It used to be that midlife was defined by a crisis. It was handled with the purchase of a sports car, the thrill of an affair or an abrupt end to a job. Notice I say ‘handled‘ because the issue or crisis was usually not resolved. Mostly it was men in their 40′s who became the butt of midlife crisis jokes or stereotypes.
Today we don’t have to look at this period in our lives as a crisis which we must endure. And, midlife issues are felt just as strongly by women as by men. While this period may be precipitated by a defining event — a 40th or 50th birthday, a child going off to college, or even a promotion that feels hollow– it doesn’t need to end up in a crisis.
It’s really a period of transition that can lead to a much more satisfying life. It depends, however, on how you handle resolve the uncomfortable feeling situation in which you find yourself.
On top of all the normal midlife issues today we have yet another grappling issue: the economy.
Unemployment, underemployment, financial instability
It’s enough to make you want to buy a fancy sports car and drive away. Far away.
Before you head to the car dealership, stop and figure out what’s really motivating you. The great thing about maturing from midlife crisis to midlife transition is that now we have such freedom and opportunity to reinvent ourselves in ways that didn’t seem possible before.
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These days I find myself thinking what IS midlife ??? I think we’ve all heard the comment “60 is the new 40″. Being only a year away from 60 myself, and contemplating my experience of my own parents when they were 60. . I think there is a distinct difference-some better- some not as good.
These days who has the TIME or the MONEY to have a Mid Life Crisis?! That only puts you further behind! I have a low-budget crisis – just have a good cry every now and then and get on with it!
The good difference in our life today and that of my folks as they adjusted to aging- is that people have the OPPORTUNITY to be much more connected. You can share thoughts and feelings without revealing yourself at all if you want to- and I think having that outlet is going to change the way future generations age and react to aging as well.
As the defining line of mid-life slips I think the concept and content of a mid-life crisis will evolve as well. The most common crisis we see in our practice every day is related to not planning sufficiently for a LONGER life. Too much life left at the end of the money! But fortunately there are some solutions.
Lynn,
You made some solid points — especially about connectivity people have now.
I think midlife is really such a mindset — it can appear as a crisis, but realizing you have the control to live life differently and consciously is incredibly powerful.
You inspired me to write a blog post about it!
http://bizzantik.com/2010/03/01/what-is-midlife/
Thanks for writing!