How to Thrive During the Midlife Years

Getting older can be daunting and sometimes scary; learning how to thrive during the midlife years can help with this time of transition. Can I be honest, just like menopause, no one prepared me for midlife. It was the furthest thing from my radar and it just kinda crept up on me. I watched my parents get older but never tried to understand what was happening. I was busy being a teenager and young adult.  At the time life was easy.

Watching my children leave for college was the life event that triggered my midlife experience. I began to focus on missed opportunities and goals that I had yet to achieve. Traveling the world, becoming an inspirational speaker and being able to do at least 1 pull up were things I had yet to do. Some may consider this time to be a crisis but I prefer to call it my time of awakening. It has been an enlightening and interesting journey, I have learned the importance of being gentle with myself as I thrive and embrace my new life.

Talk About It

Therapy has taught me to focus on the positive aspects of maturing. This includes changing the negative narrative about getting older and embracing the reality of having wisdom while generating a sense of accomplishment. Being able to create a mindset to concentrate on the joy of re-creating my life is liberating, inspiring and an essential part of self-care. Knowing that it’s still not too late to do whatever I want to do keeps me motivated. My attitude is “Why Not Me”. A major part of my therapy has included journaling, this allows me to capture thoughts, and emotions in the moment. I keep a journal nearby which helps me stay present and connected to my feelings.

Stop Comparing Yourself

In the world of social media this may seen impossible. Menopause, empty nesting and midlife is different for everyone, we each have our own experience. It is so easy to look at someone else and think that they have it all together. The perfect life, family, body or so it seems.The comparison game is exhausting and leads to self hate. At 51 years old I accept that my body has changed and it doesn’t mean that I am less beautiful or attractive. The lumps, bumps and lines add texture and show that I have I lived and have a story to share.  In fact I am getting better and I have learned to love the transition.

Trust The Process

My grandmother is 96 years old and has decades of wisdom and knowledge. I have learned from her that life doesn’t stop when you get a certain age. Now is the time to start a business, go back to school or anything else you desire. Life is passing by quickly and we are not bystanders watching without any input. Instead we are active participants that are fully aware and able to take charge of the outcome. We can never get back time, however with the right attitude we can be intentional about growing and thriving during the midlife years.