I never fully understood the phrase “season of life” until I found myself in the middle of several at the same time. Maybe you can relate?
Any other midlifers out there dealing with multiple seasons all at once? Maybe it’s in your career, where you feel too young to retire but too old to start over. Or with your kids, who are growing up, becoming more independent, and needing you less—or maybe needing you more, but in different ways. Then there’s the physical and emotional side of things: perimenopause, menopause, changes that remind you that no one, including your parents, is getting any younger.
When this all converges at once, it feels like a hurricane. I’m just trying to find my way to the eye of the storm, where it’s calm, even if just for a moment.
But here is what I’m learning as I navigate these seasons:
- Prioritize Self-Care: When your body is changing, and your responsibilities are increasing, self-care becomes non-negotiable. Whether it’s a moment of silence with a cup of tea or an afternoon spent outside in nature, find your calm in small rituals. For instance, at work, I make it a point to block off my lunch hour as a time for myself. Instead of working through lunch or rushing to run errands, I use that hour to recharge. Whether it’s reading my Bible app, diving into a good book, writing a blog post, journaling, or treating myself to lunch or coffee, I make sure that time is just for me.
- Let Go of Perfection: There’s a tendency to want to control everything…or as much as we can…but the truth is, we can’t. Give yourself permission to let go and allow life to unfold, imperfections and all. This is easier said than done, and probably one of the most challenging aspects I’m personally working through. Our need for perfection often stems from our early life experience, but we need to learn to release that pressure to preserve ourselves. If you’re looking for some guidance, Brene Brown’s book “The Gifts of Imperfection” is a fantastic resource!
- Lean on Your Circle: Whether it’s family, friends, or a supportive online community, don’t go through this alone. Sharing experiences with others who are in the same season can make it feel more manageable. It’s why I’m here, “talking” with you!
- Embrace the Change: Accept that multiple things may be happening simultaneously, and that’s okay. It’s normal for life to come in waves—learning to ride them rather than resist is important. Again, easier said than done. I’m finding that sometimes, you just have to go with the flow, even if it’s not what you planned. I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, even the seemingly bad stuff. All of it is leading you to the path you’re supposed to be on. And sometimes, we have to go through the muck to get to where we’re meant to be.
- Rewriting Your Path: Remember, just because you’re in the midst of multiple transitions doesn’t mean you can’t rewrite your story. Each season offers a new beginning, even if it feels like an ending.
At the end of the day, the storms of life will always come. But finding calm within the chaos, even briefly, can help us emerge stronger. What seasons are you currently navigating, and how are you weathering the storm?