In my last newsletter, I introduced the concept of leaving the “first mountain”, many of you reached out sharing how deeply this metaphor resonated. That initial climb, defined by external markers of success and validation, served its purpose in the first half of our lives. But as we stand at the midlife turning point, contemplating the second mountain, an essential truth emerges: this new path wasn’t meant to be travelled alone.
Unlike the first mountain, with its clear metrics and well-drawn maps, the second mountain requires different navigation tools. The terrain is uncharted, the milestones more personal, and the route winds through unfamiliar and uncertain territory. This is precisely why community becomes essential.
For decades, I thought asking for support meant I wasn’t capable enough. From a very early age I had determined to “do things my own self”. Now I understand that the most courageous journeys require fellow travellers.
The independence that helped us scale the first mountain can actually hinder our progress on the second. Why? Because deep transformation requires “shared stretch” – growth that happens not in isolation, but in connection.
Research from adult development experts consistently shows that significant personal evolution accelerates when we’re embedded in relational environments where trust, challenge, and reflection intersect. Something I’ve designed into my human-centred development experiences for over 16 years.
I’ve now seen the value of these design principles born out in two cohorts of our Turning Point programme: when women navigate the midlife transition in community, three powerful shifts occur:
- Expanded perspective: You gain insights impossible to generate alone, illuminating blind spots and possibilities you cannot see from your individual vantage point.
- Authentic presence: You’re seen in your struggles, not just your strengths, creating space to drop the exhausting performance of having everything figured out.
- Adaptive capacity: You build resilience by learning with and from others navigating similar complexity.
This is why our new Pathmaker Community membership is designed as a peer-powered, member-informed experience. Your questions shape our conversations. Your challenges inform our content. Your wisdom becomes a resource for fellow travellers.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
- What parts of my second mountain journey have I been trying to navigate alone?
- Where might I benefit from perspectives different from my own?
- What wisdom have I gained that might serve others on their path?
- How might my load be lightened if I learned alongside others facing similar transitions?
Our Pathmaker Foundation Membership launches on Wednesday, May 21st. Join the waitlist HERE.
