MAKING A FEW COURSE CORRECTIONS IN MIDLIFE

Midlife is the perfect time to reflect on whether your work/life balance is all it should be - and to make some changes if you need to. #midlifecrisis

INTRO

Today I have the next guest in my MIDLIFE SYMPHONY series where I've asked others to share what they're doing to make the second half of life the best half of life. Pradeep (from bpradeepnairis one of only a few brave blokes who've offered to write a post for me over the years - today he's sharing about the changes in direction that have occured since he reached Midlife - something we can all relate to!

So without further ado, I'll hand it over to Pradeep to share his story...


MIDLIFE COURSE CORRECTIONS

I am grateful to Leanne for accepting my offer to do a guest post on Cresting the Hill. Though I have been blogging since 2004, I have never done a guest post nor I have got anyone to do a guest post on my blog. So, this is an altogether new experience for me.

I can’t remember when and where I met Leanne for the first time. My guess is I saw the link to her blog, Cresting the Hill, on the blog of someone who was participating in the A to Z Challenge in 2018. Participation in that ‘Challenge’ was also a first for me. Till then, whenever I saw an announcement of a ‘blogging challenge’, I shrugged it off. The main reason: I was short on time. Blogging regularly itself was a challenge, and I didn’t want to add another ‘challenge’ to my routine.

Why did I join the A to Z Challenge? That was one of the outcomes of the many course corrections I brought in to my Midlife.


WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Until a couple of years ago, I was caught up with many commitments and deadlines. My routine was so hectic, there were many days when I started work around 10am and came back home at 2am. There were days when I worked on my weekly off day as well, which was never a Sunday. I very rarely watched movies or listened to songs, and I struggled to read books.

Now, no longer. All this changed a couple of years ago. I stopped voluntarily taking up more work. I consciously try to avoid doing official work on my weekly off day, unless it’s absolutely unavoidable. I watch movies, web series, and documentaries mostly on Netflix, otherwise on Amazon Prime or on Hotstar (a popular media platform in India like Netflix). I listen to a lot of songs as well.


Midlife is the perfect time to reflect on whether your work/life balance is all it should be - and to make some changes if you need to. #midlifecrisis
Anjuna Beach in Goa

SLOWDOWN

Till about a couple of years ago, I not only multitasked but also worked briskly. I even walked at a fast pace. While I kept prioritising the tasks on my to-do list, I involuntarily added more tasks to the list. The result: I used to get worried as the list lengthened with more unfinished tasks.

Now, no longer. Only one at a time, and only at a pace I am comfortable with. I have decided what tasks I should do and what I should not. I have learnt to say, “No”, when I don’t have the time to do a task. When my wife says, “Let’s watch a movie,” I no longer say, “I have no time.” Instead, now, we both watch the movie.


FOOD, SLEEP, STRESS

I have always been careful with my diet. But now, I am a little more careful. I consciously avoid sugar, fatty and deep-fried food items.

Sleep has always been an issue. Since I work with a media organisation, I have to work till about 1 am. By the time I get back home and hit the sack, it’s about 2.30 am. Often, I had to wake up early, which meant I got barely around six hours of sleep at a stretch. Now, no longer. I ensure I get eight hours of sleep at a stretch.

I am by nature empathetic. Though it’s a good personal attribute, it can create mental agony, if carried too far. That’s what was happening to me. I was getting stressed out. Now I am more careful and take a call, case by case. If people approach me for help, I do the best I can. And, leave it at that.


Midlife is the perfect time to reflect on whether your work/life balance is all it should be - and to make some changes if you need to. #midlifecrisis
Manimala River in central Kerala

BLOG PALS

All these changes have had a refreshing impact on my life. The blogosphere is a window to a wider world of bloggers who share my interests. The A to Z Challenge two years ago also led me to the Midlife Share The Love link party which has also helped me connect with many like-minded bloggers. Reading their thoughtful comments on my posts makes my day.

Since I am still working in the news media, most of the days are still hectic. But now, with better prioritisation, they are a lot better than what they used to be.

The Midlife course corrections have given me a lot more time and space, to pause, to discover happiness and to immerse myself in it; to introspect, reflect, and be grateful to everyone out there who touch my life in one way or the other.


WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Can you relate to Pradeep's change of priorities that Midlife has brought about? I know I certainly can - I'm also appreciating a slower pace, putting my family's (and my own) needs higher up the list, and generally finding a better life balance.

