There are stopping points throughout the year--these spots typically arrive once you've met the criteria for a number of goals. These stopping points are a good time to reflect and then set a new list of goals. Recently I arrived at one of these stopping points--it was an expected opportunity to reflect and the goals met were not as obvious as one might think. All of a sudden as I looked around at the people and places in my life, I realized that our family had arrived at a new place. My children are clearly living their own lives. I'm officially the mom of young adults all moving in their various directions with regard to relationships, work, entertainment, interests, and more.
I remember their stage of life well. I spent a lot of time with my then-boyfriend-now-husband and friends during those years. We had many adventures as we completed grad school and worked many jobs. My parents were healthy then, and they were spending a lot of time with their friends and many adventures. My siblings were mostly doing their own thing during those years. One had a family already, some had just graduated from college, and still more were working and attending grad school. Celebrations included many weddings, traditional holiday celebrations, and lots of graduations as well as the birth of new babies.
As I reflect on this time of life as the mom of adult children, I recognize that it's a bit of a reprieve after a long chater that included lots and lots of caregiving for children, students, and other family members. It's a time to play catch up with a number of life's goals and pursuits--a time to reap the benefits of time, family, and friends. Onward.