I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the concept of life’s third act since I wrote a blog about it in June. The third act typically begins in the 50s or 60s. Rather than the common view that this is a period of decline and “old age”, new research points to this time as a period of increased wisdom, emotional fulfilment, and contentment.
Life becomes more intentional. Happiness is found in the simple things in life. Even cognitive abilities improve because of life experience–this is known as crystalized intelligence. And really, because you just don’t give a flying #@% anymore, life is much more relaxed!
The third act is a wonderful time to explore new passions or reconnect with old dreams. Not only are these endeavors fun, but they are also good for your overall health and wellbeing.
There are some who when they reach a certain age, decide to give up on their dreams. They may think they are too old. They don’t have the time. They don’t have the money. They don’t have the energy. Sharon Powell is proof that you should not give up once you retire and instead let your creativity soar.
I met Sharon just a few months ago. She is the owner of Sharpe Owl Soap Shoppe, located at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market on Koyle Ave. I was immediately impressed with her love of life, her confidence, and her welcoming and outgoing nature.
“I’ve been making (cold process) soap for close to 10 years. It was only meant as a one-time thing, an after-retirement project, but it quickly became an obsession. After formulating a soap recipe I loved, I quickly became fascinated with various designs and techniques. When I cut into my soap loaf to see what it looks like inside it feels like opening a gift at Christmas.”
Soap making wasn’t something Sharon had always inspired to do. In fact, her career was in health care. She was a care aid with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and in 2003, graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She retired in 2013. At that point, there were many things she could have tried. Knitting, quilting, pottery, water colour. She chose soap making. She loved it so much that she had to begin selling just to make room for more!
“I never knew my dad’s mother. I was always curious about her, and since she passed away when my dad was only about 9 years old, he didn’t know much about her either. I thought making soap was something she would have done. It initially helped me to feel closer to her.”
Sharon’s family on her mother’s side were prairie folk, sustainable, economical, and practical. They used what they had to make what they needed. In fact, Sharon was recently looking through some of her late mother’s belongings and came across a stack of papers. Tucked in there, was, yes you guessed it! Several soap recipes. Sharon laughs and admits she won’t try them as the results look caustic and more for washing clothes! The soap Sharon makes uses natural ingredients such as goat’s milk and coconut cream, enhanced with botanical hydrosols (floral waters). She has spent a lot of time researching and creating the soaps that make Sharp Owl Soap Shoppe the successful line that it is. Finding those old recipes is validation that she is honoring the ways of her ancestors, a connection that many search for.
Thank goodness she did choose soap making to start her third act. Now, at the age of 70, she loves her craft and being a vendor at the Saskatoon Farmers Market.
“I get a spark from art, mahjong, and family. I love travelling as well, and my new volunteer position at the market is really rewarding, too. I love promoting the market, promoting other businesses, and bringing a variety of workshops such as mahjong to the market. It creates a space for community connection.”
Her advice for others starting their third chapter: “Explore, be daring, enjoy & appreciate. Be okay with being a bit crazy or being yourself.”
Sadly, once we reach the third chapter we begin to lose more people around us. Sharon recently lost her husband. Being an artist and entrepreneur is no easy feat, especially when you are experiencing grief. Sharon’s tenacity is fearless. She possesses an inner strength that most of us can only hope to achieve. In the few short months I have known her, I have been amazed by her ability to carry on and pursue her dreams.
“I’m not really convinced that keeping busy helps me. Keeping busy to me means pushing that loss away by trying to concentrate on other things, just doing things for the sake of keeping busy. I feel it’s more important to concentrate on doing things that give me a positive response like joy and happiness. It’s finding the right balance and realizing there are going to be times that I need to reflect and embrace those memories and times that were dear to me. I realize too, that for me, grief is an evolving process and like life it will fluctuate and change over time.”
Sharon says it’s hard to give advice to other experiencing a loss. “Hmm that’s a tough one, I think we’re all individuals with different ways of dealing with loss, but I think I would say, get to know yourself, and know that you are stronger than you think. Do things that bring you joy and make you happy. Be kind to yourself.”
A lot of psychologists and wellness folks suggest you do a life review and reflection when you enter your third act. The feeling is that it will give you more self-understanding, confidence, and fulfillment. A life review may help unpack some of the burdens you have carried with you for decades and help you to move forward with joy. I don’t know. I feel like I’ve been unpacking those suitcases for a long time now. I’d rather spend my time doing something creative. I’ll learn how to make soap! Sharon?
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