So, a lot of you have gotten to know me over the years through articles of spirituality and inspiration, and thoughtful advice for living with faith in today’s world.
This short article is a bit different.
I want to pull back the curtain a little and share something more personal. Here goes.
These past few years I’ve been struggling through some midlife self-doubt and life reflection. It has been painful, as it is I’m sure in some way for everyone. The challenges that usher us into the second half of life are never easy.
It isn’t easy to talk about it, because crises are always personal, deeply personal at times.
But for those of you who know me from the books I’ve written, reflecting on what God is doing in my life and sharing it with others has been a very meaningful part of my vocation as a Daughter of St. Paul.
Last year I wrote an article, “Devotion to the Sacred Heart over 50.” I was surprised by the number of you who read that article. I felt that somehow it resonated with you also, as it had for me.
I’ve thought about this for a long time and I think now is the time to do something about it.
Through these past years I’ve developed my ministry of writing in the area of personal growth and spiritual development to include an online one-on-one program called HeartWork. It was clear to me that when people receive that direct accompaniment combined with a deeper immersion in faith and spirituality, miracles happen in their hearts.
But I want to do more, now, around the whole area of midlife, breaking it open in the spirit of Jesus’ own Sacred Heart, the source of strength when our hearts are broken.
And this is where you come in.
I’m really interested to know what would be most helpful to YOU for me to provide.
This is just a small request for help. These three questions will take just a few minutes to respond to, and will help me to provide material for YOU that really responds to your challenges and desires.
I’d like to offer some free midlife support items from a spiritual perspective throughout the coming months. So if you’d like to be a part of the special list that receives these free support items, I invite you to fill out the Midlife Support Survey below.
That’s it for now. I’m off to help prepare for the celebration next Saturday. We have 10 sisters celebrating a almost 500 years of religious consecration and mission in the Lord’s vineyard. As summer gets underway in earnest, may you have blessed leisure time with those you love, and a renewal of mind and spirit.
In the Lord’s love,
Sr. Kathryn J. Hermes, FSP