Do you ever feel like time is slipping away faster than you can say “Where’s my readers?”. Are you grappling with the realization that there’s more life behind you than ahead? If you resonate with these sentiments, know that you’re not alone! I’ve been there myself. At 49, I found myself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, cycling through the stages of grief, mourning not just the passing years, but also my youth.
Grief doesn’t discriminate—it can manifest in various forms of loss, including the loss of youth, which often hits hardest as we approach the milestone of 50. I experienced the stages of grief firsthand: denial, anger, and depression. But amidst the darkness, I found a glimmer of hope, a path leading towards acceptance.
If you’re navigating similar emotions, take heart. There’s light at the end of the tunnel.
Here are 5 strategies that helped me reclaim joy and purpose in midlife:
1. Focus on the present
Focus on what you can control. Everyone will die one day. And although mortality is out of our control – what we can control is longevity. When you focus on having one foot in the grave what do you feel? Anxiety? Sadness? Depression? What do anxiety, sadness, and depression have in common? They can all lead to illness. The kind of illness that will make your time on earth even shorter. Since you are reading this blog, I will assume you still have a beating heart 😊 What a blessing. And since you have a beating heart you can use this beautiful thing called “time” to your advantage.
2. Make Plans.
What would get you excited about life again? What would light you up? What plans can you make that you would look forward to experiencing? What would make you feel alive? Consider being of service to others. Help a neighbor, volunteer, spread love in some kind of way. When in a state of suffering you are focusing on yourself. The quickest way out of suffering is to focus on others.
3. Celebrate every birthday
I know I know – It’s a hard pill to swallow when the number of candles on your cake could be mistaken as a bonfire but when you live in gratitude you see every passing year as a blessing. Birthdays take on a new meaning as we grow older. Take a moment to honor the memories of those who are no longer with us, recognizing the privilege of growing older and cherishing the moments we have. The best way to honor them is to be grateful for the air in your lungs and your beating heart. I invite you to put your hands on your heart right now – Breathe deeply – And give thanks for this moment – for this day – for this life.
4. Put your Gyno on speed dial.
Your depression and ruminating thoughts could be (in part) due to perimenopause. There I said it. The “M” word. The hardest stage in life for some women – mentally, emotionally, and physically. As Gen X women sometimes, we just need to talk it out, as opposed to, researching it online like younger generations will do when their time comes. Hormone replacement therapy helped improve my mental health. After speaking to my doctor to understand what I need I found an online pharmacy that makes it easy to get it delivered. I use ByWinona.com. They respond quickly to questions, ship directly to me, and are reasonably priced. Do your research. You are bound to find an online pharmacy that fits your needs.
5. finally – Girl’s night!
While your doctor is there for education, your girls can be there for emotional support. It is important to talk about how you are feeling during this stage of life and to people who you trust. You are a human being having a human experience that creates real human emotions! And that’s ok. It’s natural to have these thoughts as we age. If you do not have close friends to confide in, seek a therapist or join an online group. Do anything …. except go through it alone.
Remember, ladies, age is a state of mind. You get to choose what this chapter of your life looks like. Instead of slowing down, I say we kick it up a notch! Gen X women can be role models for younger generations by redefining what “older” looks like. Embrace the journey ahead with open arms and remember, it’s not about how much time you have left, but how you choose to spend it.
Ready to embark on your journey to a fulfilling midlife? Check out my Best Life Journal in my shop. Each page of this journaling activity is designed to inspire introspection, spark insights, and empower positive change. Start writing the next chapter of your story today!