Our midlives are lasting longer. What does midlife mean now? It used to be the long glide into retirement, which many of us still look forward to. Unlike previous generations who retired 'from' something, my generation hopes to retire 'to' something. Retirement is a word with new meanings - no longer a door marked EXIT.

I'm intrigued by change. The most notable moments in my career have been times of transition, and when I saw an off-ramp, I was inclined to take it whether I knew where I was headed or not.

I am bipolar. It was triggered by medications for the treatment of hives. Part of my advocacy is not talking about the stigma. It's real, but it doesn't help move us forward. I take my meds every day. No holidays.