The Gray Area: Midlife Mash Up

A mash up is kind of what midlife feels like, right? A mix of two or more different elements coming together. As if you’re somewhere in the gray area between young and old, fast and slow, flexible and rigid. It’s considered the transitional period of life between young adulthood and old age where you often find your relationship roles shifting.

If you’re midlife and have children, those children are likely now young adults. Probably starting to pursue careers and independent lives of their own without needing constant support or frequent assistance from you. And if you’re midlife and have parents that are still living, it could mean helping take care of your parents in a variety of ways at varying levels of care. Midlife is also considered the Sandwich Generation – providing simultaneous support for young adult children and aging parents.

Wow, that feels like a lot.

And it is! But it’s not just children and parents that you’re juggling. You’re also managing other relationships, extended families, your job and trying to find time for yourself which can often lead to burnout, depression, isolation and guilt. Midlife is commonly the time when we reassess our lives – take stock of our financial situation, come to terms with increasing limitations and perhaps regrets about our past. There are changes in jobs, careers, marriages and possibly the early stages of mental or physical decline. Yes, that is a lot.

No wonder midlife crises are so popular, but not really by choice. They can be a result of all that turbulence and ambiguity. And while midlife transitions can be overwhelming and challenging, they can also be an opportunity to look ahead with a growth mindset and not down the path to a shiny red sports car.

“So how do I endure midlife?”

You make the most of it! Every challenge you face in a transitional period, whether it’s midlife or another stage, can be seen as a learning opportunity – to be better and to do better. It’s about your perspective and mindset. Trust me, I know those challenges are hard. They often highlight our weaknesses in ways we’d rather not see, but try to look at what the challenges are teaching you.

Maybe it’s finally pushing you to get organized and bring your multi-tasking skills to the varsity team. Maybe it’s teaching you to say No to things that aren’t a priority for you but are causing you added stress. Or maybe it’s about learning to shift your mindset about how you look at it all. When you start understanding your thoughts, it drastically affects your emotions, actions and results. Reach out to a friend who seems to be mastering midlife – tap them for ideas. Also, life coaches are amazing resources that help you sift through your challenges and mindset and provide guidance as you move forward through the ambiguity.

Ok, let’s do this

You’re in midlife. That means you have a wealth of life experience behind you, you’re likely a more confident person and you know what you value. Start there, but then push yourself and go further. There’s room for growth in the chaos. If you can shift your perspective to see your transitions and challenges from a different mindset, you might just see a new outlook that resembles a warm, glowing glimmer of light.

With Grace,

Leah

P.S. And if this resonated with you in any way, please share it with others. The more compassion and understanding that’s out there in the world, the better.