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The 8 Questions to Ask Yourself to Better Navigate the Challenges of Midlife
“There is no greater wealth in this world than peace of mind.” ~Unknown
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. My body is going south. All of these changes happening in my body and health are worrying me, I have all these bad habits that are so hard to change. I don't feel like exercising and I have less energy compared to what I used to.
I can't sleep at night. I'm irritated all the time and it's impacting my relationship with my husband and my kids.
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’m not happy...People say they can see it all over my face.
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 can be challenging which calls us to look more deeply at the inner-landscape of our existence. Many of us start to feel a lot more 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 and is happening whether we resist or not. Many of us stay stuck in stress, fear, depression, unsatisfying careers, unhealthy relationship, self-limiting beliefs and overthinking etc.; which ultimately is our innate warning system alerting us that it’s time to open up and live more fully from the most authentic parts of ourselves.
The truth is stress is like a vicious storm that keeps brewing until something changes and we make a conscious effort to take our power back.
Yes, midlife can be challenging for us as women, but it doesn't have to be.
You can learn to move through the emotional/mental barriers that are keeping you from being the best version of yourself. You can learn how to make the best of this stage of your life by starting to live with more present awareness. Midlife is often a time when many reawaken essential elements of their true self, highest potential and life purpose.
Mindful reflections can help you connect with your inner-landscape of self-awareness, joy and inner-peace. Mindfulness is simply paying attention on purpose to your inner dialogue with self-compassion, self-acceptance and nonjudgement.
Your willingness to engage mindfully in the change process will determine how effectively you can cope and navigate through the transition of change at midlife.
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:
Where am I emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually, energetically, socially, and financially right now?
What part of the old me or old story/narrative do I need to leave behind in my past?
Who do I want to be in the next season of my life?
In what ways do I need to improve, develop or grow?
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 for wanting or needing to make these changes now?
What do I truly need to help support me as I navigate change at this stage of my life?
Are you ready for real transformation at this stage of your life? Book a 30 minute Free Initial Consultation today to explore options best suited for your unique goals and the life you desire to experience and live.