MIDLIFE AND SETTING NEW SECOND ACT GOALS

Is Midlife our time to be braver and make some changes and set some new goals? I'd certainly like to think so. #midlifegoals

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. Susan is a soon-to-be-blogger and is testing the waters a little today by sharing a guest post here on my blog. She confesses to being a bit of an overthinker and that's delaying her pushing the "Publish" button - I've told her to take the plunge, and after reading her post today I'm sure you'll be encouraging her to do the same.

So here's Susan sharing some Midlife induced thoughts and goals.



Thank you, Leanne for this opportunity. I am sincerely grateful to you for boosting my confidence through this process.

SECOND ACT GOALS

A few months ago, my now fiancé and I moved to the dream home we spent the last six years building. We sold our home and business, packed up our lives, and moved four hours from most of our friends and family.

Now that we are pretty much settled in, I have lots of free time on my hands (it is not quite spring here yet and hello self isolating, thanks Covid). I have been thinking a lot about my second act and what my goals are. I thought I would share some with you.

1. LESS PROCRASTINATING

Let's face facts, life has a time limit. I am a procrastinating professional. Leanne can attest to this since it took me a while to get this post done. I have many things I want to do and try before my time is up. So, since I have the time now, I am going to take advantage of the situation.

Perfectionism is the mother of Procrastination - Michael Hyatt #lifequotes

2. MORE JOY, LESS STRESS

This one should be a given but as an easily stressed person it is something I need to work on. Recently, I have learned that when something starts to stress me out, I need to stop and ask myself some questions. Will this matter a year from now? Do I have control of what is causing me stress? Is there a quick solution or is it something that will take time?

Normally I find answering questions like these helps and if not I will try some deep breathing or yoga.


3. RIDE THROUGH THE PUDDLES

Last week my fiancé and I were riding our ATV. He was driving, I was on the back and we came to an area that was flooded due to a beaver dam. He started to go towards what looked to be about three feet of water and I automatically lifted my feet and yelled "No! Don't go through that!" He reluctantly went in another direction. You see, he is super adventurous and I am more reserved (or scared of things).

Later I realized that I was what you might call "the fun killer". I mean, if I really think about it, what would have happened if we went through the water? We would have gotten wet. What was wrong with me? When I was younger I did a lot of adventurous things. When and how that changed, I don't know but I want to change it back. Don't get me wrong, I won't be climbing Mt. Everest or jumping out of an air plane but I will definitely be riding through a lot more puddles.


Ride through the puddles of life #lifequotes

4. TAKE CARE OF MY BODY

This has less to do with weight and appearance than it does with keeping myself strong and healthy.

I have seen many people lose their strength, agility, and balance as they aged due to their lifestyle. Some things, once you lose them, you can't get back.

About a year ago I started doing yoga and I haven't looked back. I have arthritis in most of my joints and yoga is perfect for helping me maintain balance while building muscle but it is low impact which doesn't put stress on my joints. I also try to get 8,000 steps or more a day. Both yoga and walking help to improve my mood so its a win-win for me.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

So, there are a few of my goals for my second act. I would love to hear some of your goals and if you have any helpful hints to help me achieve mine I welcome those too.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post and thank you Leanne for the opportunity!

Please keep and eye out for my soon to be blog (another goal). I will ask Leanne to post the link here as soon as it is live.



Susan recently moved to her dream home in the Adirondak Mountains in upstate NY with her fiancé. Combined they have 5 adult children, their significant others, 5 grandchildren, and to date 2 dogs. Other than spending time with her family (her most favorite activity) she enjoys writing, reading, crafting, thrifting, gardening, and decorating. Right now she is in the process of starting a blog where you can follow as she navigates her second act to see where life takes her.


