As I began to focus on the August issue of The Peoria Woman, I was startled to realize that half of the year was over. After a brief panic attack, I decided to think about all the positive happenings in the first half of 2005 and think of what could be accomplished in the remaining months of the year (the glass is half-full concept).

Personally, I realized I’d survived the first year of my “empty nest” and am thinking positively about mid-life goals. Not only did my daughter adjust to being 1,000 miles away from home, but she blossomed. With a mother’s pride, I could see how she had actually grown into a young woman who was learning to deal with her own responsibilities: new relationships, learning to manage her time between studying and leisure, analyzing what career options she might have and how to best prepare, and prioritizing what programs and organizations might best impact those career goals.

In the empty nest months, I found I could actually spend more time nurturing friendships, establish a more routine fitness program, and perhaps evaluate my own goals. I did write down those personal and professional goals and create a time line. Unexpected events often force detours in the strategic step-by-step plan, but I’m encouraged that progress is being made.

Challenges and multi-tasking are nothing new to the female professional. I have several female confidantes and mentors, and while we’re all in different stages in our professional and personal lives, there’s wisdom and strength that comes from our friendship. What may be crystal clear in the eyes and mind of one friend is cloudy and confusing to the other.

Current magazines are focusing on the mid-life crisis of the female; what triggers changes in lifestyle and thought patterns used to be reserved only for the male bread-winner but now is being experienced by female professionals in numbers large enough to be counted. Usually triggered by an event, fear of time evaporating too quickly causes a “crisis.” As I write this, one girlfriend is climbing Mount Kilamanjaro and is almost finished working on her doctorate; another has recently co-authored a book detailing the illness that caused her life-changing experience; another struggles to find fulfillment in motherhood after career; another juggles young motherhood and top management. My mid-year crisis won’t trigger any of the above actions—but who knows? I haven’t had enough time to think about it yet.

So, I approach my mid-year crisis as I will my mid-life crisis: thankful for the privilege of experiencing today and remembering the days and years prior—of what has been accomplished with the prospect of a future filled with excitement and challenges. I may list my “10 things I want to do in 2005,” then begin my “10 things I want to do before I die” list and begin the adventure. I can’t wait for 2006! TPW