Cindy, I relate. I, too, am a widow. My process of reinvention has also been a process of rediscovery. I recommend the place to start your own reinvention is to begin to "know yourself." One way to start that process is to think of all the events, occassions, in your past where you really felt energized, connected, joyful, engaged. What were these occasions? Describe them briefly, writing them down. How did you feel during them? What was the outcome? How did you feel about that? After you do a few of these occasions, you'll begin to see a pattern. For example, for me the themes of creativity and building (not building structures but building organizations) began to surface. That's why I'm an author, speaker and entrepreneur.
When it comes to translating those themes to practical jobs, to identifying your calling, there are a battery of tests you can take through your local community college that will take those values & aspects into consideration. (There's a bit more to this piece, so I won't take up the space right now.)
I fully support your seeking to discover your passion. Life is too damn short, as we both know too well. As for me, I fully believe my next 50 years will be even better than the first 50 (and the first 50 were pretty good.)
You go, girl! I leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Henry David Thoreau: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined."
