At 63, many might assume that life’s major transformations are behind us—that personal growth slows, and we settle into routines shaped by decades of habit. But for me, retirement wasn’t just a pause, it was an invitation to reimagine life entirely.
For years, I carried deeply ingrained life scripts—patterns shaped by childhood experiences, societal expectations, and subconscious beliefs. Some empowered me; others kept me locked in cycles of self-doubt, reinforcing the idea that “I was not OK”.
Then came the moment that changed everything.
A Meeting That Opened My Eyes
My introduction to Transactional Analysis was not just through books or theories—it was through Dr. Jessica Leong, the President of the Transactional Analysis Association of Singapore. From the first conversation, I could sense her unwavering presence, wisdom, and deep generosity in sharing her learnings.
She didn’t just teach TA—she embodied it. With her calm assurance and profound insight, she held space for others, guiding them toward self-awareness without judgment. She spoke about life scripts, ego states, and the ability to rewrite our narratives with such clarity and conviction, it felt like she was handing me a key I never knew I needed.
Through her mentorship, I began to see myself differently—not as someone trapped by past conditioning, but as someone capable of stepping beyond the script. Her generosity in sharing her knowledge made TA more than just a theoretical framework—it became a living, breathing part of my transformation.
Breaking Free from the Script
One of the most profound shifts came when I acknowledged my past, present, and future as interconnected rather than fragmented. Many of us assume we need to “move on” from past struggles, but TA taught me that integration—not avoidance—is the key.
I asked myself:
- What childhood messages have shaped the way I approach relationships?
- How has my career reinforced certain beliefs about my value?
- Am I still living under unconscious expectations that no longer serve me?
These questions weren’t easy, but they unlocked an empowering truth: I had the ability to step outside my script and redefine fulfillment on my own terms.
With Dr. Jessica Leong’s guidance, I saw how TA was not just about communication—but about personal transformation. I learned to shift my thinking, rewrite limiting beliefs, and embrace a life where I could say, ‘I am OK’—and truly mean it.
A New Chapter: From “I’m Not OK” to “I’m OK”
Now, as I walk the path of semi-retirement, I find myself more present than ever before. TA didn’t just offer theoretical insights; it gave me practical tools to reshape the way I relate to myself and others.
I no longer measure success by external validation. Instead, I embrace the richness of everyday interactions, the wisdom of personal reflection, and the freedom to define life beyond expectations.
And perhaps most beautifully, TA hasn’t just empowered me personally—it has made me a more effective counsellor and psychotherapist. By working through my own script, I’ve deepened my ability to support others on their journeys. I now help clients recognize their own unconscious patterns, offering them the same awareness and hope that once transformed my own path.
At 63, I am not winding down—I am awakening. And as I continue exploring what it means to live authentically, I find comfort in knowing that every stage of life holds an opportunity for growth, connection, and renewal.