Do You Want to Thrive in Your Midlife?
Simple yet efficient ways to thrive in midlife.
In the last week of Sep 2023, I got to meet an old friend of mine. What is so special about this meeting?
In early 2000, most thoughtful kids in India and their families strongly believed that Computers were the world’s future and that computer-related Studies would change their lives. Me and my friend were one among them.
We did our undergraduate degree in Computer Science at a college in a small town in the Southern part of India. We both were in different classes. The only common thing between us was a moderate financial background, some familiar friends and a lot of ambition. We completed our degree in 2002, and life took us in different directions.
Fast forward 21 years later, we met at one of downtown Toronto’s most prominent business buildings. We both work in different areas, holding important positions in the same organization. We achieved most of what we aspired for during our formative years in college.
What was common during the transformative years after college?
Self-Belief:
We firmly believed in ourselves without any pinch of doubt. We were willing to see the potential opportunities in front of us. Always bold in taking risks.
Education:
We were continuing our formal education through Master’s programs in different universities. In addition, we continued our informal education by learning from every experience we had and every decision we made and building our knowledge bank.
Resilience:
We faced every positive and not-so-optimistic life event with courage and hope. We sometimes felt terrible and low, but we didn’t stop there; we gathered our strength back and started again with new beginnings.
Midlife Blues-
Humans who are energetic, hopeful and curious in their 20s slowly tend to lose those while reaching their 40s and after. It could be because of their life circumstances, the overstrain of their minds and bodies etc. As a result, they start to see some voidness in life.
How can we remove this emptiness and march forward with sheer happiness?
Be Grateful:
Show gratitude to your selves and the ones around you. Be grateful for where you are and what you have.
Each of us has a unique and long wishlist; some could be materialistic, such as a luxury car or house, and some could be non-materialistic, such as good health conditions, relationships, etc. Whatever the case, instead of lingering on what you want, focus on what is currently available and be grateful for that. Be joyful from within.
The universe will undoubtedly bring your wishlist if it is good for you.
Be Confident:
Believe in yourself and see the possibilities around you. You would only have come this far if you had enough capabilities. Internalize that thought and appreciate yourself; this will bring much confidence within you.
It’s okay if some of the decisions you made, plans you have created, or actions you have taken didn’t go in the direction you expected. Please do not beat yourself up for those. Appreciate yourself for making the effort and the lessons learnt, and move on confidently, as you have a wealth of wisdom gained from those experiences.
Slow down:
Don’t push yourself too hard. You are not in your 20s anymore. Be ready to treat your mind and body with kindness and compassion. Take enough breaks to rejuvenate them. Once you learn to slow down things, you will see a new version of yourself.
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” — Anne Lamott.
Slowing down doesn’t mean stopping everything that you are doing. It is more about being mindful in every action you are involved in, taking a few deep breaths before and after each activity, avoiding multi-tasking as much as possible and not worrying about the small things you can’t get into daily.
The more you slow down, the finer your achievements will be.
Prioritize Yourself:
Taking care of yourself is not a selfish act. It is a way of replenishing yourself to care and serve others better :
“Self-care is giving the world the best of you instead of what’s left of you?” — Katie Reed.
You might have spent your days caring for others out of love or obligation all these years. Now is the right time to take care of yourself — as many physical and mental discomforts might arise more than before. Build a routine to maintain a healthy diet, proper movement, and enough rest, and consistently practice them.
An empty tank will take you nowhere. So take the time to refuel.
Closing Thoughts
Whatever age you are, be proud of who you are. Show enormous love and gratitude to yourself and others. Continue learning new things. Be open to seeing new possibilities. Focus on one thing at a time. Life will be abundant and joyful!
