Answering the Call

There were over 75 million "Baby Boomers" born between 1946 and 1964. We are considered the best educated, wealthiest, healthiest, most accomplished generation in American history. We have many more opportunities and options than our parents ever had and yet our generation is also the most depressed generation in American history. Researchers say this is because of the sense of loss and regret that comes up for us during this time. And while I agree with this, I also know that there is a bigger story playing out here...one of perspective and attitude. Somewhere between the ages of 40 and 55 our perspective shifts and we ask many "what if" questions like: What if I had married someone else? What if I had had kids? What if I hadn't had kids? What if I had finished school? Then there are also the losses of kids leaving home, careers ending, relationships changing and parents aging. The great promise of midlife is about moving forward and transformation. We have an opportunity to let go of old regrets, leave unfulfilling jobs, renegotiate the terms of our relationships, go back to school or start a business. This is the time to rediscover the unlived part of our lives. Midlife calls on us to be something more than we were before. But often when the call has come, we turn a deaf ear, ignoring the message. But to continually say no to the call is to shut down a vital and authentic part of us. Answering the call requires courage, belief in yourself and taking the time for some introspection. Believing that a new path is opening up for us can be exhilarating. But the clear direction we seek won't show itself while we are running. Our generation is used to being busy at every moment. We are used to the rhythm of checklists and achievements, we have trouble stepping back and mustering the patience required to wait until a new direction becomes apparent. If the first half was about asking many questions, the second half will provide the answers if we can take the time to hear them. Getting quiet and turning inward will allow the path to reveal itself. Many have said that we are not meant to live our second half the same we lived our first...and why would we? In many ways we are, stronger, wiser, less afraid This is a time of many mixed blessings; on the one hand, we will experience loss and regret. On the other hand we have a choice when responding to these life events. So when the call comes...how will you answer it?