ARE YOU BECOMING MORE IN MIDLIFE?

Becoming more "Me" - finding who the real "Me" is and doing all I can to enable that woman to reach her potential.

I'M NO LONGER "LESS" AND I'M BECOMING "MORE"

Last month I wrote a post about not making myself small any more. What I've found with the whole Midlife post 50 journey is that it's time to become more "Me" - finding who the real "Me" is and doing all I can to enable that woman to reach her potential. Not always sitting in the background watching life happen, but embracing opportunities as they come my way and doing my best to live my best life possible.

RIGHT NOW I'M LIVING MY BEST LIFE

Living my best life now doesn't mean that my life before this hasn't been wonderful, because it has - in so many ways. I had a pleasant childhood, fun teenage years, lovely times as a young wife and mother, the joys of seeing both my children settle into lives of their own and marry their own special people.

But living my best life now means I'm finally spending time finding out who I am and really enjoying the process. I like "me" and I like that I have the space now to work out what I actually enjoy and to invest in things that grow me as a person. I'm not apologizing for spending that time on myself because I've earned the privilege and it's allowed to be about me now.


THERE'S MORE WHERE I'M HEADED

I'm excited about what's next, about discovering new "passions" and interests. I love how blogging has opened the world up for me - women from so many different cultures who are all figuring this stage of life out with me. We're all looking to be our best selves and doing it in ways that are authentic to our own beliefs and life journeys.

I really like being open to trying new activities - I may never parachute out of a plane, but I was brave enough to go to a Tai Chi class on my own and start learning a new skill. I've tackled some online learning, I've tried my hand at a knitting project, I'm doing some volunteering, and I'm open to whatever might come my way. If I fail at something or I don't enjoy it, well that's okay too - toss it in the bin and move on because there is always more waiting to be discovered.


MORE THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

It's time to chase those things that feed my soul - there will still be all the daily chores and responsibilities, but now I have more time to pursue the things that make me smile. To give back, but also to enjoy receiving without feeling guilty about it. To invest in friendships that are reciprocated, not wasting time on people who are too busy to catch up. To enjoy special moments with my family without expecting anything in return, other than shared time and special moments.


I like growing up and becoming more "Me" - finding who the real "Me" is and doing all I can to enable that woman to reach her potential.

MORE AT PEACE WITH MYSELF

How wonderful it is to be settled and serene (for want of a better word) with where I am in life. It's so lovely to not be hankering after anything or anybody. I feel like I've done all the things that are really important to me, figured out which are worth investing more of my time into down the track, and which can be ticked off and left behind.

I don't have a mile long bucket list, instead I have a "done it" list that I can review with a smile and then sit back and feel content. There's still more to come, I've travelled (done it) but want to travel more, I've raised and released my adult kids (done it) but still want to have a place in their lives, I've been married for 35 years (done it) but I'm only half way there - so much more still to come, but so much satisfaction with my life already.


MORE ABOUT RESPECTING ME, NOT IMPRESSING OTHERS

I've put in the hard yards and I know what I believe and I know who I'm accountable to. I don't need to impress anyone, I don't need to jump through hoops or fit into other people's boxes. Now I can have the confidence to live large and to be all that I'm capable of being. I love the freedom of taking ownership of my life and no longer dancing to anyone else's tune. Sweet relief and so good to have put all that behind me.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

I hope your Midlife is becoming "More" too - I hope you've realized how fantastic these years are and that being 50+ is a blessing, not a chore. I hope your Midlife is filled with peace and joy and too many blessings to count. I hope you pause now and then to smile and to relish all that Midlife offers - and that there is still more to come.

RELATED POSTS





Becoming more "Me" - finding who the real "Me" is and doing all I can to enable that woman to reach her potential.


To keep up to date with my posts, feel free to add your email into the spot especially for it on my sidebar and I'd love you to share this post by clicking on a share button before you go xx
This post was shared at some of these great link parties

73 comments

  1. I love this concept. When it comes to life experiences and making the most of the opportunities that we have, more is absolutely more - let's kick the less is more to the kerb.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I couldn't agree more Jo - I am so tired of accepting less and making myself less. Surely after 50+ years of it we can allow ourselves a bit of time in the sun?

