As midlife approaches, it can often seem like the world is out to get you. Unexpectedly, the thing you thought was going to give you freedom and respite – entering adulthood – starts to feel like a prison, a box of limitations that you can't escape from. It can feel like an oversaturated cloud of expectations, responsibilities and barriers.
It doesn't have to be this way, though. Midlife is a time of renewal, one where you can reach new depths and discover you are capable of more than you ever believed possible. You can start to rebuild and make changes to create a better balance in your life, to start breaking barriers so you can live the life you want.
First is being honest with yourself. What are you afraid of? Are you scared of making a change because you're comfortable where you are, or because you're worried about failing if you make a change? Are you trying to keep up with everyone else and their expectations, instead of living your own truth? Once you are able to truly identify what's holding you back and why, you will start to understand the barriers you need to break.
The next step is to start taking action. Making changes to create a better balance in your life isn't something that happens automatically: it's something that needs to be worked on every day. Start by setting achievable goals for yourself and creating realistic timelines for when you want to achieve them. Make a plan, write it down and stick to it.
Focus on yourself, not on others. It's easy to get caught up in comparison and competition when you're around other people, but remember to focus on your achievements and no one else's. Chances are the person you are comparing yourself to is dealing with other issues and worries just like you are. Don't let yourself spiral into a guilt trip about how everyone else has their life together more than you.
Don't dwell on the past. Sure, it's important to reflect on your experiences, but now is the time to start looking forward. Recognize the evolution of your life, your growth, and all the things you have accomplished along the way. Take pride in the person you have become instead of getting hung up on what you could have done differently.
In midlife, it's important to recognize that the choices you have are yours alone, and that each choice is going to have different ramifications. Break beyond limitation and find the balance that works best for you. This is the key to living a life of contentment and fulfillment no matter where you are in life and no matter what barriers stand in your way.
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