Are you familiar with the quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes: “Most people go to their grave with their music still inside them”?
I would like to see every woman and man refute this quote. It is in midlife that we can take steps that assure that we bring forth our music. This is a time of really getting in touch with what we need in order to be happy and can take action to make the necessary changes. Going inside and really listening to self takes setting aside time and going to a quiet place.
Mid life is a major time of transition. In many ways I see this as being as tumultuous as was the transition from adolescence to adulthood in the teen years. Mid life is the stage that if we handle it well will take us into aging vibrantly. Just like all teenagers do not act out during this time of transition as they learn to become independent likewise not all men and women have a midlife crisis. What is true is that in both transition phases the transition cannot be avoided. These are necessary changes to deal with in order to move successfully into the next stage of life.
As I look at midlife I see three significant events that happen simultaneously that have to be dealt with:
1. New awareness that life is no longer endless
We become keenly aware that we are moving beyond the halfway point of life. Prior to this most of us did not worry about how much time we have left. Most of us did not even think about it. Suddenly there is an internal shift to a keen awareness of time running out accompanied by the question: what do I want?
2. Hormonal Changes
Women – Menopause – this is the official ending of women’s reproductive life. This is a significant event for all women. The changes that lead to menopause are physical and emotional and signify the ending of the ability to create life. There is also an awareness that the body is beginning to change.
Men – also experience hormonal changes which result in physical and emotional changes which are not as specific as menopause is for women. It is a time when men become keenly aware of the fleeting of time and physical changes in their body and feel an urgency to take action to make changes.
3. A Mindset for Growth
Our mindset becomes very significant at this transition point in life. A mindset that is built on growth will be the foundation for taking responsibility to make this the best time of our life. A mindset built on the premise that we can keep growing through-out life becomes the foundation for moving forward with courage, optimism, and a willingness to take action to make changes
Mid Life and Vibrancy
Mid life is the time when people become fully aware that life is no longer limitless. Now there is a sense of urgency of wanting to be happy and follow ones dreams. Yet at the same time there are commitments and obligations which make it more difficult to pursue ways of bringing forth ones music.
In order to bring forth ones music all three points above need to be addressed. Reality is that life is indeed time wise limited. However, how we care for our bodies, if we pursue our passions, if we create relationships that give us joy and if we have fun and enjoy our lives is up to us. Mid life is the time when men and women become aware that there is still a lot of music to bring forth. The ones who do bring forth their music will have set the foundation for aging vibrantly.
