2nd half of life
I turned 40 last year, and had an early mid life crisis. I hear it's common to have a lot of nostalgia once you turn 40, and I had so much to process. I shared with my inner circle of friends and my Facebook connections my hopes/intentions for the next half of my life:
"... If I estimate that I've lived half of my earthly life, I'd like to live the next half of life more simply, and more joyfully... I've been blessed with much, but I've also had difficulty processing much.
I thought becoming a mother would be a destination... Even though I am my little one's whole world, there are inner voices that tell me I'm not enough unless I get xyz done. I'm working on turning those voices off...
Here's hoping for taking care of things that DO matter, empowering myself to be an adult and listening to God and my important people.
At 40, I enjoy introvert time, beauty in nature, quiet and calmness, and mild weathers. I've been married 10 years to the most supportive, gently-strong, mature man. As a mother of two, I'd like to shield them from the generational baggage, and have them grow to love each other and be kind to others, a major bonus if they eat veggies with dinner, and sleep in on Saturdays. As a photographer, I've been in constant critique mode, but that will have to remain compartmentalized.
Many hobbies have been put on hold to make room for mommy-demands, but I'd like to learn piano, read more, and lose the pregnancy weight magically. When our puppy is more trained and calmer, I'll get back to gardening our little backyard haven while wearing a lot of sun block..."
Along came a card from my husband that said, "You Live Life Beautifully" that I had pinned up on my ornate bulletin board, and things really started to resonate.
Live simply, joyfully, and beautifully.
It was nice to say this out loud, but it's also a tall order since I live/struggle with:
1. Depression (comes in waves of anxiety and irritability, diagnosed in early 30's, currently in therapy)
2. Guilt/Stress/struggle setting up boundaries
3. Introverted Mother
4. Perfectionism
5. Bereavement of mother in my mid 20's
It's been 40 years, it's time to feel the feelings and make the changes.

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