Discovering Purpose and Finding Meaning in Midlife
Finding, discovering and rediscovering yourself in midlife. For many, the term “midlife crisis” gets thrown around, more often, but when you ask yourself, what and why do midlife crises happen and the answer is rooted in lack of meaning, discovery and purpose. In this article will be explore how to find meaning and your purpose when approaching or in midlife. There is something special about midlife and finding yourself again. Life is easy to get lost in but in midlife there is tremendous meaning and rediscovery. Midlife is a time of deep reflection that can feel scary and intimidating. Many people question the path they are on and wonder the “what ifs” which can cause confusion, anxiety, depression and existential feelings.
When thinking of existence and the yearning for something bigger, there is a two-way street of this line of thinking. When searching for meaning, there are thousands of possibilities and questions to ask. By searching deeper for meaning and having introspection, the quest begins. We will discuss the practical pieces to finding purpose and meaning in midlife along with the the deeper challenges and common questions asked while on this journey.
Perhaps you’re thinking about changing careers, relationships, moving somewhere new, or anything that is bringing you to question the meaning in your life, read on to discover more.
What is Your Path and Where is it Taking You
Midlife is all about reassessing what is meaningful and what matters. Friends change, family dynamics can change, careers change, you change. Many of us reassess what matters and what is important and ultimately our life direction and purpose. Events tend to trigger these meaningful thoughts whether it being a big birthday like the big 40, a job lay off, a child moving away to college, parents passing away or anything that marks a change in your life. This time of reflection comes with bigger questions if we are on the right path and unknowing if the path we are on is one we want to stay on. Finding purpose in midlife comes with uncertainty, doubt and uneasiness. Taking time for yourself through journaling, reflection, self-care and mindfulness are ways to navigate these times of uncertainty. Counseling is also a great way to explore your uncertainty and work through these feelings.
What Does It Mean to Live Purposefully?
Making choices that reflect you and what you want in life. Purpose is more than what you do but why you do it. For those in careers where it doesn’t “fit” them anymore, many career changes happen in midlife for this reason because it doesn’t serve them purposefully. It is why the corporate banker may transition to working for a non-profit later in life even if that means a pay cut because living a life with meaning becomes more important than a high profile job. There are many other reasons and career is one way to view meaning. Each and every person is on their own unique journey and what is meaningful to you, may not be meaningful to someone else. Being self-aware gives you time to rediscover yourself. Finding fulfilment in the journey.
The Unique Challenges of Finding Purpose After 40
Midlife marks the time when a person nears their 40s and right around that time is where existential doom creeps in. There is a lot of reevaluating during this time. Everyone is on such a unique journey where someone may find new meaning in rediscovering old passions or creating new hobbies in their life, making new friends, reconnecting with old friends, remarrying, divorcing, having kids, not having kids, kids moving out, changing perspectives, moving out of the country, thinking of retirement, planning for the future or discovering what they find important. Midlife can be about growth and finding what is important to you.
You aren’t alone in the journey and reaching out during midlife is where counseling can be a part of the self-discovery you’re seeking in midlife.
