July 17, 2022

One idea to keep it slow and simple… Enjoy the second (and third) act

We love a second act. From socks that become puppets to car lot owners turned sci-fi writers. Sure, a first purpose or career or chapter is special. A second act has a different power—one of transformation and renewal. A third? Now that’s downright magical.

Look around and you’ll see second acts everywhere. The closed-up shop with a lot full of wildflowers and the beginnings of a community garden. The sandy beach where transformed rocks and sea life pour through your toes.

Ask around and you’ll hear stories of second and third acts. I’ve met a nurse who found her true spirit teaching literature classes, and learned about pikas at Yellowstone from a retired math teacher who now lives at the park year around.

Half the fun of the second (or third) act is dreaming it up. Start with that old sock. Then work your way up to your own next grand adventure.

And some extras to click

We love to discover and share, so we’ve added three cool clickables. And just so you know, when we list products, it’s just because we like them. We’re not sponsored by anything but our dreams and imaginations.

• Check out the Learning Hub from Upstream Solutions for articles and info on reusables, single-use plastics, compostables, bioplastics and more.

• Want to squeeze in one (or three) more National Park trips this summer? Find your park with this tool from the National Park Foundation.

• Last year we wore about the cheapest, easiest way to use less plastic—mason jars!