Hi Dona,

I'm 48 and divorced for over 10 years. I have been feeling this way since about 3-4 years ago. I think what we might be missing is just our youth. Remember when everything was new and neat and the world was there for us to explore? Then we typically all do the usual thing: get a good job, raise a family and perhaps go through some life changes that further develops our character.

While I have been going through this phase for several years, early 2007 was the most difficult simply because I became more involved in the caring of an elderly parent. There have been some real gut-wrenching questions: "How the heck did I get here?, Is this it? Where do I want to be 10 years from now? What am I doing to get there? Am I going to have to keep going down this road alone?"

In the past six months, I have stopped worrying about it so much. I have started taking better care of myself and also changed jobs to reduce the level of work-related stress. While I don't think I am "there" yet (wherever "there" might be), I feel that I have passed the half-way mark. I try not to over-think and actually smile a lot more (even if its forced!). This simple act generally makes me feel a whole lot better about myself.

Regarding feeling weepy and withdrawn, without knowing your age, you might want to get a physical checkup. You might be peri-menopausal (sp?) which might be throwing you off balance. Just a thought.

I wish you the very best on your new journey!

terese