“You can only become great at that thing you’re willing to sacrifice for.” — Maya Angelou

Greatness. That is a word I’ve dreamt about many times. What does it mean? How can I create greatness in my life? Was I meant for greatness, or should I be satisfied with a mediocre existence? I believe greatness is relative. It means different things for different people.

However, I want to have an impact on the world. Make my mark. To be better than what I am; what I do. It may result from low self-esteem, which is very possible in my life. But there is one thing I know: I am searching, reaching, and aspiring to greatness. First, though, I must prepare myself for this journey. …

Grandma, Grandma, Grandma, let me count the ways. You say, Grandma. I hear that word every day. Every single day. I hear Grandma in my dreams. It seems like Grandma is swirling all around me.

How many? One, two, four, six grandkids asking Grandma this and Grandma that. But I also hear I love you, Grandma from six sweet voices. Some loud and proud to a whispered call from behind a bedroom wall.

And six big hugs,

From a limp teenaged embrace to a snuggled in-my-arms sleepy touch. Oh, how I love and cherish that rowdy bunch.

Debbie Walker is a great-grandmother, blogger, and writer with a BA in Psychology. She is the creator of Middle-Pause Publication, and STOMP!, a podcast for women, and is writing a Breath Prayer Devotional. Stay in touch at middlepause51@gmail.com; follow her on Twitter; & Pinterest; listen to the podcast, STOMP!

Dear Husband,

You live in a different reality from me, I think. Wait, I know you do. I often wonder what part I play in your convoluted world. It reminds me of the world-building game MineCraft that the grandkids play.

Sometimes, I believe you forget about or intentionally leave me outside the castle on the other side of the moat. When I asked one of our granddaughters about the construction of the worlds in MineCraft, she told me the buildings are pre-made.

Hmm. Sounds like the pre-made belief system your daddy gifted you. …

Your stories, your lives, and your strength.

Yes, Middle-Pausers, you amaze me! I am continually reminded by your submissions how creative, resilient, determined, and strong you are. Your stories help me appreciate the simple things and I often live vicariously thru your writing.

I am encouraged and inspired by your beauty, fire, and faith. I am empowered to live fully by your love.

My mission when I began Middle-Pause was to encourage, inspire, and empower women to live lives of meaning and purpose. You have turned around and done the same for me.

Thank you.

Now, it’s time for your reading pleasure…drum roll…

Nooo! What is happening? I feel like I lost me. I don’t know who I am anymore. I can’t find my marbles, somebody switched my firm and supple skin for a dry bag of wrinkles, and I’m too tired to do anything about it.

Woe is me…can somebody out there help? After stewing in a pot of self-pity, I gathered my wits to make a plan of self-care and researched home remedies for women in menopause.

The average woman enters this maddening phase of life at 51 years old. To make her more relatable, I’ll name her Jennifer. (That is the most popular name for girls born 51 years ago.) …

That is right! I want to be blessed so I can bless you. If you think about it, blessings surround us. We just have to reach out and grab one. Or stand on one. Or recognize one.

Today, Marilyn and I are considering how blessings impact our lives. Looking back and looking forward. Meanwhile, I feel Diana is blessed to be a Kung-Fu Fighter extraordinaire! Finally, Gayatri is blessed to be whole all on her own.

I believe one of my biggest blessings is you! The writers and readers of Middle-Pause. You have blessed my life and changed my perspective.

You encouraged me, inspired me, and empowered me to write when I wanted to give up. …

I believe people want blessings in this time of unprecedented grief and despair. But how do we remedy our broken hearts and minds?

By standing on the promises of God! The Bible has countless examples of blessings for all occasions. We have to believe the future is bright, not bleak. Otherwise, what is the point?

Believing for our future is part of the human experience. We were created to live in hope.

For instance, as children, we hope to be a firefighter or a nurse when we grow up. As adults, we hope for financial stability. …

Who is your favorite? Give us a backstory and tell us why she is important to you. Help us, here at Middle-Pause, to get to know her. Let’s give our females their props!

I’ll start with mine.

When I asked myself that question, I heard a voice speaking from behind me. As I turned, a face emerged from the darkness vying for the position of my favorite woman — my grandmother, Freda.

I truly believe I got my love for all people from her. We both grew up in households where racism was rampant. …