Are Boomers Irrelevant?
October 25, 2009 in Grounding, Musings, Purpose, retirement
I ran across this blog as I was perusing my email this morning, and it captured my interest, and generated some strong emotion as I read through the comments and replies. I wanted to share it with my fellow Boomers, and get your insights. Ellen Brandt, PhD, is challenging us to think about the core of who we are, and asking us to look at what we have accomplished in our lifetime. Looking at the list of Boomers, and their accomplishments, encourages me to look back at my lifetime successes, and give a shout out, if only to myself, that my life has been relevant, purposeful, and exciting.
Last night I attended a dinner for a woman I admire for her values and the passion with which she has pursued her life of 82 years. Around the table, were a number of other women ranging in age from their mid-fifties to mid-eighties. The topic of discussion throughout the evening was “where have you lived and left behind, and what impact did it have on your life?” These women taught English as a second language in Micronesia right after WWII; traveled with husbands to Bangladesh, India, and Iberia; taught their children the value of working the land as farmers, even though they knew nothing about farming; marched with Martin Luther King in the 60s; rose through the academia ranks to become a departmental head at a major university; taught psychology in high school and fought for gay rights in the 70s and 80s; worked in prison schools teaching basic reading and writing skills; stayed home with children as they grew to young adulthood before they started an outside career; rose through the corporate ranks to become executives in major corporations; and, traveled the world.
While many of the women mentioned above are older than the traditional definition of a Boomer, they have paved a path for us to follow. Many are still working in active full-time careers. Others are retired, but fill their days with the pursuit of their passion, and the intentional execution of their own unique purpose within our community. Check out this blog, and share your reactions with the rest of us!
Are you ready to continue your growth as a powerful and joyful person of relevance?
What actions are you ready and willing to take?
