Beyond The Midlife Crisis: Four Tips To Embrace ‘What’s Next’

Time To Reinvent: Beverley Glazer

“Beyond the midlife crisis” is a revelation, not merely a phrase.

Midlife is a time to look back on the past and accept the hard realization that your life won’t last forever. Often, this period is labeled as the midlife crisis, a time for regrets – or in the profound words of Joseph Campbell: “The middle age is when you reach the top of the ladder and find that it was against the wrong wall.”

If you found your ladder was on the wrong wall, perhaps you’re experiencing the typical feelings associated with a midlife crisis. But remember, midlife is also the perfect time to explore an exciting new direction.

My life has been a continuous exploration. In my younger days, I was filled with the allure of the theatre, film, and the arts. This zest led me to discover the intricate tales of Indigenous cultures. Every story, every legend, was a clue guiding me closer to my true calling -– helping others. It was during this phase of self-discovery, often associated with the midlife crisis, that my journey led me into the world of mental health, supporting others through coaching. This is my purpose and where I truly belong.

“The essence of fulfillment is living authentically and listening to your own inner voice.”

Challenges Of A Midlife Crisis:

Everyone needs their own sense of purpose, especially when navigating the challenges of a midlife crisis. The essence of fulfillment is living authentically and listening to your own inner voice.

From your very first breath, you were handed a checklist: school, work, love, family. These societal expectations became guideposts. But as the midlife chapter unfolds, possibly bringing with it a midlife crisis, and the pace of life may slow down or take a different twist, you might catch yourself pondering, “Am I living exactly the way I want it to be?’ or ‘Have I been living the way others expected?”

If you’re uncertain if you’re on the right path, or if the feelings of a midlife crisis have you feeling stuck, let your heart guide you. 

Four Tips To Help You Embrace What’s Next:

Here are a few tips to help you move forward, shift your perspective, and uncover the person you truly are:

1. Reflect on your passions: Take time to identify activities, or causes that ignite a sense of joy, fulfillment, and excitement within you. Pay attention to the things you naturally gravitate toward.
2.  Identify your values: Reflect on what truly matters to you. What are the principles, beliefs, and ideals that guide your life? Aligning your actions with your values can bring a sense of fulfillment.
3.  Embrace self-compassion: Be kind and understanding towards yourself. Accept that it’s normal to have doubts and uncertainties at any stage, particularly in midlife.
4.  Embrace personal growth: Continue to learn and grow throughout your life. Explore new skills, pursue education or training, or engage in personal development activities and hire a coach, to expand your knowledge, capabilities and love of life.

“It’s a chance to reflect and recalibrate.”

Chance To Reflect And Recalibrate:

Midlife, even with its occasional crisis moments, offers a unique pause button. It’s a chance to reflect and recalibrate. It’s your moment to embrace the person you’ve become and align with your passions and dreams. 

And if you’re still feeling stuck, remember, it’s never too late to pivot and redefine. Your most exhilarating chapter is just around the corner. So, are you ready for your next epic journey? Uncover how close you are to living your dream life and embrace the adventure that lies ahead. 

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