Midlife mothers can start new careers, return to
school, start new ministries, begin their own businesses, or
immerse themselves in volunteer work - free from the daily
demands of motherhood. Many women combine all those
pursuits. Passions and interests that have been slowly
developing through the years can merge into an incredible life
adventure.
One of the advantages of midlife is gaining
perspective. We can see patterns in our lives, recognizing
our natural bent. Understanding our God-given combination
of talents and abilities, finely tuned with time and life
experience, is the key to forging ahead in midlife.
I once believed that the best time to attend
college was as a young person out of high school, when adult
responsibilities were minimal (before house mortgages and
families). Yet many people feel that young adulthood may
be the worst time to attend college - a waste of time and money
- unless the student is passionate about his or her field of
interest. Too many college students remain in the
exploratory stage for years, changing majors each semester,
sometimes taking six or seven years to graduate. I know of
several students who keep taking courses each semester in order
to not lose their parents health insurance benefits.
In contrast, midlife women who return to job training, college,
or graduate school are exceptionally focused, insightful,
excited abut learning, and have vision and specific career
goals. They have no time to waste and are unusually
productive. My good friend says, "School is a piece of
cake after raising four children." Even women who have
achieved successful first careers may be ready for a new
challenge and want to enter different fields in their second
careers.
Did you know that learning a new skill is also
important to your physical health? Dendrites (your nerve
cell extensions that communicate with other cells) increase with
mental stimulation or decrease with a lack of stimulation.
You cannot remain at the status quo. Your choices are to
use it or lose it. Aerobic exercise increases blood flow
and oxygen to the brain and is as important as mental exercise.
Staying mentally and physically active is critical to midlife
health.
Excerpted from:
When You're Facing the Empty Nest by Mary Ann
Froehlich
Copyright © 2006; ISBN 0764200186
Published by Bethany House
Publishers
Used by permission. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
You can purchase the book for $12.99 in our online bookstore
visiting here.
