Amber, this is exactly where I’m at right now at 42 (almost 43!). So thankful I have a therapist to help work through it with me and friends like you who also happen to be great writers full of wisdom that make me feel like I’m not alone!
I really dig how you connect disappointment and disenchantment with the Beatitudes and being poor in spirit. I think you've dug up some gold there for sure! What you shared reminds me a lot of the transition into the spiritual second half of life that Richard Rohr writes about, and many never journey into. The loss of our constructed self is the fuel that brings us to our True Self. I also adore how you end with the "prisoner of hope" quote.
I went through a MELTDOWN when I turned 40 because I wasn't where I wanted to be in life at that point--in fact almost everything was not the way I wanted it. But then when I turned 50 it was totally different -- I was actually excited about it and I suspect part of that was that I was where I wanted to be in terms of career and relationships, but also that I had reframed my underestanding of aging and embraced the idea of entering a new phase of life ("second half of life") which if done right is much more meaningful and enjoyable than the first half of life. I think entering middle age (whatever that is) is a great time to assess and pivot. Feeling bad isn't a bad thing -- it lets you know what needs to change.
Well, Amber that hit home. I love your writings and understand what you convey. I am past the middle age point of my life and know what disenchantment you speak of all too well. It is true, though what you say about getting on the other side of middle age and it comes like a flood before you know it, You will find that God and His love and those loved ones and special friends are what really counts in life.
It is important to always remember your successes and past adventures you that experienced when you get past the middle age disenchantments. You’ll find those memories are what keep you going on once you reach the other side that will be here before you know it. Love and faithfulness is most important. And hopefully those you cared for when you yourself were young and spry will lovingly return the favor. A lot of us in the latter years of life find ourselves facing loneliness and a lasting feeling of despair. But GOD...
Amber, this is exactly where I’m at right now at 42 (almost 43!). So thankful I have a therapist to help work through it with me and friends like you who also happen to be great writers full of wisdom that make me feel like I’m not alone!
Thank you so much for sharing your solidarity! This is a tough spot to be in and made tougher by the isolation. You are not alone!
I really dig how you connect disappointment and disenchantment with the Beatitudes and being poor in spirit. I think you've dug up some gold there for sure! What you shared reminds me a lot of the transition into the spiritual second half of life that Richard Rohr writes about, and many never journey into. The loss of our constructed self is the fuel that brings us to our True Self. I also adore how you end with the "prisoner of hope" quote.
Yes, RR has come to my mind many times as I’ve considered my Second Act of life. He is such a wise guide.
I went through a MELTDOWN when I turned 40 because I wasn't where I wanted to be in life at that point--in fact almost everything was not the way I wanted it. But then when I turned 50 it was totally different -- I was actually excited about it and I suspect part of that was that I was where I wanted to be in terms of career and relationships, but also that I had reframed my underestanding of aging and embraced the idea of entering a new phase of life ("second half of life") which if done right is much more meaningful and enjoyable than the first half of life. I think entering middle age (whatever that is) is a great time to assess and pivot. Feeling bad isn't a bad thing -- it lets you know what needs to change.
Wow. The balm my soul needed this Sunday morning. “Feeling bad isn’t a bad thing...” I’m finding this to be so true.
Well, Amber that hit home. I love your writings and understand what you convey. I am past the middle age point of my life and know what disenchantment you speak of all too well. It is true, though what you say about getting on the other side of middle age and it comes like a flood before you know it, You will find that God and His love and those loved ones and special friends are what really counts in life.
It is important to always remember your successes and past adventures you that experienced when you get past the middle age disenchantments. You’ll find those memories are what keep you going on once you reach the other side that will be here before you know it. Love and faithfulness is most important. And hopefully those you cared for when you yourself were young and spry will lovingly return the favor. A lot of us in the latter years of life find ourselves facing loneliness and a lasting feeling of despair. But GOD...
♥️♥️
Thank you for sharing your hard-earned wisdom here, and giving some hope for the years ahead. Praying fullness of joy over you now.