Is Midlife our time to be braver and make some changes and set some new goals? I'd certainly like to think so. #midlifegoals
Is Midlife our time to be braver and make some changes and set some new goals? I'd certainly like to think so. #midlifegoals

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This post was shared at some of these great link parties
Cresting the Hill - a blog for Midlife (Middle Aged / 50+) women who want to thrive

54 comments

  1. Nice to meet you Susan! I can relate to just about all of what you've written. I get stressed a lot more easily than I used to these days. I also need to ride through more puddles that's for sure. I look forward to reading your blog when you get it up and running. xo

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    1. Hi Min - I'm a puddle avoider too - and then live with the regret of wishing I'd been braver. Being a risk avoider is something I'd like to work on more in Midlife too x

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    2. Nice to meet you too Min. Funny story about that particular puddle. We found out weeks later from a neighbor that the "puddle" was actually 15' deep in the middle. So not riding through that puddle was a good idea lol Thank you for your kind words!

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    1. Hi Leanne - it's so great that I could introduce Susan to you all.

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    2. Nice to meet you too Leanne!

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  3. First, I must say, Leanne, you had me going at first. For a second, I thought you were writing about yourself. LOL! Susan, it's so nice to meet you. Push publish now. The quicker you rip off the band-aid the better. I went to blogging conference (remember pre-covid days?) where people had been working on their blog for a year or two without pressing publish. Just start where you are, don't overthink it, just do it. When I first started blogging, I had to trick myself to press publish. I would set the publish to happen at 4 am. That way my post would publish while I was asleep!

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    1. Hi Jennifer - yes there are a lot of similarities in Susan's journey to mine at times! And I couldn't agree more about hitting the Publish button - it's scary to start with, then you jump past that stage and it seems so natural. I'm grateful every day that I didn't wait any longer - look at the friendships I have now!

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    2. Thank you so much for your encouragement and tips, Jennifer! I might just use that 4am publishing trick! I see myself in many of Leanne's posts - very similar personalities on opposite sides of the globe :)

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  4. Ride through the puddles! Love it! Sometimes you just have to throw empty fish tank out the attic window.
    I want to read more from Susan! Keep writing.

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    1. That's what I love about blogging - how we encourage each other - and love the idea of chucking out that fish tank!

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    2. Especially when that fish tank misses the dumpster and smashes all over the sidewalk lol Thank you, Michele <3

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  5. Excellent first blog attempt Susan. Keep it up. Kathi

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    1. Hi Kathi - she did really well didn't she? I'm so hoping that she lets us into her secret blogging world soon :)

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    2. Thank you so much Kathi!

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  6. Nice to meet you Susan. I would love to hear more about the process of building your new home and your life in upstate NY. That is a beautiful part of the US. In the beginning it feels very personal to share your life with 'strangers', but you will quickly realize that the blogging community is just friends you've yet to meet. Welcome and thanks for introducing yourself through Leanne's blog!

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    1. Hi Suzanne - I always love hearing about why people move away from their homebase and start afresh. It's interesting to know the why's and then to see how the process evolves (that's half a blog written already!) And you're so right about friends we've yet to meet - I love our Midlife community! x

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    2. Suzanne, it's nice to meet you and thank you for your kind words! Building the house was an experience that I will definitely be adding to my blog :) I can't wait to share it with all of you!

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  7. Hi Susan, it's lovely to meet you - and I look forward to getting to know you a bit more when you start your blog...as I know you will after writing this post for Leanne!

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    1. I'm hoping it will be her final impetus to hit the Publish button Jo - it'd be such a shame to keep it all to herself wouldn't it?

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    2. Thank you, Jo! I am excited to get this adventure under way. You're right, all of the nice comments makes the process a bit less scary!

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  8. Leanne, Thank you for introducing Susan to us. I think we can all identify with “testing the waters.”

    Nice to meet you, Susan. You can already see how Leanne is a very kind and generous blogger. You will find the blogging community is also very kind and accepting. I did not know this when I first began blogging. For me, writing brought me to blogging. The community keeps me here and makes it fun, engaging and interesting.

