My life was significantly defined by being born a Baby Boomer. The music changed from Sinatra croons to introspective rock and rhythm and blues. Our attitudes turned from accepting societal rules and tradition, to inquiring first.  Jobs and parenting styles evolved – sometimes for the better, sometimes not. As the massive numbers of this generation grow older, trends, marketing and sales in our country shift to care for, and exploit, us. We are overburdened with responsibilities for our children and aging parents – if we are lucky enough to have either.

With our sheer numbers, education, and wisdom, I hold out hope that we can be remembered for more than our music, politics, and technological geniuses. I’d like us to be remembered for our heart.

Deja vu-ing to Woodstock and Kent State, we were a passionate and involved group – with morality and ethics not only apparent but constantly reviewed and revised. I think that’s a good thing, it prevents us from getting stale and stuck.

This generation can do aging differently, indeed we already have. We live longer and we look younger than previous generations. We have the opportunity to study and embrace the cycle of life, and live this phase with zest, choosing carefully because our time (and we ourselves) are precious.

I chose to spend a great deal of time with my children when they were growing up (and I still do). I chose to spend a lot of time with my parents as well. I am lucky in that, the majority of the time spent was comfortable and pleasant (although we have had our share of some doozy fights). These decisions are individual choices, incorporating taste, passion and level of import assigned.

If we feel we matter, and the people in our circle of influence support that belief, perhaps we will be more adept at doing the same for others. A heartfelt (and free) gift, worth its weight in time, attention and legacy.

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