Welcome to competitive middle age

Karate Kate is fighting off middle age.

Karate Kate is fighting off middle age.

Guest post by Kate G.

The mid-life crisis has come of age.

The paunchy, balding bloke in a red convertible is a thing of the past. In its place is a far more wholesome pursuit to recapture youth and vibrancy.

I’ve labelled it Competitive Middle Ageing.

So what is it?

Competitive Middle Ageing involves preparing a list of goals to achieve before you hit 40.

You know, running a marathon, volunteering in a remote African village, climbing K2, walking Kokoda twice blindfolded while in a potato sack… that kind of thing.

Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not against people setting goals and achieving them. I think the whole “age is no barrier thing” is highly commendable.

Trouble is, as a mere 38-year-old woman, I’m exhausted just getting through the average week of family life. Juggling the demands of a job, a husband, pets, two preteen daughters and mind-bogglingly complex super statements has me all tuckered out.

Even more sadly, as my long suffering husband will attest, we’re flat out scheduling half an hour for sex, let alone a 50km ride before breakfast.

So, while I’ve watched on as friends have aced their first marathon, taken up fencing, and knocked off a personal best at their latest triathlon, I’ve been doing my best to keep my head down and my wardrobe free of lycra.

You never know, I might just warm to this Competitive Middle Ageing thing in time for my fiftieth.

In the meantime, don’t feel offended if I haven’t “liked” your latest dragon boat win on Facebook. I’m no tall poppy slasher – just someone hoping I won’t be invited to participate in your next event.

Kate G is a harassed 38-year-old mother, wife and communications officer who is hoping to catch a nanna nap sometime soon.

Parachuting your fears

When in doubt, just jump!

Guest post by Marilyn Moes.

The year is 1995. I’m 42 years of age and married with children.

My place of employment has given us an unexpected bonus and I am ready to dutifully hand over the money towards our joint marital finances. However, there’s talk around the office that a tandem parachuting trip may be organised.

Parachuting. Jumping out of a plane. The idea was enticing.

I was at the stage of my life (some might say the mid-life crisis stage) where I was questioning my future paths.

I’m not sure what triggered my interest in the parachuting. But, before I realised it, I was in my car and driving around and around the local shopping centre car park, trying to decide whether I (who had a fear of heights) could actually sit near the open door of a plane 12,000 feet in the air and exit.

I circled the car park numerous times when a voice inside said, “You can do this.
“Just do it. Stop fussing!”

I can still remember placing the cheque on the desk in front of Matt (the organiser) with mixed feelings of excitement and apprehension.

I was applauded by the girls in the office as a heroine. 

My five male colleagues who were brave and gallant (not!) sat me near the open door of the plane so I was the first to jump.

As I exited (screaming of course), waves of exhilaration and freedom flowed through my being with a “oneness” I experienced as immeasurable and indescribable. That leap of faith was one of the many catalysts that turned my life into a roller coaster ride for taking more risks and trusting my inner voice.

Not only was it the quickest way to cure my fear of heights but I did it for myself alone and no one else.

I owned it!

Today those leaps of faith still occur as I continue my journey through life.

Marilyn Moes is a holistic counsellor, clairvoyant and sporadic risk taker. You can read more of her words at http://www.tamleysgift.com.au

 

“You’re a witch!”

null-3Guest post by Shannyn Steel

We’d only been talking for a few minutes when he declared, “You’re a witch!”

Far from being insulted I found myself agreeing and not at all uncomfortable with the title.

It wasn’t meant as an insult. Instead, this name was given as an explanation for what I did and who I was. It wasn’t meant to define me or limit me but to help me capture the essence of myself and it felt right, I felt good, it felt true.

My friend and mentor went on to say I was a Christian witch. This is also true. I have a strong faith, not in religion or dogma, but in an entity I know as Jesus Christ. I also believe in the magic of nature and the elements. What an interesting combination we agreed. But it wasn’t long before we saw the connections. Do not magic and miracles belong both to witchcraft and to the Christian faith? Do we not, as followers of Christ, believe we drink of his blood and eat of his body? Does the bible not relay stories of water being turned into wine, of the sick being healed, the blind having sight returned and the dead being raised up again?

While I do not worship regularly in a church, I have had spontaneous and deep reactions as a result of taking communion, listening to scripture and praying in a holy space. My spirituality is an informal affair. I derive great joy from living mindfully of the elements of air, water, earth and fire. To me, this is simply living according to our most basic roots. Respecting and connecting with nature, animals and people is an intuitive spirituality. It is not formally bound by rules or doctrine. My life is, however, full of ritual. It’s a self-created ritual that has been developed as a way of making a regular life special. It helps me rediscover and reconnect with not only the earth and the elements but my true essence. To me these things are but an extension of my faith, love and trust in Jesus and he is not unhappy with that. We have a very comfortable relationship; a strong and ongoing relationship. I could not live without either in my life. By honouring the earth, I honour my God and saviour.

My own form of spirituality – Christian Witchcraft – is uniquely individual. It is also easily incorporated into a modern city dwelling lifestyle. I realise my comments and beliefs about witchcraft and Christianity being interlinked are controversial and will appal and offend some people, but others will innately understand. The juxtaposition may also confuse and annoy some people but it has led me to a place of peace. A place where I can create a world for myself and others where joy, peace, compassion and wisdom play a huge role.

“You’re a witch!”

nullSeveral years ago that statement would have insulted me. It would have offended me and cut deeply. Today I accept that it neither defines or limits me and is by no means an insult. Modern day religion left me wanting. It left me searching and confused. Having grafted, birthed and evolved my own spirituality, my life is full and rich again. I have a core belief, a deep respect and awe for a saviour I call Jesus. I also live with reverence for the ancestors, with a love of nature and an awareness of the life force flowing through everyone and everything around me.

My self developed and evolving spirituality – my “Christian Witchcraft” – is both a supplement and an antidote to the frantic, frenzied, fast paced modern world. I revel in it!

Shannyn Steel is an educator and spiritual life coach. You can read more of her words at http://crescentmoontherapies.wordpress.com