A 50 something Revolution
April 26, 2010
A revolution (from the Latin revolutio, “a turn around”) is a fundamental change in power or organizational structures that takes place in a relatively short period of time. Aristotle described two types of political revolution:
- Complete change from one constitution to another
- Modification of an existing constitution.[1]
I think ‘Modification of an existing constitution’ accurately sums up the voices of so many women in my life these days.
We are in the middle of our lives. And it is true, that what once fit us, no longer does. We wear a different size of jeans(though we hate to admit it)…some even come with hidden elastic (those are my favorites), our jobs, our relationships, the thing we called “home”, our bodies are all changing. Sure we’ve tried to fight the inevitable, but the truth is, in order to be comfortable in our own skin we have to agree to surrender what was and embrace what is.
What Is? For sure what is, is that women are finding their voices. They are making changes in their own lives, the lives of others, the planet. Women around me are redefining what matters most to them; they are facing fears that for far too long presented impenetrable obstacles. Women are inspiring other women, opening doors, lending a hand.
Women in mid-life are powerful in every sense of the word. We are modifying the old and replacing it with what fits us now…what encourages us, inspires us, free us and motivates us.
My words of wisdom?…Reach out to another 50 something…ask for help, offer inspiration, look into her eyes and see yourself. We are part of a Revolution…and the word is slowly getting out.
Matters That Matter ® 
April 27, 2010 at 6:45 pm
And just to take that one step further…how about reaching out to someone who doesn’t fit the mold, someone with whom you don’t imagine you’d have anything in common.
I recently had the opportunity to do just that and was touched, amazed and humbled. I sometimes forget how much we have in common and remembering is important.
April 30, 2010 at 4:27 am
I’m grinning widely right now! Thanks for putting my drawing out into the world. I made a whole set of these while in residency at the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts in Nebraska. I took a risk in applying, never dreaming I would be selected. Now that I’m older I’m going for what I want. I don’t worry (as much) about what others think. I hope some day my work will help another woman know she can reach that creative part of herself.
Count me in as a member of the “50 something revolution”
Janice