Julia Child didn’t learn how to cook until she was 36,
and didn’t make a cookbook until she was 50.
Vera Wang was 40 when she designed her first wedding gown. It was for herself.
Nina Zagat, the restaurant critic, was a corporate lawyer who didn’t start critiquing restaurants until she was 48.
Viola Davis acted for years before she became a household name in her 50s.
Toni Morrison was an editor but didn’t publish her poetry until she was 46.
Lucille Ball didn’t become the Lucy we love until she was 40.
So when you notice yourself saying
“I’m too old”
“This is irresponsible”
“I’m just being silly”
because you want to reinvent yourself in midlife,
pay attention! You're not having a midlife crisis, you're going after your dreams!
I recently had a conversation with someone who is considering a big move.
She has lived in the Midwest for most of her life.
She has a job she enjoys, friends, and some remaining family here.
She also has family on the West Coast,
an opportunity to make more money, and let’s be honest,
the weather out there is pretty fantastic.
She wants to move.
She’s excited about the new opportunities waiting for her.
And she’s anxious about packing up and making those changes.
Thoughts about ‘what if’ it doesn’t work out.
Or if you’re making the wrong decision are normal when you think about
doing things that are new, unfamiliar, and big.
Your brain likes you to do the same things
over and over, never changing, so you survive and live as long as possible.
But, studies show that active, optimistic, and lifelong learners have
happier, more fulfilling, and longer lives.
And it’s also normal for people to want to do new things once they have
the time and freedom to do them.
So how do you decide if you’re being reckless, impulsive, and
setting yourself up for regret when you’re feeling anxious and apprehensive, or
If this is the right next step for you?
You have to understand why you want to do whatever it is you want to do.
Whether you want to make that big move,
To get a college degree,
If you’ve been hiding a desperate desire to salsa dance or
Start a combination tea and bookshop,
Ask yourself why doing whatever you want to do is important to you,
and don’t take ‘I don’t know” for an answer.
(I don’t know sometimes comes from not wanting to think about or admit what you really think or want 😉)
You’ll find the thoughts and habits you have now that are keeping you
feeling anxious and staying stuck,
And learn how to move forward toward what you want,
Whether it’s moving across the country,
Taking salsa lessons,
or just feeling content right where you are
and loving all the goodness around you,
you get to decide what happens next.
I can help you figure out why you want change,
feel calm and confident as you decide what you want to do,
and guide you as you make those dreams a reality.
Talk to you soon.
Megan
P.S. Your life beyond stress and anxiety begins with a decision. You can decide now to change how your body feels and how you respond when you're anxious, so anxiety loses its power. The question isn't, “Am I ready?” The question is, “Have I decided to be ready?”
P.P.S. Be sure to check out Episode 72 of the More than Anxiety Podcast to hear more about Reinventing Yourself in Midlife wherever you listen. While you’re there, take a quick minute to leave a review and follow so you don’t miss a beat and help others find the podcast as well. Thanks!
