All right, fellow women writers....in a recent conversation with one of my best friends, we talked about rediscovering our passions, or finding new ones, in mid-life and beyond. We debated the best ways to do that, what sorts of events and issues drew our attention right now, and how what we wanted from life is different from when we were 20-something. At one point in the conversation, I commented that my friend is very much a nurturer because of what draws her attention. She made a face and said that the role of nurturer felt limiting. The conversation moved in a different direction, but this comment stuck with me.

Here is what interests me as a writer and a woman: Women are often put in a nurturing role without a choice. I think the role can be so much more than taking care of kids and elders (and pets and siblings and others who need a slice of us). The point I thought I made about my friend is that nurturers can reach out to the world in so many ways and she, as an old social worker who has a passion for social justice, is not limited in my mind.

What does the role, "nurturer", conjure for you?

I'm looking forward to your comments.