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“There is no greater wealth in this world than peace of mind.” ~Unknown
Mid-life is a stage in life where one expects to reap the rewards of their education and work experiences, but instead is confronted with devastating disappointments. This can include the loss of a parent or spouse, a divorce, a terminal illness diagnosis, or the loss of a job. It can feel like the ground has been pulled out from under your feet.
About 8 years ago, as I was just beginning to nestle into my midlife years, several thoughts began to hit me like a ton of bricks....
I’m not getting any younger here. All of these changes happening in my body and health are worrying me.
I can't sleep at night.
My career is important to me but I’m not deeply satisfied anymore.
I want to connect to my life purpose. I want to start my own business but I don’t have the financial means to even make ends meet right now.
I feel so disconnected. I don't feel like I have any personal power anymore.
I used to be on top of my game.
I’m not the same person I used to be. I don't even know if I like this person.
Navigating the Process of Change at Midlife through Mindfulness
Moving into the midlife phase of life, including hormonal changes, can be challenging which calls us to look more deeply at the inner-landscape of our existence. Many of us start to feel anxiety and tension searching for peace, harmony and balance amid multiple co-occurring stressors including divorce/breaking up with a partner, changing family relationships, re-discovering self, re-balancing work/personal life, securing enough financial resources, hormonal changes and health problems, taking care of children and aging parents, coping with losses, transitions and grief.
All of this often happens in the context of:
limited access to resources and tools that effectively manage stress
lack of knowledge of how to best navigate through change and transition
overwhelm and self-doubt--which prevents one to move towards something that's a little uncertain and unnerving.
Change is inevitable, yet many of us stay stuck in a fear state; which ultimately is our innate warning system alerting us that it’s time to live more fully from the most authentic parts of ourselves.
Midlife can be a time of crisis, yet also a time for new beginnings to reawaken essential elements of your true self, highest potential and life purpose. Your willingness to engage mindfully in the change process will determine how effectively you navigate and adapt through the midlife years.
Mindful reflections and asking the right questions can help you connect with your inner guidance. Mindfulness is simply paying attention, on purpose, to your inner dialogue with self-compassion, self-acceptance and nonjudgement.
The 8 Questions to Ask Yourself to Better Navigate the Transitions of Midlife
In a meditative state, take a few minutes of reflection to ask yourself these essential questions and jot them down a journal:
Where am I emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually, energetically, socially, and financially right now?
Who am I?
What part of the old me or old story do I need to leave behind in my past?
What lessons am a grateful to have learned up until this point of my life?
What steps/actions do I need to take toward who and where I want to be?
Who do I want alongside me or what type relationships do I desire in the next chapter of my life?
What are my biggest “WHY” reasons and motivations for waking up in the morning?
What do I truly need and desire to help support me as I navigate change at this stage of my life?
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." - Lao Tzu.
Are you ready to take small steps for real transformation? Book a complementary consultation today to learn more about how our 90-Day Restore, Rebalance and Thrive coaching program can help you find relief and clarity around shaping the life and health you desire; one step at a time!
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