Defining middle age can be challenging; it’s not solely about reaching the age of 40, which I recently celebrated, with aspirations of remaining vibrant and engaged—ideally performing on stage—well into my 80s. Middle age represents a pivotal phase, a time that warrants a fulfilling definition. To me, it signifies the onset of a decade where I can truly take action. After spending my 20s lost in dreams and my 30s navigating the fog of early parenthood, I am eager to embrace my 40s as a period of accomplishment.
There has always been a persistent hum in the back of my mind, urging me to seize the time and acquire new skills. As I extinguished the candles on my 40th birthday cake, that hum intensified, akin to the noise of a chainsaw outside my window. It’s time to address the skills that have long awaited my attention.
Here are some goals I aim to achieve in this active decade:
- Decipher A Prairie Home Companion: What’s the real story behind this show? Is Garrison Keillor orchestrating the longest-running joke in history? I’m determined to uncover the truth—even if it means enduring countless barber shop quartets singing obscure lyrics from the 1950s while I wash dishes every Saturday night.
- Appreciate Surreal Cinema: I want to watch a surreal film without succumbing to tears or distractions like laundry and cleaning. My partner is a filmmaker with a passion for cinema, while my tastes are admittedly narrow. (True confession: I’m not a fan of Casablanca, and I owe my husband for the lunchbox I bought him after dozing off during the film.) I’ll strive to engage with his favorite surreal films, starting with The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie.
- Master Textiles for Online Shopping: Terms like Slub, Modal, and Burnout leave me baffled. While I understand more familiar terms like pleated skirt, I need to educate myself to navigate online shopping confidently.
- Cook Without Constantly Checking Recipes: I aspire to prepare meals without consulting the recipe every few minutes. I want to sauté mushrooms and know exactly when to add ingredients, without the panic of forgetting crucial steps. In movies, women cook effortlessly while sipping wine in beautifully appointed kitchens. I want that experience, minus the frantic recipe checks.
- Learn to Sew: I picked up sewing at ten but never truly advanced. With my child soon entering school, I want to be the mom who can mend clothes and craft Halloween costumes. My husband recently learned to sew out of necessity, and I am determined to outdo him by creating play clothes for our daughter from the living room curtains before she turns seven. Note to self: Purchase curtains, and replacement curtains.
- Master Multiple Scarf Styles: I believe that middle-aged individuals should add a touch of flair to their attire. I admire the elegant women I see on public transport, carrying Playbills and donning stylish scarves. I’ve discovered there are countless ways to tie a scarf, and I plan to learn at least six of them, complete with illustrations and a full-length mirror to ensure a fashionable decade.
- Become Tech-Savvy: I struggle with basic technology, from setting the DVR to properly loading the dishwasher, tasks my husband often has to redo. I even managed to embarrassingly record an outgoing message with a mishap at our answering machine. It’s high time to gain proficiency in managing our household tech.
These are just a few of the many skills I aspire to master in middle age. With ambitions of continuing to dance full-time at 50, I realize I can’t conquer everything, but I’m determined to make significant progress.
For those interested in enhancing their fertility journey, be sure to check out this insightful resource for more information. Additionally, Make a Mom offers excellent advice on fertility supplements, while Parents provides a comprehensive overview of the IVF process.
In summary, mastering new skills during middle age is essential for personal growth and fulfillment. The pursuit of knowledge and the ability to take on new challenges can enrich our lives and lead to deeper connections with ourselves and others.