      Delete
  2. Wow, I really love the idea of a 'done it' list rater than a bucket list. That's a great idea of looking at life! I'm not sure I've reached your level of contentment yet but I know I'm wiser and more comfortable with myself than when I was younger, and that is a very good thing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it's a journey Bronnie - we have slow points and times when we don't feel that we're progressing, but when I look back I can see I've come a LONG way and that there's still further to go before I'm really confident in my own skin. I wish the same for you x

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. Thanks Mum - you're a great example of living life on your own terms - more is definitely more!

      Delete
  4. I totally agree! I feel more at peace with myself than I have ever done. Being kind to myself as well as others has never been so important and as you experience life you appreciate how lucky you are. Oh I used to go to Tai Chi! xx Maria

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Another Tai Chi fan! And yes, you're so right that we can take the time to be kind to ourselves and have that flow on to others - I'm loving Midlife!

      Delete
  5. 2018 is my year of me. All of my children (6 of them) are at school and I am enjoying my me time. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had two children and that took up a lot of my headspace - six blows my mind! I think you well and truly deserve that "me time" this year - and don't forget to keep some space in the years ahead so you don't lose yourself in the process of raising all those delightful little humans :)

      Delete
  6. Yes! What an uplifting and empowering post!

    SSG xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks SSG - if now isn't my time then I don't know when else would be!

      Delete
  7. I think this is why I LOVE getting older. I feel so much better in my own skin and don't have all of the angst I used to have!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know what you mean Jodie - I think we generate a lot of that angst when we're younger and it's really nice to let it go and just enjoy life for what it is.

      Delete
  8. Love this Leanne! While I am a lot older, I am just starting to embrace this part of my life..I feel some adventures are brewing ahead...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it's not defined by an actual age Renee, it's just that time of life when we wake up and claim a little bit more space in the world for ourselves - I'm glad you're claiming yours too x

      Delete
  9. I take into consideration that right now I am healthy and want to do things while I still can that I enjoy. Like you say if it isn't doing it for me the person, activity etc, it is set aside and I move on! It is liberating using time where you want.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think we spent so much time fitting ourselves in around the needs of others Haralee - now there's less of those needs, we can use some of that spare time to figure out what we actually want to be doing and then get on and do it! :)

      Delete
  10. Hi Leanne, two points in particular resonated with me - trying new things and if you don't like them move on as there is so much to be discovered and secondly, appreciating the 'done' list. I will always have experiences and things I want to try but sometimes I forget to take a moment and look at what I've have done. Yes, I'm happy right now with Me and thanks again for giving me something to think about and reflect. Have a beautiful week. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sue - I think we all need to have things to aspire to - it keeps us fresh, but it's also nice to sit back and look at what we've managed to achieve so far. I love that I'm pretty content these days and don't have any driving need to do anything spectacular - just little new things that pop up and seem interesting.

      Delete
    2. I'm sure many people envy the way you are feeling Leanne - contented which is great! I've shared on social media and look forward to another successful #MLSTL. Enjoy your week! xx

      Delete
  11. Way to go, Leanne! The present looks great. My life is filled with peace, joy, and too many blessings to count. I look forward to making more happiness happen. #lifethisweek

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beautifully said Natalie and so true - when we can see how blessed we are then we don't really have much to complain about in this life. It just seems to me that Midlife has given me space to appreciate what I have and to look ahead to see if there's something new I'd like to try one day. Bring on all that happiness!

      Delete
    2. Mid-life is an exciting phase, Leanne. Enjoy every minute of it. Thanks for hosting #MLSTL.

