Failure and loss aren’t the only things that cause these ponderings, though. Life changes, especially now in this age of ever improving technology. Generation X isn’t living in the same world that existed when we graduated from school two plus decades ago, and these changes have drastically altered our life course. Of course, we’ve probably gone through a lot of course corrections, identity crises, and new life plans. The economy crashed. The housing market crashed. Gas prices spiked. Technology exploded on the scene. The work force contracted with the retirement of the Baby Boomers, and is now expanding with the Millennials. We went from newbies, to taking on additional duties, to having our relevance questioned in the face of a new world that’s formed around us. We’re stuck between a government that wants us to work longer and harder than our predecessors (into our 70’s) and a rising generation that wants us to get out of the way now. Its no wonder the mid-life crisis is hitting our generation hard, fast, and perhaps sooner than it should for those of us born in the mid to late 70’s. Its not just about urban sprawl, changing demographics, and the fact that the corner store was knocked down to build a new Walmart. Its about the fact that the world doesn’t know what to do with Gen X.
Maybe this is good for you. Your 40’s are a good time to consider whether your life goals from young adulthood were realistic, and if they fit who you are now. You have some life experience to consider if the path you’re on is right for you, or if you need to make some course corrections. You also have some wisdom to consider if your attitude and expectations for the present and the future are on track. It could be that there’s nothing wrong with the life you have right now; its just your mindset that needs a reset. Remember: you are where you are because the Lord brought you there, so it's really about where you plan to go from here. Doors open and doors close. The life road isn’t a straight path, and now we’ve lived it. We’ve had enough success and failure to realize that the journey builds our spirit, and that destinations are temporary. Most of life is spent on the journey, and we have to find joy on it to live a full, balanced, authentic life.
If you are a younger person reading this, I take heart. You do have opportunity ahead of you, but be aware that life is unpredictable and eventually it will kick you in the butt. Don’t lose heart. The truth is that reality is a shape shifter: there are ups and downs. Change is always happening. Just remember that fortune favors those who don’t give up. That’s good advice for everybody, because the truth is that while we live, we have hope, and that means we all have opportunity ahead of us. We have to be mindful to seize those opportunities, know ourselves, and open our eyes and our minds to the big picture of a full, balanced, joyful, authentic life.
That’s all today. Have a Happy Friday tomorrow and a wonderful weekend.
Bye!