Yes, here I am again...always say I come back when there is something going on in my life. So much.....really....even if it's nothing new. At the same time, it is when one is busy that it is possible to do other things. Haven't you heard that?
So here we go. Most women my age have retired or their husbands have, they have no children at home.....at least not the ones that require care....they know themselves well, they know what they like and what they want. What they need is the will to do just that....and why not?
Just a couple of days ago, a friend sent me one of those messages with photos and uplifting words and music to go with the whole thing. I am weary of those things. More times than not, they want you to forward these messages. Really...I rarely do, what is the point? There is enough out there to clog the internet...let's be real. This one was different in one important way: it made sense to me!
It's time to consider the rest of our lives...it said. We have been daughters, wives, mothers, friends, lovers, caregivers. We have done everything required of us and more. We have put our dreams and our goals on hold for family and friends, husbands and lovers, aging parents and demanding children. What have we got in return? Well, some would say we have the satisfaction of having done our duty. Or we would feel at peace with ourselves.
All that is good and personally rewarding, but don't you feel sometimes we deserve better? don't you feel we have the right to expect some palpable recognition? I do! I more than deserve and want.....
Sorry, but we are human and there is nothing wrong with that. I am not going to get it from others, I will make my own reward. So here it is...
From now on, be realistic. Accept that you have more years behind you that you have in front of you. Unless there is a medical development I do not know of, we are not going to live another 50 or 60 years! Then, we have to put our foot down...we will live the rest of our lives as we want. It will be marvelous! Do what you always wanted to do...why not?
Go places you wanted to visit, even if it is the museum in the next town.......travel farther if it is possible. Remember when you wanted to take a cruise or walk at night along the Seine, or spend time in a Tuscan town, an English village or a Caribbean beach? Well, do it! why not?
Were you interested in painting, photography or pottery making? Do you think you want to explore your artistic side? Go for it! There are classes and groups and clubs that encourage all those things, right there in your city or town. I have a friend in Maryland who just had her first photography exhibition in Annapolis. So you see....why not?
Do you keep journals? why not publish your memoirs? We all have something to say, share your experiences. Do you think you can tell a story? or have you been told you are a storyteller? why not put that in writing? It is so easy nowadays to get your work on the internet. I wrote a book and started a blog at an age when others are thinking of retiring. So, why not?
Have you been called the life of the party? do your friends laugh out loud at your witty comments? Start a blog, share your wit and your humor. Remember, laughter is the best medicine and is side-effect free! Gather your thoughts and start writing! People love to be entertained. So, why not?
Do you love to cook or have a knack for organizing events? are your parties always well attended because nobody wants to miss them? Do your friends ask you for advise when buying clothes? Do you get compliments about your garden or your home? Then consider doing this....a hobby that can bring an income! Besides, if you love it, you'll be great at it. So, why not?
Now, whatever you decide to do, do with flair, with passion. These are the best years of your life because the only person you have to please now is you! Go out and get the most out of the rest of your life!!! WHY NOT?
