Just Around the Riverbend

"I believe the second half of one's life is meant to be better than the first half. The first half is finding out how you do it. And the second half is enjoying it."--Frances Lear

Last summer, my son talked us into getting him a bearded dragon as an early Christmas gift. The idea of it creeped me out, but after some inquiry, I learned that they are  surprisingly social animals and even kind of cute. And it turns out that I have something in common with our newest family member: we are in a continual state of shedding our skin. While  his comes off in flaky patches that make him look, well, -icky, mine generally goes unnoticed. However, lately I have felt the uncomfortable, unattractive reality of a mid-life jettison. My identity as a mother for the last 20 years is peeling away, and I am forced to come to terms with living in a new and unfamiliar skin. While this is a necessary process for growth and renewal, it still is painful. I am surprised and confused by many of my thoughts, feelings, and remarks. I feel a little crazy. And a little excited. New beginnings are scary, but I have never been one to shy away from change. Now that I am older, I realize the rapids are ever-changing. No need to furiously paddle, fighting the currents. Time to hold on, enjoy the ride, and know there is always a new adventure just around the bend.