Midlife My Way

Becoming Me At 58

There’s something about reaching midlife that makes you a little more reflective – or maybe a lot more. Lately I find myself pausing to ask. “ Am I where I want to be? Do I need to change anything going forward?” These aren’t gloomy thoughts, just honest ones. With age,  perspective, and the older I get, the more clearly I see how each season of my life – good, bad, and everything in between – has shaped me

I’ve had years filled with struggles, disappointments, and what felt like setbacks. At the time, those moments knocked the wind out of me. But when I looked back now, I realize things could have been worse. In fact, those bad years taught me lessons that no easy road ever could. Each season sharpened me a little, toughen me a little, and made me a little wiser.

And here’s the best part of growing older: I finally finally don’t care what people think about me. Do you know how freeing that is? To embrace who I am, quirks and all, without worrying about whether I “fit”? It’s like throwing off a heavy coat you didn’t realize you were wearing. These days, if there’s something I want to do, I don’t put it on the.” One of these days shelf.” I start making plans, clear my schedule, and just go for it.

No more waiting. No more apologizing. No more trying to fit into a particular group or social circle. If people don’t like me, that’s OK. I’ve discovered I don’t have the time, patience, or energy for drama – or fake friends. My circle of friends has shrunk considerably over the years. Some drifted away and, yes, I was sad to lose them. Others well, I was secretly glad they let themselves out. (No hard feelings, but life is too short for toxicity.)

What’s left now is a very small, but very solid circle. The people who remain are the ones who matter most, the ones I can laugh with, cry with, and be completely myself around. Quality over quantity – is a cliché for a reason. 

And then there’s my husband. Let me just say, I hit the jackpot with him. He’s been my rock from the very beginning, my partner in crime, my sounding board, and – yes it’s true – my best friend. He doesn’t always get me 100% but honestly who could? I’m grateful he gets me most of the time, and that’s enough. After all these years, he’s still the one I’d rather spend a Friday night with than anyone else. That, to me is priceless.

So where does that leave me in this Midlilfe season? Surprisingly… Happy. Not because everything is perfect – because it’s not. But because I’m finally embracing life my way. I don’t have to chase acceptance, approval, or popularity. I don’t have to waste time on people or situations that drain me and I don’t have to put all the things I’ve always wanted to do until.” Someday.”