Is 40 the New 30? Celebrating Aging as a Chance for Reevaluation
As kids, we can't wait to get older, eagerly anticipating milestones like 16, 18, and 21. Yet, as adults, many of us yearn to slow down time. I can remember my grandparents advising, “Don’t rush your life away.”
Midlife, once approached with fear and dread, now unfolds as an opportunity for re-evaluation and self-discovery. Whether reassessing relationships, careers, or personal goals, this era can provide profound transformation. As a health and wellness coach in my 40s, I've come to understand the unique challenges we face – from health concerns and shifting family dynamics to career pressures and the emotional impact of unmet goals. Embracing this period of reflection, I've transformed my relationship with the cold and snow into a newfound appreciation for downhill skiing.
My initial attempt at skiing began in middle school with weekend ski nights at Nashoba Valley. It was less about skiing ability and much more about the social experience – a hallmark of middle school life. My relationship with skiing paused as soon as those trips ended. Fast forward three decades, and I found myself at a crossroads: should I watch my kids ski from the sidelines, or should I reevaluate my relationship with the hobby and join them? Despite my deep aversion to the cold, I chose to create memories with them. These weekend ski trips have evolved into more than just a chance to get out of the house; they’ve become a rediscovery of a hobby that offers a fresh perspective in midlife, a chance to be an active participant in life's journey, not just an observer.
Physical activity has always been my sanctuary for stress relief. Skiing, in particular, offers a unique form of solace. Bundled up against the cold, with many, many layers, breathing in the crisp air, and admiring the serene beauty of snow-covered landscapes, I find a sense of peace and rejuvenation. I’m a firm believer in the healing power of nature and the ability to connect with oneself.
For those newer to the sport, skiing demands our full attention and presence, much like a yoga practice. It captures our focus entirely – thinking of nothing but the next turn, trying to remain upright, and navigating the path ahead. This intense focus and presence is the essence of mindfulness. For midlife women managing an array of both physical and emotional health concerns, family dynamics, and professional pressures, skiing may become more than a physical activity. It becomes a moving meditation, a chance to be wholly present in the moment. Skiing has also been incredibly healing for me as our family navigates grief in our beloved dog Max’s passing. Yes, it has gotten all of us out of the house but it has also provided a space to reflect and remember our relationship with him.
Skiing teaches valuable life lessons, especially pertinent as we age. It's about moving with presence, and being patient, rather than rushing straight down the slope. I have found this mirrors the journey of redefining midlife. While it might be tempting to dive headfirst into the next best thing, hello mid-life crisis, skiing teaches us the beauty of taking it meditatively one turn at a time. By doing our best to approach changes with harmony and balance, we savor each moment and decision, providing a momentary respite from the complexities of midlife, whether the emotional toll of losses or the frustrations of unfulfilled aspirations.
Just as skiing requires balance, agility, and the courage to face steep slopes, this middle stage of life demands similar qualities. As women, we often juggle changing family dynamics, career shifts, particularly from the pandemic, and personal health concerns, yes a lot of serious medical tests start at 40. I have found that skiing has helped me reconnect with my sense of adventure and vitality, something that I thought was a thing of the past. The challenge of “balancing” work, personal relationships, and family is akin to navigating a tricky ski trail, whether it be a green circle or black diamond. Skiing teaches the art of maintaining balance amidst speed and changing landscape. It's a metaphor for the midlife journey where we learn to balance multiple roles and responsibilities. Yes, I do love the physical benefits of skiing and closing my Apple Watch rings before dinner, but I have also found this time as a chance to embrace change, find joy in the present, and balance my pace.
Who knew that revisiting this beloved sport would provide a new sense of mental clarity? It has helped me combat the stressors of daily life, offering a moment of peace and presence. A forever student of yoga and mindfulness, this hobby reminds me to be present, take it slow and enjoy the journey.
What hobby have you rediscovered in your midlife journey, and how has it transformed your perspective?
