It’s time to tame midlife
The midlife point. I turn 40. No big deal. I was 46, 47… Surreal. The reality of life just smacks you in the face. This point in life, Midlife is very hectic.
Victor Hugo said: ‘Forty is the old age of youth, 50 the youth of old age.’ And in between, ten years of panic and crisis.
Now you start paying attention to all the small details of your life which in past you would not even ponder or maybe notice. Now everything is a big deal.
The regrets start accumulating. According to the world, you should have enough money for retirement, have a house and an established successful career. Reality is that you take of parents, kids and the dog. The world celebrates the young and look down upon the over 45. There is just so much pressure at this point in life. It can be overwhelming.
So having a midlife crisis seems a natural reaction. (Midlife crisis is not only reserved for men)
You start weighing in life achievements and all the lost opportunities. In between all this I am wondering should I colour my hair purple as a reflection of my being alive with energy. Or reduce to wearing peach and pearls. Then I think of Helen Mirren: “You write your life story by the choices you make”
I am still making sense of my midlife crisis. I am in the literally in the middle of it. I have been reading, watching videos online and have been freaked out! So many of the information out there is saying midlife crisis combined with menopause is a death sentence. Making the journey seemed so awful and terrifying. I took a breather and now have reduced the information to selected people who have a holistic integrative viewpoint. I follow these amazing ladies who give me the empowering info I need to navigate midlife – www.twitter.com/behindthewoman1, www.twitter.com/50sense and www.drnorthrup.com
Truth: Midlife is a time for transformation.
Body changes, mindset changes, energy level changes, work changes, lifestyle changes, relationship changes, hormonal changes. Being sensible and selective becomes priority.
At this stage in your life, it’s time to be sensible and make choices that will enhance and enrich your life. Frankly you don’t have the capabilities as a 30 year old and honestly don’t have the time. “Its as good as it gets” – this needs to be accepted to tame midlife.
5 things to do to tame your midlife crisis.
- Declutter – Remove all stuff that you have not used or need. Its liberating and makes you feel lighter.
- Get Moving – Walk, exercise, join a dance class. Get your body moving. Its good for you in so many ways.
- Stop being polite and start say NO. You have a life to design and live.
- Accept that you cannot change some things. The economy or the way your hubby chews food.
- Try something new. Learn something new. Make something new.
Have you experienced midlife crisis?
If so, what steps have you taken to cope with the crisis?