Backstory
It was a meeting of business women in Florida. They were all vivacious, beautifully dressed entrepreneurs. Most were over 40 or 50 and they were networking and having fun. Introductions revealed that many were starting anew; using past experiences or new skills to make their way in the world. It reminded me of this story, written some ten years ago, that surely applies today as well.
Click to listen or follow below to read..
Reinventing the Rest of Our Lives #216
I’ve been reading a book titled, “Inventing the Rest of Our Lives.” It’s for women in second adulthood.
What’s that, you ask? Well, it’s for women over 50 who want to make the most of the rest of their lives. They may have fulfilled the role of wife, mother, grandmother, and now they’re looking for more.
We already know that our generation is stronger, healthier, and more vital than any that has come before. Did you also know that our brains experience a post-50 growth spurt that may make us better at judgment calls?
Women in particular are putting this new-found vitality and judgment to work for them. They’re changing careers, starting work for the first time, going into business, or leaving one for more enticing endeavors.
By 50, they figured they paid their dues and owe no one. They’re young enough to do anything, go anywhere and they are. They’re taking cruises, going back to school, taking up new interests, or sports, or physical fitness. They’re selling and buying online and looking at vintage. They’re also mentoring, becoming role models for young women. They’re volunteering, getting involved in politics.
One thing sure, we’re not ready for the rocking chair. Stand aside. We’re becoming a force of nature.
P.S.
Did you notice all the white outfits worn by female legislators at the State of the Union address last month? It was a deliberate optic to call attention to the number of women now serving as elected national leaders. They were successful in making their point. Let’s watch to see if they make as much impact on smoothing the chaos in DC these days. Welcome, ladies, to the real world of politics.
[Show #216]
I must have the most progressive, positive and insightful friends, Dan. You are the third person to send that video. So glad you have seen it too. I knew you would “sing along.” Yep, I too keep the old woman from coming in – every day. We have a choice when we wake up in the morning – be part of this world and make it a better place, or give in and whine. I’ll take the other kind of wine, thank you very much,
If one listens to this song and substitute woman for man, it will resonate within your thoughts on women over 50. This song is the best advice I can give them at age 75. This is a battle I fight daily (actually hourly-LOL). Nothing worse than old people sitting around talking about how happy they are that they don’t have to face the world today as it exists (sadly sometimes in front of young parents and their children). It truly angers me to hear such things. I believe in the future because of our youth and caring parents who are raising them. We are blessed that our circle is largely made up of them!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc5AWImplfE
I tip my hat off to those women. Thank you for giving us birth, raising us with TLC, sending us to college, then putting up with our kids. May God Bless you all that have reached that monument, and to the ones are still making it happen! 😘🌷🌷🌷🌷
Thank you for the tribute, Abder. Our children also benefit from dedicated, determined and loving fathers such as you. May you continue to be blessed.