Turning back Time

Summary

The article reflects on the challenges and opportunities of middle age, emphasizing the importance of embracing the present and future rather than dwelling on the past.

Abstract

The author expresses a common sentiment of feeling old and tired, yet acknowledges the privilege of reaching middle age, a stage many of their ancestors did not experience. Despite societal expectations and the impact of a global pandemic, the author encourages a positive outlook, suggesting that middle age is a time of potential and opportunity. With the possibility of living longer, the author argues that this life stage offers a chance to pursue new goals and experiences, such as learning a new language or obtaining a degree. The article encourages readers to focus on the present and the possibilities it holds, rather than longing for an idealized past or fearing an uncertain future.

Opinions

The author believes that the narrative around aging needs to change, particularly the negative self-talk about feeling old and tired.
There is a sense of gratitude for reaching middle age, a life stage that previous generations may not have had the chance to experience.
The author challenges the expectation that one should have everything "set" by middle age, especially in the face of unexpected challenges like a global pandemic.
Self-employment during such uncertain times can be particularly daunting, but the author advises against romanticizing the past and instead focusing on the present opportunities.
The article suggests that with a shift in perspective, middle age can be seen as a time of increased likelihood for achieving personal goals and aspirations.
The author promotes the idea that extending one's horizon and embracing new chances can lead to doing something great, making the journey more enjoyable.

Or is it onward and upward?

I feel Old. I look terrible. I’m tired. I hear and read this far too often for my liking. Often from people I think should “know better”. It really needs to stop!

Middle Age/Midlife/Midpoint is my home for now. The uncomfortable part where you feel different in some ways — older but nowhere near old or over. Perhaps with a nagging sense, this is a better time than you realise. And to be honest, lucky to be enjoying a life stage, my forbears did not.

I’m pretty comfortable here and take the obvious positive — I have made it this far!

I’m doing okay and every day I wake up I’m building on this solid start.

This has however come with some (internal to me) expectations.

I ought to be “set” for life by now.

My home should be a palace.

My retirement planning should be complete, my goal “number” set.

Expectation, however, can be wonderful and savage at the best of times. Add a global pandemic into the mix and it is even more challenging!

Being self-employed in midlife when everything closes up is not a great place to be — particularly when you were just starting on a new chapter. The doubts make themselves welcome in your head.

The temptation is to think about more straightforward and more comfortable times when everything felt easier and new. To reminisce only about the good old days and not overthink about the apocalyptic future that awaits us.

Hard as it is, I check myself. I think about possibilities and remind myself of the facts I know.

You are likely only at the halfway point.

The opportunity has gone nowhere. It just looks different, and you don’t yet recognise it for what it is!

That holiday, learning French to a good conversational standard, that Economics degree can all happen if you focus your mind on it. In fact, it is more likely now than at any previous stage of life.

So next time you felt the doubts kick in, check some data on life expectancy or what you can do to help age well. You might just help yourself extend your horizon and allow yourself a heap of new chances to do something great.

It is not about turning back time it is about taking your time and enjoying the ride! After all, isn’t that the real fun part?