Backstory
It was a meeting of businesswomen in Florida. They were all beautifully dressed, vivacious 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.
Reinventing the Rest of Our Lives
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, and 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 owed 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 is sure, we’re not ready for the rocking chair. Stand aside. We’re becoming a force of nature.
P.S. My daughter Lisa joined this rank of achievers–over–age–50 when she graduated from college this year – some 40 years after high school. Fully occupied by a demanding, full-time job and family, she persevered through course after course, gaining momentum as she went along. So proud of her for having the courage, carving out the time, creating the incentive, and maintaining the determination to complete and benefit from this learning. Lisa Thomson, Class of 2023.
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