I am an average 39 yo white female, married for 16 years to a man that is my perfect "other half". No children, by choice, but do consider our four dogs part of our family. I share a lovely home and an amazing relationship with my husband but also have a sense of emptiness. I recently left my job and am fortunate not to need to seek other employment. So why this feeling that my life has no purpose and is in general just meaningless? I have always been defined by the work I did and now given the freedom to do whatever I'd like, I can't find a thing to fill the void. I do enjoy working out (most times), cooking/baking, being outside when the weather ever turns nice, love the movies and dining out. Can anybody relate? Or have a suggestion that might boost my spirits?

Every one has at least on novel in them. Start writing.

A lot of books today are just thinly vieled autobiographies. Start writing and loosely follow your life but spice it up and even lie your a#@ off! Who knows where it will end up?

Just some suggestions. :)

Recently leaving a job, especially if you had it for a number of years, can really contribute to a feeling of emptiness and meaninglessness.

You have stated that you have always been defined by the work that you have done. Rejoice in your new freedom and carve out other niches for yourself in life.

Might be time for a change of scenery and something new. Switching gears can be tough in mid-life. I can relate to what if feels like to have the feeling of emptiness in life, even though I really have all the material things that I need.

How about joining a group of people with similar interests? For me that would be music, gardening, archaeology, involvement in Christian church life and activities, coin collecting, one-on-one types of sports and games. Have been a member of the Rock Island Horticulture Club for a couple of years. Soon became the secretary. As of last week, I am now the president.

If you have any interest in gardening, perhaps there is a Master Gardener Course in you region that you could take. Usually lasts only a small number of weeks. But, is very informative. I loved to meet people who were into gardening as much as I am.

Volunteer for something. There are always people looking for volunteers.

Learn about anything new that you have an interest in.

If you don't know how to already, and have an interest in it, get a piano and learn how to play it. I am a piano teacher who, in addition to teaching children, has adult students who have never played any musical instrument in their lives. With the adults, a good deal of time during the lesson, while teaching at the same time, is devoted to confidence building. "I didn't know that I could do this until I tried."

Help people without asking for anything in return. Really gives a great feeling to yourself by being helpful.

Research the genealogy of you or your husband's family. Could do it secretly and give to your husband as a gift sometime.

Don't know what your skills are, but how about starting your own business?

If you like working with the elderly, there are many opportunities to work with them by helping them in their homes. I know that money is not an issue, but there are agencies that hire people to do things for the elderly. Can be very fulfilling helping and just sitting and talking with a "living library."

Many different clubs you might join. If not in your area, how about starting your own?

Rejoice in your new freedom and carve out other niches for yourself in life. It is a matter of choice. :)

You have some excellent suggestions from people. Another thing you might want to try is volunteering in your community. You could get some personal satisfaction from that and help others at the same time. Helping others can help towards putting things in your life into perspective.