![]() I have mentioned my concerns about the "me-focus" to friends-and even my reluctance to share these blogs not wishing to burden anyone's time and energy of my self-pursuits. In theory, and in my distorted perception, I'm supposed to be past this, fully entrenched in my choices and thinking of retirement! Indeed, when Sean created his journey of working 52 jobs he was a recent college grad looking for his passion and purpose in life. Afterall, "who am I" and "where do I go from here" questions seem to be more suited to 20-somethings. This project at times feels to me to be a very self-centered endeavor at the age of 59, soon to be 60. ![]() I suppose this is a common theme among parents: are those dreams I once had forever buried-or can I drum up the time and energy to dust them off and re-envision my life actually actualizing one of them? Okay, kids, I admit it: I've used you! Wouldn't have changed a thing:)īack to Maslow: even though I have been blessed with achieving (for me) the highest level of actualization and fulfillment by loving and nourishing my incredible kids, I always felt a yearning (not just wanting to climb out of financial scarcity) to explore and commit to talents that I was given and know I possess (singing, writing, counseling/healing, speaking, dancing-OK, that one's for fun). However, I also am aware that it's much easier for me to devote my time and energy on my children than to perhaps figure out how to reach a personal goal. And I just plain enjoy taking care of people. Plus, we're aware of how short life is and we don't want to miss out on any experience with our children (e.g. We both, along with other mothers we know, have poured ourselves wholeheartedly in this role not because we have to, but because we adore our children and find great fulfillment in caring for them. In thinking about writing these thoughts, I was remembering many conversations I've had with my dear friend, Kathy, about the joys and fulfilling devotion of motherhood. Although as young adults they still want me to care for them (and give them immediate and full attention!), they are my strongest advocates for me embarking on a new journey because this has infused much-needed and hopeful energy into our family.Īfter the recent experiences of bankruptcy, foreclosure, death of their father, illness and unemployment (what else IS there?!-really, it sounds like a friggin' soap opera), it's time to ACTUALIZE some long-dormant potential here! I harken back to my first blog where I stated my goal in doing this project was to become fully alive and to perhaps inspire others. I have been stuck and I'm seeking to un-stick myself not only for me but for my children. This one-week job project for me has everything to do with Maslow's highest step: self actualization. ![]() My daughter said to me yesterday, "Mom, I'm tired of barely making ends meet." In our family, we don't focus on the scarcity, so it was a surprise to hear her voice this frustration. Specifically, in recent years, it seems I have been in "survival" mode, tending devotedly to my little flock, yes, but tending with my head barely above water. Through the years, I have been constantly reminded of Maslow's paradigm-I was fascinated by the concept in high school and have thought of this "hierarchy" in its relevance to my life over the years. Once these needs have been reasonably satisfied, one may be able to reach the highest level called self-actualization." Saul McLeod on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs "One must satisfy lower level basic needs before progressing on to meet higher level growth needs.
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