In my mind, I've still got at least another 25-30 years to continue to create myself. And that's good news, because I've been struggling with the question:
Who do you become when you're not someone anymore?
I've almost always had a role - a definition. When people asked I could say, "I'm a teacher", or later, "I'm a principal." But now when they ask, I don't have an answer. Early retirement has definitely had its benefits, but after some time off, I need to get going again. And it's not just about being able to define myself at a cocktail party. I'm one of those nuts who always needs to have goals. I need to keep reaching.
Think about it. We've still got a significant future laid out before us. I don't know about you, but I'm definitely not ready to sail into the sunset yet. There are too many new things to do, places to see, people to know. This blogging venture is my kick off to trying out life as a writer. I feel like a kid - all fumbling and lacking in experience and confidence. But it's my road less traveled right now, and I'm determined to go down it.
At this point in your life, who are you? Would you want to be or do anything else? Do you have new passions to follow, new purposes ahead in the back of your mind?
Tell us about your roads not taken ~ yet.
I am in the same place. No longer a Director, adult children.. and at home, working on a book and a new 'career' freelance writing. I kinda know my direction but I have great difficulty saying "I'm a writer" without stumbling a bit!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how we use labels to define ourselves!
And, to add to the confusion (if that's the right word for it?) I write another blog with my real name and there I write more directly about my writing career... http://apageofmyown.com
Thanks for letting me know that Laura - I'll check it out. Talk about having things in common. And yes - it's so hard to get to being able to say "I'm a writer" - I can't even go there yet. Maybe some day. I imagine that's what it's like for any of us pursuing new passions or careers. Now I know I'm in good company, though!
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