This coming June 2024 will be my seventh year as a retired educator and person. How would I answer the question asked in the title of this brief blog message? My answer is yes. Of course there are challenges, adjustments, and things you must accept that are beyond your control. I plan to share my experiences-both good and bad. Also, tips and suggestions will be provided to assist you in blooming as a baby boomer. If you have any suggestions or thoughts to share, don’t hesitate to respond via a comment post. You are not alone. Together we can fertilize our soil with life giving thoughts, strategies, prayers, and words of encouragement during this journey. I choose to bloom where placed in life. Are you interested in joining me?

Blooming baby boomer,

Sheila

I found myself listening for the telephone to ring to just to hear her voice. She had her own car and drove around Athens without a care in the world. Of course, I was over joyed when she called me at work unexpectedly for minor issues or concerns. Did I ever let her know about my fears, worries, and anxieties? No, I didn’t. I couldn’t. I had to learn how to handle and deal with what I was going through with out disclosing my concerns and fears to my daughter. After all, isn’t this what I was looking forward to? It came sooner than I expected and I was not ready or prepared for the new reality I faced. During the day work kept me from focusing on her absence. However, evenings and nights were unbearable! One day, I prayed and talked to God about what I was experiencing. I knew I couldn’t carry the burden of my fears on my own. I decided to let go and release her to God and trust His care and protection for both of us. Overtime my fears subsided and anxieties lessened. I gained a sense of peace and tranquility. I hope you too find peace and comfort when your Empty Nest becomes a reality and not a much anticipated goal. It comes sooner than you think. Will you really be ready?

I would love to hear how you handled your Empty Nest and what you did to adjust to the change or changes you experienced.

Blessings,

Sheila

The story about the young woman from Alabama who faked her own kidnapping dominated the news and went viral. I was very concerned when the story first broke, but for some reason, for me, something didn’t seem quite right. A toddler walking along the side of a road and no one else seeing him? Well, we know what the end result was. The story had been made up, not a stitch of truth. When this was announced, I must admit I was a little judgmental. But then, the truth was told, and an apology given. My next thought was who am I to judge? It seems that we are living during a time where lies are accepted as truths and truths branded as lies. You really have to monitor what you listen to, read, and hear spoken.

Why are we as a culture desperate to be recognized, honored, validated, and heard? Look at the wealth of influencers that are popping up everywhere. Everybody seems to have a podcast on any topic you can think of. Why are we not satisfied with being who God created us to be? We spend many hours and money striving to obtain our own “tribe” of people. Once we have our tribe, then we pitch and sell whatever we are pedaling to them. Granted there are people who are actually helping others achieve their goals or overcome setbacks. There are also, however, influencers that take advantage of individuals who want to be famous and successful by charging outrages prices for mediocre services. Buyers beware! Make sure you check their past and current services. Have conversations with former clients and check their track record of success. Don’t be so desperate for success, recognition, and notoriety that you’re willing to pay or do anything to achieve what you crave and desire.

I hope the young woman receives the help and support she needs to go on with her life. In general, we as parents and caregivers, need to aware of “hero syndrome” in our child/children. I haven’t researched my theory but, I feel that I can safely say that the seed is nurtured and develops early. The seed grows as children mature depending on their ‘experiences” in the home environment. We need to stay emotionally in tune with our children as well as ourselves. If not, we’ll have more stories and incidents occurring. There’s nothing wrong with being a kind and caring person with a heart for people.

What are your thoughts? Have you ever felt small and insignificant? At what lengths were you willing to go to be the one? How did you deal with your feelings of inadequacy?

Sheila E. Cares!
Email: sheilasapp@sheilaecares.com

Hi!
Are you interested in learning more about Dr. Sheila E. Sapp? Find out how she found her purpose and other interesting information. Click on the link and read the interview published by Bold Journey Magazine. Share the link with others. Thank you!

