What better place to start our Jane Nation Listening Tour than the landing place of our fore-mothers in Plymouth Rock.  Here we met with five women in their late fifties who were as strong and adventuresome as their ancestors had been, having relocated here from other cities in the Northeast.  And while each had their own unique story, all shared a common bond over the desire to form new identities apart from wife, mother, employee. 

They were delighted at the thought they had chosen to be friends because they genuinely liked each other rather than being thrust into a relationship as a result of their kids being friends. 

This concept of choice vs. circumstance resonated throughout the conversation.  These women clearly recognize and relish the fact that for the first time in a very long time they are in a position to make choices for themselves based on what they want, not what others want or expect from them. 

The challenge now is to figure out what all their options are and then choose the right ones for them.  They said they wished there was a life stage check list so they could know what they should be focused on at this phase of their life.  Absent that, they turn to each other for information and advice.  They are grateful to have found each other and believe they will truly be friends for the rest of their lives.