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February 4, 2021If there’s one thing we can all be assured of, it’s change. I find this to be glaringly true in my current midlife season. In fact, I could almost be convinced that little gnomes of change worked tirelessly to stack tons of “changing stuff” at the door to age 53…just waiting for me to open it so everything could come spilling out!
Don’t even get me started on all the goodies I’ve encountered in the past few months. Let’s just say I’ve been hit on all fronts…from night sweats to a mysterious 5 pounds that showed up one morning and so far, is intent on sticking around. So, I guess it’s time to talk about how I am trying to keep up with all my midlife changes and what keeps me going.
It’s a good thing I am such a fan of perspective and choices. I have had to follow my own advice more than a few times in recent days. Ultimately, I can choose to embrace this midlife season or I can sink into it as it threatens to swallow me whole.
Midlife Changes | How Am I Keeping Up?
1. His Mercies Are New Every Morning
I remind myself to take one day at a time and trust God for His mercies that are new every morning. This is especially important when I awaken from a night of staring at the clock at midnight, and one, and two-thirty and three twenty…
2. My Perspective Is Often The Only Thing That’s In My Control
I can’t always control what is happening to me, but I can control my response to it. The natural inclination is to cast blame to something, or more often someone, when we feel helpless to control our own bodies. But, this habit really just spreads out and amplifies the problem. Instead, I take regular breaks to notice what’s going right in my life and thank God for those things. Then, I try to approach the rest from a position of strength (God’s strength) and promise.
Take a look at this new app I recently discovered, called Abide. It features short scripture meditations to help you refocus and recharge.
3. Take Small Steps To Address Your Midlife Season
If you don’t like where you are, then it’s time to ask God for help. But don’t stop there….take small steps to proactively move to a new place. So, what steps am I taking?
- I set an appointment to see an OB-GYN this week to see what’s happening with my hormones.
- I have evaluated my exercise routine to see where I can make some changes. I know that I need to add more strength training and toning to my typical cardio-rich schedule.
- I am evaluating my diet and asking myself the honest question, “What new habits can I form and realistically sustain? I know I need to address my carb intake in response to the hormonal changes in my body.
- Accept that a new season requires a new approach. Some of these midlife changes are here to stay, while others can be mitigated through changes to my diet, exercise routine and sleeping routine.
Here are some scriptures to encourage us all.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
If you’ve read this far then I can just bet you’re right there in the boat with me. At least you and I can rest in the knowledge that many women have navigated these waters before us. Even better, we can place our midlife changes in God’s hands and trust Him to help us sort them out.
~ Shellie
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11 Comments
[…] Midlife Changes by Shellie […]
I can relate to all the changes, Shellie. I am 59, and obviously I am still changing everyday…we are quite literally changed every moment of every day…however, the magnitude of those changes is definitely not as intense as it was a few years back when everything seemed to be hitting at once, as it sounds like it is for you. I can remember thinking, if I hear one more time, “At a certain age….” usually followed by something fun like your skin dries out or your vision fades, sleep becomes more difficult. Still, life is glorious, and aging sure beats the alternative! And there are some great advantages that come with midlife…more freedom, wisdom, confidence. It sounds like you have the right perspective, focusing on the things that are within your control and accepting the rest. Welcome to the midlife club. It’s actually pretty great! I found your post on the Blogger’s Pit Stop.
I guess it’s like a sorority of sorts 😉.
[…] Midlife Changes by Shellie […]
[…] Midlife Changes by Shellie […]
I love all the scriptures that you encourage yourself with and seek guidance from. We will feature this in the next Blogger’s Pit Stop.
Kathleen
Thanks Kath! I always appreciate being featured in your linkup.
It is so true that midlife brings new and unexpected challenges. I like the sentiment of knowing what we can control and what we can NOT control . There are always things we can do even if we are not in control of everything.
I have to continually remind myself to focus on those things I can control and leave the rest to God. Thanks for leaving a comment.
Ah yes, Shellie, the midlife changes are not much fun. I began going through menopause in my forties and now in my early 60’s still deal with issues. But, there are things we can do to make ourselves as comfortable as possible going through the changes. And, God is good each day!
Yes, He is…I am so grateful for that!