Reaching middle age often brings a mix of emotions and challenges. It’s a period of transition that many perceive as a downturn; something to be afraid of or anxious about. The “end of an era.”
However, I believe it doesn’t have to be this way. Middle age can be an exciting time of transformation and growth, much like the “chrysalis” (or transitional) phase in the life of a butterfly. I have written before about the late-life crisis and how it can be a fantastically transformative period in our lives, and it is just the same with the mid-life crisis. I am here to tell you that life can keep getting better and better – you just have to allow yourself to be open to the transition.
A “chrysalis mindset” encourages us to see this stage not as a decline, but as an opportunity for renewal and reinvention. Take this time to reflect on your career and personal achievements and lessons learned. Use this knowledge to set new goals and pursue passions that may have been on the back burner. Embrace new skills and knowledge. Whether it’s a new hobby, a course, or even a career shift, continuous learning keeps the mind sharp and opens doors to new possibilities.
Author Chip Conley, in his book Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better With Age, asks: “What if we could reframe our thinking about the natural transition of midlife not as a crisis, but as a chrysalis — a time when something profound awakens in us, as we shed our skin, spread our wings, and pollinate our wisdom to the world?”
This is a great perspective to have on this transitional period of life. The middle age phase, like the later-in-life phase, is not anywhere near the end of the road, but a new chapter filled with meaningful potential. By adopting a chrysalis mindset, you can transform this period into one of the most profound personal and professional growth periods of life.
Yes, middle age, and even later ages, is a change of seasons. But how lucky we are to have so many seasons and chances to grow in our lives
For an in-depth interview with Chip Conley, click here.
I’m here to support you through this journey. If you’d like to discuss how to implement these strategies in your life, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Best,
Michael
