My partner, Jason, is an enthusiastic cyclist. He meticulously assembles bikes from the ground up, logs numerous miles each week, and can easily recall any cycling statistic you throw at him. Living in the Pacific Northwest, he embodies the quintessential “Bike Aficionado.” Cycling brings him immense joy, a sense of purpose, and unwavering passion. Whenever he feels down, he knows that a twenty-mile uphill ride will help him regain his perspective. As a result, he has shed pounds, developed impressive calf muscles, and his cravings for sweets have significantly diminished.
I must confess, I feel a twinge of envy. My partner has discovered a passion that invigorates him both physically and mentally, while I find myself lacking that same spark.
Despite his encouragement for me to embrace cycling, his enthusiasm often pushes me away. Cycling simply isn’t my thing. I’ve developed a certain resentment towards the sport because it means more time apart from him. He has the best of intentions, and I value that, but trying to convince someone to adopt your passion is a challenge.
It has been quite a while since I’ve felt a genuine passion for anything—unless you count my love for coffee and the latest bakery in town. My life has revolved around parenting, and now that I’m in my 40s, I look back and wish I had the clarity that Jason holds regarding his own pursuits.
Time seems to be slipping away, and I feel as if I have little to show for it. Sometimes, it feels like I am merely waiting for my next chapter to unfold, yet that chapter seems overdue. I have several interests—I enjoy writing, making pie crusts, exploring new restaurants, and reading. Although these hobbies may add inches instead of strength, they do provide small joys within the daily grind. Nevertheless, I find myself yearning for something more fulfilling.
As my children transition into their tween and teen years, they require a new level of intentional parenting. While Jason engages in his cycling adventures, I remain at home, juggling chores, managing schedules, and resolving conflicts. This routine can be exhausting, and I often find resentment creeping in.
However, my children’s current ages mean they are in school for longer periods, which opens up potential opportunities for me to pursue new interests. This could very well be my moment. Am I willing to step beyond the familiar confines of my identity and seek out growth? It’s crucial for women to prioritize self-care since we are often busy caring for others. We desire opportunities, yet we frequently hesitate to embrace them when they arise.
I have come to an important realization: the specific nature of one’s passion doesn’t matter as much as having a passion at all. Whether it’s cycling or diving into the latest novel, discovering what truly drives us is essential. Each of us deserves to explore our passions and potentially uncover something extraordinary in the process. We owe it to ourselves to take that leap.
We all deserve a second act in life, but it is our responsibility to make it happen. I am ready to embark on my journey.