Reacting to 2 curve balls

Fall of 2010.
2 curve balls.

1. I will be turning 50 years old.
2. I will be an empty nester.

WOW.. how did that happen? Where did the time go?
Hmmm.
Well, the first 25 years was pure and simple my years of growing up. Ok. makes sense-that counts for half of the time but what about the next 25 years?

The next 25 years were the years of kids and establishing a career. WOW. 25 years of being a Mom to 4 children and working hard to create a successful career.

When I reflect back to those last 25 years, I am very hard pressed to say that I would change very much. They were busy and crazy years but of course they were. I had numerous schedules to juggle. But wow... they were great years. And I wouldn't change a thing with regards to my kids. If anything I would change more in the first 25 years but hey those were growing up years. We didn't even understand consequences of our choices at that age!

This past summer I knew that it would be my last summer with Chelsea at home and that in a few months I would be an empty nester. Such horrible stories from some mothers - depression, crying, feeling of no purpose. WOW... what was I in for? And add to that I am turning 50?

I wondered what was going to be in store for me?

I remember Chelsea pulling out of the drive way, car packed and feeling somewhat blue and thinking to myself, well, here is comes. BUT I went to work, continued with my personal projects, continued going to the gym, continued with my life and voila - I was and am fine. What were they talking about?

Purpose? I still have a purpose.
Family? I still have a family - they just don't live with me all the time....
Communication? I still communicate with my kids. In fact there isn't a day goes by that at least 2 of them bbm or talk to me.
Career? I still have a career.
Love? I still have love.
Turning 50? nope - nothing there either. When I turned 40 I felt so wonderful and liberated, fulfilled I couldn't believe it. Now that I am turning 50...I feel great.

So what is different?

I have some more time. I have more time to do some of the things on my bucket list. I have more time to travel. I have more time to give to the community. I have more time to continue learning and doing other things. I have time to think. I have more time to really work on myself and grow and learn spiritually. I have time to work on me.

So what is the down side?
Not sure. Because I am not feeling anything negative at all.

I am living true to myself. I have a routine yet I have spontaneity as well.
I have purpose and a focus but time to forward think and plan the next 25 years.
I am the most fit that I have been in 10 years but know that I will get even more fit.


Yes... 2 big curve balls have come and gone... and I have never felt happier and more content.

I am not size 6 - but a healthy fit size 9/10 works for me.
I am not a millionaire - but I am doing just fine.
I do not live in a mansion - but oh my - I lost that desire many years ago.
I have 4 kids who love their MOM and love to be with me.
I have a career that exceeds my expectations.
I have friends and family who love me.
I am healthy - not a pill in sight.

What I have is plentiful. What I can give is in abundance. What is ahead of me is exciting and inspiring.

So I say to those 2 curve balls. Let's play ball.

The Best Game is most likely yet to come.

It must be Fall

It must be Fall as I again have the urge to write.

Fall is a symbol for endings, for relaxation and for taking time to regroup.
I think it is Mother Nature's way to say, sit down and relax, enjoy, slow down & restore.

and so... I begin to write again.

Stay tuned.

The MOM