Well, although our situations are not all the same, I think we reach mid-life and find there is this mandatory period of soul-searching. Who was it that sang "Is That All There is?" Maybe it's God whispering in our ears to take a closer look - there's still time.

I have been blessed with a loving husband and raised two great kids, but it was always about someone elses needs. So - here I sit, just turned 58 last week. Lost both of my parents since Easter after a five year ordeal of health issues with both of them. DH just retired in August. I feel so out of touch with who I am and what I need - I'm not sleeping much these nights either.
I feel like a ship without an anchor - have no clue what my purpose is now.

Diannne - I have all of Joan Anderson's books. I'm not sure which one came first, but there are three. "A Year by the Sea: Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman' 'An Unfinished Marriage' and 'A Walk on the Beach'

I enjoyed them all - it was comforting to know that I'm not the only one going through the choppy waters of mid-life. She is one tough cookie.