Feeling Fulfilled: The Choice Beyond Family and Children

The question of whether having a family and children is necessary for a fulfilling and complete life is one that has been debated for centuries. For some, the idea of building and nurturing a family is seen as central to personal happiness and fulfillment. However, this is not the only path to a meaningful and contented life. As a 68-year-old who has lived a balanced and rich life without having children, I can attest to the idea that you can indeed achieve fullness and contentment without a family.

Living a Fulfilling Life Without Children

My personal journey has been one of continuous achievement and satisfaction without the responsibility of caring for children. Being happily married for nearly 35 years, I have led a life full of varied experiences and accomplishments, which have contributed to my sense of fulfillment. From a 20-year career in high-tech programming, software instruction, and technical writing, to my hobby of stained glass art and pottery, each of these endeavors has brought me joy and a sense of purpose.

Diversified Pursuits for Personal Growth

After taking time away from my tech career to pursue other interests, I spent several years designing and building high-end koi ponds, winning first place in a national contest sponsored by a waterscape magazine. This diversion into natural beauty and competition further enriched my life. Additionally, I have been a prolific writer, publishing three novels, which are still available on Amazon, and a series of articles on Medium about our relocation to Spain and our adventures around Europe.

A Rich Life Through Non-Profit Work and Hobby

Contributing to the community has also played a significant role in my fulfillment. I founded a non-profit organization to support the Pagan community, where I taught Wicca 101 classes, organized drumming circles, and coordinated the annual Halloween Costume Ball fundraiser, all of which have been recognized by major news networks.

After retiring at 62, I moved to a mountain villa near Valencia, Spain, and embarked on a series of adventures. We have traveled extensively through Europe, including Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Germany, France, San Marino, Monaco, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein. We also attended the Puccini Festival in Italy, visited Brazil and Argentina, and even took a remarkable 30-day rail trip around these countries. This year, we have already planned trips to Greece, Iceland, and the Czech Republic, with more adventures in the works. These experiences have provided a rich tapestry of memories and an incredible sense of personal accomplishment.

Passionate Pursuits in Retirement

In my free time, I spend relaxing time in the pottery studio I have at our home, continuing to hone my craft and enjoy the creative process. This hobby not only keeps me engaged but also fulfills a deep-seated need for artistic expression.

Rescuing and Caring for Animals

Additionally, I have rescued hundreds of cats and dogs, looking after some while rehoming many. Currently, I have 11 rescue cats and one surviving rescue dog. This work has been incredibly rewarding and has given me profound emotional satisfaction.

For me, life is not defined by the presence or absence of children but by the choices we make and the paths we choose to follow. I love my life, feeling a deep sense of fulfillment and contentment. Had I chosen to have children, it is highly likely that it would have detracted from the richness and fullness of my life as I know it now. Children can indeed be a significant source of joy and responsibility, but so too can other pursuits and experiences.

Ultimately, the pursuit of a fulfilling life is a intensely personal journey, and while family and children can be a vital part of it for some, they are not the only way to achieve true fulfillment. You get out of life what you put into it, and I have put a great deal into living a life that is rich, varied, and deeply satisfying, without the burden of raising children.

Explore your own path, and you may find that a life without children can still be full, fulfilling, and contented. Life is what you make it, and each individual can find their own definition of contentment and purpose.