Self actualization and fulfillment are possible in midlife and beyond
An interview with Melita DeBellis
Melita DeBellis, CPCC is an entrepreneur and Life Coach based in beautiful and idyllic Richmond, Vermont. She works with individuals seeking midlife redirection and renewal in their lives.
Dr. Fred and Dr. Frank asked Melita about her coaching work and her association with William Sadler, founder of The Center for Third Age Leadership. She shared her secrets for living a hip and hopeful life.
Dr. Fred Melita, as Frank and I have done, you've gone through a number of career transitions. What had you choose coaching as your present occupation and why the focus on midlife and the Third Age?
Dr. Frank Your work has been informed by William Sadler, founder of The Center for Third Age Leadership and author of "The Third Age" as well as "Changing Course." He refers to midlife as a period of "second growth" and you refer to it as a "second act." Would you share what these phrases mean?
Dr. Fred Melita, through your website, visitors can download an article you've written, "The Top Six Secrets for Living a Hip and Hopeful Midlife." I think what you've written is very powerful. Would you briefly share the key points of these secrets?
Dr. Fred There's a glut of information on happiness these days. What that indicates to me is that people don't really have a handle on it. My view is that happiness is a "come from" phenomenon, not a "getting to" phenomenon. You seem to share the same view. You quote the lyrics from the Frank Sinatra song, "do-be-do-be-do." What could you share on the subject of happiness that's most relevant to those of us who are middle aged and beyond?
Dr. Fred Melita, many midagers are stuck in what could be referred to as the old paradigm of retirement. What's the problem with that paradigm and what are the key principles of the new paradigm?
Dr. Frank One of your programs addresses the issues of retirement at the organizational level? What are some of the issues around retirement that midlife executives and management are coming to terms with and how do you assist them?
