this is the golden age

I don't think Taylor Swift was referring to midlifers when she wrote this song, but the lyrics rang true to me about this stage of life. It is a golden age - time to take a breath and discover the person I have become, different to who I was and hopefully a better version of my younger self.

She refers to three different aspects of the golden age....

Something good:

It is a really good time to be alive - all the hard work of raising decent, caring human beings is largely behind me. There is time to slow down a little and smell the roses, take a stroll, drink uninterrupted cups of coffee with friends, see the latest movies and even travel a little. There is time to talk and re-connect with my husband and focus on the shared history and commitment we have with each other. There's even time to look forward to the grandbabies that will make an appearance sooner or later.

Something right:

It is a time of getting the balance right - how much time to spend working, how much time to give to those "grown and flown" children, how much time to give to friends and family. It is about cutting myself some slack and acknowledging that I have managed to get a lot of things right (and a few wrong along the way) but predominantly most things have turned out alright in the end.

Something real:

That is what my life is for me - real, I don't want to be a product of the first world I live in - I want to be true to myself, true to my belief in God, true to my marriage vows, true to my role as the mother of two adult children and a true and loyal friend to the friends that have stuck by me through the years. I can look at myself in the mirror and know that I am 'real' - that I may not be perfect but I am authentic to my values and the person I present to the world isn't wearing a mask (most of the time!).

So Taylor, in all her 20 something years of wisdom managed to touch a chord in this midlifer's heart and made me stop and think and appreciate that "the golden age" I'm in isn't too bad after all. Getting older might suck in some areas but it has its blessings too.

18 comments

Kathy @ SMART Living 365.com6 May 2015 at 00:38
Hi Leanne! I think anyone or anything that can remind us of these three things is good--no matter who they are or where it comes from. While my favorite is #1, they all are "golden". ~Kathy
Rena6 May 2015 at 02:02
Wonderful post Leanne! I loved this!
Jennifer6 May 2015 at 03:24
Great post! This is our time!
grownchildren.net6 May 2015 at 04:32
I'm reading this at the end of my work day and it's given me golden boost of energy.
Unknown6 May 2015 at 07:58
Life is difficult, and the fact that we've survived what life's put in our paths is sometimes nothing short of miraculous! Brenda Coffee, http://www.1010parkplace.com
Unknown7 May 2015 at 05:44
I like the way you describe what is "good, right, and real." I think our definitions of those things change with time. And as long as I can pretend that those saggy arms aren't "real" or are "good," this is a pretty great place to be! :)
Kathleen8 May 2015 at 18:30
I am so glad that the 'saggy arms are not real' thanks ladies. I am very thankful to have had another birthday today, I have probably had quite a few more than you :) I feel so young as long as I don't spend too much time with people who have determined that I should 'act according to my age'. That stereotype stuff is not 'real'. Nice post Leanne.
Kathleen
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Unknown8 May 2015 at 18:59
Great post, Leanne. I, especially, loved your 'something real.' While I'm still in my (late) 20's, your words ring true for my desire for my own life, as well. I may not be perfect, but I am 'real.'! Thanks for sharing your heart with us!
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond9 May 2015 at 05:28
Yes she has it right! Great post Leanne. I'm Sizzling Towards Sixty and life just gets better. Thanks for sharing on Wednesday's Wisdom
Leanne9 May 2015 at 14:18
My pleasure Sue - and I hope I'll be sizzling and Watusi-ing towards 60 too!