Mid-Life Crisis – SIM Style

Mid-Life Crisis – SIM Style

‘Back in the day’, having a mid-crisis either meant buying a fast new shiny car or having a scandalous affair. Now, with 34+ million of us SIMs (Single In Mid-Life) running around in 2017, the times they are a’changing. Those of us who want a new shiny car already have one, and we’ll take travel and adventure over scandal any day. So what does today’s crisis look like? 

 Anxiety. We aren’t bored or feeling discontent. We feel overwhelmed. Many of us started having children later, so mid-life for those also means middle school students. We are wrestling with role reversal as we often become caregivers for aging parents. Also, growing up in a self-help era, we constantly feel the need to better ourselves; our minds, our bodies, our kitchen table…the world! Pinterest makes sure to remind us every day we could be doing something better, faster, cheaper. And all the while, we face these challenges without a partner oftentimes dealing with the pain of divorce. 

 So what’s the answer? Easier said than done, but…..let go of the pressure to be perfect or be everything for everyone. The science project really isn’t yours to finish. Your parents probably don’t need (or want) you at every single turn. And Life Hack this…..You are pretty awesome just the way you are! Every season in life has a new challenge. Being a SIM can feel more like a curse than a blessing if you are not careful. Never let yourself believe that. Live Life in wonder and appreciation. Find joy in the small victories. Take a deep breath and deeply love the people around you. This can truly be an exciting and fun-filled time in your life; where you have learned who you are and what makes you happy. So go do what makes you happy! And if that still means a shiny new car…put the top down and ride!

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