In answer to a call from National Public Radio, I emailed the following to be considered for a future news story:
Well...I can hardly believe I am 56. Heading into the latter part
of mid-life. I don't want to be 18 ever again, and I am thankful for
the exhaustion that mid-life brings because it helps me separate the
wheat from the chaff. I've got no time (or energy) for suffering fools,
kidding myself or working in a job that makes me want to kill myself. I
hear that old-age is not for sissies, and I do believe that it true. I
am cultivating habits now that will aid in my transition from mid-to
elder years: Humor, above all else, non-attachment, gratitude and
friendliness. I do NOT want to be a grumpy complaining senior.
Mid-life has brought me my THIRD divorce (and last?), mental
and physical health issues, an inability to drink alcohol, a renewed
sense of purpose and last but not least a grandson.
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| and neither does Bubbe |
Dating in mid-life
(I'm a lesbian) is also quite the trick -- everyone has been badly
scorched by past relationships and are truly frightened to let down
their guard. Gone are the days of "love the one your with." But guess
what? Middle age has also brought the peace and freedom to be on my
own. After a lifetime of committed relationships, I'm doing just fine
on my own. Wa-hoo!
They are defining middle-age as 45 to 65. If you want to participate, email
bbradley@npr.org and you may be contacted for an interview. And send me your story, too. Because inquiring minds want to know.
