The Middle of Your Life
Reaching Middle Age and actually acknowledging the experience
are two different feelings. 1. You go thru the fear of
approaching it
2. You go into denial that you really have reached this age.
3. You begin to change everything in your life
4. Even if you accept it or not the experiences begin to happen
You really are in the middle of your life. Aging parents whom
you thought would never look, act or be any different from what
you knew as a child start to change and become vulnerable right
in front of your eyes. One day they seem fine and outspoken as
ever and the next you're looking into the faces of people with
ailments and medical charts and more needs than you can handle.
The next experience seems to be that you begin to envision your
own mortality. Not something that crossed my mind until my mid
forties and realization set in that I was becoming one of the
older generation. The selling of my original home that always
housed my parents and all my first experiences of life was quite
an ordeal. The emotions of letting go are quite vast when you
realize you no longer have that physical connection to return
to. You are the connection.
The flip side of that middle age is looking at your children
that are now adults. Fitting into their lives is another
challenge. You don't want them to go through the same hardships
as you but you also have to let them learn and find their own
paths in life. You need to remember that even if you don't think
so, there is a generation gap. They're doing things their way
and you know they need but definitely do not always want your
opinion or comments. You find you just agree to keep the harmony
and just keep reassuring them of how proud you are of who
they've become.
So you see, you are middle age and haven't the foggiest idea of
what to do next! You realize that now that all those trips or
vacations you thought you would always have time for seem more
of a chore than a pleasurable opportunity. Your priority list
needs to be updated. The time is passing and if you blink, it
may no longer be available to you or you may feel to stiff and
out of shape to do the most with such valuable time.
It's time to make a few decisions with yourself in mind. What do
you want in your life? Where are your finances at this point in
time? Is it time to downsize, remodel or sell? Is it time to
bring out those dusty goals and dreams you put away for the
future? The future has arrived. Is it time for a makeover of
mind, body and homestead?
Just know for sure that you are not alone. Many aging baby
boomers exist out there and have as many questions as you. It's
time to build a boomer sitemap of your own and step into the
next phase of your life. Enjoy!