Our lives seem to be so complex with never enough time to get everything done that we think needs to be done. We rush through our day often moving from event to event without the time to really engage with or relish any experience. We end up tired, frustrated, and sick always searching for that magical moment in our lives. Could the magic be right in front of us every day but in our rush to accomplish what we committed to do we do not even see it.
Midlife invites us to examine our life to see if it is really working for us or if we are just going through the motions doing what someone else or some institution told us would bring joy, success, and fulfillment. This conscious midlife journey is either by personal choice to enhance an already fulfilling life or because of life circumstances that leave us with no choice but to rebuild a life that has fallen apart. The amazing thing to remember is that sometimes things fall apart so they can come together again in a much more meaningful and productive life.
No matter how we get to this space in midlife, let’s look at finding the beauty, the joy, and the magic in simplicity. Life is really pretty basic and we seem to make it extremely complicated. What if in midlife we chose to:
- Slow down and only commit to what really brings us joy
- Take the time to take care of us so we have the health and energy to live life
- Show up as our authentic self as opposed to being patriarchies puppet
- Live with purpose and passion to inspire others as opposed to impress others
- Realize that life is about relationships not accumulation of titles and possessions
The magic is in the simple everyday moments in life that most of us miss rushing to the next big event in our life. The magic is in slowing down our life to connect with what really matters for us and our family. To simplify is to find the magic within us and the magic in the world all around us in the sunshine, a stranger’s smile, a child’s laughter, a fragrant lilac, the leaves dancing in the breeze, or the moon kissing our face. The magic is in following our passion and saying no to what does not resonate within us. We don’t have to please or impress anyone. It is our life. Keep it simple. There is profound truth, beauty, wisdom, joy, and happiness in taking the time to engage authentically with what truly matters in our hearts.
We will not find the magic in the chaos of busyness but in the simple moments of connection to our authentic self. Slow down to create a life that gives us optimum health, balanced energy, creativity, and the time to engage fully in what renews and ignites our spirit. Midlife allows us to see the world and our place in it much differently if we choose. When we slow down to reflect on what really matters to us, we can prioritize which actually creates more quality time in our life. Instead of doing everything for everyone wearing us out, we can focus on our purpose so we uplift both us and humanity with our gifts.
Mariliyn says
“Slow down and only commit to what really brings us joy” … that has been my outlook in midlife. Interestingly, it’s not always as easy as it sounds. I love living in the magic of life and I’m glad to be back at the place where I recognize how to do it! I agree wholeheartedly with your perspective. <3 Marilyn
Suzy Manning says
Thank you Marilyn for your comment. Isn’t it beautiful when we can soak in the magic in midlife and use it to empower us? What a powerful mirror you are to other sisters.
Suzy Manning says
Thanks Rob!! I am so excited that this article resonated with you and that you are feeling more magical moments. Yay! When we open our hearts and see with open eyes, the ordinary everyday life experiences become extraordinary.
robandsteveyoga says
Love it Suzy–Last night as my partner ended the day by sitting on the front proch watching and listening the pouring rain, I said this is so perfect. He said you are saying that a lot lately–. Hmm, so have there been more perfect moments lately or have I just opened my eyes to see the ones there that are there every moment.
I love your line, “Midlife invites us to examine our life….”
Thanks for this inspiration.
Rob