What does it mean to be a Baby Boomer?  Today, as opposed to 10 or 15 years ago, it means  

Women,though, have a less dramatic reaction to this transition.  For them, it’s less an obvious crisis; they often just feel depressed, a vague anxiety or restlessness.

How do you know if you are in a mid-life (quiet) transition?  If in the last year, you’ve been bored, anxious, depressed in a way you had never been before, or if you obsessively worry about one or more problems, this could be an indication.  If you have mood swings that are not accountable by menopause or a medical check up, this is another possible indication.  As is your thinking about running way from home or having an affair. And, if you are not thinking about anything – you just are depressed or numb -- you probably are reacting to your life change.

Here are 21 things that can propel a Baby Boomer woman into a transition that shakes her formerly comfortable world. 

1.     Last child leaves home (empty nest)

2.     First child leaves home (worrying about onset of empty nest)

3.     Upcoming birthday, turning 40, 50, or 60.  Or, the year before

      entering one of these decades (39, 49, 59)

4.     Death of one parent

5.     Death of a second parent

6.     Death of a sibling (or close friend)

7.     Husband has an affair

8.     You think about having an affair

9.     Best friend (or sister) gets divorced

10.    Best friend (or sister) falls in love

11.    Break up with your best friend

12.    Husband retires

13.    You retire

14.    You are bored at your job

15.    You are restless or bored without a job

16.    Loss of your menstrual period (indicating the end of child birth

      for you and entrance to the next-- unknown life stage )

17.    Symptoms that come with the loss of your menstrual period,

      such as mood swings, weepiness, hot flashes

18.     Diagnosis of cancer or other serious medical scare

19.     Best friend (sister) diagnosed with cancer or other serious

      medical scare

20. Depression that started within the last 6-12 months.

21. Sense of restlessness that won’t go away

OK, so now you know why you are depressed, apathetic,scared, or bored.  But, what can you do about it?

Here are some steps to help you defuse and move through this crisis. 

1.    Identify the cause of your crisis (see above)

2.    Honor your past accomplishments

3.    Grieve the lost opportunities – things you wish you had done/achieved

4.    Set your own expectations for this next phase of your life

5.    Prepare for negative (or ambivalent) reactions from loved ones

6.    Resist the pull from loved ones for you to go back to status quo  

7.    Get support –spiritual, religious, women’s group

8.    Get therapy if you need more help

9.    Consider a women’s retreat to help you move through this normal transition period of letting go and getting direction for what comes next.

If this describes you, don’tdespair, follow these 9 steps.   If youwant more ideas and support, a women’s retreat would be ideal.  Check out UniqueRetreatsForWomen.com.  There are a number of different kinds that might be just what you need.