Forties and faltering?

[ts43]

I was at the gym and picked up a magazine and began reading an article about life/makovers/coaches and became very curious, it gave out this website, so here I am. I am 43 married,( mostly unhappily) with 4 kids and a job that is minimally satisfying. Over the years I have lost friends due to lack of effort on my part and party because I think I am socially inadequate. I love my children very much but other than that have little or no personal happiness. My 8 year old twin just the other day said "Mommy you are never happy" and I fear she is right. I want to have friends and I want to be excited about my life but don't know how to make it happen. I have no self confidence and sometimes think of myself as the invisable person. From reading some of the messages it seems that for alot of people things start to go wrong when they hit their forties. Any advice or direction would be appreciated. Is there a particular book that I should start on?

[Dholcomb]

Dear ts43,

Thank goodness you found this community board! I think you will find a lot of support and advice. I'm curious which magazine had the article about life makeovers, coaches, etc.?

I'm thinking that you would probably be best to start with Cheryl Richardson's Take Time for Your Life. It seems like you are overwhelmed(as many of us are!)and you are probably last on your list (if you're even on it!), so you're confused as to where to start. Get Cheryl's book, you'll be glad you did. Start with the exercises that she asks you to do. Remember that each little step is a success and if you mess up, you are not starting over, just continuing on from where you left off. You owe it to yourself to take care of you. Your children will greatly benefit from having a mom that is happy. Set a realistic time to work through the exercises so you don't feel frustrated. This investment is going to be one of the best ones you will ever make!

Hope this helps,

Donna