      Delete
  12. Yes, I totally agree! For me, the last 4 years especially have taken me on a journey of becoming more of me just for me alone.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's probably been about five years for me - waking up and realizing that I'm entitled to my little place in the world and to have the self esteem to recognize what I bring to the table has been such an eye opener for me in Midlife :)

      Delete
  13. HI Leanne, I met a kindred spirit today , a woman an artist similar age that I only knew from chance meetings around town from 'bumping' into to her in the gallery or the health food store where she worked or just in the street - all over 20 odd years . by 'chance' today john and I delivered a potters wheel to her place for her daughter and it was like meeting up with an old friend and going into her bush place we realised that we shared so much in kind - a blended family , both built a mudbrick house in a forest a philosophy of creativity and joy and as we were leaving we hugged and acknowledged this beautiful meeting and my husband said to her how similarly we lived - less is more he said yes Jude agreed less is more. and we laughed in the sheer freedom of knowing this and living this ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra I assume things are good again with you and your husband? I'm so happy for you if they've settled back down again and you've managed to work your way through the difficulties. What an added bonus to find a kindred spirit to close to home who obviously loves the same things you do - it's not often you meet such a soul at our time of life so I hope you invest in each other and the friendship continues to grow x

      Delete
  14. I think at any point in your life, you can become more. But, it is a bit difficult when lots of other things compete with your attention to yourself: kids, a demanding job, health problems, etc. Here I am, at almost 65, and I just returned from hiking 84 miles on the Hadrians Wall path. I didn't think I could do it. It was a huge stretch for me to get out of my comfort zone, leave my house and travel all the way to northern England - and then, to hike 12 days in a row. But it was an awesome experience. And it left me feeling so empowered. I wrote about it on my blog, with great pics, in case you want to know more. I love this post, Leanne. We need these nudges to remind ourselves that it's never too late.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just went and read your post Jean - what a wonderful adventure and I'm a little bit jealous - it sounds like a fantastic walk and a great experience. We all need to do new things to keep ourselves moving forward and yours sounded perfect. I hope you'll link your post up with us at #MLSTL so others can enjoy it too xx

      Delete
  15. Thanks for being a great example of "being you", Leanne! I am getting there, one step at a time, little breakthroughs every day - always enjoy your posts :)

    Lori Jo - 50 With Flair
    www.50withflair.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Lori Jo - it's been such a pleasure watching you tackle and conquer this big scary blogging thing (in way less time than it's taken me!)

      Delete
  16. Hi, Leanne - I agree that now is the time to make the most out of the opportunities that we have. It is also the time to seek out those opportunities, and to think out of the box about how to embrace them. Another great post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Donna - I keep coming back to that saying "if not now, then when?" because now is our time - we don't have to be having giant adventures, but we need to be living lives that are true and authentic and enriching - or we'll wake up one day and it'll be too late!

      Delete
  17. Oh yeah! I feel I'm becoming more. I feel free to choose how I spend my time and with who. For awhile I stopped volunteering and now I've chosen to volunteer in a hospital gift shop, not out of guilt... more out of loving meeting people and giving. I just posted on FB "Boundaries are firm requests for respect" (Doe Zantamata) We're not mean for setting them. This is a wonderful post for sharing on FB and Twitter for #MLSTL Leanne!
    www.meinthemiddlewrites.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mary Lou - I'm so glad you enjoyed it and that you're living it to the full. What a waste it would be to not be making the most of every day we have laid before us! And thanks so much for sharing x

      Delete
  18. Love,Love,Love this post, Leanne!!
    You give due reverence to each stage of life thus far, and understand it is now Your Mid-Life, your time, your turn. That message needs to be spread far and wide. I'm not sure when elder-ness starts but I still feel that I'm mid-life, with lots of time and potential. Can't wait to share!! #MLSTL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Agnes - I think it's really important not to negate all that we've lived through and achieved (or survived) to get where we are today. But at the same time, we need to grab this time that we now have and make it ours - not sit around wallowing in memories or waiting for life to decide to come knocking at our door!

