Thank you all for taking the time to read my thoughts. If somewhere along the way I have helped one person not feel alone in their journey, then I have accomplished what I set out to do.
I started this blog almost three years ago. In September 2016, I went to a conference. At the time, I was unemployed and had been looking for a job for months. In one of the break out sessions, the speaker mentioned that one could use a blog to open up a conversation with executives via “an interview.” In the process, these executives would get to know you. I realized that if I had a blog and interviewed an executive, a position may be offered. At a minimum I would expand my network. That sparked an idea….but I would take that idea in a slightly different direction.
I finally received an offer and joined a company that October. To say I struggled with the transition would be an understatement. I did choose to start a blog, but decided the focus would be on sharing my experiences. I wanted women like me to not feel alone on their journey. For the first year, nobody but my family and a couple of friends even saw FabulousAfterFifty. Ana, who developed the site and taught me how to use it, suggested I use Facebook. For the last two years I have been able to reach more women like me. I have read and responded to your comments, and I hope that this site has helped some of you in a small way.
The last few years have been challenging for me. After finding a new job 11 months ago, I already found myself searching job sites for a new position elsewhere. Why? I had found a good position in an industry I am passionate about, so why was I not satisfied? Why could I not be at peace?
During some heavy soul-searching I realized I was trying to fill a void. Over five years ago, I lost my dog-daughter in a divorce. Until recently, I have continued to hold onto the belief that I would have her back in my life some day. I know now that will never be. In order to find peace, my husband and I are adopting two shelter cats. I can never replace my Maggie Mae, but I know that I still have a lot of love to give. Bear and Checkers are now Grace and Frances (Grace & Frankie). I suspect I will soon act like all new mothers and will be taking many pictures – look for them on my FabulousAfterFifty.life Instagram account soon!
I will be stepping away from this blog for now, as I pursue new ways to give back to the community. If you are a relatively new follower, I encourage you read my earlier posts. Topics range from professional development to mental and physical wellbeing. Please share with anyone who you feel may benefit from my observations. Let’s make certain nobody feels alone on their journey. Until we meet again, keep learning, keep growing, stay fabulous, and be strong!
