Finding ourselves in a state of confusion in midlife is common. With a lifetime of habits, and often a path we've gone down for unknown reasons, becoming clear the future can be challenging. We begin to question our past and wonder where we are headed. This can be daunting at first, but embracing where we are provides an opportunity to find clarity and purpose. Here are some ideas about how to find clarity in midlife:
Let go of all expectations and ideas. Freeing ourselves from what we think we should be doing is a great place to start—it's a little like wiping the slate clean and will contribute towards gaining clarity. Take some time, days, weeks, even months, to totally release ideas, thoughts, and expectations about what is next. To find clarity we need space and this release gives us that.
Take a vacation or mini-break. Clarity often comes when we least expect it. A change of scene can do wonders for our creative brain, allowing new ideas we'd never thought of to flow.
Get out in nature. Taking a walk in nature opens our senses to the new. As you meander through a forest, along a beach, or a field, let your mind wander.
Reflect on your experiences. Looking at past experiences is a great way to find clarity. When we review decisions we've made about all kinds of things we begin to build a picture of what worked for us and what didn't, and most importantly, what we loved.
Try new things. Allow yourself the luxury of trying new things. Step out of your comfort zone and take up a hobby you've always wanted to try, explore a new career path, or even investigate moving to that city you love. As you delve into each of these you will gain the clarity you are looking for.
Get the support you need. Finding clarity can be challenging. Talk to supportive friends, family you know will be helpful (and not critical or judgmental), or even better, engage a mentor, coach or therapist. Having conversations can give you a fresh perspective and help you gain clarity.
Set realistic goals. Once you find clarity, set some small realistic goals you can easily achieve. Dipping your toe in the water can be a wonderful way to try things out. As you start working on your goals you will soon know whether you're heading in the right direction.
Listen to your intuition. Remember to listen to your intuition. Often it's the smallest quiet whisper, yet it's powerful beyond measure for gaining clarity. Your gut feeling will never be wrong and is really your biggest asset.
Finally, enjoy the process of finding clarity—releasing, exploration, getting support, setting goals, and listening to your intuition. It's a wonderful time of life when many pressures from your younger years have faded away. Once you find the clarity you're looking for, you will discover new things about yourself and what you're capable of.
With love,
