27 Apr Finding a Purpose in Midlife and Beyond

Happy Friday friends!

Nothing like taking on a light topic of the day! I have been thinking about this, as i get older, and what gives me a sense of purpose in my life.  I had written a post on Fullfillment -What It Means To You  as well as knowing that the more we keep our mind active, and have social connections,  the stronger we will be later in life.  Once you are retired, or in my case, have an illness or situation which has you unable to work a consistent, steady 9-5 job, how do you find purpose in your life?

Perhaps your kids are out of the house, or you don’t have children.  For my situation, it is myself, my husband, and my 2 puppies. We met later in life and don’t have children. When we met, prior to having EDS, and symptoms, I was a teacher. I received my Masters in Elementary Education and a B.A in Music Performance, and certification in Music Education. Through college, I was immersed in music, at the University, and then later in the band in which I played. I taught lessons in guitar for many years..

I later decided I wanted to teach in the classroom, in both Elementary and in Music. I taught for about 8 years in private and public schools, and several where i would write the curriculum for Music, as the school was brand new. Let’s just say , that kept me busy! I loved the creative nature and devising an enriching music curriculum for my students. I found it so rewarding to teach 5th graders to improvize jazz ( on recorder) and sing and dance in zoot suits…

At 40, when I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos, my focus shifted to not being in pain. I had to stop working, and find out what was wrong with me. After years of doctors, the Mayo Clinic, I would be put on medication and later find a plan that worked at managing my pain. It has taken 10 years for me to be in a better place, but I sometimes think to myself, what is my purpose now? Believe me, I love the blog, the women I have and continue to meet, as well as the community and support of women at midlife. I find helping ladies feel more confident in the way they dress, is something I love to do.

In regard to health, people with purpose tend to have less stress, and in turn less heart and other problems.“Purposeful individuals tend to be less reactive to stressors and more engaged, generally, in their daily lives, which can promote cognitive and physical health,” said Patrick Hill, an assistant professor of psychological and brain sciences at Washington University in St. Louis”. I also believe that with purpose, there is more activity, which in turn, cause less health problems, both mentally and physically.

What is your purpose?

What do you wake up excited to do?

Take action. I do believe purpose doesn’t mean to have the ONE thing in life that we are passionate about. If we are searching for purpose, I think taking action in something that drives us, can help us discern what things we find purposeful in life.

I recently came across a story on Facebook about a Hospice and Care home for senior dogs. The story brought me to tears. I thought it was so wonderful, as the home gives these older dogs, whether they are sick, ailing, disabled, a joyful place to live out their lives. I see this having such meaning. I came across a non-profit as well in NC, where the dogs are also senior, and some of them are at the end of their lives.  I love dogs and do see myself volunteering or doing something with them in the future.

I love this quote by Pablo Picasso- ” The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose in life is to give it away.’

Have a great weekend!

Jess

I’d love to hear your thoughts. 

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