Transitions Ahead
I just turned 40. My husband and I adopted a baby boy in January. My career is in flux as magazines I usually write for are ceasing publication and taking work I normally do in-house.
How do I feel? Energized!
Now that I’m officially middle-aged (the dictionary definition is from 40 to 60 years of age), I’m motivated to exercise, eat giant salads, and generally take better care of myself, and I’m having fun trying new beauty products and reading books like How Not to Look Old. I’m finding stores of confidence and calm I never knew I had as I deal with the ever-changing job of being a mom, where what works one day fails the next. And I’m marketing like crazy and brainstorming ways to diversify in my career; I’m also researching an idea for a new business that I hope to start with my web designer.
Where I could see roadblocks, I’m seeing fun new challenges. Where I might see pathways closing down, I’m seeing possibility and opportunity. I can barely contain my excitement! Luckily, the excitement is trumping the fact that I’m tired, and that my magazine income is decreasing.
Transitions are always scary, but also times of great possibility. Hardships sharpen our minds and get us off our butts as we try to think up new ways to get back to the easy life.
Are you in transition? Do you see it as a hardship or a challenge? What effect does the transition have on you, and what are you doing to take advantage of the possibilities open to you? [lf]
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Feb 20, 2009 Writing
In transition? Mmm, maybe. But I have the definite feeling I need a change. I will turn 40 this year as well and I’m half terrified, half ready to embrace it. Strangely, though, I am feeling more confident about my career – slow to bloom though it may be – and the rest of my life. Sounds like I’m in good company.
Thanks!
I will be 42 in April. I thought the 30s were great. We come into our own. Instead of hearing “she knows a lot for her age,” we just hear “she knows a lot.”
But the 40s? New confidence. New perspectives. More comfort in my own skin. What’s not to like? The gray is coming in fast, but it’s that beautiful silver so I’ll let it be. I earned every darn one of ‘em!
I read a book recently titled Second Calling, about the truth that women tend to transition in midlife to different directions or types of fulfillment. Working women stay home, stay at home women get jobs, and so many other changes. I think it’s all true.
Welcome to your 40s, Linda and Ginny. Good times ahead!
Your mind-set sounds just right! Good for you!
This is really inspiring–love your positive attitude!
*smiles*
Michele
Great attitude. But I’m not happy learning that at 45 I’m already 5 years into middle age!
Happy Belated Birthday, Linda. I’m the day after you, but two years older. The 40s are good. Your positive attitude has led you to great success, and I know it will again and again. I look forward to hearing about the new business. Thanks for reminding all of us to keep on keeping on.
great article…and information….here is another option for transition purposes….Vision Map Videos….enjoy!!!
darlene
http://visionmapvideo.blogspot.com/
I am turning 65, just got my Medicare that you know who will prob start trying to ruin or take away. We are going to a Water World barter society. Soooo….I guess I am not quite so optimistic. Still–I admire your outlook–how do you do it? Does it involve Twittering?
Transitions is right! Wow. The economy is wobbly, so I’m learning to waddle. That means making greater efforts to find new business and exploring other abilities I have that I can capitalize on to help steady things. It’s time to be flexible and creative.
Love your positive outlook!! Keep it up!
Great post! Welcome to the middle! I just turned 50 so I guess that makes me smack dab in the middle. Personally I’ve always figured on living to about 105…
Being a Mom and a writer and a lawyer and a coach, I’ve always been a juggler, and in these times I find I need to use everything I’ve got and keep more balls in the air than ever before. You do have to stay nimble, that’s for sure, and look for opportunities. I think more people are interested in joint ventures and collaborations, and there are some exciting possibilities out there. Scary sometimes? Well, aren’t fear and excitement two sides of the same coin?
What a positive post! And well-timed too, as I’m going thru my own transition right now as well. Had to quit a toxic full-time job to save my sanity and my health as it was just running me into the ground. Now I’m throwing myself full-time into freelance writing, something I’ve been talking about for the last 5 years. And I must say, I haven’t been happier.