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For many women, as they hit midlife, they encounter a transformative period that is known as a midlife awakening. This time of awakening is a deeply personal experience that can bring new perspectives on life. It can shake up the world we know and force us to let go of the conditioning we got early in life. As the old parts of who we are fall away, it allows us to reconnect with who we really are.
Midlife awakening or midlife crisis?
While the midlife awakening of each person is unique, there are common signs that indicate you may be going through this transition. In this blog post, we will explore ten of these signs and provide insights into what they might mean for you.
Midlife Awakening Signs
More time going within
As you begin the process of awakening you may find that you spend more time going within and reflecting on your life. You may look at your past decisions and how they’ve impacted you. And you may begin to question what you truly want moving forward. There’s a deep longing to understand yourself better. This is particularly common for women who have lost their self-identity earlier in life. Women who have consistently put the needs of their spouse, children, or career above their own may realize at this point that they do not know who they are anymore. This is the beginning of reconnecting with themselves. This was a big one for me.
Shifting priorities
As you go through a midlife awakening you will find that material success and external achievements may become less important. Instead, you may begin to focus instead on creating meaningful experiences, and deepening relationships. Accumulating “stuff” and making money are less of a priority. You may find that you now focus more on your thoughts, emotions, and the world around you instead of living on autopilot. You slow down and savor simple activities like walking in nature or enjoying a meal. In your relationships, you may become more empathetic and attuned to the needs and feelings of the people in your life.
Desire for change
At this time in your life, you may feel that something needs to change. Something big. You may decide that you can no longer stay in a specific job. Your lifestyle may shift. And you may discover that certain relationships in your life no longer work for you. This was very true for me. During my awakening, I made a lot of big changes as I took a look at the different things in my life that no longer worked for me. I walked away from one sided friendships. I got divorced. Left a job that was toxic to me. Left the house I had lived in for 19 years. Everything changed. Change is never easy. But in spite of the challenges, it was important to walk away from the things that weren’t working in my life.
Increased Interest in Spirituality
While going through a spiritual awakening, you may find yourself drawn to spiritual practices, religion, metaphysical concepts, and ancient wisdom traditions. You may start exploring meditation, yoga, energy healing, or delve into esoteric subjects like astrology or tarot. Or you may be drawn to a deeper religious practice. This increased interest is a natural part of your spiritual evolution, as you seek to find deeper meaning and purpose in life.
Desire for authenticity
As you awaken there is a deep calling within you to live more authentically. You no longer align with societal expectations for who you should be and begin embracing who you really are. You let go of people-pleasing and start following what is best for you. This might lead to changes in how you dress, speak, or present yourself.
Reevaluating relationships
During an awakening you may reassess the relationships in your life, It is common to let go of those that no longer serve you or align with your values. And you may find yourself seeking deeper, more meaningful connections. Many women go through divorce in midlife because they find that the marriage is no longer working. It is common to shift away from friendships or friend groups that no longer align with who you are.
Focusing on health and well-being
As a woman in midlife, the body goes through a great deal of change. The hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause can have a big impact on health. So it is not uncommon to become more conscious of your physical, mental, and emotional health. You may find yourself adopting healthier habits and routines to support your well-being. You may also find yourself prioritizing self-care and taking care of your mental health needs.
The urge to create
You may discover A newfound interest in creative activities, such as painting, writing, or music. Or you may rediscover a love or passion for a creative activity that you once enjoyed but that was forgotten after career and family obligations took up more of your time. The urge to create often develops as a way to express your inner self during midlife.
The acceptance of impermanence
As you get older you will face a growing amount of loss. The death of parents, pets, friends, and siblings can make you more aware of the impermanence of life. Health issues may also force you to face your own mortality. While these losses are challenging, they can lead to a deeper appreciation of the present moment and the experiences that truly matter.
Desire for simplicity
And finally, during a midlife awakening, you may find that you start to crave a simpler, more intentional life. This often leads to decluttering, minimizing possessions, and focusing on what genuinely brings you joy. I have personally experienced this and it’s amazing just how much lighter you feel when you go through your belongings and purge what you no longer need or what isn’t serving you anymore. It feels amazing to simplify life. In fact, I have another website all about living more simply. Check it out at Simple Clean Living.
Embarking on a Midlife Awakening
These signs are indicators of an internal shift towards a more meaningful and purpose-driven life, often accompanied by a greater sense of peace and fulfillment.
It’s important to note that not everyone experiences a midlife awakening. Those who do may not exhibit all of these signs. Additionally, these signs can also be indicative of other life changes or transitions. If someone is going through a challenging time, seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can be beneficial.
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