The Midlife

It’s 2022! Like most of us, I’m watching Omicron spreading faster than gossip and still hoping the new year will be better and richer with experiences… more so than the previous year. I took some time off from work and writing to get a little reset. I don’t know about you, but I have the tendency to push the limits of work and responsibility and every now and then I require a complete shutdown: solitude (within the confines of my home and family). Unplugging a bit from the normal day to day. And as I return to work tomorrow, I wanted to share some of my insights gained over the last 11 free days.

1. Leisurely laziness and no plans are underrated. By nature, I’m a planner. I stick to a routine that mostly unwavers. I have set goals I need to accomplish both at work and at home; nine times out of 10, I stay on track. Boring, I know. But there is something just as nourishing to the soul to have zero plans and just let the day unfold organically. Netflix and laundry. A complete day of Lego building. Dessert for breakfast followed by a leisurely walk with the dogs. Rewatching both seasons of Never Have I Ever and bingeing the second season of Emily in Paris followed by a family movie screening of Encanto. Yes, please.
2. It’s OK to sit in your feelings, as painful as they may be. Leading up to vacation, my mother was hospitalized for a week before returning home. When I’m upset, I get overcome by a sleepiness that makes me just want to crawl under the covers and not move. Add the necessity of going to work, plagued with worry, and it’s not a good look. But I’ve come to the realization (as obvious as it may seem) that it’s OK to not be OK all the time. You can fake it ’til you make it or not and both are completely OK depending on your circumstance. We’re not robots. And I would be a lousy one, believe me. It’s true that every now and then a little rain must fall. The sun always shines brightly again, eventually.
3. Don’t wait for a vacation to find that vacay joy. After a week of not responding to emails or work demands while balancing home life, I have come to the conclusion that while every day can’t be a party, I can make time for some daily joy. Whether that’s catching up with an old friend in person or on the phone, laughing at the funniest joke or Instagram reel, or enjoying a spirited game of hide and seek in my home (where there are only about five places tops you can hide) with my daughter, I’m going to go for it. It’s a must.
4. Aim to always stay positive (and Covid negative). Two days ago, we lost a beautiful legend in Betty White. Her humor and positive nature were only two of her resounding qualities. Although she didn’t make it to 100, she led an example of a life well-lived doing work she loved. And she helped others, including beloved animals. May we all walk the Betty White way: golden girl hearted, bright minded with belly laughs in abundance.

So, tell me, dear reader. What do you look forward to doing or not doing in 2022? Please leave a comment here or to the midlife2021@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you and anyone you choose to share this with. Here’s to a bright 2022 and an amazing week ahead!