What happens when you turn 40, and realize you’re not living the life you expected?

You are divorced (single and dating at 40+ sucks).

You have no children (and your biological clock is ticking rapidly).

You have been laid off (or want out of your job)!

You don’t own a home.

Your bank account is not registering millions:) (you’re barely paying the bills!)

You don’t have anything tying you to a specific place.

You look in the mirror and yes, you have gray hair.

You aren’t exactly sure what you want out of life, but know what you’ve got isn’t what you want?

What do you do when you realize the life you’re living is not what you envisioned?

Did anyone say tears, burnout, meltdown, mid-life crisis?  Or all of the above.  What happened to the husband, 2.3 kids, dream job, and white picket fence?  So many others are living the American dream, what happened to me?

What do I do with my now and my future?

What I’m doing (present) and what I’ve done up to now (past) is not working….so it’s time to try something new.   I realize…if I want my life to change, then I have to…CHANGE…MY…LIFE…No one else is going to do it for me.    As Tony Robbins would say, you cannot continue to do the same things and expect different results…Where do I begin?

For me, I begin the journey to life after 40 with an open mind, focusing on life change and career change.  Life change started with breathing, having a positive mindset, new travel experiences, trying new things, and meeting new people.  Most  importantly letting go of all the baggage from the past,  along with anyone or anything that does not add value to my life .   Career change means letting go of 17 long and stressful years in Corporate America and moving on to something new, fun, and totally different, in a place where my value and ideas are respected and appreciated.

In closing, the road to ending my 40+ life crisis started with accepting it’s OK if my path is different.  My life is not any less without the husband, kids, white picket fence, and six figure bank account.  My journey is my own, unique and special.  I must live my truth and be my authentic self.     For now, I am committed to living with passion and purpose, with gratitude for what I have (not focusing on what I don’t have).     Every day, I am still learning about me, learning about others, and learning about life.   My new motto:  Live.  Travel.  Blog.    No regrets!  Crisis is over for now!

“Love the life you live, live the life you love.”   ~ Bob Marley.