I did not reach this age without learning a few truths about life. There are many things that I wished I had known a whole lot sooner. There are secrets about life and being a women that my mother never told. I try to share these observations and thoughts with the women in my life.
Do not expect a man to take care of you. Be independent. Learn how to drive a car. I have a friend who is forty years old and does not drive. She tried to learn how but was put down by her husband's lack of confidence in her. This same woman is not allowed to have a check book because one time she bounced a check. Her husband drives her to the store to grocery shop and he waits in the car. She is given a cash allowance for food shopping. I often wonder what will she do if he dies? I am slowly working on trying to build up her self esteem and empowering her to learn how to drive and how to handle money.
Education. Be a life learner. I went back to college at the age of 42. It can be done. I graduated with two degrees and with highest honors. I did this while being a widow with two young daughters and an adult son. I also worked a full time job while attending college full time. There is no excuse not to proceed with education. There are many online classes being offered. Some of my college classes were taken with me sitting in my pajamas in front of a computer in the comfort of my own home. There are several young ladies in my life that I have driven up to the local college and held their hands and walked them through the enrollment process. As a matter of fact today is the day that one of them graduates with a degree in Education. I have never been so proud as to hear her thank me for giving her the kick in the butt that she needed to go forward with her education. Not only is she benefiting by her degree but so are the many children who will enter her classroom in the years that come and go. I like to think of it as the ripple effect like throwing a stone into water and watching how it affects others.
Good advice. If only we knew then what we know now. :)
ReplyDeleteCarrie Lynn, nice to meet you. Thanks for the follow on my blog. I'm following you back.I love what you are doing for the women in your life. Education is everything! Good for you.
ReplyDeletegreat post..yes.good advice..
ReplyDeleteSuch smart, timely advice. More women need to hear them. And can I tell you how much I love the fact that you went back to school at 42 and earned TWO degrees? That's TERRIFIC! You're amazing!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to drop by and thank you for visiting and following my blog. I really, really appreciate it. I'm following you back, cheers!!