In my opinion, this is an
interesting topic. Popularly known as the mid life crises. I wonder why this is
called as Crises?
I was trying to analyse in my own
mind about a cross section of people whom I think have gone/going through this
bizarre concept. However at the end of it most of the people emerge triumphant.
This is not an attempt as to why
a person goes through weird feelings during his midlife when he seeks course
correction. This is just a casual way side commentary about a few instances.
So, what happens during this
process? When a person approaches his/her mid 30s or early 40s – by the time
the person would have reasonably settled well with his life. A comfortable job,
a good bank balance. Kids and their routines. In the early 30s most people
follow a mechanical routine way of life.
And slowly at some point in time
the person starts to think. While the person may be well in his comfort zone
not wanting to move out of the zone, when this bug bites the person, he
actually starts to question his existence, his activities etc. Generally the
perception is that, this phase is considered a phase of depression or a stressful
period for the person. But I think otherwise.
After an initial bout of solitude
and at times eccentric behaviours, people do find something more interesting
for themselves.
Some people decide to change
jobs. Some go for a sabbatical and would like to explore their interests. Some
decide to quit their cushy corporate job for starting their own enterprise. Some
prefer a total change of job responsibility or role.
Some start to pursue their other passions.
Like say Organic farming. Some get into music in a big way. People get back to
their old hobbies which they might have missed in their childhood, like say
playing an instrument.
Some go for marathons( which
seems to be the latest fad!).. Now many people have completed full marathons in
their 40s.
I know of a lady who became a
state Tennis champion in her mid 40s!
Some Travel the world and write their travelogues! Some become fitness freaks!
If you go through some articles on mid life crisis the most prominent thing that they mention is that people go and buy an expensive car or a bike! Yeah – they get more adventurous in their spending.
Some become custodians of artefacts.
Some take up volunteering for
social causes.
I can list so many different attributes.
It is interesting to see that while this concept is actually called Mid life crises, I feel it is more a rebirth of sorts for the person. A transformation beyond the boundaries which takes the person to different heights and the person finds a new found happiness within himself. Connects with himself a bit more, apart from his other social compulsions.
Yes, connect with oneself is very important, which we generally take it for granted. And only when this strikes unknowingly the person takes it more seriously and subsequently followed by fabulous results.
My personal take is that while this process would have started on a bizarre note with the person not
knowing what is happening to himself/herself, coupled with some cranky behaviours. General tendency is to get worked up and go the depression way. While I won’t rule out stress attributing to this, but as they say it all happens for the good. This phenomenon makes the person goes through some rough patches and yet prepares himself to handle them well too, as predominantly the person gets to understand himself and his innate needs better. The earlier the person comes to terms with himself, the sooner will he be able to handle himself better. I am not saying the person should isolate himself from others. Just that one needs to understand oneself better.
To my fellow friends who may think they are going through some kind of restlessness in their lives - Just tell yourself – “listen to your heart”.
You will find a miracle!
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