In the Thick of the Sandwich Generation: Barb Dvoracek, 47

Today's episode is part 2 of 3 of a special sisters' series. Part 3 is a bonus episode that will air this Thursday, September 5th.

My guest Barb Dvoracek and I talk about how she is balancing priorities as part of the sandwich generation, why we should get better at forgiving ourselves, and how she maintains her connection to family and to friends – old and new. We also talk about the happiness curve and how mid- to late-40s is a time when many women, and men, feel a level of discontent that is not necessarily dependent on circumstances. Finally, Barb busts the tired stereotypes around gray hair.

Barb Dvoracek worked for 17 years at a global consumer products company in management and clinical research. She has bachelor's degrees in psychology and human biology, and a master of science in microbiology. Barb also recently completed another master's in social work in order to make a career change. She lives in Wisconsin and has been married to her husband Bill for 17 years. Barb has taken a year off work to spend more time with her four children, ranging in age from 10 - 24, and to help care for her parents.

If you are tuning in for the first time, you'll want to check out last week's episode with Sandi, which is part one. On Thursday Barb and Sandi are in conversation together. One that was very moving for all of us. You won't want to miss it.

I'd like to thank Sandi for proposing this series and Barb for being so enthusiastic! I'm grateful to them for their support and for sharing their voice with us.

If you would like to join in the conversation, please let me know. I'd also love to hear your thoughts, your questions, your ideas. Please head over to www.fortiesstories.com. From there, you can email me or find me on social media. I'd like to thank everyone who has left a rating or review for the show! It is a labor of love for me and so I very much appreciate the gesture as it helps more women find the show. I know that so many of you have also shared the show with friends – and I am grateful.