A Continuing Quest:
Living Life to the Full

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Mt. 7:7     

Have you ever asked the question "What do I want to do with my life?" There are likely several times you could have asked that question, asking it more than once in your life:

• when young, maybe a student, and facing work or career choices as you planned for your future;
• when a bit older, perhaps with children in school, and looking for new opportunities and "work" activities outside the home that fit with your family life;
• when in middle age or senior years and desiring a career change or new and rewarding ways to use your talents and stay productive, especially as you live your longer years than the previous generation;

Life After Fifty?
I have often encountered those in their teens and early twenties, as well as those in their 30's and into their later years who voice both excitement and some anxiety about what to do with their life. However, it is women in their mid to senior years that I would like to focus on in this article. It doesn't mean others can't benefit from what they are thinking about and doing and can do the same.

There seems to be a plethora of women in the "50 and over" group – or starting in their mid-forties – who have expressed feeling a bit "lost" or floundering. (Because of a number of reasons: children gone, boredom, a desire to still feel useful and use their talents, a desire for change, and on it goes.) Most of these women simply want to find new and meaningful things to do in this chapter of their life.

Interestingly, USA Today in an article titled "Midlifers Live Their Dreams" on September 25th of 2008 reported that "at least 5.3 million people ages 44 to 70 in the USA have encore careers, ones that combine income, personal meaning and social impact..." Example: "Barton Kennedy, as assistant kindergarten teacher in Stamford, Conn., was 50 when she realized she still wanted to fulfill her lifelong desire to be a performer. So she took a job doing dramatic storytelling at three local libraries and now entertains 200 children every week."

USA asked its readers: "Is there still time to switch, take a risk and pursue an old dream, a secret passion, something meaningful?" They heard from older readers who did just that, along with details about how they changed course. However, experts state that for many "figuring out what to do can be a daunting task… too often people dismiss their passions and dreams as improbable..."

I have talked with, and heard of, two different groups of women who are addressing these issues, and doing some very unique things to find answers to the challenge of living longer fruitful lives. They are taking action. Perhaps there is some kind of phenomenon going on here!

Different Approaches to Personal Fulfillment
The women's groups I learned about chose different approaches to their goal/purpose of filling their lives and themselves. One group concentrates on exposure and learning, friendship, and doing interesting things, and the other group concentrates on helping women take that risk and follow their dreams, as USA pointed out. You may discover a fit or an interest in what either group is doing, and may want to join or start such a group yourself, depending on your own personal needs.

The first group is based in Colorado. It is called "The Second Fifty Women's Club" and was created for and by women who are looking at the second fifty as the best years of their lives. In the founder, Sandy's, words:

"I started the Second Fifty two years ago. My husband and I moved to Colorado in September of 2004... After living here for two years, I hadn't made a friend my age. I've discovered that it doesn't matter how old we are, women need girlfriends! I did volunteer work and took classes, hoping to make friends. When I was less than successful that way, I decided to start a club. I called it The "Second Fifty."

"The club's objectives are to help broaden your circle of friends, expand knowledge of the world around you, and above all be fun. Women over 50 years of age who are curious about their community, town, state, and universe and are interested in meeting other women like themselves, are invited to attend. Meetings are held from 1 to 3 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.

"There are no dues, no officers, and no committees to join. The meetings provide opportunities for meaningful discussion, feature prominent guest speakers, and on occasion, lunch at one of the area's fine restaurants. Other activities are also planned. The club has 84 members... Each of the women brings something unique to the club. The club has been successful beyond my wildest dreams."

The second group of women I heard about is in Texas, and approaches continuing to find and develop meaningful lives by re-awakening their dreams. The group is for women of any age, but I particularly like the emphasis for women in mid-life who may either have lost touch with their earlier dreams, or desire new dreams. The group is called "Night of Dreams". It offers is a 10 week program open to all ages. One of the founders, Marge, explains what happens.

"We meet weekly and form a 'community.' It supports, encourages, and inspires everyone. At each session we stand, tell our name, and our dream. By putting it 'out there', we give it power and own it. Weekly we discuss such topics as greatness...commitment... self-esteem, etc. Each subject may be a potential steppingstone to dream achievement. We hear from those experiencing positive breakthroughs, as well as those seeking help and encouragement during our weekly 'Hot Seat' segment.

"At the 10 week conclusion, we celebrate by again affording participants to share their journey, their successes, and their failures. It's a very magical moment… A side benefit: participants often become more aware of their own true being.

"The dream inside each of us wants to see the light of day and live a full expression of life. This is truly an endeavor of the heart... To be a part of this transformation is an awesome, incredible experience."

Marge is hoping to go global with this program!

Interesting isn't it, to see the steps so many women are taking to lead fulfilling lives, and see the clever ways they are hoping to accomplish that goal. Hats off to them! I have also talked with some women in New Hampshire, myself included, who are considering what we could do to help empower women to be all they were meant to be. We are in the embryonic stage, but under discussion is an internet type television program featuring guests and different topics. We will see where that will go! It is another journey.

What is Going On?
Texas, Colorado, and New Hampshire --- it looks like things are happening everywhere as women become more aware of the opportunities for them at any age in life, and as they seek to live fuller, richer lives. I am sure there is so much more that we haven't heard about in some of the other 50 states. Similar groups have no doubt formed to respond to the needs of women, in still different ways. Perhaps some are adding a more defined spiritual foundation and insight as they search for answers to leading an ongoing satisfying and productive life. Wouldn't it be nice to hear how other groups are creatively addressing these issues? There is so much to learn. (Fifty states for women over 50, or for all women, can offer unlimited possibilities!)

In the meantime, I wish you the very best always as you join all women who search for, and desire, a purposeful and rewarding life. Remember, you are not alone in your quest. One thing else: God wants us to have life and "life to the full". As we tap into His dreams and plans for us, we will receive above and beyond all we could ask or imagine. Together let's pursue those dreams and find out!

Happy dream journey,

Judy