RELATED POSTS

Hi, I am Pradeep, a journalist with a national newspaper in Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore) in South India. This is a career I consciously chose over one in science because following current affairs developments has been a hobby for me right from school days. It’s now more than 30 years since I began working, and my formal career is drawing to a close.
On the personal front, at 55 years I am enjoying the placidity of midlife. My interests include tennis and cricket; learning about different types of people and their culture. I relax by going for a walk or listening to songs, or watching movies and web series.
I have been blogging since 2004, and it gives me an opportunity to express my thoughts as well as connect with bloggers who share my interests.
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Midlife is the perfect time to reflect on whether your work/life balance is all it should be - and to make some changes if you need to. #midlifecrisis
Midlife is the perfect time to reflect on whether your work/life balance is all it should be - and to make some changes if you need to. #midlifecrisis

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Cresting the Hill - a blog for Midlife (Middle Aged / 50+) women who want to thrive

39 comments

  1. Great post. Congrats on finding the balance.

    Janet’s Smiles

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    1. Hi Janet - Thank you very much. The better prioritisation and and organisation of daily routine are helping me.

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    2. Hi Janet - Midlife seems to be the time when we beging to figure things out doesn't it? Balance becomes essential and we give ourselves permission to ease up a little.

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  2. Nice to see you here, Pradeep. Yours is a very wise story. During this pandemic, many have been finding some work-life balance for the first time ever. Hopefully, this continues post-COVID.
    Glad you are well.

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    1. Hi Donna - Yes, this has been very difficult times for all of us, around the world. It's unwittingly led to a lot of introspection about not only the way we interact with our surroundings but also we manage ourselves. Thank you very much for your comments.

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    2. Hi Donna - this time in lockdown has certainly made me appreciate all the things I've given up. I didn't think I'd miss them, and I honestly thought sitting at home all day was the perfect life - but no.....it all comes down to a balance between rest and productivity - too much of either isn't good for us.

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  3. I really enjoyed reading this and meeting you - although I feel as though I've met you through your blog as well. I like the term course corrections and the self awareness you've shown through yours.

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    1. Hi Jo - isn't it nice when we feel like we know someone because we've read their blog? I also enjoy seeing the similarities in our journeys through Midlife - especially as we all discover how much this time of life has to offer.

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  4. Hi Jo - I believe we must adapt to emerging situations. So, mid-life, usually the time to pivot to what is now called the 'second half' is also for introspection, relook at priorities and repurpose the journey of life. Thank you for dropping by and for your comments.

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  5. Hello Pradeep, so nice to meet you here as Leanne's guest author. Making a conscious choice to slow down and be mindful is something I appreciate and admire. My husband made that same choice fifteen years ago and it has impacted his quality of life greatly. I'm glad you got there and are feeling good about your life. I just visited your blog,read a few posts and subscribed. Leanne, thanks for the introduction.

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    1. Hi Suzanne - Thank you so much for reading my posts and subscribing to them. In our younger days, it's quite natural to be in the rat race. But at some point later in life, we all realise the need to reduce the pace and enjoy journey rather than be just focussed on the end point.

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    2. Hi Suzanne - how lovely of you to check out Pradeep's blog and subscribe. I love how supportive bloggers are to each other and you are the perfect example x

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  6. It’s funny how we don’t realize how “busy” we are until we actually slow down and look at our life. I’m glad you are taking the time to slow down an enjoy a bit. Great post!

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    1. Hi Susan - Absolutely. I guess we also realise what we have missed while we multitasked and raced along. Thanks.

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    2. Hi Susan - isn't it interesting how we go through life for so many years working hard, doing chores, running around after children, keeping our social life humming, and so much more....then one day we wake up and realize that we can step back a little and the world won't end - in fact it gets a lot better!

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  7. Hi Predeep, I appreciated your post. I am glad that you stopped multitasking. Sometimes I think multitasking is over rated and certainly interferes with the reflection and introspection that can help lead to balance. Glad tht you chose to write a guest post. Suzanne I get your posts by email but don't seem to be able to include my information, so I come up as anonymous. So, hoping it is alright, I will list my info here. Michele Somerville, blog site at msomervillesite.wordpress.com (The Beach Girl Chronicles)

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    1. Hi Michele - Thank you for your kind words. Multitasking might be necessary at some specific occasions when we have no option. But to make it a part of the daily routine, is probably, carrying it a bit too far.

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    2. Hi Michele - I used to pride myself on my ability to multi-task. Now I don't seem to be able to do more than two things at once without something suffering (too many balls in the air and I'll drop one!) Maybe Midlife has slowed me down - or maybe it's made me smarter!

