Do your strengths enable you to fulfill your purpose?
Where do I fit in
From as far back as I can remember I have always been trying to figure out where I fit in. Fit in where you might be thinking. You know, fit in with the crowd, accepted for whom you are and what you are good at.
Today, more baby boomer trends show our fellow boomers are asking themselves the same question.
It would be until years later that I would discover it is alright to be unique, different and not like everyone else. I would discover what my purpose in life really is, what I am good at and how I would deliver my strengths to the marketplace.
It all started as I drifted off to sleep last night…
Being different is not popular
In kindergarten little girls huddled together admiring the newest little gumball machine ring another student received that week. Little boys were busy catching bugs, playing tag and chasing girls hoping to escape their reach. Although I loved jewelry way back then I also loved playing tag, horsy and climbing things.
Moving through the elementary years of school was not easy for me. The oldest of five children I was responsible and hardworking; yet, my classmates were off having fun, roller skating, going to pool parties and the like. Looking back on that time of my life I was resentful and angry, I wanted what they had. It was not fair that I had to work while they played.
We were all conscious of our clothes, hand-me-downs were commonplace. Some of my friends sported frilly anklets, the newest designer fashions and shoes. These shiny objects were always a desire for my sisters and me.
We learned to play with each other especially over the summer months; neighbors and friends lived too far from our home for frequent visits. Mom and dad worked and there was little time for such nonsense as going over to a friend’s house to play let alone asking them to drive us there.
The five of us, my brother and sisters and me were considered different. We did not come from money, popular families or high ranking positions within the work force. No, we were just the average large family who worked hard and had little time for fun.
Elementary to higher education lessons
When I entered high school a whole new world opened up for me. Now the pool of fish was bigger, a more diverse population to contend with. Now it became crystal clear that more families fit our description than that of my previous friends. It became very clear that a new start was in order and I could carve out my place in this new world.
I wonder how many baby boomers went through this same journey with the same struggles and feelings.
Along with a new start, new friends and new experiences comes new responsibility. Gone were the days of after school playtime. Homework replaced any minutes I thought to be my own. Not sure how I would go about making new friends with no time, I found myself siding up to anyone headed in the same direction I walked on the way to my next class.
In our high school there were five categories of cliques, you know sectors of kids who thought they belonged to little societies. Each thought their group was better than the other, sound familiar? There were the cowboys, the jocks, the band kids, the stoners and the geeks. Try as I might, I did not fit into any of the groups. What did I do?
Join us next time as the story unfolds and my purpose becomes clearer.
Help us spread the story, click the "Like" button at the top of the page, be sure to "re-tweet", too. These baby boomer trends and the questions we ask ourselves need to get out to our fellow aging boomers. Do you know any? Do us a favor and share with one or two, you are the best!
Helping Turn Back the Clock,
Carla
Would you like to use this article on your website, blog or ezine? You have my permission to share it in it's entirety with the following attribution and a link back to our home page.
Carla Gardiner is an auto transport broker, dispatcher, health coach and a forever young, fiery grandma. Her passion and purpose lies with the baby boomer trends and the people she works with daily; aging baby boomers, dispatchers, brokers and truck drivers, too. Her frustration within the industry has birthed a new focus of her company; one to properly train, encourage and mentor others in regaining their health while building a retirement part-time business, too.
Carla Gardiner is a wife, mom, and grammy of 8. She has lost 70 pounds, kept it off, reversed health issues, and is on a mission to positively impact people's lives with truths untold about living life better-using resources specific to them. Carla can show you how to eliminate aches and pains, stress and regain your health, increase your energy to lose weight naturally through education, guidance, and support of natural products customized to you personally. Carla has written as The Fiery Grandma since 2010 and continues living her life as an example for others to follow and benefit from.
6 Tips For Nurturing and Protecting Your Health Boundaries
"Very well put. I've been with a health and nutrition company for over 26 years and I understand exactly what you are going through. I shiver to think what my health might be today at age 68 had I not stuck to my guns as far as practicing what I preach. Yes, I fall off the wagon regularly but my daily routine life reflects taking care of my health. That way I can keep up (somewhat) with my 7 grandchildren. You keep it up, Carla".
Pat Moon
"For most people the thought of venturing out there in pursuit of your dreams, in a place outside of your comfort zones is just what stops them. But I could sense your excitement not resentment in going against the competition. In planting your stake and truly making a difference in the clients experience. That's ultimately what matters, the rest just falls so easily into place. Thanks for that reminder"!
ENO Nsima-Obot MD
Carla, I’ve got to say that I LOVE your focus on the joys and challenges facing women over 50. I’m definitely in that camp! I’ve been inspired by your candor, practical ideas, and refreshing determination to joyfully tackle life. The hours we’ve spent on the phone, in person, and through social media have enriched my life immeasurably. YOU are one Fiery Grandma, and I love your style!
Ronae Jull
I have known Carla Gardiner for 6+ years. We met at a business training for bring business online. She is a business women at heart and willing to do the hard things to make the results show up. I have watched her run a business, work a job and take care of her family. She is a go getter when it comes to putting in the work to build her business to the level of being able to enjoy her grand kids.
She is the example that age is not a limit it is a tool for sharing knowledge to those she empowers to use their own skills and talents. Excuses are fuel to push her to learn and apply. I have seen her scared to death about implementing new technology and rock it out despite the learning curve.
I love watching you grow into your greatness Carla! Don’t slow down.
Angela Brooks
"Carla, you are a model for me to follow. I love your site. And, I like what you have to say - very kind, very gracious. I have to say though that nothing in my life has ever been crystal clear".
Susan Daniels
"I've known Carla for 5+ years and can tell you that she has lived every bit of this and more. We shared tears and laughs and hard work....you will enjoy getting to know Carla."