I’ve got this really strong itchy feeling again. I wondered if perhaps it was the weather. But then I searched through my blog archives to see the date on the last time I wrote about this and it was May — spring. So, no, I don’t think I can blame the oncoming winter. (Even though I really do want to blame it. Just because I don’t like it.)
Then last night, I happened to read an article on this very subject. Titled ‘When life goes U-shaped,” and published in the October issue of Maclean’s, it cites a study of more than 2 million people in 72 countries that confirmed that it is a common phenomenon to be hit a low-point in middle age.
In fact, the research shows that 40 is prime time for North American women to be sliding right into this slump. And I just turned 39 over the Thanksgiving weekend. Greeeeat.
The “U” refers to the happiness before and after middle-age. Which, sure, is interesting … but I’m middle-aged and I’m not finding it all that comforting to know that eventually I will hit the up-turn. I want to do something now! I’m itchy, darn it all!
In May, these were the things I told you I was doing in a desperate itch-scratching attempt:
Now, six months later, I have enacted some of the above, but I’m still itchy. In fact, just looking at this list makes me laugh because instead of comtemplating the downtown real estate market, I’m contemplating the exact opposite — a larger home in the burbs. It just goes to show that perhaps this is an itch that cannot be scratched.
It might just be a feeling I need to live with for a while. I think Finola hit the nail on the head when she commented back in May:
I think these years of two parents working, bringing up kids, carrying mortgages and car payments, and having most spare moments filled with chores and tasks take a toll. For me I think I just need to ride out a couple of more years, and maybe I will feel more myself again.
And I think it also has to do with having something to look forward to. I always like to have something to look ahead to, and somehow, mortgage payments just aren’t cutting it.
My solution? I’m going to do a small change. I am going to make time for my friendships. Hanging out with other people my age, going through the same feelings and experiences and being able to laugh about it all really does make me feel so much lighter.
And on that note, I need to run out — I’ve got a coffee date with a friend.
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