As girls, most of us were raised with traditional values, destined to become teachers, nurses, secretaries, or homemakers.  But historic events of the 1960s and 1970s totally changed the direction of our lives.  What happened? What were the seeds of change?

•    1960 – the Pill was approved
•    1963 – The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan was published
•    1964 – Civil Rights bill
•    1972 – Title IX Amendment
•    1973 – Roe v. Wade

This means those of us now over fifty comprise a transitional generation, treading new ground with few models or guidelines.  Since our lives are now so different, we can’t necessarily look to our mothers’ generation as role models. As one woman floundering after her retirement, muttered, “I need a guidance counselor, like the kids have in high school.”  Second Blooming for Women:  Growing a Life that Matters after Fifty addresses that need.

What historic event resonates most with you?