, we are engaged, and we still have dreams yet to be realized.
Sis, you have put your dreams on the back burner to support someone else’s. This is YOUR time. It’s time to prioritize you. How can you do that at this chapter in your life?
Here are 3 tips to help you redefine and realign your life after 50:
1. Create a Plot Twist
Don’t you love a good movie plot twist? You’re following along and suddenly something in the storyline makes a surprising change. You have the ability and power to do that too. A plot twist boldly empowers you to change the rules and imagine things (YOU) in your life differently. You do not need to offer an explanation; you only need to have the desire to change. Once you know what you want, your very next move is to decide WHY it matters and then go after it.
2. Connect with Your Goal/Vision on an Emotional Level
Manifesting the vision of you begins with your self-awareness and connection to what it is you want out of life. Eliminate old beliefs about by which age you “should” achieve your goals. The dream/goal/vision you have for yourself will always manifest at the perfect time for you. There is no schedule nor deadline, only a deep desire to make it happen and to take the appropriate action to do so.
Take time to journal why this dream is important to you. Visualize and connect with your goal on an emotional level on a daily basis. Do not skip this step as it is the secret sauce to manifesting.
3. Love YOU
Real talk, sis. Somewhere, at some time you have forgotten who YOU are. As America Ferrera’s character declared, “you are smart, you are beautiful…and you are good enough.” Distance yourself from the opinions of haters, and more importantly, don’t hate on yourself. Also remember, your past does not define you or where you see yourself going. Focus on now and and the actions you need to adopt to reach your destination. Embrace YOUR truth.
If a 64-year-old fashion doll brand can create epic buzz and prove her relevance in today’s world, so can you. Your age may pinpoint where you are on this journey called life, but it needn’t define what you’re capable of doing. Accept your greatness, and your courageous desire to do, be or have more in this next season. Write that plot twist and redefine how you want your life to look as you move forward.
Sis, someone in this world is waiting for you to show up. My question is, when will you choose YOU?
xo
Live Elevated,
Coach Elle~
