Glowing Grey

I can’t quite believe the time has finally come.

I am now an authentic, fully qualified middle aged woman, technically for a few years now but the time has come to acknowledge and celebrate the moment. I’m still in two minds whether I should feel sad about how quick the time has gone, or excited about what lies ahead. Perhaps it’s a mixture of both.

Sadly, it’s taken quite a few years to learn nothing good comes from living too often in the past. After all, there’s nothing I can do to change what has come and gone. Good times can be brought out and revived at a moments notice, to relive and enjoy with company and a good glass of wine, but on the other side, lamenting on choices and situations that could have been handled better is a lesson in futility.

For me, my past has become my little box of treasures. It contains all my favourite memories, lessons learned and let’s face it, my youth. I’ve pulled it out regularly, gone through it meticulously but never decluttered a thing. Until recently. It’s time to let go of the excess baggage. So gone are the ‘should have saids’ and ‘should have dones’. Out too with the ‘what was I thinking’ and most definitely out with the doubts and fears.

So much tidier and so much lighter.

My memories have been lovingly rewrapped and carefully placed inside, the questionable choices haphazardly tossed in along with my hopes and dreams and I’m taking it all with me.

Memories are my legacy
Questionable choices my wisdom
Hopes and dreams my purpose and intention

So now my bags are packed, the engine is reving and the top is down. Not mine, the car’s. I’m looking very chic, I must say, in my scarf and oversized sunglasses, my only protection against the warmth of the sun. Very Jackie O.

As my hands caress the steering wheel a smile forms on my lips and I look at the road ahead. It’s both expansive and inviting as it beckons me forward. There will no doubt be challenges, twists and turns along the way but it’s all about the journey not the destination according to Ralph Waldo Emerson. I’m trusting you Ralph, don’t let me down. So let’s see where this road takes me.

The past wasn’t left in a blazing trail of dust and peeling rubber, these tyres have to last me awhile after all, but I’m off none-the-less. There’s no hurry. The scenic route is always the most appealing and you can guarantee I’ll be stopping frequently to admire the view, take some photos and, of course, smell the roses.

Until next time,

Comments are always welcome. How do you plan to approach midlife? Are you like me and think it’s going to be an adventure? Thank you for reading.