How to Overcome Feeling Too Old for New Challenges
Sometimes when it comes to making big changes in our lives,
we may begin to feel as if we’ve overcome climbing the hill only to find
ourselves sliding down the other side. Whether you’re in your 40’s, 50’s or
beyond, with all the efforts that had come from climbing that hill, maybe it’s
time to enjoy midlife and being on top of it for awhile before succumbing sliding down the
other side.
Age is an attitude
You can choose to see yourself as over the best years of your life, setting yourself up for disappointments and failures for the remaining years; or you can see yourself moving into the best years of your life, as you may have finally figured out what it really is that you want to do. By pursuing your dreams and interests now, you can live the next half of your life doing what makes you happiest. These days, 40 or 50 are still considered young with many years of vibrancy left to face and fulfill. Making a midlife transition shows that we realize that life lasts a lot longer than we typically think it does and we have only lived half of it or even less than half!
There is no doubt that the last few decades spent climbing up that hill of life has taken some toll on our bodies and minds which can leave us feeling old now and then. We definitely know that we aren’t 20 or 30 anymore, which may lead to some midlife depression and down days. But we must keep in mind that we still have many, many good years of life left to fill.
Now might as well be as good of a time as any to pursue those dreams and goals that you’ve realized are where your interests truly lie. That good climb up the hill has brought us many experiences and much knowledge that we can now use to help benefit us as we sit on top of the hill looking back on the climb and looking forward to what lies ahead. Midlife changes can be seen as a natural stage of development in our adult years. Use this wisdom to keep you moving forward and maybe even upward. Why not? After all, there are still many things in life to experience and we have many good decades left to enjoy them!
There’s a reason why many people finally do what they love after retirement. Don’t let the idea of “being too old” or “it’s too late to do that” hold you back and defeat you from doing what you truly enjoy. Instead think that you’re going to make this midlife transition because you still have many great years ahead of you to spend your life living in the way that inspires you the most.
Face your fears and move right through them. Action cures fears while doing nothing strengthens fears. Let go of the negative perceptions of what is considered being too old to do and letting it prevent you from starting on something new or doing what you truly enjoy. Whatever our age, practice doing what you feel is right for you, rather than allowing fear, doubt and negative perceptions hold you back from such.
It’s never too late to improve or change your life.
Energy can still be renewed, health can still be improved
and strength can still be built up. Here are some things to consider for continuing
a youthful grasp of your life!
-Add new tasks to your routine or switch chores with your partner or children.
-Take courses, either in a class or by picking up books or learning videos on new topics of interest.
-Allow yourself to daydream of possibilities beyond what you currently have. Once you dream of them, you will feel inspired to create/fulfill them!
-Try/create new meals; keeping in mind to nutritionally indulge in foods/ or supplements that fill your body’s current and changing needs.
-Find an exercise routine that you enjoy doing and do stretches that work out stiff joints and promote flexibility. Team up with a work out partner to make it even more enjoyable.
-Indulge in things you once enjoyed doing, but may not have made time to do in awhile.
-Check your community calendar to find and try new activities.
-Make time to be with others who you enjoy spending time with. With those who inspire you; who fill you with energy and joy.
-Volunteer or find a new job where you would enjoy providing
your time and services.
You’re still the driver of your vehicle of life. You can
decide whether to sit at a dead end, or find a new path to take your adventures
on to. What you decide is 100% up to you.
When has keeping up with routines and making changes become more challenging for you?
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This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2010 Mary Roark
