Ways to Address Your Midlife Crisis

I find it a bit peculiar to be writing for my Midlife blog at this life stage given that I've already moved beyond the midlife phase. In fact, I'm on the brink of becoming an official senior next month as I celebrate my 65th birthday! Nonetheless, I'm aware that a fresh wave of women have entered the midlife stage and could benefit from some guidance. That's why I've decided to revisit and refresh some of the older posts I began crafting over a decade ago.

 

So What's All the Talk about Midlife Crisis?

I know women will do a search engine search for midlife crisis when they don't have another word to put on how they're feeling. I know because I did it so many years ago. When a woman finds herself in what she perceives as a "crisis" during midlife, her primary desire often centres around shedding unsettling emotions. However, the root causes of these feelings can be quite diverse.

Many women have experienced moments of joy and happiness, the sensation of a healthy body, and the pursuit of meaningful goals over their lifetime to date. They've known what it feels like to be affirmed and needed, desired even. Often, these are the emotions they yearn to reclaim.

For many women, a looming apprehension revolves around the future and the uncertainty it holds. That future might be described as years ahead, but more often it is simply the week ahead. They want to jump out of their emotional pain and into that exciting new adventure as soon as possible. 

As children grow and prepare to move on themselves, a sense of melancholy can wash over a woman. Some women even feel jealous of their children's active lives. It can become easy to get caught up in feeling sorry for where they currently find themselves--not quite as young, beautiful, and spry as in the past. 

And some can't picture a positive future version of themselves, one that includes health and well-being and no children in the home. 

Then again, some women have had problem children who can't wait for the children to move out and have lives on their own. But the adult children remain, gobbling up their time and energy. 

To get over these confusing feelings it is essential to put down imaginary desires for what might be a different and better life and instead accept and appreciate the present for all it holds. 

Train your mind to appreciate today, and rest assured that as your children eventually move on that you'll evolve too. Ask the Lord to help you look forward to the future he has planned for you.

 

Ways to Alleviate Your Midlife Crisis

Let's delve into ways to address and alleviate the turbulent emotions that frequently arise in midlife.

It's common for women to attribute their emotional turmoil to various external factors such as their husbands, financial constraints, or life circumstances. In their quest to find relief, they may attempt to manipulate these circumstances to improve their emotional state. This could involve seeking new job opportunities, engaging in extramarital affairs, or displaying erratic behavior towards their spouses, among other things. However, it's crucial for women to recognize that what they truly desire is often not a change in their external circumstances but rather a release from the distressing emotions themselves.

In other words, be cautious of following the world's ideas of tossing your job or relationships out the window too hastily. Don't give up what is right in front of you for some whimsical dream of a better life. 

Some of my Doodle/Novelty Artwork.

Tips for Managing Your Emotions 

Here are a few ideas for overcoming troubled feelings in midlife:

1. Self-Reflection: Be curious about your thoughts and feelings in an attempt to understand the root causes of your emotions. Self-awareness can be the first step towards addressing and resolving underlying issues.
2. Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist who can provide a listening ear and valuable insights. Sharing your feelings and experiences can be cathartic and enlightening.
3. Emotional Management: Explore techniques for emotional regulation, such as mindfulness, meditation, or giving yourself permission to rest or pace yourself. These practices may help you cope with difficult emotions in a healthier way.
4. Set Realistic Goals: Instead of seeking external changes, focus on setting small, realistic, and attainable personal goals. Achieving small goals may boost your sense of accomplishment and well-being.
5. Reignite Passions: Reconnect with hobbies or interests that once brought you joy or new ones you believe may bring you joy. Then share them with the world. Share photos on social media or in a blog of your own. Share them in a community setting. Share them in your own front yard. Working on your passions can reignite a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and obtaining feedback from others will give you a boost. 
6. Communication: Open and honest communication with your partner can be instrumental in addressing relationship issues and finding solutions together. Look each other in the eye when speaking, and echo back what each person is saying so each feels validated. 
7. Acceptance: Understand that midlife is a phase of transition and self-discovery. No matter what steps you take to retain your youth, aging will happen. Embrace the changes and uncertainties as opportunities for personal growth.
8. Professional Help: If your emotions feel overwhelming and persistent, don't hesitate to seek the guidance of a mental health professional who can provide tailored support and strategies.

Remember, if you're in a midlife crisis, it's often the inner emotional landscape that requires attention and transformation rather than external changes. You can find peace and contentment during midlife especially as you give yourself grace and acceptance. 

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