Rediscovering Your Purpose: A Journey for Gen X Women
Do you ever reminisce about the days when we, Gen X women, were the trailblazers, the ones shaping the future? We were the pioneers of a new generation, distinct from the Baby Boomers, and the world celebrated our uniqueness.
Ad campaigns sang our praises, highlighting our coolness and technological prowess. We were the ones to watch, the trendsetters.
But somewhere along the way, the spotlight shifted to Gen Y and Millennials, and we seemed to fade into the background. We were told we’d grown up, that we were no longer interesting. Or so they said.
But let me tell you, my fellow Gen X women, we’re far from done. In fact, we’re on the cusp of one of the most profound life shifts since our teenage years, a new phase of life that impacts us hormonally, emotionally, physically, socially, financially, and within our families. It’s a season of change, and it’s time we acknowledge it and determine what we want next.
Each one of us is unique, and yet we share common experiences:
1. Caring Responsibilities: Many of us are juggling the care of parents, children, fur-babies, and/or partners. It’s a delicate balancing act, to say the least.
2. Menopause and Perimenopause: The changes in our bodies can be bewildering. The hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog and uncertainty about what’s happening to our bodies can be disorienting.
3. Cognitive Changes: Have you noticed that your memory and cognitive functions aren’t what they used to be? You’re not alone (that menopause thing again).
4. Career and Work: Are you feeling the urge for a change, even if you’re not entirely sure what that change is? It’s a common sentiment among us Gen X women. A midlife “shift” you might say (definitely NOT a crisis).
We’re in this together, my friends, and it’s high time we start talking about these issues openly.
It’s a shame that discussing the impact of these life changes on our well-being, happiness, and productivity is often considered taboo. We’ve already faced challenges when we were in our childbearing years; now it’s time to embrace the challenges of this new phase.
Many of us have grown accustomed to pushing through, soldiering on regardless of how we feel, particularly as mothers and caregivers. It’s a habit we’ve cultivated over the years, but it’s not necessarily the best approach.
COVID may have taught us to take a break when we’re unwell, but old habits die hard. Our bodies are no longer the same as they were a decade or even just five years ago. And here’s the revelation: how we care for ourselves now has a profound impact on our postmenopausal health and well-being.
If we want to lead long, healthy lives, it’s high time we prioritize our well-being. Our whole selves – physical, mental, emotional, energetic and spiritual. After all, you can’t assist someone else with their oxygen mask if you’re gasping for air yourself.
But, my dear Gen X women, remember that we are stronger together. It’s challenging to go through personal changes and adaptations on our own. Sometimes, we need the support of a community of like-minded individuals to realize what’s possible and to believe that we are deserving of the changes we seek to make in our lives.
This is why we created Queen Be. We want to celebrate the journeys of real women, especially those in the often-overlooked regional and rural areas of Australia. We aim to provide a nurturing and informative community where we can learn about ourselves, our present circumstances, and how to evolve into our next, vibrant selves. Each of us is unique, and our paths to self-discovery will be distinct.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not an expert on all the aspects that affect us, but I’m committed to seeking out and sharing the expertise of others, the stories of remarkable women like you, and providing a supportive space where knowledge and a sense of belonging flourish.
So, let’s embark on this journey together, Gen X women. We’re not just history; we’re the creators of our future. And that future is rich with possibilities, waiting for us to embrace it.
You’re not alone, and you’re deserving of the changes you seek. Welcome to Queen Be, where we’ll navigate this next phase of life together.