Did I just have a mid-life crisis?!?
Last month I celebrated my 43rd birthday. Over the month, I spent time with my family, friends, and co-workers who helped me celebrate in a variety of ways. On my actual birthday, I spent the day exactly how I needed…relaxing, resetting, and reflecting.
As I looked back on my 42nd year of life, I couldn’t help but wonder: did I just have a mid-life crisis?
Growing up, a mid-life crisis was always depicted as a middle-aged man who dyed his graying hair, bought a flashy sports car… and maybe had an affair with a younger woman.
None of those things describe my year. But when I looked up the true definition, it hit close to home:
“A midlife crisis is a period of psychological turmoil that can occur in middle-aged adults (typically 40–60 years old) as they confront aging, mortality, and past life choices, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, and a desire for drastic life changes.”
Psychological turmoil — check
Between 40–60 years old — check
Confronting past life choices — check
Depression, anxiety — check, check
Desire for drastic life changes — BIG check
This past year has been heavy with challenges, and I’ve spent a lot of time sitting in the weight of it all; asking myself about what I’ve experienced, why it happened, and how I got here. But now, it’s time to pivot. To reset my intentions, stop circling around the past and start stepping into the future I want for myself.
Because here’s the truth: when you’ve spent your life in survival mode, it’s not easy to figure out who you are or who you want to be.
What I do know is this: I want to live a full, balanced life. One that makes space for mental and physical health, financial security, and adventure. And the good news is, I’m already on the right path.
So despite the challenges that will inevitably come, because life will always have them, I am manifesting positivity over my 43rd year of life:
Family
I want peace in co-parenting. No more courtrooms, no more lawyers. Just two parents with mutual respect, working toward what is truly in the best interest of our children. I’m already practicing more conscious parenting, and I hope that energy flows into the other relationships in my life. I will have interactions that lead with respect, patience, and lightheartedness.
Finances
I am working toward financial freedom. I see myself debt-free, managing my money with wisdom, and building a foundation that sets my sons and me up for a strong future.
Career
This year, I will hit my stride. I will lead with confidence, contribute value to every project, and keep sharpening my skills. I’ll find my rhythm in balancing big responsibilities with focus, balance, and self-belief.
Self-Care + Adventure
I will continue to prioritize my own well-being. I will travel, explore new places, and create more space for things that genuinely bring me peace and joy. Adventure doesn’t have to mean faraway; it’s also about how I show up daily, seeking joy in the ordinary moments.
Blog + Community
I want Marvalous Musings to grow into more than just my personal reflections. It will become a supportive, inspiring community for others who are also navigating their healing journeys. I see it flourishing into a space where stories, encouragement, and resources meet. A place where vulnerability sparks connection, and where we remind each other that healing doesn’t have to be lonely.
One of my birthday gifts was the book The Pivot Year. That feels fitting because this is my year to pivot. My year to leave behind what no longer serves me, to claim the blessings in my life, and to refuse to let negativity cloud my perspective.
I’m moving in love. Especially self-love, because I know that is the foundation for becoming the best version of me.
Journal Prompts
Where in my life am I ready to pivot, and what would that shift look like?
What limiting beliefs or “survival mode” habits am I ready to release?
How do I define a full and balanced life for myself right now?
What financial, personal, or relational wins will I be celebrating by my next birthday?
How can I show myself more love and compassion on the days when growth feels slow?
Affirmations
I release survival mode and step into a thriving life.
Peace, abundance, and joy are available to me now.
I co-parent with clarity, respect, and mutual commitment to my children.
I am worthy of financial freedom and stability.
My confidence grows with every challenge I face.
I choose love—especially self-love—as my foundation.
This is my year of pivoting toward the best version of me.
