Summary

Debbie Walker reflects on life's midpoint, discussing personal growth, the challenges of transition, and the importance of leaving a meaningful legacy.

Abstract

In an introspective article, Debbie Walker shares her thoughts on being in the midst of life's journey, addressing the complexities of aging and change. She poses three pivotal questions about life's improvement, the nature of transition, and the legacy one leaves behind. Walker emphasizes the power of choice in bettering one's life, the value of letting go to embrace growth, and the significance of creating lasting memories through "Legacy Letters." She advocates for a healthy lifestyle, cherishing moments with loved ones, and the impact of caregiving as forms of greatness. The article serves as a reflective guide for those navigating the middle stages of life, offering insights into finding joy and purpose amidst life's inevitable transitions.

Opinions

Life can improve with conscious choices, such as adopting a healthy lifestyle and focusing on what truly matters.
Transition, though complex, can lead to personal growth when one learns to let go of the past and embrace change.
Leaving a legacy is not just about memories but also about creating value that will influence future generations.
"Legacy Letters" are a powerful way to preserve one's story and impact descendants long after one is gone.
Caregivers are unsung heroes whose greatness lies in their selfless contribution to others' lives.
Reflecting on one's life and documenting experiences can be a cathartic and meaningful exercise for oneself and future generations.

Are You In the Middle of Your Life?

I have three questions for you.

I know I am, in media res, in the middle of things such as life, transition, and memories. It seems everybody wants a piece of me, and I am on the precipice of change. Sometimes I wonder how my children and grandchildren will remember me.

Pulled in all directions from the middle, I had to stop and ask myself three questions:

Does life get better?
Why is transition so complicated?
What legacy do I leave?

Does Life Get Better?

I remember as a kid sitting in the green grass making daisy-chain crowns and daydreaming about my future. Now I eat daisy-greens salad and still dream about my future. Then reality sets in and I ask myself, does get life better?

What if I’m facing a reduction in working income? Maybe chronic health issues limit my participation in life as I have known it. If I live from the fear of the future mindset, life looks bleak.

So, what can I do to make my life better? I can choose. I have some control over what happens to me. My budget may need adjusting. I probably could cut it by a third. Also, I can choose to eat healthily, and live a healthy lifestyle. Meanwhile, meditation and prayer will help me build a spiritual life. Finally, I get to focus on what is important to me.

For instance, one of my great joys is spending time with my grandkids. Every weekend, five of the little ones snuggle with me in bed and we tell stories or watch a movie. I am happy, and we are creating happy memories to enjoy in the future.

And life gets better.

Navigating Transition

Transition is a part of life at all stages. As we age, however, transitions can bring about significant changes. It is complicated and difficult to navigate. I learned two lessons, though, that helped me. I have to let go, and that I am created for greatness.

Letting go is not fun! Letting go of our children so they can discover, succeed, and fail. It may not be pretty and it can be painful. Sometimes we have to let go of our possessions. Those things that clutter and confine our lives. Other times, we may have to let go of the house we grew up in.

But what if letting go allows us to manifest our capacity to grow into a greater person? What does that mean?

I want to impact the world. Make my mark. To be better than what I am; what I do. But there is one thing I know: I am searching, reaching, and aspiring to greatness. One characteristic of greatness is to create value. I’ve been working to create something worthwhile my entire life. For me, it is very simple: Do what is in your hands to do.

This can take many forms. For example, caregivers are the most common and unrecognized heroes of greatness. Caregivers, whether or not paid, pour their lives into others. Their value is infinite and will touch generations to come.

That made me think about what kind of legacy will I leave for my grandkids?

Legacy

I know I can leave a legacy of memories. But how to preserve those moments of time? I started by making a memory list. I chose one day out of my busy schedule to write and reflect.

After I meditated, the memories flowed. It was slow at first, then it became a flood. I couldn’t write fast enough. Afterward, I gathered the pieces of my life and wrote stories. However, I wanted to organize my memories for my descendants.

I discovered there is a phenomenon happening today that is about 3,500 years old called Legacy Letters. They are written, audio and video letters from an author presented to his/her descendants after the writer is deceased.

For example, I found that letters of a mother’s love for her children are especially poignant. In 2017, Hannah Summers shared her mother’s heart-wrenching letter of love to Twitter.com amid her grief.

Remember that I am still with you and still just as proud of you as I always have been. Keep God in your life and never be ashamed to let others know you love God. If you have kids someday, make sure they know how much I love them and wanted to be there to see them.

The deceased may leave instructions for the Legacy Letters to be submitted to the descendants at one time or throughout a lifetime. I believe I may create a letter after learning about this trend.

This is a lot to ponder. However, our lives will be better if we choose to live in a healthy manner. I know I sound like your grandma. (I am great-one) Meanwhile, the transition doesn’t have to be scary; it can be liberating. And we can leave a legacy worth remembering.

Just ask yourself three little questions.

Here’s my secret weapon to help women in the middle.

Debbie Walker is a great-grandmother writer, blogger, and the creator of Middle-Pause & Forward Motion, the podcast STOMP!, MPM Publishing, and is editing a 4-book anthology of Middle-Pause writers. Stay in touch at [email protected]; follow her on Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; & listen to STOMP!