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  8. Hi Leanne and Pradeep, “Brave bloke” made me smile.

    Pradeep, I like your phrase “course corrections.” It is great to read from a man’s perspective living a hectic pace. Learning to say, “no,” and prioritizing are skills we sometimes see in hindsight. I love your philosophy “I do the best I can.”

    A great, inspirational post! I plan to head over to your blog site and read more. Thank you!

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    1. Hi Erica - I think he's definitely brave to tackle writing a post for me! My husband did one for me a couple of years ago (after I twisted his arm) and he swore it was the hardest thing he'd done for a long time (and he's a writer!) I told him he was over-thinking it and to just go with the flow, but he took it all very seriously and it was quite stressful for him. Hopefully Pradeep found it easier!

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  9. Hi Erica/Erika - Thank you very much for your kind words. I am glad you liked the post. I have realised that prioritizing is the key to good productivity and happiness. Please do check out my blog. Thanks.

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  10. Hi Pradeep, lovely to read your post here. I can relate to the walking fast as I was also one of those who walked incredibly fast when in was at work, but no longer! Good on you for finding that elusive balance and thanks Leanne for sharing your story on her very popular blog :) #lifethisweek

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    1. Hi Deb - Thank you. After a particular age, it becomes too stressful to rush through multiple tasks, and there is an inevitable need to slow down and take one step at time.

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    2. Hi Deb - isn't it interesting how we gradually calm down and slow down when we don't have as much stress in our lives? It happens so naturally and now I look back and wonder why I did all that to myself for so long!

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  11. An excellent post. Many of us have reached a point when we need to stop, take stock and decide to make a change. I've used the phrase 'this is the first day of the rest of my life' a couple of times, it takes courage. But by releasing challenges that have crept up on you, taking control allows you to accept only the challenges that you are able to cope with. Well done!

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    1. Hi Pamela - Thank you. 'This is the first day of the rest of my life' is an invaluably inspiring and positive thought to keep us going with zest. I agree with you that we need to give up challenges that have crept up on us.

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    2. Hi Pamela - I've noticed it's definitely something that seems to happen post-50. We wake up and realize that we don't have to race through life, but rather we can do things at our own pace - it's definitely a "first day" moment isn't it?

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  12. Leanne, thanks for introducing us to Pradeep. I can identify with working many, many hours for my profession. When I was a teacher, there were months during the year where I never watched movies, read, or socialized very much. I just worked. Now that I have retired, I am enjoying my leisure time. Life is short - we must enjoy it while we can. You made a good decision to slow down.

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    1. Hi Laurie - You have a very well-earned retirement life. My father (who incidentally was also a chemistry teacher) used to say we must work hard during our career and relax when during our retired life. That's with reference to some people who don't work properly when they are supposed to work, and after they have retired work very hard! Indeed, we must enjoy our life to the fullest. Thank you.

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    2. Hi Laurie - our daughter teaches high school English and her workload is phenominal. I had no idea the amount of work that was involved in being a half decent teacher. I take my hat off to them now and I bet retirement brought a sigh of relief!

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  13. Leanne and Pradeep Congratulations - Our ELISE has chosen your post to be featured in the next Blogger's Pit Stop. Well done.
    Kathleen

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    1. Hi Kathleen - Thank you very much.

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    2. Hi Kathleen - that's a lovely compliment for Pradeep and I'm sure he'll be most pleased :)

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    3. Hi Leanne and Kathleen - Yes, indeed, I am :-) Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity.

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  14. Lovely to meet you Pradeep!! Thanks for sharing xo

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  15. Thank you for sharing this story from Pradeep.

    Thanks so much for linking up for Life This Week. Next week, the optional prompt is 20/51 Share Your Snaps #4. 18.5.2020 and I look forward to catching you linking up there too. Warm wishes, Denyse.

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    1. I love that Pradeep was brave enough to put his hand up to be a guest here Denyse - there aren't a lot of guys in the Midlife blogging world, so I'm very appreciative of him writing about his life for me.

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  16. That's one positive from the lockdown, Pradeep, many of us have taken the opportunity to prioritise things. And move to balance things as you have. Well done

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    1. Hi Enda - isn't it interesting how we're all making adjustments to our lives - often quite positive ones - in response to the lockdown. I really like how it's shown me what my priorities are and to let go of the stuff that doesn't have much meaning for me these days - a similar journey to Pradeep's.

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