    Your phrase “procrastinating professional” made me smile. I extra love your “Ride through the puddles!” This is a wonderful post! Very relatable, entertaining and interesting. I look forward to following your blog!

    In answer to your questions: Walking, yoga, breathing, loving blogging because of how much I learn every day and the community of like-minded, kind, accepting writers.

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    1. Hi Erica - that's exactly what I love about blogging too - it's a great chance to write and to learn new skills, and get your thoughts in order....but the friendships and connections and the community are what make it really special. Susan is going to love it when she gets brave enough to ride through her puddle of pushing the Publish button!

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    2. Hi Erica! I am beginning to see that I will love this blogging adventure. Seeing how excited all of you are about blogging is helping to get rid of my fears :) Thank you so much!

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  9. Susan, As a fellow over-thinker, I encourage you to jump into blogging. It's been amazing to meet so many others on a similar journey - living a newly retired lifestyle in mid-life. I find that my blogging buddies help me think through things when I post on topics, encourage me when I'm struggling. For you... here's a quote that has helped me ... a certified delay-gratification individual. "Today IS Someday." Do not put if off for someday... do it today! If you haven't found me yet ... I blog at www.retirementtransition.blog on Wordpress. Wordpress used to offer a Blogging 101 virtual class, which helped me set up my blog site when I started. I like Wordpress - it's inexpensive and manages all the basics, which great for me as blogging is simply a hobby (not looking to monetize it). P.S. I'm originally a New Yorker, but soon to be a Floridian... we went opposite to the mountains... the beach!

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    1. Hi Pat - isn't it wonderful how we all encourage each other? I love it even more when I hear the warmth in the comments when someone new to blogging is brave enough to tackle a guest post. I'd loved to have found this community when I first started - but maybe I appreciate it even more because it came later and I just feel surrounded by support - what a perfect "hobby" we have!

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    2. Hi Pat! Thank you for your advice. I can see now how blogging will be more than just writing and posting. I didn't realize there was an entire community supporting each other. That is very exciting! Being what I call semi-retired (because I don't have enough money to actually retire at 55) I need something to make a little money and a 9-5 job just takes away my freedom to visit my kids and grandkids when I want. How exciting that you are relocating to Florida - I will spend some time there also as one of my kids lives there and a second one is looking to move there too! I will check out your blog right now!

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  10. So so true about what procrastination is about...getting it wrong or not perfect..Once I learned that I face my procrastination head on...after realising !! Very courageous of your guest poster Leanne! There, she did it. Onward Susan! Denyse

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    1. Hi Denyse - I think a lot of us are born perfectionists and not wanting to make a mistake is such a hurdle to overcome. We worry about so much - and most of it is pointless. I'm getting better at just having a go, and I think Susan is figuring that out too :)

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    2. Ah yes, perfectionism is a nightmare. I can't tell you how many posts I have written and tossed in the fire pit because I didn't feel anyone would be interested in what I had written. Reading the comments has definitely helped my confidence. Thank you and it is nice to meet you Denyse!

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  11. I just wanted to apologize for not responding to all of your amazing comments sooner. I was having a technical issue that I believe is fixed now. I appreciate all of you for taking the time to encourage and compliment me and all of your advice! I look forward to getting to know all of you better! Thank you again Leanne for this opportunity! I will be hitting publish very soon...Stay tuned :)

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    1. Hi Susan - I'm so glad you figured it all out to be able to comment and engage with all these lovely women. It's been a pleasure having you and now you have even more people waiting for you to hit the publish button xx

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  12. Hi Susan! This question - 'Will this matter a year from now?' - is one of the best you can ask yourself. Also, we can take a look back at all the stressful times we lived through and we'll realise that everything turned out ok so why did we stress so much about them? I love rediscovering my adventurous side in my second life, and I do have to remind myself that fun is also a way of learning about the world (kids do it every day!). Say goodbye to the fun-killer that you've become and get out there and just do it!! :-) (looking forward to reading your blog!) x

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    1. Hi Cheryl - you're my inspiration for living an adventurous Midlife - I love how you've just gone for it and have such an interesting life as a result. Those of us who fit into the "play safe" box really miss out on a lot of puddles to jump in along the way. I'm trying harder to be more willing to take the leap - because really, what's the worst that can happen?

