Turning 70 marked a significant shift in my life. After decades of work and family commitments, I found myself with more time than I knew what to do with. The initial excitement of retirement quickly gave way to feelings of loneliness and a lack of purpose. I was searching for a new way to live these years, one that didn’t revolve around the roles that had defined me for so long.
Retirement is often celebrated as a time of freedom from goals and stress. However, I found myself questioning what life could offer when achievement isn’t the primary focus. This led me on a journey of self-discovery, exploring what truly matters to me now.
The shift from belonging and achieving
Throughout our lives, we are driven by a need to belong and achieve. For many women, this means taking on roles as caretakers and achievers. We find belonging in caring for our families and homes, while achievement comes from our careers and personal accomplishments. These roles are valuable and important, but they can also be stressful and all-consuming.
As we enter our later years, these roles often change or disappear. We may find ourselves with more time and less structure. This can be a challenging transition, as we are left to figure out how to fill our days and find meaning in this new phase of life.
Filling the void
Initially, we may try to fill this void by looking externally for ways to be needed and involved. This could mean taking on new caretaking roles, volunteering, or simply keeping busy with household tasks. While these activities can provide a sense of purpose, they often leave us feeling unfulfilled.
What if, instead, we flipped a switch and decided to listen to what truly matters to us? This is a chance to acknowledge the unique gifts and talents we have developed over our lifetimes and explore what brings us joy and fulfillment.
Fulfillment over achievement
Finding fulfillment in later life means shifting our focus from external achievements to internal satisfaction. It’s about acknowledging the woman we have become and what we are drawn to now. This doesn’t mean abandoning our roles as grandparents or caretakers, but rather finding a balance that allows us to pursue our personal interests as well.
Begin by noticing what energizes you and makes you feel alive. Give yourself time to explore these interests and see where they lead. Remember, the map for this phase of life is one you create. It’s based on living authentically and making a lasting impact on the world around you.
To support this journey, I created a resource for women navigating this life stage. The first module of the Companion Library is available for free, offering a starting point for this exploration.
Let’s have a conversation: What is calling to you now, that you didn’t have room for before? Are you driven by achievement or something else? I’d love to hear what you’re noticing.
