5 Tools for Navigating Midlife Change

This week, a photo of me sitting by the river went viral on social media (well, viral in my very little corner of the internet – you can see it here). In the caption, I shared some of the emotions I was experiencing: the bittersweet joy of my 21-year-old leaving for another adventure, the emptiness in the nest that suddenly felt a little bigger, and the immense pride in the strong, independent woman she’s becoming.

The response resonated with many, and it sparked a thoughts about something we all encounter – change. Change, whether it’s an empty nest, a milestone birthday, a career shift, or anything in between – can be a rollercoaster of emotions. We might feel excited, lost, relieved, overwhelmed or a confusing mix of all of them.

AND, that’s OK!

The Importance of Feeling (All) Our Feelings

The image you saw wasn’t just about saying goodbye to my daughter (although that was certainly a part of it!). It was about taking a moment to acknowledge the emotional rollercoaster that comes with change. We often judge ourselves for feeling “negative” emotions like sadness or grief during transitions. But, those feelings are just as valid as excitement or a sense of freedom. Don’t try to shove them down or judge yourself for feeling them. Acknowledge them all – the grief, the joy, the uncertainty. Give yourself permission to feel.

But what then? How do we navigate these transitions and emerge with a sense of purpose and direction?

5 tools for navigating change:

1. Creating Space for Processing:

Change can be disorienting. One minute you’re in the familiar rhythm of your daily life, the next, things are shifting. Allow yourself time and space to process these changes. Journaling can be a powerful tool to explore your emotions and gain clarity on what’s swirling inside. Talk it out with someone you trust. Don’t underestimate the power of creative expression – activities like art, music, or dance can be a non-verbal way to express difficult emotions.

2. Prioritising Your Well-being:

Change can be draining, both emotionally and physically. During times of transition, it’s crucial to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Focus on healthy eating habits that fuel your energy levels. Regular exercise can help manage stress and improve your mood. Getting enough sleep is essential for both physical and mental well-being. Prioritise activities that nourish your mind, like reading a stimulating book, listening to a podcast on a topic that interests you, or learning a new skill that sparks your curiosity. Don’t neglect your spiritual well-being either. Meditation, spending time in nature, or connecting with your spiritual side can bring a sense of peace and grounding.

3. Reconnecting with Your Passions:

Change can be an opportunity to rediscover who you are outside of your roles. Remember the things you enjoyed before children or a career became your primary focus? Maybe it was painting, reading, playing an instrument, or volunteering in your community. Rekindle those passions or explore entirely new interests that light you up. Invest in personal growth by taking a class or workshop, attending a retreat or reading a book on a topic that excites you. Giving back to your community through volunteer work can be a meaningful way to connect with a cause you care about while also exploring new interests.

4. Redefining Your Vision:

Change is an opportunity to rewrite your life script. Take some time to revisit your personal and professional goals. Do they still resonate with you, or have your priorities shifted? Is your business or career still aligned with where you see yourself going? Maybe this is the time to take on a new challenge – a project that sparks your creativity, a side hustle that allows you to explore a passion, or even a career change that aligns with your evolving vision.

5. Embracing the Growth & Celebrating You:

While change can be challenging, it can also be an incredible catalyst for growth. View this transition as an opportunity to create a life that truly reflects who you are at this stage. Embrace the freedom, independence and new possibilities that come with change. Celebrate your achievements, both big and small. Acknowledge how far you’ve come, the life experiences you’ve navigated and all that you’ve accomplished.

While my personal experience sparked these thoughts, the reality is that transition can take many forms. A job change, a health challenge, a relationship ending – these are all moments when our lives take a new direction.

Change is inevitable. It’s a part of being human. But by acknowledging our emotions, seeking support, and nurturing ourselves, we can navigate these transitions with a little more ease and emerge stronger on the other side.

The key is to approach these changes with an open mind and a curious spirit. Instead of viewing them as setbacks, see them as opportunities for exciting new chapters – once the rawness of all the emotions has been felt and processed. Just like my daughter, who is venturing out into the world to explore and learn, we too can embrace change and use it to create fulfilling lives that reflect who we are at this stage.

Sending you all strength and love as you navigate your own journeys.