Weathering MidLife's Storms
This morning at 6:05 am, I was jolted awake by the most powerful lightning strike I've experienced in years. The instant thunder that followed shook me to my core. As my heart raced, I realized something profound about life's challenges—especially those we face in our middle years.
When the Storms Roll In
Life's storms arrive in different ways. Some announce themselves with distant rumbles, while others crash into our lives without warning.
I experienced this when my husband was in a catastrophic explosion while serving in the US Army. One day we were planning our empty-nester vacation, and the next we were immersed in treatments, surgeries and life complications that come with being an above knee amputee with a TBI and PTS.
Meanwhile, my colleague watched her career slowly become obsolete over two years before losing her job at 48. "I could see the storm clouds gathering, but that didn't make the lightning strike any less painful."
Weathering the Storm: Actionable Strategies
Whatever storm you're currently facing, here are practical ways to find shelter until it passes:
1. Create a feelings journal. Set aside 10 minutes daily to write down your emotions without judgment. Label them specifically (frustrated, overwhelmed, worried) rather than generally (bad, stressed). This simple practice helps you process emotions rather than suppressing them.
2. Establish a morning anchor ritual. Begin each day with a 5-minute practice that grounds you—meditation, gentle stretching, or savoring your coffee in complete presence. This creates stability when everything else feels uncertain and it helps YOU feel better.
3. Make a control inventory. Draw a line down the middle of a page. On one side, list what's beyond your control in the current situation. On the other, list what you can influence, even if it feels small and insignificant.
Then spend your time and your energy exclusively toward the second column.
4. Schedule connection deliberately. Block 15-minute calendar slots three times weekly specifically for reaching out to supportive people. Text, call, or meet for coffee. Make these non-negotiable appointments with yourself.
5. Create a self-compassion phrase. Develop a personal mantra to repeat when self-criticism rises: "This is difficult, but I'm doing my best" or "I would never speak to a friend this way." Post it where you'll see it daily. For me it was a bible version. (Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans for you…”
6. Seek micro-joys daily. Set a reminder to notice and record one small beautiful moment each day—a vibrant sunset, a perfect cup of tea, a child's laughter. These tiny bits of happy can sustain you.
7. Move your body consistently. Even a 10-minute walk releases tension, reduces anxiety and shifts perspective. Physical movement helps process the stress hormones that storms trigger in our bodies.
Your Happy Is Coming
In midlife, we have the advantage of perspective. We've weathered enough storms to know that rainbows follow—even when clouds temporarily block our vision.
Whatever you're facing today—whether it's a gentle rain or hurricane-force winds—know that you have the strength to ride it out. The lightning may frighten you, the thunder may shake your foundations, but you will endure. And when the clouds finally part, your rainbow will be waiting.
And remember—if you need someone in your corner while you wait out the storm, I'm here!
What strategy resonates most with you? I'd love to hear which technique you'll try first in the comments below.
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~Judy Davis is a motivational speaker, published author and mental health mentor that helps people escape the "I'm Fine" trap with contagious energy, zero filter, and a toolkit that turns burned-out givers into joyful boundary-setters who finally put themselves on their own damn to-do list!
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