I’m thinking about Christine Millen and Charlotte Frank who started their year in 2000 in NYC with the goal of redefining what it means for women to separate from their breakthrough professions and active family lives to explore new interests and discover new passions for themselves. And so The Transition Network was launched, which has since become Women’s Connection. The name change is due in part to the success of that initial founding group whose purpose was to make that transition for women a regular evolution in their lives. Mission accomplished!
We now have multiple organizations that inspire and support women in this particular life phase……Forbes 50 Over 50, Next Tribe, Three Tomatoes, AARP’s Ethel, Women Creating Change, 60 And Me, et. al. The list goes on. The word got out and Women’s Connection continues to lead and bring women together in our unique way. But back to present day and purpose. How will you make your life worthwhile and provide satisfaction for yourself and value for others? A recent AARP Article , titled “The Deep Need to Pursue a Worthwhile Life” and authored by a writer turning 80, provides examples of how some of his peers found their sense of purpose.
I have recently returned from travelling to Thailand where their culture and overall value and belief systems are literally and figuratively a world apart from ours here in the USA. Over 90% of the Thai population practices Buddhism. True Buddhists have one purpose and that is to achieve enlightenment or Nirvana. And they believe one can have a number of rebirths to get there, like a redo. Religion and spirituality aside, there’s something terribly comforting and encouraging about the idea that if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
If you need a jumpstart, Women’s Connection can help. Our special interest and neighborhood groups, Caring Collaborative and workshops, like Women in Transition, are there for the joining, promoting creativity, and igniting passions. Even our events bring women together to connect and inspire each of us.
So back again to the New Year. Maybe you have a new purpose or goal that you feel is fulfilling because it provides value to others as well as yourself. Or that unfinished one from last year that needs a redo. It’s the start of 2025. Shall we begin….