24 Seven August 2021

change, and before you know
it you don’t feel as relevant
and powerful. Where do
you receive your sense of
satisfaction when those
compliments and power
have nearly disappeared?
Pondering a New Story
of Middle Age
Mary Oliver is a wonderful
poet who has a quote for you
to ponder: “Tell me, what is
it you plan to do with your one
wild and precious life?” It may
be time to:
Take a look at how you
want to age.
Take control of your destiny
and thoughts about your “one
wild and precious life”!
Assess all of the external
sources (that can be fleeting)
you have relied on for a sense
of satisfaction and happiness
and start to dig into some internal sources of
contentment.
Loosen the hold that your youthful self has
on you and create a new story of joy, meaning,
and optimal health despite the aging process.
You may want to review your thoughts and
feelings about aging and determine whether
you have more negative or positive thoughts. Do
you have an outlook of slowing and declining
about aging or do you have a growth mindset?
Do you need to receive praise and approval for
the way you look or what you accomplish to
feel good? This can zap you of energy and the
ability to thrive and grow as you age.
A Change in Focus
What if you could change your focus to
the possibility of a better way to age? A shift
from what the world has you thinking about
to tapping into your powerful inner self. That
amazing inner self may just give you all the
answers and inspiration you need to age with
joy, meaning, and good health. The first step is
to identify your sense of self-responsibility and
ask yourself some important questions:
Do you provide yourself the same amount
of attention that you provide others?
Do you let your responsibilities be
your excuse to not care for your own needs and
get that much-needed quiet time?
From The Story
“That amazing
inner self may
just give you
all the answers
and inspiration
you need to
age with joy,
meaning, and
good health.”
Do you fear being alone or having quiet
time?
Do you look “out there” for all of your
answers or can you sit with yourself and identify
your needs and how to fulfill them?
It may be time to shift your thinking to
finding your answers within.
You Are Creative, Resourceful and Whole
Take a look at what things you can do that
make you feel powerful. Were there any qualities
you had as a young person that you have lost or
forgotten about? Tap into those and see if you
can resurrect them and use them in a way that
works in your life now.
What brings you balance and energy and
do more of that? Is your mind on overdrive
or is it relaxed and clear thinking? Your mind
and thoughts can create havoc or peace! It is
worth being aware of your thoughts and how
they affect you. If your mind is weak or out of
balance, situations are more difficult. If your
mind is strong the same situation becomes an
opportunity.
Midlife Struggles
There is no doubt midlife can come with
struggles, disease, and more. But if you decide
to work on your mindset and your sense of selfresponsibility
to develop more resiliency, you
may not struggle quite as long. In addition,
when you combine a positive mindset with
a powerful sense of self, you are on your way
to tapping into your spirit, a dimension that
can provide such joy and meaning and even
improved health despite a disease or disability!
About The Author
LORIE GARDNER
Lorie Gardner RN, BSN, NBC-HWC, founded
Healthlink Advocates, Inc., to assist people with
all aspects of their healthcare. As private nurse
patient advocates and board-certified health
and wellness coaches, they partner with clients
seeking assistance navigating the complex
healthcare system and those seeking selfdirected,
lasting health improvements aligned
with their values.
To Learn More Visit:
www.HealthLinkAdvocates.com