Cathy Lawdanski can be found sharing rich and moving stories like this one about her midlife girlfriends over at MySideof50.com. Do stop by and tell her we sent you!
A few months ago I spent some time with my fellow midlife women. Weekend plans were made and attended. Lots of fun was had. My midlife girlfriends, whether I’ve known them forever, or met them recently? Are truly a gift.
The first group I had known for over 40 years. These were my college sorority sisters and we were together for our bi-annual reunion.
The second group, I honestly didn’t know at all, other than through social media and their blogs. They were the women who attended the Bloggers at Midlife Conference in Las Vegas.
WHY I ENJOY MY GIRLFRIENDS
These events reminded me of why I enjoy my girlfriends, both old and new on this side of 50.
- I’m inspired by their stories. You don’t reach this side of 50 without experiencing some pain, hard knocks & rough times, be it death of a loved one, divorce, financial problems or getting fired.
- There is a certain transparency that comes at this stage of life. We are past the point of caring so much what others think and don’t mind sharing the joy and pain of our experiences.
- These women have tremendous amounts of empathy.
- We are not very competitive. It’s an absolute thrill to be able to encourage and root for each other to succeed.
- We’re extremely resilient. Many of us have survived the “worst thing that can happen” (at least the worst thing as we would have defined it in our 20’s) and come out the other side stronger and more determined. It has made us who we are.
- We are less judgmental. Gone is the black and white thinking of our youth. The phrase “I would never…” isn’t used all that much any more.
- But the things we DO know, we KNOW – to the core of our being.
- We are diverse – single, married, divorced, widowed, mothers, grandmothers. We differ in our political & religious views, how we dress, whether or not we color our hair. The desire to “fit in” with the crowd often is dwarfed by the desire to just be ourselves.
Being with my women friends is one of the things that makes this side of 50 the best time of life!
What do you value in your relationships with YOUR girlfriends?
“We make a choice in how we approach aging.” – Walker Thornton
“Aging is not lost youth, but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” – Betty Friedan
Cathy Lawdanski
Cathy is a 50-something wife, mother and grandmother who is embracing new challenges and adventures at MySideOf50.com. Her motto is “BE BRAVE”. And that means putting herself out there, trying things that are fun, challenging and that may terrify her! She writes about new adventures and challenges on this side of 50. Things like caring for aging parents, relationships with adult children, health issues and retirement. Cathy also writes about new adventures – like traveling, learning to do new things, and whatever else life throws her way.
Follow Me:
