Mature Fashion:Life Changes and New Beginnings

According to a long ago study, the most serious threats to a person's health were, moving from one home to another, death in the family, a divorce, or a job change. (That last one, job change, always has intrigued me because a whopping 80% of the working population is reported to not like their job!!) It also affects me personally at this time because I have just left a job I have had for eight years. Yes, a good part of my daily existence, the errands I run, the clothes I wear, and my daily routine are all going to be affected; major upsets to the familiar are always disruptive. They can also be catharctic and free our mind for "be all you can be".

Major life changes are never easy; that is the reason so many people will remain in a marriage or job for years without getting the fulfillment necessary for optimum quality of life.

We spend most of our energy on the immediate concerns of daily living, our household tasks, the needs and routines of our families, pets, projects. Most of us are more comfortable with the known and are a bit fearful of an unknown future, even if we wish to change a part of our lives .  Many of us may be afraid to chase the dreams we say we have because we know at some level they are unrealistic.  Even if we decide to chase a dream,  many of us give up the dream too soon, or persist in chasing it when we actually should quit.  Optimum mental health is achieved when we evaluate ourselves honestly, and can be reached when we know the correct balance.

Fortunately, it is never too late to re-invent oneself; people CAN and DO make themselves more the people we would like to become.  (Yes, that means into our 60's, 70's. etc. it just takes a little longer) Before we can do that, we must understand who we actually are before we can grow in the direction we choose. All too many of us chases goals that are not by choice; we simply drift.  Our future is influenced or determined by other people's needs, core values,  and desires; (women are more guilty of this than men-but I really did not have to tell you that). It is still true that women are "expected" to put the needs of their family before their own, even when destructive to themselves. It is also true that men, when faced with the same needs of family members are given a "pass" .

Research (University of Rochester) shows significant lack of depression in persons who work toward the things they find fulfilling.  Research at the University of Missouri also showed that people working toward a personal goal are also likely to reach that goal. or at least make progress toward it in spite obstacles and distractions.  

We have to morph our identities as we go through life. We need to define what we want out of our life and set realistic and achievable goals (losing 10 pounds!!-not trying to have the figure of 50 years ago) We feel pride and a sense of accomplishment, and a sense of satisfaction when we reach our goal. Working toward things that matter to us, our personal goals, and knowing what we want to achieve is the best way to truly "rock age".

P.S.....I lost another half pound!!! 7.7 to go!!!!!!