We
all want our lives to have a purpose. We want to feel valuable, like we
matter. And we want to belong by being part of something. Otherwise we
feel like butterflies banging up against a glass door. I’ve felt that
way more times than I care to acknowledge because 1, 2, or 3 of those
qualities were missing from my life.
My
kids grew up, moved out and moved on, and as much as I like to deny it,
it left a gap in my heart and soul that I had to find a way to fill. My
identity was ‘mom’. When that no longer seemed relevant, I was nothing.
You’ve probably felt something similar in regards to a job or a
relationship. Sure, it leaves us with LOTS of free time to travel, have
the bathroom to ourselves, and buy more toys. But when the trip is over
and the thrill of the toy wears off, all we have left is ourselves. And
sometimes that doesn’t seem enough.
As
baby boomers we have lived through massive world changes … probably
more than any other generation throughout history. We learned a LOT. We
overcame challenges and grew as individuals in so many ways. But what
good is it if we can’t share our gifts of wisdom and knowledge with
others?