Looking Forward

My previous post talked about anticipation.  I believe this is a more important message than I first thought.

We've heard of the "mid-life crisis" that often was associated with fortysomething men who suddenly decided to get their ears pierced and start dating a twenty-one year old named Genni. But women over 40 also have their own internal questions to face.  However, I think this time of life can be rich and fulfilling - provided that you continue to look forward.

I've already noticed how tempting it is to look backward. I look backward to my younger self, my younger body, my younger expectations. I look backward to see myself full of potential and possibility, excited to take on the world and see how it would turn out.

Now that I'm older, I realize it is easier to celebrate life's past accomplishments than plan new ones. It is easier to mourn losses than enjoy the gains - no matter how small they may be.

I remember as a child how Christmas seemed to take forever in arriving. Everything took so long to happen and I was impatient. I wanted action! I didn't want to wait! But I do remember how excited I was, looking forward to the special day, filled with family, traditional recipes, and gifts.

Some of the women I've spoken with seem stuck. They want more but unsure of what "more" will mean. What is the cost of making changes in one's life during the middle years?

When we were young, we looked forward. Could there not be a "looking forward" for us during this time in our life? I say, "Yes! Yes, there still is so much for us! Go for it!" It's been discovered that great innovations come later in life for many.

One client of mine is working on a book. She has been working on this project for years. I know how much it means to her. But I've noticed something - she has the anticipation that often is lacking in many others during the middle years. Her eyes sparkle and she sees possibility. She has taken the steps necessary to achieve her goal of getting published and it's written all over her face.

The one gift I believe middle age has given us is an awareness that each day is precious. We realize more than ever that we have a limited number of them. Make every day count by setting goals to achieve more in your life.

Look forward and anticipate reaching your own personal best!

Comments

[Marilyn]

This is the article that my spirit has needed to read for so long. I have not been happy and didn't know why. It's to much time being spent looking back at losses and not forward to tomorrow's potential. Thanks, I needed this. M