Oh my goodness, this is a fabulous thread!! Sue, I am sorry you are feeling this way. Boy, have I felt that way myself. But mine was true depression. Like Lprstn, I experienced a string of losses that were unbelievably profound in four years (brother, Mother-in-law,Mom, Grandma, Grandpa, Sister-in-law). All of these people were integral to my life either for me, my husband or my kids. I believe the worst, though, was seeing my mother lose my brother. He was her oldest child and I felt so helpless as I watched her suffer with this loss. She died 10 months later, I believe, of a broken heart. She was diabetic but there was no indication clinically that things were not going well. Her organs just shut down. I sat with her for 3 days until she died. I couldn't sleep or eat - and it changed me. For two years, I struggled to regain my footing in life. I was exhausted all the time and the winters, especially, were bad. I just didn't see the point in anything. When things would get a little better, someone else I loved would die. What a terrible time.
My point in telling you this, is not to whine, but to illustrate the point that lprstn was making. I really do not worry about much anymore. For example, my husband was laid off six months ago and the country is in the midst of this huge financial crisis so jobs are quite scarce, but I've hardly worried at all. After all, no one is going to die. No one is sick etc etc etc. What's the absolute worst thing that could come out of this? We could have to move. Somehow this does not seem that cataclysmic after the things we've been through in previous years. (Please note, I don't believe wwill actually have to move, but is is the worst possible thing that could come of this which is why I use it to make my point.)
These events have really crystallized in my mind the things that are truly important to ME! Not anyone else, not societal standards, and not compared to my neighbor. Those things are, my family both immediate and extended, my friends, my pets, knowledge, and seeing the world. I do not give a hoot if someone else thinks travel is frivolous. In my opinion, it is one of the best gifts I can give my kids. It instills an open mind and a feeling that the world is not inaccessible. I am very picky about giving my kids THINGS, but I will take them almost anywhere. Embrace the fact that you want to travel and do not be ashamed of it!! Each and every person should decide what is important to them and you are lucky if you have found that, even if other people can't relate to it

(For example, I do not understand the career thing. I am one of those people who would never have to work another day in my life to be content

If I have to have a job though, I'm glad I have mine as a special ed teacher. I love it.
P.S. I'm 42, but I think my midlife crisis got lost in the shuffle.
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