      Delete
  19. Leanna you have really eloquently explained what is best about this part of our lives. I love your comment, "I'm not apologizing for spending that time on myself because I've earned the privilege and it's allowed to be about me now." We have earned the right to spend time on ourselves. At first that felt indulgent, but not any more. We can decide that the useful parts of our lives are over or we can jump in with both feet and find new things we love and that we are passionate about and that give our lives purpose. I say YES to more!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too Michele - I was in a FB group for a (very short) time that was full of empty nest women weeping and wailing and chest thumping and poor-me-ing because their kids had gone and so had their life purpose. After a while I had to leave or I'd start making comments to the effect of Wake Up! Now is your time! Get on with living your life for you and not as a shadow to everyone else. It was such a pitiful gathering of souls and it made me sad to read - so I left before I hurt someone's feelings :)

      Delete
  20. As someone who is now past midlife into later life, I can say that everything fell into place for me from about age 55. I no longer needed to impress anyone as you say in your post. I became what I thought of as selfish until I realised I wasn't being selfish, I was reaping the rewards of living a busy fulfilled life. This was a good reflection read for me Leanne #MLSTL Shared on SM

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jennifer - I've dealt with the whole "selfish" thing too - it feels like we're being greedy wanting to own our time and to do things just for "me". But I'm moving past that too now - I'm happy to be there for others, but I now acknowledge that I'm worthy of a bit of attention and time and love too - and nobody is going to give it to me unless I ask or do it for myself!

      Delete
  21. Free to me be! Yes! That's what I love about getting older. I'm not trying to fit into other people's pegs anymore. I'm not reading someone else's script for my life. I'm writing my own.
    You go, girl!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love that about Midlife Christine - I even have a Pinterest board titled "Free to be Me" where I pin things that I like just because I like them - no rules except my own :)

      Delete
  22. I love it Leanne! I especially liked how you said you try new things--if you fail or you don't like it, you just move on. So many times I've worried that if things didn't turn out the way I thought they would, I had wasted my time or my money, but now I see that's not true. I always learned something or added to my experiences. None of it was wasted. That is such a freeing concept. Life is good and I expect it to get even better. Thanks for the #MLSTL community.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I feel the same way Christie - life does seem to just be getting better and better - slowly but surely. I seem to have all that I need and more and I'm happy trying something new if it suits me and continuing or finishing and moving on to something new. My wants are very few these days :)

      Delete
  23. Hi Leanne, I love your verve, your energy and your insight. I love that you're trying new things for yourself, and not to impress others, and that you have a 'done' list. I feel very much the same these days: Content with my lot, happy that I still have some (non urgent) things to do, but equally happy that my 'done' list looks impressive enough for my liking and I don't have to prove anything anymore :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think your "done" list is pretty impressive Jo and I also think it's lovely that you're happy to rest on it a little and not feel that you have to keep pushing to prove something. Isn't it love to be able to rest on our laurels a little and take things at the pace that suits us? And that would include Borneo for you!

      Delete
  24. Love love love this Leanne. Like you I see this time of life as a time for 'self' not to the exclusion of others but with more time and brainspace to focus on one's own needs. Great inspiration and I am sharing x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jan - I feel so sorry for women who reach Midlife with no purpose or direction and are just sitting spinning in one place with no idea how they want to tackle then next half of life. I'm so glad I had enough self motivation to find things that interested me enough to fill my world and not sit sad and bereft wondering what happened to my life!

      Delete
  25. Very good points raised and thank you for sharing. I have never made a bucket list but I like your idea of a done it list.

