Sharing the Midlife Journey

I have been enjoying reading several blogs written by women who seem to be walking a path that is similar to my own. It is always enlightening and inspiring to me to listen to another voice, especially one with a slightly different perspective than my own. When I do, I am challenged to question my thoughts and beliefs, to think deeper, and evaluate more fiercely. Sometimes, I am reminded that there is a time to let go of thinking and just be…to relax into the flow of life… but, either way, I always learn something.

Art by Laurel Birch – click on photo to visit her website.

Although my work and writing for Aging Abundantly is focused around the issue of aging, the ideas discussed here and elsewhere by women over fifty, are issues that are relevant to  human beings of all ages. The message(s) is a universal one. It is at the top of our lists because it has been through a lifetime of experience and trial and error, that we have come to a place where we are able to own what we have come to understand and to incorporate it into our day-to-day life. Now, with our children grown, our need to “succeed” in a traditional sense descending to the bottom of our “to do” list, we are, perhaps, a little more open and less insistent on forcing life.  We are more able and more willing to immerse ourselves into its flow and embrace something far bigger than ourselves.

Joan Z Rough, of One Rich Life fame, talked in her blog today about how life sometimes hits us over the head with a two-by-four to get us to pay attention to what is important. That’s been my experience completely, and it seems to happen more and more often the older I get! When Joan runs into a stumbling block in her life, such as cancer, or a broken leg, she looks to see what message the circumstance might have for her, rather than sinking into a state of self-pity or allowing herself to feel victimized. She uses the challenges to re-evaluate her perspective and her choices and her willingness to do so gives me the courage to follow suit.

Laurie Buchanan in her blog, Speaking from the Heart, wrote the other day about making decisions, choosing a fork in the road, as she works toward selling her home and moving several states away. Big decisions often seem more difficult as we get older, but sometimes it is necessary to find the courage to move forward when it might seem easier to stay put. I am inspired by Laurie as I watch her embrace the uncertainties of life and go with its flow, rather than against it, all the while leading and inspiring her followers in the process. I have much to learn from Laurie.

There are so many wise women over fifty in the world today. Each and every one of them has something of value to offer the world. Their lives are rich in the important things, full of purpose and intention and positive energy. Even when they struggle they reveal their gifts and are willing to share them with those in need. I feel blessed to have such easy access to their thoughts, ideas and hearts through the power of the internet. It has offered us all a unique opportunity to join our voices and speak for the good of the world. Thank you to all who participate in this global dialogue. It is a ground swell that may just keep our world afloat.

© Dorothy Sander 2013