Here I am, almost 46, decidedly middle-aged. It’s easy to think of the disadvantages of middle age: the wrinkles and grey hairs that keep sprouting, the “spread” that never seems to stop, the weird muscle aches in places that I was previously unaware of having muscles. Today, however, I want to look at the silver lining of middle age. So:
It’s good to be middle-aged because:
1. I was never cool, and I don’t have to try or pretend to be anymore.
2. The world is no longer full of unending possibilities—but I have found the kinds of things that I am good at and that make me happy, so I don’t have the same need for endless possibilities.
3. That said, when I try new things (knitting, for example), I have no pressure to be “really great” at it. I can let go of big goals and just do what I can because I enjoy it. I read somewhere that this is what happens when you try something after you turn 40, and I think it’s true. This actually frees me to try more new things than ever before!
4. Having young kids at middle age is exhausting. However, I am also old enough that I no longer care about appearances, so I am able to give myself over to the magic and silliness of childhood fairly frequently.
5. I have built a home and traditions that I love; beats the heck out of the insecurity of my 20s.
6. My work and my heart are in better alignment now than they were when I was young.
7. I know what I like and no longer care about trends…yet I am still open to new experiences.
8. I notice the beauty in the world around me more than I ever used to do.
9. Gratitude and contentment come more readily to me than they did 20 years ago.
10. I have far more fabulous, eclectic jewelry. (Hey, not everything should be deep.)
What do you love about getting older?
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