Every issue of Midlife Cues is theme-centered, except for when it’s not.😊 In the course of doing the research for this publication (and happily going down many rabbit holes), I run into stuff I’d like to share with you. But they don’t always align with our official themes here. Hence, The Mixed Bag edition, as this one is!
We’ll be back to regular programming in the next issue.
🔗 INTERESTINGLY
- We’ve all heard it: It’s never too late to learn new skills. It’s one of the battle cry of pro-agers, of which I’m a proud marcher. But real talk here — there’s more to this than meets the eye. There are underlying sentiments, fears, and discomfort that come with learning something new in our middle age, when we’ve enjoyed a level of expertise. And here, I’m talking about learning skills (how), not learning knowledge (what). This brilliant New Yorker article explores all these, and you’ll walk away wanting to learn. Why It’s Not Too Late To Learn New Skills
- Fans of Four Weddings and a Funeral will remember Andie MacDowell well. Her and her hair, and yeah, Hugh Grant.😊 In this short piece in Next Avenue, MacDowell talks about how she’s embracing aging (she’s 64 now) and why she’s decided to show up exactly as how old she is. Andie MacDowell: Loving Her Age
- “From childhood, we’re caught in an endless emotional Rube Goldberg machine. First, I’ll do this, and then I’ll do that, and that will lead to this, and then I can feel this which will lead me to that, and then and then and then … […] All of us need rest. None of us — as humans, businesses, or creatives — can sustain constant growth.” Let This Be Your Mantra: Nothing New For Now
- One of the most worthwhile articles I’ve ever read. If you can only read one, pick this one. And read all the way to the end. You won’t regret it (and you won’t want to miss the ending). Stay In The Game
- Video: The Benefits of Not Being A Jerk To Yourself | Dan Harris | TED Talk. An anonymous survey of his family, friends, and colleagues turned up some brutal feedback for Dan Harris: he was kind of a jerk. In a wise, funny talk, he shares his years-long quest to improve his relationships with everyone (starting with himself) and explains the science behind loving-kindness meditation, and how it can boost your resiliency, quiet your inner critic and simply make you more pleasant to be around.
SPONSOR
Today’s issue is sponsored by Midlife Uprising. Founded and hosted by age agitator Yvonne Marchese, this community brings together women of all ages to reimagine what’s possible as they grow older and support each other as they rock their next chapters. Find out more and join the Midlife Uprising Community and continue to make waves as you age.
📣 HEAR HEAR
“I do think there are certain people who would prefer things be status quo. But I have not bought into this idea of men being able to age naturally, but women cannot. I think it’s outdated. It’s used to disempower women, and I won’t fall for it. I’m not playing that game.” — Andie MacDowell
Amen to that.
👤 A MIDLIFER IN PROFILE
Meet Generation Jones’er Robert Pace
Robert says the 25-year-old version of himself would be surprised AND happy that he learned how to slow down … and that he now willingly opts for quiet moments instead of the carousel of hectic responsibilities.
Robert is still in the corporate world, as Vice President of Information Security and CISO. He says he’s having fun with all the rapid changes in technology these days. I bet he is!
Read the rest of Robert’s profile here.
💬 LAST WORD
Here’s a bit of an announcement.
I’m now (finally!) able to work 1:1 with folks who are looking for quick, short-term consultation. 💃🏾
Sometimes we’re not looking for a coach or a long-term arrangement. We don’t need — or want — to take a course or a full-on program.
Sometimes, what we need is a *good-old fashioned, straight-to-the-point, pick-your-brain type of conversation.*
If this sounds like what you need, check out the details here — including topics/areas that I can help with — and let’s hop on that call.
Here’s to an easeful week ahead.
Cool Beans,
Lou Blaser
