This one is for you … remember her? You liked her! I know first-hand it’s difficult remembering who you are and what sets your world on fire when you’ve been in the ‘life’ trenches. Raising children, being a mum, someone’s partner, navigating a career and a family doesn’t leave a lot of time for you does it? Is it possible to find yourself again, or even reinvent yourself in midlife? Yes, yes it is!
Connect with yourself
What does finding yourself actually mean? In a nutshell, it’s about re-establishing who you are, and how you want to live. It’s about tapping into your authentic self — not the you who’s been diffused by time and outside influences. It’s about slowing down and allowing yourself the headspace to consider what you want out of your life. It’s important to find this quiet space for yourself because it’s there where the magic happens.
Where to start
Trevor Torrance is a former elite athlete and is now a global Personal Growth Coach and the founder of BMore. I asked him for some expert advice on where to start in order to find yourself in midlife. Trevor says a great place to start is by examining whether you’re living a life in alignment.
Find answers to your own questions
Check-in with yourself. Do your values, strengths and interests reflect who you are now? Do they inform who you want to be from here on out? Start this check-in by evaluating 4 core life pillars:
- Mind: What are your core beliefs? Stop listening to other voices over your own, and beware the inner critic that holds beliefs which are no longer of service to you, or who you want to be. Listen to the little voice inside and grant yourself permission to be who you are.
- Body: How do you nurture your body? What does your body need? Making the time to exercise and eat well is self care and a nourished body and mind is a necessity, not a luxury.
- Spirit: What brings you joy? When is it that you feel most alive? Most balanced? Midlife is a great time to expand and explore, how can you know what else might make you sing if you don’t explore? Perhaps counter-intuitive to your years of expertise and experience, trying new activities brings a wealth of benefits for the brain and body.
- Success: What do you want to achieve from here? Ask yourself, what do you need to do now to satisfy ambitions and find purpose? Research shows that seeking new purpose is beneficial for mid-lifers and older adults — so don’t let an age put you off pursuing your version of success.
There’s never been a better time to stop, check in with yourself and set your sail for a reinvigorated and authentic midlife!
