I try not to mince words when I need help so Can You Help Me? Please and Thank you.
I’m doing some research on some of the difficulties of reaching/being age 60.
60, 65… for many women those numbers strike terror – or at least depression – into their souls.
For some women, it’s just a number and as soon as “retirement” is in the crosshairs, they’re jumping for Joy!
I want to talk to those women who are dreading the next chapter of their lives. You know who are: you’ve spent the last 40 years being a wife, a mother, an employee, a daughter, a caregiver… so many things to so many other people that you’ve lost sight of that young woman who had dreams and plans and excitement for the adult you were going to be.
The Status Quo
Being a daughter and a wife and a mother and an employee is the status quo so you certainly haven’t done anything unusual. Sometimes, however, those roles demand so much that you are either too tired or too preoccupied to keep your own self in the mix. Suddenly 60 (or 55 or 65) is on the horizon and you’re sitting there wondering how the hell that happened! It’s my own story so it’s certainly not a critique.
It is my own story so I can put some of it into words, but I’m hoping to chat with other women in the same boat, to hear their version of this story so my thoughts around it are well-rounded and more complete. Being able to hear about this mid-life “dip” from a variety of other people will help me understand more perspectives than just my own, and make sure I address as many issues as possible.
The Project
What is that project? I’m creating a course giving women the tools they need to recharge, to generate excitement for this next chapter, to remember the dreams they had for their life, or create new ones.
I’ve already created a few simple tools, but it’s time to “bring out the big guns”, shall we say. My afore-mentioned tools get you thinking about the tangibles of this next phase of life, but creating/finding the Mindset to motivate yourself or bring positive energy into your future takes more work and focus. I want to be sure I’m getting it right.
Disclaimer
I’m not sure if it’s necessary to say this but I am doing research only. I’m not going to store Skype identities or email addresses into a secret file so I can inundate you with sales calls later. That qualifies as sneaky, or dishonest, and that’s not my style!
The Struggle is Real
If you are, or know a woman who is, struggling with this time of life, would you (or ask her to) spend 15 minutes with me on Skype, or Zoom? I do have a direction for my course, and have received support from some pretty major authors willing to let me use excerpts from their books as supplementary readings, but it is the words of those women ‘in the trenches’ so-to-speak that I want to hear. ‘In the trenches’ was a carefully chosen phrase because some days even getting out of bed can be a battle.
I’m excited (now) to make my next 30-40 years great ones! I want to have lots of company on that adventure! Click Contact now and drop me a private note or email me at agnes (at) sassysavvysuccessful.com.
If you’re interested in my simple tool kit, you’re welcome to sign up for free at https://sassysavvysuccessful.com/RetirementReady – once you sign up, your login info will be sent to you via email.
I’m looking forward to getting to know you better, and truly appreciate any help you can give me.
Thank you.
What an admirable plan! I hit fifty this year and mostly feel like I’m a decade younger, a blessing.
Thanks, Darla! Feeling younger than our years is a great feeling, isn’t it!!
As one who has retired twice (and I am now teaching part-time again… so a third time is lurking in the distance), I can say that I struggle with defining meaningful purpose once I am no longer employed. It is not a money issue (very part-time teachers in small private schools earn practically nothing) … and it is not a fear of growing bold (I have so many hobbies and interests to keep me busy). But it is a matter of knowing that I chose to pursue in terms of passion has a purpose in this world. Does that make… Read more »
I do understand, Molly. Perhaps we can a bit of both – a passion for the sheer joy of it, and a passion that makes a difference. Maybe if you can’t do both, have a passion that brings you joy and make a meaningful contribution elsewhere. Thank you for the thought-provoking comment.
Good luck! I’d venture to say you’ll find a slew of women dreading the next milestone marker.
Sharing for MLSTL
Thanks, Trisha Faye! I hope so but wish not.
I have to say I hope the next two years slow down because I will then turn 70. The only age I had trouble with was when I turned 35.
And now you’re almost double that, Victoria! Where does the time go? As I do my research I’m also learning all the things that contribute to healthy longevity and I’m realizing how we can be really vital through our 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond! Let’s be those women!!
Good luck, Agnes. I look forward to reading your findings!
Thanks, Dinna, I’m looking forward to having findings – it’s always a good idea to be going in the right direction!
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Agnes, such a wonderful idea. I know I struggled, not with age or the number but rather with finding my purpose once I retired. It is a problem many face and one we don’t actually plan for. Good luck with the research and thank you for sharing at #MLSTL. Have a great week! Let me know if I can help in any way.
Thank you, Sue, for expanding my thought process on this. I should definitely look at the demographic from that angle too. Everyone’s comments here have given me some language and I’ll be reaching on social media more directly too. Thanks again!
I wish you good luck ❤
Thank you, Kinga! and thanks for stopping by!
I don’t think about turning 60 much Agnes – I always struggle with each decade – for some reason it’s like a road marker that indicates I’m moving to a new stage. Once I’ve assimilated it I move on and don’t give it a further thought. Meeting people like Sue who are 60+ and living full and interesting lives has made me a lot more positive about turning the big 6-0 in a few years time. Good luck with your endeavours – there are a lot of women struggling with empty nests and lack of direction who would benefit from… Read more »
I sure agree about Sue being an inspiration, Leanne! Two marathons under her belt, and that’s just part of her amazingness!
Thanks for the tip – I actually know someone else who was struggling with empty nest so will talk to her too… although empty nest was never an issue for me – I was always excited for my kids to move on to their next stages.
and I’m sure you’ll handle 60 just fine!
(and I’m glad you were able to comment – I’m not sure what happened last post!)
Good luck with your project. I am almost 65 and very happy with where my life is, but will share this in my Facebook Group.
Thanks, Jan, I appreciate that. and Congrats on navigating 60 and 65 so happily, I’m sure you’re an inspiration to those around you!
I know for many people including me, the birthdays ending in 0 became a bit worrying…however, life at 60 proved to be fine as I finally let go of working in schools. In one year or so I will be 70 and having cancer tells me that I need to be grateful for being around to celebrate. Good luck on your mission. Denyse #MLSTL
and Good Luck on your mission, Denyse! There’s something about the 0s and the 5s… your 70 will be a celebration, I’m sure!