If you’ve been reading along the past couple of weeks, you know that I have announced on more than one occasion that I turn the big 5-0 this month.  Since announcing this, I have had a few of my readers ask me why I seem to be struggling with it so much. If I am honest, I am working through certain aspects of it, but I am more so energized to help others who may be asking themselves a question like, “Is this it, is this the best life can get?”  Well, the simple answer to this question is, it depends on your perspective.

I remember the story of a young boy who was trying to hit a baseball by throwing it up into the air.  Each time he threw it up, he swung at it with all his might. And each time he missed, he yelled out, “Strike one!”

Miss. “Strike two!” Then the third time, it was strike three.  To those watching this play out, they thought for sure the boy would walk off mad at himself.  But to their amazement, the boy said in a loud voice, “Wow, I just faced the best pitcher in the world.”  

You see, instead of looking at his situation in the negative, he chose to look at it from a positive outlook.  This really is how life is, isn’t it? We can take every situation that happens to us, and depending on how we think about it, we can either give ourselves a bad day or a good day.  

Your perspective on life and what happens during it, is the difference between feeling “old” or “young,” and living the life you were meant to live.  When my career took an abrupt turn a few months ago, I could have easily been depressed and bitter about what had happened.

I had every right to feel that way.  It wasn’t an easy time, to say the least.  But thankfully I had learned that I can’t allow myself to give power to my feelings, which are always based on circumstances—not necessarily on truth.  Instead, I chose to look at my situation from a different perspective.

My perspective was this— I don’t like what has happened, but I am still grateful. It is building my character, making me a more empathetic leader, strengthening my faith. This unexpected change has opened up opportunities that I would not have had otherwise.   

Here are two approaches you can use to help keep your perspective healthy well past 50 🙂  

Be honest about your doubts, struggles, or feelings. Sometimes we use our feelings as a barometer for how good or bad life is.  Remember feelings come and go based on circumstances. Truth is what’s important in every situation.  And in my humble opinion, God’s truth is what anchors best in every situation. It’s okay to be disappointed and angry.  And it’s okay to be honest with God and friends letting them know how you are feeling. But it’s not okay to stay there and allow your feelings to have power over you and keep you in bondage.    

Don’t be anxious about the next phase. If you think about it, almost all people are in a state of transition no matter what their age is. Despite the normalcy of transitions, we put a lot of mental strain and anxiety over some of the transitions later in life.  When kids move away or our job significantly changes from retirement— or we face a transition we weren’t expecting— it can be hard, yes, but if we keep those things in the right perspective, it will actually energize us and give us a renewed passion and focus in life.  

There is no getting away from feeling the weight of certain transitions, but the key is that we not allow ourselves to get “stuck” there.  When something ends, another thing begins. Anticipating and being open to new beginnings can actually make any stage of life more exhilarating and enjoyable.

The approaches above really are for anyone, no matter how old you are. But sometimes when you get to be a little older, you need these reminders.  If you know someone over 50 who could use a little encouraging, share this blog with them. You never know the difference a positive work or new perspective could make on someone’s life.

Remember, no matter what age you are, you were meant to live with purpose, energy, and joy.

If you have any thoughts on this week’s blog, share them in the comments below!

Your Virtual Life Mentor,

Doug