By Suzanne Braun Levine,
FIFTY IS THE NEW FIFTY
10 Life Lessons for Women
In Second Adulthood
We each have our personal demons that show up in the middle of the night shrieking a litany of worst-case scenarios: What if I don’t have enough money to support myself? What if that nagging ache is something really serious? What if I can’t figure out what to do next? What’s wrong with meeeeeee?
They can drain our waking resolve.
Here’s my advice – underscored by the point that there is no right way to deal with fear, taking risks, work, speaking up, relationships…and the changes in second adulthood. The only constant and Life Lesson is: “Nothing Changes, if Nothing Changes”:
Tell your Demons To Shut Up!
I had a friend who literally did that–out loud!–whenever she awoke full of doubts and self-pity. Another woman dismisses those panicky voices with a sarcastic “Thanks for sharing.” A stern”mommy voice” may come in handy here.
Engage Just One Demon.
The conversations that take place in the dark of night of the soul can be transformative. Single out just one of the fears that bring on a cold sweat. And stare it down. Finding a new financial adviser to review your “dire” situation, switching medications for a chronic medical condition, or instituting a weekly let-it-all-hang-out lunch with two or three open, lively women should silence at least one of the voices of doom. At least temporarily.
Next, we’ll tackle Risks and Work…
Copyright © Suzanne Braun Levine, “Fifty Is the New Fifty: 10 Life Lessons for
Women in Second Adulthood” (Viking/2009).