Adjusting To The Second Half Of Life
Posted: Saturday, September 17, 2011
by Susan Thom
At fifty five, this is definitely the second half of life. Let’s just say, "I aim to do better!" Personal development! And about 20 years already of that personal developing! Now it appears it’s time to put lessons learned to the test. Am I really wiser? You know, I believe I am! There is no way I am letting all that pain and frustration and anger and disappointment happen for no reason.
The life I lived of raising kids is over. In this second half of life, I am adjusting to having adults as children. No more babies, toddlers, pre teens, teens, but adults. This has been a span of 23 years. Of course, in a few years there may be babies again, but they won’t be my sole responsibility. Going out the door with just my purse, replaces sippy cups, snacks, favorite toys, and booster or car seats. No more shots or dentist appointments. Never thought I’d miss them. I don’t. But I miss the kids.
All those softball, baseball and basketball practices. By the time I’d get home, it would be time to go back, so most times, I just stayed. Then, all the actual games. A lot of hours, but I loved watching my kids play sports. That’s gone now. But taking a nap whenever I want is here. No more waiting until the kiddies fall asleep. I can eat whatever I want, whenever I want. I can have a pizza at midnight. I don’t have to make lunches every night. I don’t have to make sure there are snacks, and no Sunday runs to the A&P to get cold cuts.
These are all the things that the second half of life has to offer. I don’t need an alarm clock, I can get up whenever I want. I don’t have a ton of towels to wash. I am not distracted by 6’ boys running down the stairs. I think I miss that the most! The front door isn’t opening unexpectedly throughout the days and nights. It’s been a big adjustment, and it’s been a difficult change. However, it is positive, and it is the power of life, so it’s best to go with it. Looking forward to grandchildren and vacations and visits and restaurants for two, is a good thing.
I’m glad I have the old tick tock on the wall. There’s a sound machine in my bedroom, and at times, the dryer tumbling. My little maltipoo Benji is a comfort, and a treat. I always had big dogs, and having this little guy has been a great and joyous change. He’s like a little robot. He just wants to be loved, and lick!
He doesn’t shed, either, which is a blessed change from black dog hair always on the rugs. There are no more cats to spray or rip fabric. Cleaning is a lot easier, and stays so a lot longer. However, if I had a choice….
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Top-level comments on this article: (7 total)All those things sound all too familar Susan- LOL- I think we all have a harder time adjusting to the quieter, slower pace of the second half. Amusing article- enjoyed it. Always- EllaPlease log in to respond to this comment.hi ella,
where are those kids when ya need 'em?
thanks for reading and commenting, it is appreciated,
my best regards,
suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
:)Please log in to respond to this comment.you deserve every one!Please log in to respond to this comment.As you can see I had trouble getting the star thing to work so I deleted my original comment and did it again, and it worked. Refresh, I have to remember that when all else fails. LOLPlease log in to respond to this comment.
I hear you Susan! It's bitter-sweet. There's so much you miss when your kids move away, but like you pointed out, there's a lot to look forward to and a lot to appreciate in the moment, many of them the simple things in life like you mentioned, like sleeping in, and not doing the coldcut run on Sundays. Great article, straight from the heart. :)Please log in to respond to this comment.i like the sleeping in part the best. i remember years of 6:30-yuck.
it's funny though, it seems when i don't have to go anywhere, i wake up early!
i guess we just need to keep on movin' on.
thanks for reading and commenting,
my best to you,
suePlease log in to respond to this comment.hi bri,
thanks for reading and commenting.
there's a great deal more freedom, but i really loved having my kids around.
different year, different life.
i appreciate your thoughts,
my best to you,
suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Maybe this is what exactly I am looking forward to ( My granddaughter wouldn't sleep till sometimes 4am ) If only my daughter can handle the little one I am happy but not so, not so. And because my grandchild wants my attention so she drives me crazy.
My second half of life seems more busy.....Please log in to respond to this comment.hi hilda,
your grand daughter sounds like me!
i have a hard time sleeping, and always have.
thank you for reading and commenting, and sharing your thoughts,
my best to you,
suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
I'd rather be in the second half of my life than the first half. Yes I sure wouldn't want to go through all those stages of development again. good article Susan.Please log in to respond to this comment.
me neither david,
it was hard enough getting to here :)
thanks for reading and commenting,
my best,
suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
We'll be fine. It's a good life-the second half, anyway.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi jack,
yes, i think i am a product of my every day living, and at 55, have learned quite a lot through pain and disillusion. i can handle things in a much calmer manner. thank you for reading and commenting, i appreciate your time,
my best regards,
suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
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