So, you have suddenly realized that you are probably mid-way through your life. Of course, no one knows their expiration date but based on averages, you think you are at that mid-point.
You are embarking into this second half equipped with much more than you did when you started the first half. So this could be the best part of your life. Here’s what leads to that second half fulfilment.
Travel extensively
It’s possible that during your first half, you were so fixated on the mundane things that you never really lived outside of the constraints that everyday life provides. In this second half, it is time to broaden your outlook and see what else there is to experience.
Travel broadens the mind like nothing else. Experiencing new places, cultures, art and exotic cuisines can bring a whole new dimension to your life. Check off the biggest and most historic cities and sites. But do veer off the proven path and discover the non-touristy places and neighborhoods. Experience the lifestyle of the natives, discover the neighborhood pub and make new friends.
Get physically and mentally fit
Sickness and mobility problems creep up on you. Don’t let them ruin the second half of your life. Spend at least 30 minutes every day doing some form of exercise. All you need is an exercise mat and a pair of dumbbells. Meditate a few times a week. Don’t have time to go to a gym. No problem – there’s plenty of routines on youtube and expert apps that can help you. Choose something that you enjoy doing, and you are more likely to retain the habit. Take up a healthy outdoor activity – biking, hiking, skiing, swimming. This is your time.
You’re never too old to learn
Just as your body atrophies when it does not get exercise, so does your mind. Hopefully, over the years, you will have grown wiser. A fool thinks he knows everything, but a wise man understands knowledge is endless. There are so many fascinating facts to satisfy your curiosity. Like whisky – how about a crash course on the different types and how it’s made. Always wanted to know the hype around classical music – now’s the time to learn the basics and dive into its history.
Think back to the interests you had when you were young, the ones that you never had the time or resources to enjoy. Revisit them and pursue that new interest. We all have things we never achieved as a youngster, things that in later years we regret. Often we think it is too late to do anything about it. All it needs is a little effort and planning.
Make an impact
Start something that is bigger than you and that can bring positive change in the lives of others. Join a local volunteer group, help rebuild after a storm, become a big brother or sister to a disadvantaged youth or even something as simple as bringing sandwiches to the local shelter. This is going to be one of the most satisfying experiences of your life.
Sort out those relationships
Over the years, we get careless with our relationships and allow people to leave our life. It could be our childhood friends or relatives. In our 20s and 30s, we are typically so busy carving out a life for ourselves that we forget the people we grew up with.
Beyond work, kids and errands, there is rarely time for old and new relationships. As we grow older, thoughts of our youth surface frequently, and we wonder whatever happened to those good friends or the cousin that was a role model. Now is the time to make an effort to reach out to those important figures in your life.
Family is the most important
Love and cherish your family like you only have one more year to live. Attend the important events in your kid’s lives, create memories and be there for your loved ones. Sometimes things go wrong, and relationships fray. Maybe you were always working as the children grew up and you never really became close. Sure, you talk, occasionally see each other, but deep in your heart, you want to be so much closer. If you ignore your family, your parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, then you are also taking that heritage away from your children. Make an effort to repair those relationships. If not for your sake, for that of your children.
There is no certainty. So make the most of your opportunities today. Make this final half of your life truly count.