Cresting The Hill

Cpmparisonitis is the worst...so is imposter syndrome - which ties into the whole question of worth. Thanks for the reminder that it's never too late - time is a concept I've been struggling with of late, but you're absolutely right...it's never too late.

Hi, Leanne - I completely agree that "the joy of Midlife is realizing that it's not too late." I also agree about Bucket Lists. This past summer Richard and I accomplished one of our major bucket lists items (walking 700 km of the Camino Trail). That was so contagious for us, this Spring we are going for Bucket List Item #2 (visiting Angkor Wat in Cambodia). We keep a list of our Bucket List items on our fridge -- it is impossible to ignore that way!

It's taken me years (over 50 to be exact) to finally get to this point! I think that's exactly why I'd never want to go back to my youth....I feel like I know myself so much better now.
What a great series, Leanne!!
XOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com

Comparison is the thief of joy but it's a trap I can often fall in but at least I'm aware of it and catch myself when it's happening. You are so right in what you say about our generation being different than the 'me generation'. As you said, that's the beauty of mid-life - finally time to find ourselves and understand ourselves and spend the rest of our lives (hopefully) in a way that fulfills and makes us happy! I started a bucket list on the blog but I don't think I've ticked anything off it! Must check that! :-) #TeamLovinLife

Knowing my own self worth is the biggie for me. I really lack self confidence and having a belief in myself and capabilities at times. But I'm slowly getting there as I get older, because I know longer worry about what other people think of me and I've stopped comparing myself with others. Baby steps!! #TeamLovinLife

Shifting the focus away from 'others' to 'self' seems to be such a challenge for lots of women in mid-life Leanne. I think it's more of a problem for women who have followed traditional paths of marriage and motherhood. My observation is also that guilt is one of the most damaging and constraining emotions and it leads to women suffering poor self-worth. I'm fortunate to not be hard-wired to suffer guilt and be constantly second guessing myself. Finding one's voice through blogging is very powerful.

It's never too late. That is so true. I tell my toddler each day is a new opportunity to start over. I tell him, but never seem to remind myself.

Loved this post! Thank you for sharing your ideas with us all.

I agree Leanne, we have so much to do in this next phase of our lives to be worried about comparing ourselves to others. I know I tend to do this at times - besides being very wearing, it doesn't achieve anything at all! You have again communicated your thoughts really well and I found myself nodding along through your post Thanks for being so honest and inspiring.

I agree it's never too late and the best is yet to come, Leanne. This is a great post. Please feel free to share your How to find balance part 1 and part 2 posts with the Wellness link up currently opened on my site. Other readers and bloggers could benefit from them. Thank you.

My last 2 posts are somewhat about this...things I want to do before I'm too old to do them and things to stop focusing on so I can focus on the good things I want...I Stumbled this so I could refer to it when I need to...thanks!

This is so true! I feel like I'm missing out on so much of my life right now and worry I'll be "too old" when my time does come. I guess we all feel like that though. I just left a comment on another post that "everyday is a gift" and that's what I keep telling myself.

Great series Leanne! If I am not feeling the love from my job, my customers, my side gigs or even people I deal with, I change the dynamics, find someone else or quit. I can't afford to expend the energy or time anymore!

Ah yes, the #worth thing is a biggy for me, as is the concept of being (and having!) enough. At the moment I'm wondering if a relationship is on the cards ever, but know while I still struggle with self-worth it's unlikely. (And that depresses me as I really don't want to go through life without ever being in love or loved!)

I'm enjoying your series Leanne and yes understanding and accepting our own self-worth is not easy. I do find that many of midlife and beyond women are finally taking on board suggestions such as yours. A great positive post and thanks for sharing at #BloggersPitStop.

So happy to have discovered you through Sue. We seem to think a lot a like and have similar interests. And share a love for SUE!!

I am working my way through a book now entitled Finding Your Balance by Sandy Cooper. I am just finishing a chapter on perfectionism, which I suffer from in many aspects of my life. You might find the book interesting and she has a Facebook group with videos that are also helpful.

While I loved the earlier half of my life, I am enjoying this one as much or more. And can finally say I like myself!! Huge accomplishment. And enjoy encouraging others to like themselves, too!

Hi Leanne! You make some EXCELLENT recommendations in this post and things that we would all benefit from if we are able to practice them consistently. Of course I've never had too much trouble with knowing that it's never too late, but like most of us, I still have my moments of doubt, questions of self-worth and temptation to compare myself to others. While I'm not as aware and capable as I hope to be some day, I am SO-O-O much better than I used to be!!! I hope more of the same for us all. Thanks for the reminders! ~Kathy

Leanne, Again, I am loving this series! Imposter Syndrome, Comparative Inferiority, needing external validation, delaying gratification .... many others have commented and I too struggle with these. If I can recognize the thoughts when they are happening and attempt to stop them, I feel good that I am making progress. This year, my personal development goal is to focus on stopping delayed gratification (as Nike says, just do it) and personal validation (not external validation)... super hard tasks for me. Pat

These are all very good points, Leanne. I love the hope and energy inspired by the realization that it is never to late to go for it, and you are worth it! Whatever "it" is for you. I find myself drawn more and more to wellness and mindfulness and wonder if I should consider getting a health coaching certification. I haven't decided yet, but your blog helps me get past the "it's a bit late" argument. As far as comparing ourselves to others, that's a tough one to get past for many of us, but something I am making progress on. Baby steps, huh? Thanks for sharing this important series of posts. I'm off to check out part 3.

If you knew what I was writing at the moment, you'd know how very appropriate this post is right now! Thanks for your wisdom as always xx

No it's never too late. I love that I have tried many different things during the different stages of my life. It's always possible to fit things around whatever's going on in our lives; well I think so anyway. Something that was once said to me had a great impact on my choices in life. "We need to be a tiny bit selfish." I agree.

So interesting to read everyone's comments. And all are women from what I see. I do think we have been brought up in some cases to feel 'less' or to have to try harder. Lots of food for thought here. I do find, if I am a little bit down, then the worst place I can go...is on social media. So I do take a break and head outside or do some art.
Denyse #ztt

What a beautifully written blog post. I experienced many of the things you wrote about. The most helpful for me was not to compare myself to others. I was a late bloomer and am so glad I discovered that at mid-life. Wishing you many adventures as you travel the road of self-discovery. Saw this post at the #ZTT LINK-UP where I shared Colors for self-compassion, healing, and recovery.