ABSTRACT
As I entered middle age, I found myself in a good psychological place. I felt secure and satisfied with my life. Marriage, motherhood, and my work were all immensely fulfilling. I couldn't imagine being in a better place either personally or professionally. Mother, who herself was always poised for disaster, warned against expressing such sentiments out loud. She was one of those people who quickly knocks on wood after an utterance of good fortune so as not to tempt the fates.
