Good morning Laraine, your writing is amazing and it hit a cord with me. I’m not a writer but a very right brain creative person that I’ve been all my life. I’m in my early 60’s but my mind and body says I’m in my early 50’s. Why? Was in art schools for 8 years. Had kids, my wife is an attorney so that creates a problem. I’ve working in advertising as an art director and traveled extensively. Now I’m a high school art teacher. That is where I feel so young. I’ve had four careers. Construction, laborer, art student, creative director, unemployed for four years post advertising because that career is maybe like a journalist, the creative business is brutal. Got a teaching degree and now I feel very young with a purpose. My main struggle is my marriage is none existent. Two very different people not really close but dealing with it. I have found a woman who has put my challenge in perspective. I’m a lone person but I don’t want to be. My age says your too old to want to feel a purpose but than why do I want to die on the vine. Glad I found your posts. Michael
Thank you for sharing. The marriage situation could happen at any age. Because of foundational problems in my prior marriage I left with nothing at 45. I was on foodstamps during the recession. But later I met my now husband with whom I share life values and a creative mindset. My dad still has a purpose at 86! That’s what matters.
Thank you for your sound advice. I should have done it years ago, creatively I was afraid. Thank you. It gives me new hope. I appreciate your personal response.
This really hit home. I’m in my 60s too — and instead of slowing down, I’m starting a new chapter: launching a fashion brand rooted in craft and sustainability, and creating journals that speak to bold reinvention.
Like you, I’m not trying to chase youth. I’m embracing the woman I am now — curious, creative, and still very much becoming. Aging isn’t something I’m trying to hide — it’s something I’m inhabiting with intention. Thank you for sharing your journey so openly. It’s powerful to see women redefining what this stage can look and feel like. ✨
Lorraine, sorry typo.
Good morning Laraine, your writing is amazing and it hit a cord with me. I’m not a writer but a very right brain creative person that I’ve been all my life. I’m in my early 60’s but my mind and body says I’m in my early 50’s. Why? Was in art schools for 8 years. Had kids, my wife is an attorney so that creates a problem. I’ve working in advertising as an art director and traveled extensively. Now I’m a high school art teacher. That is where I feel so young. I’ve had four careers. Construction, laborer, art student, creative director, unemployed for four years post advertising because that career is maybe like a journalist, the creative business is brutal. Got a teaching degree and now I feel very young with a purpose. My main struggle is my marriage is none existent. Two very different people not really close but dealing with it. I have found a woman who has put my challenge in perspective. I’m a lone person but I don’t want to be. My age says your too old to want to feel a purpose but than why do I want to die on the vine. Glad I found your posts. Michael
Thank you for sharing. The marriage situation could happen at any age. Because of foundational problems in my prior marriage I left with nothing at 45. I was on foodstamps during the recession. But later I met my now husband with whom I share life values and a creative mindset. My dad still has a purpose at 86! That’s what matters.
Thank you for your sound advice. I should have done it years ago, creatively I was afraid. Thank you. It gives me new hope. I appreciate your personal response.
We all go through stuff! And being scared is a normal part of life and creativity too.
I just wrote an essay on this very same topic but hadn't posted it yet!
Wanna link to it here????
This really hit home. I’m in my 60s too — and instead of slowing down, I’m starting a new chapter: launching a fashion brand rooted in craft and sustainability, and creating journals that speak to bold reinvention.
Like you, I’m not trying to chase youth. I’m embracing the woman I am now — curious, creative, and still very much becoming. Aging isn’t something I’m trying to hide — it’s something I’m inhabiting with intention. Thank you for sharing your journey so openly. It’s powerful to see women redefining what this stage can look and feel like. ✨
Thank you for sharing yours. I feel it’s a choice and a way of being in the world! I love what you’re doing!