I'm taking time to care for myself along with my daughter and parents. Because of this, my sandwich years are turning out to be the best years of my life.

As a 56-year-old in the 'sandwich generation,' the author reflects on the challenges of balancing care for aging parents and supporting a job-seeking adult daughter. Following a divorce and defining her new identity, she emphasizes the importance of prioritizing her own interests like travel writing and painting. Amidst feelings of grief and gratitude for changing family dynamics, she finds solace and community in her pursuits, reaffirming her commitment to fulfilling personal dreams while navigating life’s responsibilities.

At 56, I'm a member of the 'sandwich generation,' navigating responsibilities for aging parents and an adult child while prioritizing my own dreams.

I often felt like I was held captive by day-to-day tasks, but now I’m focusing on activities that bring me joy, like travel writing and painting.

Read at Business Insider