I had just moved into senior adulthood when I found myself in what some would call a mid-life crisis! I was totally unhappy with my life although to the outsider I had a seemingly good life.

I am convinced invisible forces are at work pushing us towards certain decisions. I just decided to go with them at this point. In retrospect I realise I was being pushed towards what Erikson refers to as 'generative desire' or 'caring for future generations' hence the reason I do what I am now doing.

Anyone else had a similar experience?

It was suggested that visitors to the site might not know who Erikson or what 'generative desire' refers to in my previous message.

It's just that at certain points in our lives we get particular urges for change. This must be recognisable? Think of young children going through adolescence - that point when our once lovely children become really difficult, even abnoxious?

Well in my early 40's I just got an overwhelming sense of life not being good enough and I needed to understand why. I needed to do this thing for future generations, even if it was too late for me. This feeling literally overwhelmed me to the point I couldn't resist it.

I know we all get these intuitions at various stages and points of our lives - you cannot deny it! I recognise these in Erikson's psycho-social stages. Look them up for yourselves at: http://psychology.about.com/library/bl_psychosocial_summary.htm

Understanding these stages gives us important insights into the developmental needs of our children at the earlier stages - needs which are not necessarily being met at the moment.

At the junior adult stage you have more pressing issues that concern you that you need to take care of. For example, developing as a parent in your own right, developing your own intimate relationship, creating a 'nest' for your family, supporting your family.

These are important responsibilities you have now at the Junior Adult stage of the cycle.

I just want to add to what Gloria says. Having not had positive school experiences many BAC female Junior adults can be found returning to education at this phase of the life cycle. Many are also single parents. This means they are trying to juggle many things and frequently many are unsupported.

Getting ourselves together as a group will provide our young people with the type of support necessary to avoid the above situation.