Bold Journey Interview link

Meet Dr. Sheila Sapp

God blessed me with the years I have been on His Earth. I lived to see 2023 and hope to see more according to His will. I look in the mirror from time to time and see a mature and wise woman standing before me. I am retired and no longer have a job I have to report to weekly. I am grateful and thankful for the challenges and experiences I have had. I know I will have more as I live this life. I have reached a season in my life where I am ready to serve as a mentor, friend, coach, and encourager for those who were born in 1999 and up. I still have dreams and obtain joy and happiness in simple and everyday things. When I go out to feed the birds and my bushy-tailed friends in the morning, I look up at the sky and marvel at the clouds, trees, and sunlight. Looking at God’s creation all around me eases any stress or tension I may be feeling at any moment. Do you take time to lose your self in nature and the outdoors? Do you respect and honor every wrinkle, grey hair, aching back, and sore knee on your body? I do. It’s a blessing to wake up in your right mind and be able to greet another day. Each day presents an opportunity to grow, love, forgive, let go, and spread God’s love.

I think we should do away with the term senior citizens. It has a lot of negative perceptions and perspectives attached to it. We should be called seasoned celebrities. We are well seasoned by our experiences and wisdom gained through the years. We’re valuable resources of information, skills, and expertise. In my opinion, anyone who has reached the age of a seasoned celebrity should walk around with his/her head held high. Let an attitude of gratitude follow you where ever you go. I would love to hear the thoughts of others. Join my campaign and be known as a seasoned celebrity.
Sheila E.

Soundtrack

I never thought becoming a senior citizen would require many adjustments. I knew there would be changes physically, but I wasn’t prepared for some of the changes due to other people’s perceptions. As a young child, I was always taught to respect elders and it’s something that followed me throughout my life. Yes, I had heard people talk about how some senior citizens are treated from time to time. I guess I was just being naive or maybe a little hopeful that things would be different by the time I actually became a senior citizen.

I remember being waited on by a young woman at McDonald’s years ago. As soon as I walked up to place my order, she informed me that I was eligible for a senior citizen’s discount. Now don’t get me wrong. I don’t have a problem with getting any special discounts. What bothered me was the fact that I was in my middle 40’s at the time. Did I actually look like a “senior citizen” to her? Yes, I was a little offended at the time. Now, I am way past my forties and am proud being a retired senior citizen!

I retired from my professional career five years ago and I’m currently enjoying doing other things that I’ve always wanted to do. I just didn’t have the time or opportunity to pursue them. I founded and started  my own educational consulting business which I dabbled at for many years off and on. I participated in a local business fair and met a former colleague who wanted to know why I was still working. I politely said, “Yes, I’m still working but this time I’m working for me”. So, are we not supposed to have other dreams, ideas, or goals? Are we expected sit on a porch all day and watch life pass us by?

I also noticed how some people seem to dummy down their conversations with you as if you can no longer grasp the gist of what they’re talking about or saying. And don’t dare ask any questions about technology and social media. They fly through their explanations 90 miles a second or show you something one time and you’re supposed to get it. Needless to say, I have learned in the past five years through one of my favorite tutors-YouTube. There isn’t anything better! You can stop and replay the tutorials as many times as you like without being receiving a “You still don’t get it yet” look.

I have learned so much about myself and grown in areas that I never expected to grow in. I have produced my own videos, tackled FB, been a guest speaker on several Podcast shows, and written three resource books for parents, teachers, and school leaders. Are my books bestsellers? No. Do I have a large social media following or tribe? No. Am I an influencer? No. A Tik-Tok or Instagram favorite? No. I am a proud senior citizen who still has a passion for helping and encouraging others.

I strive every day to be the best version of me. I want to walk in my purpose and continue to rely on God as my guide and source of strength. I spent too many years trying to measure up to the perspectives and expectations  of others. I want to encourage other senior citizens to continue to live their best lives now. The best is yet to come!