    Thank you for linking up for #LifeThisWeek. The optional prompt next is: 39/52. Last Thing I Bought. 24/9/18. Denyse

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Denyse - I think you've got quite a few new things to add to your done it list after the last 12 months or so :)

      Delete
  26. Hi Leanne, I must be going mad, I’m sure I commented on this post before but can’t see it anywhere!! I really enjoyed reading your thoughts and can totally relate to what you’re saying. I am definitely more now than I ever was before too, it’s an age thing, wisdom, freedom maybe but it’s real. I love you done it list and just the whole post resonated with me, as per usual!! I have shared for #mlstl. Debbie from Debs-World.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Deb - I find comments sometimes disappear into the interweb ether - I'm never sure if they go to spam or just bounce around in never never land with Peter Pan! Thanks for coming back and commenting again - and I totally agree that some of that wisdom we've accrued through the good and bad times has come into its own these days - and with more time to see where it leads us :)

      Delete
  27. Yeah, I'm happy to embrace mid life and love your attitude. #anythinggoes

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Enda - I love it when blokes don't go all desperate and crazy at this age, but just get on with enjoying all it has to offer.

      Delete
  28. Beautiful post. Very inspirational. My struggle is I have all the "feels" of this post, but my aging body is not willing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just believe wholeheartedly that we become what we choose to become Amy - I'll never be Sue or Jennifer who love exercise and are super fit, but I can enjoy being outside walking in the fresh air, having coffee with friends, enjoying my husband's company, and so many other lovely little joys at this stage of life - no marathons, but plenty of joy!

      Delete
  29. I'll be 44 in a few months and agree with all of this. I no longer have the patience to be anything but how I want to be. Great post #anythinggoes

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jeremy - I think somewhere around our mid's we start to wake up to the fact that we're not teenagers any more, we can embrace that and enjoy what the second half of life offers, or we can fight it and be miserable - I know which choice I'm making!

      Delete
  30. I am pretty much what you see is what you get. Midlife is not turning out the way I planned it but I guess I can look at it as a new adventure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It certainly threw you a curve ball Victoria, but at the same time, you've decided to tackle it head on and with positivity (not curled up in a corner weeping) that's a sign of someone who knows who they are and where they're going!

      Delete
  31. I love your idea of a 'Done It' list, instead of a bucket list. It puts the emphasis on our accomplishments, not on all we're longing to do that we haven't done.
    Sharing for MLSTL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think we sometimes forget to acknowledge all we've accomplished in the last few decades Trisha - we should be able to pat ourselves on the back and use what's gone before to guide us to where we want to go next. I don't have any driving passions - just a quiet comfort and some dreams I hope to eventually pursue - for me, that's a very pleasant way to live :)

      Delete
  32. What an amazing post that sums up how most of us are feeling. We've come into our own, not out of competition or trying to get it right but out of confidence and experience. That alone... I wouldn't be a 20-30 something for anything. Brava, Leanne! #MLSTL xoxox, Brenda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wouldn't go back to those early days either Brenda - maybe for a day visit but I wouldn't want to live them again! I love the calmness and centredness of this stage of life, but I've also realized that it depends largely on me to make things work - if I wait for others I'll be sitting around twiddling my thumbs for years to come!

      Delete
  33. Every since my spouse got diagnosed with a lung disease called COPD in 2013, which has no cure and gets ugly towards the end...he is in Stage 4 now in 2018, he is in mid 50's and I am just past the 50 mark. I have spent the past couple years exploring who I am and what I want in life when for the first time ever I will be on my own. I have learned that I have refused myself to live out dreams Way to long!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Donna I didn't realize your husband was so ill, I'm so sorry for you both - and for the scary thought of heading into the second half of life alone. I guess that it will push you into making some big decisions and you'll be stepping up to the mark - I'm so glad you've decided to push ahead and claim your space rather than becoming smaller because of what life is dealing you both atm xx

      Delete
  34. Leanne, you managed to sum up my thoughts so perfectly! I did not have a bad life before 50, but it is time to focus on me now and to learn what I truly like, dislike, and value. I am just now coming to terms with the fact that this kind of pursuit is not selfish but rather empowers me to be a better spouse, parent and friend. I'm pinning to #mlstl board for future inspiration :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Molly - I was the same - nothing really to complain about with my first 50 years, but so many of them were about other people and their needs. Now I have more time to figure out who I am and what I want - that's not selfish, it's empowering - and it's not before time!

      Delete

Thanks so much for your comment - it's where the connection begins.