24 Ways to Embrace the Changes of Midlife

I have just about concluded that there aren’t many experiences to prep us for our trek through midlife…except, maybe, a high-speed-hold-on-to-your-hat-hang-out–of- your -seat “thrill ride.” One minute we may be screaming, “Oh, Lord, I’m going to die! …” the next, we’re buying a new ticket and hopping right back on. Thus the parallel to the midlife adventure:

If we can just hang on till things level out, we’re bound to see all the fun of it.

Below is a list of ways to embrace the changes…and they are many, as we approach and partake of the middle years. I’m personally finding them helpful on those “thin air, steep incline” days.

1. Be often among safe, caring womenfolk. Watch for growing isolation.
2. Listen to good music, morning and evening. Use it as a spirit booster instead of food or television.
3. Fill your environments with all things LIVE. Flowers, plants, food, people, nature, pets. Live television does not count.



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4. Don’t be afraid to write on your hand if you think you may forget something.
5. Buy clothes with 5% spandex.
6. As much as possible, share meals with happy people.
7. Ask God’s opinion first.
8. Be intelligent and sensible about your body. Do the research. Go the way of wisdom, with what gives you peace.
9. If you are really desperate, buy a cat.
10. Give people as many chances as it takes to get it right – Jesus did.
11. Drop lime slices in your water.
12. Give random hugs. Increase your affection quotient. Bear someone else’s pain.
13. While washing your face, look in the mirror and say, “Sister, you are beautiful, grace-filled, priceless to God. You are the object of His affection. Yes, you are.
14. Buy new athletic shoes. You will walk faster and jump higher.
15. Find creative ways to be near water – Jesus did.
16. Discover the elegance of ¾ length sleeves.
17. Stoke your private devotions. Recite meaningful scriptures. Pray aloud; talk like you would to a well-weathered friend. Write your prayers or try The Book of Common Prayer. Create your own new worship songs. With a hymnal, you can sing or read the lyrics as poetry to God.
18. Set regular appointments to journal your life. Always write first about how you feel.
19. If things become unmanageable, talk with a professional Christian counselor. Shop around for the best fit. If your soul is infected, don’t put off getting treatment.
20. Forgive on earth as you have been forgiven in heaven.
21. Find a teenage girl who reminds you of yourself and mentor her.
22. Participate in a life-giving church. One that celebrates, teaches and loves Jesus Christ and people like you. Invest your resources in things that will last.
23. Choose a Signature Color. Wear it often. Buy small, personal items in this color. Paint a wall this color or even your front door.
24. Receive the WOW of NOW. Open up. Welcome its PRESENCE. See what is there, all the sweet, juicy, fresh possibilities.

*Adapted from the book Honey, They Shrunk My Hormones: Humor and Insight from the Trenches of Midlife, Howard Publishing 2003

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