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    2. Hi Leanne, I hope to continue to inspire you in the coming months and years! :-)

      What's the worst that can happen? You could end up married to a French chef, live in Russia for 10+ years, leave Russia in a chaotic hurry and end up in a country you know nothing about and never thought of visiting! Looking forward to the next chapter! :-)

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    3. You are so right, Cheryl! I have been working hard so I apologize for the delay in replying! Thank you for your kind words :)

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    4. Cheryl, Thank you so much! I have been working hard and honestly last week we had some family visit (finally!) and I was soaking up some much needed grandson time :) Back on track this week! I will definitely be checking out your blog to get some inspiration on being adventurous :)

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  13. Hi Susan, I'm a fairly new blogger and I can relate to being anxious about starting. I had a few panic attacks at the beginning about how people would perceive me. I found an incredibly supportive community of people in the same stage of life as I, writing totally relatable blogs. It's a big learning curve at the beginning but you will get better at it. Good luck!

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    1. Hi Christina - I think we were all very tentative with our initial foray into the blogosphere - it was such a huge step at the time, but so worth it in the end. I love how we've created this lovely community who share their positivity and encourage each other.

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    2. Thank you! I am right now finding out that I need to pay more attention to the comments :) I look forward to connecting with people in our same stage of life and learning from everyone!

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  14. Lovely to meet you Susan and this is a great list. I guess now that you've published this post, you can tick off number 1!

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    1. I'm hoping it inspires her to be brave enough to hit the Publish button Sam - dipping her toe into the water and then just diving in.

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    2. Sammie, that is a great way to look at things :) I am hard at work over here - publish coming soon!

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  15. Well that was a cracker of a first post Susan!!! Loved it!I swear procrastination should have been my middle name. Be great to read more from you. Hope the blog is up and running soon.

    Sandra :-) Xx

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    1. I'm hoping she goes for it soon too Sandra - I think Susan would really love being a part of this community when she finally leaves the starting block.

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    2. Thank you very much Sandra! I am going to print all of these lovely comments and helpful tips for what I am sure will be difficult days!

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  16. Leann, thank you for introducing us to Susan. I enjoyed this post a lot. It was a fun read. I hope you decide to jump into blogging. And, YES!!! to the puddles. I am a fan of splashing through puddles on my run. Last week my grandson and I went out puddle jumping. It was thoroughly enjoyable.

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    1. I love that puddle jumping resonates with other bloggers Laurie - the idea that there's so much fun to be had (especially with grandkids) is such a wonderful part of Midlife.

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    2. When I was a kid, I would constantly stomp through puddles - not sure why we lose such things as we grow older. My grandkids have brought me back to childhood for sure! Best part of growing older is having grandkids to teach you to be young again! Thank you for your kind words Laurie!

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  17. Hi Susan, I'm the jump in the puddle type of person and will think of the repercussions afterwards! Nice to meet you here at Leanne's and trepidation about hitting the publish button is normal but I'd encourage you to go for it! Thanks Ldeanne for another great guest :)

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    1. Hi Deb - you jump everywhere (not just puddles)! but I totally get it with you and your wellies splashing around whenever you can. Blogging's a bit like that - you just have to jump right in and discover the joy that comes with it as you go along.

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    2. Thank you so much! I am working hard and will soon hit publish (and then hold my breath haha)

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  18. Great to re-visit this post for Life This Week! Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek and I look forward to seeing you again next Monday when the optional prompt is 26/51 Best Time Of Day. 29.6.2020 Take care, Denyse.

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    1. Hi Denyse - lovely to have you back again and thanks so much for your Life This Week linky - I always enjoy sharing there x

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