I love this time of year, as the chill of winter slowly fades and we finally see the first blossoms of spring, I feel a unique sense of opportunity in the air. Spring gives me the feeling of promise, what will the warmer weather bring? (apart from chronic hay fever that is!) This time of year is not just about how the flowers are bringing us joy but how we can find our own joy in the small things as we navigate the challenges of midlife.
The beauty of midlife
Midlife can be seen as a period of reflection and reassessment. It’s a time when many of us pause to take stock of our lives, our achievements, and our goals. I become more and more aware of this with every I Am Remarkable workshop I deliver. The amazing women I talk to and the challenges they have overcome astounds me each time. Once we recognise how far we have come, midlife can be a time of immense joy and fulfilment – if we allow ourselves to embrace how far we have come and what we can still give.
Rediscovery and Growth: Just as spring brings new life, midlife offers us the opportunity to rediscover passions and interests that may have been set aside due to demands of work, family and the never-ending juggle. Whether it’s picking up a long-forgotten hobby, traveling to new places, or learning new skills, this stage of life can be enriching and rewarding.
Wisdom and Confidence: I love the word wisdom, with the experiences of youth long behind us, midlife brings a certain wisdom and confidence – if we allow ourselves to discover and embrace it. We know ourselves better, understand our strengths and weaknesses, and are often more comfortable in our own skin although we can find it difficult to find this. This self-assurance is where we are, who we are and what we bring can lead to true appreciation for the simple joys in life.
New Beginnings: Midlife can also be a time of new beginnings. We have navigated young families, we can be more established in our careers, we can have great networks so is now the time for a career change, to start a new business, or even a new relationship, the possibilities are there, we just sometimes need to find our inner confidence and self-belief. Just as spring is a time for planting flowering seeds, midlife is a time for sowing the seeds of your success.
The joy of spring
Spring is a season that naturally brings joy and optimism. The longer days, warmer weather, and blooming flowers can all contribute to a sense of renewal and hope.
Nature and light: The transformation during spring always surprises me, how my garden looks, how each plant blooms and evolves. Trees that were bare just a few weeks ago are now bursting with leaves and blossoms. I love to garden and found this a saviour in lockdown, to see the hard work over the winter bloom can also be reflected in how we can use spring as a literal spring to inspire us to embrace change and growth in our own lives.
Outdoor Activities: With the arrival of spring, there’s a renewed opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s gardening, hiking, or simply taking a walk in the park, spending time in nature can be incredibly rejuvenating. The need for vitamin D cannot be overlooked and the boost of some sunshine can give us a feeling of renewal. These activities not only boost physical health but can also enhance our mental wellbeing especially if they are shared with friends or family. Could you feature a walk at lunchtime with a colleague? I promise it will give you a spring in your step.
Finding joy
The parallels between midlife and spring should be celebrated. While we know we all have midlife challenges to face both emotional and physical, could we also look for the positives of this time? Could this be the time for you to take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come and how much more you have to give and achieve? Spring and midlife are both times of transformation, growth, and renewal. If we can embrace the opportunities that midlife offers and the optimism that spring brings, we can use this time to find the joy in the little things.