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Why I’m Going Back to College in My 40s
Hey there! So, I’m 44 and let me tell you, life has thrown a lot at me. I’ve had two kids, dealt with two miscarriages, moved states, gone through a divorce, lost a home, and even faced bankruptcy. I’ve juggled jobs that were supposed to lead to success, ran my own business, and navigated the challenges of single parenthood. I’ve had my ups and downs, including a midlife crisis that left me with some regrets. I lost 60 pounds, completed a marathon, and then… gained 40 of those pounds back. I found love again and recently faced the loss of my beloved grandmother and stepmother.
Honestly, at this point, I feel like I could be a therapist’s case study or at least an intriguing research project. But you know what? This is my story, and we all have one that shapes who we are. By the time we hit our 40s, we’ve been through a lot. We’ve sharpened our senses, honed our skills, and those little lines around our eyes? They remind us that we’re not the young girls we once were. We’ve felt joy, experienced loss, and sometimes lie awake at night worrying about everything from retirement savings to health concerns.
Reflecting on My Journey
Amid all this, I’ve been pondering: what have I done for my own personal growth? I started college at 20, filled with good intentions. I worked full-time to pay for tuition, but life got in the way. I got married, and my education took a back seat while I supported my husband’s career. I did return to school sporadically, but every time I saw friends graduating and moving on to their careers, I felt a pang of envy.
Then, I tried night classes at a local university because I needed a degree for a promotion. But on the very first night, I discovered my husband’s affair, and once again, my education was put on hold. It’s been 15 years since I last stepped into a classroom, and now that my kids are in middle school, I’m ready to give it another shot. I want to finish what I started all those years ago. Sure, I grew up hearing I wasn’t smart enough, and unfortunately, I believed that lie for too long.
Embracing a New Adventure
Now, in my 40s, I couldn’t care less whether my degree leads to a perfect job. It’s more about personal fulfillment, and honestly, there’s nothing wrong with that! I adore my kids and cherish being present for them, but I also crave something more for myself. I can’t turn back time, but I can seize the present moment.
As I embark on this new adventure, I remind myself of a few key things that inspire me to pursue my dreams. I want my children to see that overcoming life’s obstacles showcases our strength and resilience. While a degree won’t magically boost my self-esteem, I believe it will encourage a more positive mindset. Every accomplishment is a step forward, never a regret. I’m eager to refine my skills in my chosen field of study, and now is the perfect time to focus on me. Achieving goals at any age is empowering, and I’m ready to rewrite my story and embrace a brighter narrative. I refuse to let childhood insecurities dictate my future. I am worthy of this effort!
Pursuing Dreams for Well-Being
Life is full of challenges, but remember that pursuing your dreams is vital for your health and well-being. If you’re looking for more insights on personal growth and home insemination, check out this helpful article here. And for those looking into fertility options, Make a Mom is a great resource. Plus, you can find excellent guidance on pregnancy and home insemination at ASRM.
Summary
At 44, after a challenging life journey, I’m returning to college to pursue personal growth and finish what I started. This time, it’s about me, my dreams, and showing my kids that overcoming obstacles is a testament to our strength. I’m ready to redefine my narrative and embrace the future.