Midlife Matters: Diane Amelia Read
At midlife, challenges for women, are welcomed.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m a big fan of “easy.” From grocery delivery apps to entertainment streaming services, comfort and convenience reign supreme. What’s not to love? So many things you want in day-to-day life… right at your fingertips!
The hard truth? The lure of comfort can come with unintended consequences. As convenience seduces you, it’s also whittling away at your vibrant, fulfilling life.
Slippery Slope Alert!
Are you old enough to remember having to cross the room to change channels on the TV? Movement was built into our sitting time.
“Reaching for “easy” can become a habit and as it does, almost imperceptibly, your world starts getting smaller.”
No more.
Overuse of convenience tools often leads to complacency… a state where motivation to grow, or change, or even move begins to wane. Reaching for “easy” can become a habit and as it does, almost imperceptibly, your world starts getting smaller.
When we consistently reach for the fastest and easiest option, it can become tempting to stop challenging ourselves. We choose the familiarity of routines over trying a new hobby, joining a class, or traveling somewhere new. Unfortunately, this can stifle personal development, leaving us feeling “happy enough,” but stuck and uninspired.
Next time you reach for convenience… particularly if it was a reflex versus a conscious choice… run your decision through the following filters. Then consider how you want to proceed. The Quick Fix steps offered can give you fresh perspective and reignite your curiosity, confidence, connection, and your get-up-and-go.
Why Midlife Challenges For Women Are Welcomed:
Filter #1: Lack of Skill Development: There Goes Self-Reliance:
Convenience can lead to skill stagnation. For instance, relying on pre-packaged meals might mean we miss out on the joys and benefits of cooking from scratch. Using apps for every task, from scheduling to directions, can reduce our practiced problem-solving abilities. Over time, we risk losing confidence in our capability to adapt or learn.
Quick Fix: Dedicate a small amount of time each week to learning or refreshing a skill. Try a simple cooking challenge or new recipe, pick up a puzzle, or dive into a DIY project. Learn a language. These activities keep the brain engaged (and potentially off screens… a whole other topic) and they boost self-reliance.
Filter #2: Sedentary Lifestyle: Your Body Doesn’t Want It:
Convenience often encourages inactivity. Online shopping replaces walking through the grocery store or mall; streaming services keep us on the couch instead of out at events.
Think of all that goes with “out”… getting dressed for it, commuting there, participating, maybe tagging on another activity, then making your way back home. Conversely, sedentary habits can lead to weight gain, joint stiffness, and increased risk of chronic illnesses.
Quick Fix: Make the conscious decision to move. Need to shop? Consider going to a small business for a win-win. Set reminders to get up and move every hour. Start with a 5-minute stretch, a walk around the house, or do a few bodyweight exercises. If you’re out and about, park farther from the entrance, or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Small, consistent actions can counterbalance the sedentary imprinting of modern convenience.
” Small, consistent actions can counterbalance the sedentary imprinting of modern convenience.”
Filter #3: Social Isolation: Comfortable But Lonely:
It’s never been easier to stay at home and have life delivered to you. Sure, it looks good on paper, but this convenience can reduce face-to-face interactions and weaken our social skills and networks. Social isolation not only affects mental well-being but it can also contribute to a decline in physical health, from blood pressure to immunity.
Quick Fix: Schedule and make regular in-person connections. Invite friends for a coffee date, attend a local event, go to the movies, or volunteer in your community. These moments of connection enhance well-being, build a stronger support system, and allow you to feel part of the bigger picture.
A Quick Note: Environmental Impact:
“Quick and effortless” often comes at a cost to the environment. All the fossil fuel it takes to get that cute top from China to your front door, single-use packaging, and energy-intensive technology all contribute to pollution and climate change.
By choosing to keep it local, supporting small businesses, opting for reusable products, and being mindful of consumption, we can mitigate some of these effects.
Finding Balance In Midlife And Daily Life:
While modern technology and conveniences offer undeniable benefits, it’s important to stay mindful of their downsides. By the time we hit this phase of life, we have the wisdom and experience to seek balance. By embracing challenges, fostering skills, staying active, and nurturing connections, we can create a life that’s not just comfortable but also fulfilling and resilient
Remember, growth often begins where comfort ends. So, what will you challenge yourself with today?
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About the Author:
Diane Amelia Read is an experienced growth partner, health and mindset advisor, stereotype disrupter, and surfer wannabe. She’s a Reiki Master Teacher, podcaster, StreetWise MBA graduate, and samba singer, Law of Attraction mentor, and motivational speaker.
Her mission is to make the world a more loving and interconnected place by helping women love themselves first so they can bring their most joy-filled awesomeness to everyone and everything else without depleting themselves
As a Mind & Body Alchemist For Women Over 50, Diane Amelia’s unique personal transformation toolbox is chock full of options for midlife women ready for sustainable improvement in their health, confidence, mindset, income, community, or all of the above.
