A Senior’s Guide to Loss, Love, and Laughter
Start my own business as a comedian and a bereavement facilitator? What a thought! But when there is a fire in your belly to do something out of the box, sitting behind a desk from nine to five just does not work for some of us. Becoming an entrepreneur seemed out of reach as a working single mom of three. Like many women, I was stuck between being a guide to fledgling children and a caregiver to aging parents.
Many of us decide that fitting into the boxes of other people’s expectations no longer serves us. We may have an existential crisis that becomes the catalyst for change, and we need the courage to face our fears and develop strength.
As an older adult, I may not have a five- or ten-year plan similar to my younger cohorts; however, the drive to be my best self gives me clarity and purpose. No matter what age we throw our hat into the business world, success matters, so we must search for meaningful ways to find support and collaboration.
One of the hardest things to admit is needing help and resources, but we cannot let our ego interfere with best practice. Entrepreneurship has taught me that I must keep the passion alive and surround myself with the best of the best—people who support my heart for clients and customers. Compromising leads to negative consequences.
One of my hardest lessons was undercharging for my services and not taking my role seriously as a unique and vibrant member of the community. Others believed in me, and yet it took a while before I recognized my worth.
When I emcee an event, I want to know and understand the audience. My comedy is custom-fit to the demographics of the room, and the content is clean and non-offensive. At my Facing Loss seminars, I strive to walk alongside those suffering loss—I know how important it is for participants to be heard.
The joy of earning a living by sharing our gifts in positive ways for the benefit of others can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding for the soul.
DONNA LYNNE ERICKSON
Facing Loss
donnalynne@me.com | 587-336-3835
www.donnalynneerickson.com
