Menu
Parenting
My Near Midlife Awakening by Mia Thompson
Updated: Dec. 18, 2015
Originally Published: July 24, 2015
This November, I hit the big 4-6. I felt a bit plump, scattered, and well, droopy. One night, I woke up in a panic at exactly 1:24 a.m., convinced I heard someone downstairs endlessly banging a single note on the piano. My hair was rebelling, and my sense of humor seemed to have gone on a vacation. For the first time ever, I felt like a grown-up, and honestly, I wasn’t very thrilled about it.
Fast forward to my birthday. I woke up to my kids and husband serenading me, showering me with gifts and kisses. Yay! Maybe 46 could be enjoyable! I spent the day in true 2015 style: scrolling through Facebook. I was inundated with well-wishes from friends, family, coworkers, and even a few headhunters I had mistakenly accepted. It felt like my past was giving me a warm welcome.
Oddly enough, I didn’t feel burdened by the years that had brought all these people into my life, nor did I grasp how much time had really flown. Instead, I felt a surge of “more” — more connections, more memories, more love. It dawned on me that “Time has granted me the capacity to embrace more of everything in my life.” For the first time, I understood that familiar saying: “I’m not old; I’m just seasoned.”
Along with the messages came photos. Three stand out in particular. My sister shared a baby picture of me peering longingly into a bakery window. Apparently, my love for sweets started early—some things never change!
An old middle school buddy posted a page from an ancient notebook where I had transcribed a poem I wrote. My first writing gig! I may not recall the moment, but that poem still lives in my heart.
Lastly, my longtime roommate shared a snapshot from my 26th birthday dinner. I looked fabulous! Curly hair, sun-kissed skin, no makeup, huge earrings, and an even bigger smile. I never even finished my meal! I was a reader, rocking ripped jeans and comfy shoes. That was a great version of me. I showed the picture to my family. My husband exclaimed, “That’s how you looked when we met!” My 13-year-old daughter chimed in, “Oh Mommy, you looked just like that in your wedding pictures. So pretty!” My 8-year-old son was confused, asking, “Who is that?”
Though years had zipped by, I realized I had come a long way over two decades. But when I looked in the mirror on my 46th birthday, I wasn’t pleased with who I saw. I was starting to feel my age, and I vowed to change that. The day after my birthday, amidst the chaos of work, kids, and everyday chores, I completely forgot my resolution. Yet, deep down, I began secretly taking steps over the next couple of months to revamp my life.
I rekindled connections with friends who truly mattered and let go of those whose negative opinions held no weight. I swapped constant Facebook checks for more quality time with family. I read more, snacked less, and prepared for a spring garden. We jumped on the bed, hunted for sea glass, and made a delightful mess with fizzy science experiments. We laughed. I smiled. A lot.
Now, nearly three months after my birthday, I woke up, grabbed my book, hit the gym, ate a sensible breakfast, styled my freshly curled hair, donned my hoop earrings, and slipped into my trusty ripped jeans and scuffed shoes. When I glanced in the mirror, my 26-year-old self beamed back at me. Sure, there are some bags under my eyes, and yes, that baby weight is still hanging around (did I mention my youngest is 8?), but I also feel like a more confident, fulfilled version of me. It’s a trade-off I’ll gladly take.
So, if you find yourself grappling with a midlife crisis, here’s my advice: Pick an age. Any age. Reflect on what made you the best version of yourself back then. It’s still you; you may just need to unearth that treasure. All that digging is worth it because your best midlife self could be waiting to be discovered!
For more insights on navigating this journey, check out this resource. If you’re curious about home insemination, visit here to learn more, or check out Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit for guidance.
In summary, hitting midlife can feel daunting, but with a little self-reflection and connection, you can embrace your journey and rediscover the best version of yourself.