Falling Upward

01Understanding the Two Halves of Life: Building Identity and Finding Purpose

You've ticked all the boxes. You've got the job, the house, the car, the family. You've climbed the ladder of success, and yet, something feels missing. You're not alone in this feeling. It's a common sentiment that many people experience, and it's something that Richard Rohr explores in his book "Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life". Rohr suggests that life is divided into two halves. The first half is about building our identity, much like constructing a building. We lay the foundation, erect the walls, and put on the roof. This construction is heavily influenced by societal norms and expectations. We're told to get a good education, secure a stable job, start a family, and accumulate wealth. These are the bricks and mortar of our identity. However, there's a potential pitfall here. In our rush to build, we might focus too much on the container and not enough on what we're going to put inside it. We might end up with a beautiful, sturdy building, but it's empty. It lacks substance, meaning, and purpose. This is where the second half of life comes in. It's about filling the container we've built in the first half. It's a shift from external achievements to internal growth. Instead of focusing on what society expects of us, we start to explore what we want for ourselves. We seek personal meaning and purpose. We ask ourselves, "What do I want to fill my life with?" Transitioning to the second half of life isn't easy. It's often met with societal pressures and fear of the unknown. It's like standing at the edge of a cliff, preparing to dive into uncharted waters. But it's a necessary journey if we want to find true fulfillment. Neglecting the second half of life can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction or emptiness. It's like living in a beautifully constructed building, but it's cold and echoey because it's empty. Rohr shares stories of individuals who, despite achieving societal success, felt unfulfilled because they hadn't embarked on the journey of the second half of life. So, where does this leave us? It's a reminder that building a strong identity is important, but it's only half the story. The other half is about finding personal meaning and purpose. It's about filling our lives with substance, not just constructing an impressive facade. Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Are you focusing too much on building the container and neglecting to fill it? Are you living in the first half of life, or have you started the journey of the second half? Remember, it's never too late to embark on the journey of the second half of life. It's never too late to fill your life with meaning and purpose. So, take the plunge. Dive into the uncharted waters. You might be surprised at what you find.