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Tuesday, January 22, 2013

So There!


Last week my daughter said to me, “Mum, you don’t seem like you’ve ever gone through a mid-life crisis.”

I snorted.  Then, accepting it for the compliment it was, I answered.

 “Well, I’m not sure, but maybe losing one’s long term job at the age of fifty and writing my brains out for four years might be what some folks consider a crisis.”

“No, really.  You know what I mean.”

I guess I do.  So far, I haven’t felt the need for a facelift (although some help with my eyelids would be nice).  I don’t dress in inappropriate clothes (just sloppy ones), I haven’t taken to hitting the bars or seeking out unsuitable relationships, nor have I found myself tense or overly emotional. I haven't pulled up in a red Camaro and I don’t spend an inordinate amount of time bemoaning what has passed, or longing for what I’ve missed.

So I guess, in that regard, I’m doing rather well.

The pink slip they handed me back then, came packaged as an opportunity for reinvention.  As a result, I immersed myself in a craft I adore, which has shaped me and tendered a release for the times life does offer up challenges.  This defining practice of self-expression has led to an inner knowledge and confidence I would not have considered possible four years ago.  In plain English, I’m pretty sure it’s the writing that’s kept me together.

If this is my mid-life my crisis, where do I sign up for another?

17 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

It could've been a crisis but you took it as an opportunity. It's all in the attitude.
I think I went through mine early. My wife said I wasn't getting a new wife but I had her permission to go get a sports car. So I did.

Tonja said...

I think the reinvention is what the midlife crisis is all about - you've definitely done that. Yay for you for dealing with it so well - great example for your kids!

mshatch said...

Hmm, I wouldn't mind a fast car...:)

Unknown said...

Sounds like you've got it together! Maybe writing actually saved you from having a midlife crisis! :)

Lexie Rising said...

I think you've got it just right! Crisis is what we make of it- reinvention (especially through writing!) is an awesome make of what could have been devastating.
Great for you! :)

Tamara said...

Haha...I love this definition of a crisis. I had one of these "crisis's" too!! Starting five years ago. :)I'm still enjoying it.

glnroz said...

hear hear,,,agree about the writing. Mid-life crisis? Yep, at 63, I am looking forward to that time when I finally get there..reckon?

Robin said...

That pink slip was definitely your opportunity for a mid-life crisis. I think writing is great therapy. You wrote it out.

Old Kitty said...

Thank you pink slip for releasing Liza into the writerly world!! The universe is a better place for this wonderful event! :-) Take care
x

Dianne K. Salerni said...

I agree with what everyone above said. You were handed what some people would've considered enough reason to indulge in a "midlife crisis." You chose to do something productive instead. Go you.

Kittie Howard said...

Great post! Perhaps you could extend this into a self-help book (hint! hint!) as I don't think anyone goes through life without a series of challenging opportunities. The end result is how one steps up to the plate. You've definitely taken the bull by the horns and hit the ball out of the park!

Anne Gallagher said...

No wonder we're friends. We've both gone through the exact same thing at the exact same time.

Although, I really would like one of those "Life lift" face lift things. I've got bags on the bottom of my jaw I really don't like.

J.B. Chicoine said...

I can sure relate to that! It's amazing what we can work out through writing. I can only imagine what sorts of things we might do if we couldn't 'act out' in a good emotional scene! :)

Carol Kilgore said...

Three Cheers for Writing!

~Sia McKye~ said...

And what's wrong with a red camaro? lolol! I've always looked at one door closing and an opportunity to find another door into something I enjoy. So far it hasn't let me down.

Like Alex said, it's all about attitude.

'Yellow Rose' Jasmine said...

I get the feeling your pretty calm, cool and collected over all. You certainly did deal with a major blow that might have set you back on your heels in a truly admirable way. Your family is fortunate to have you and the world could use more people who have it together making an influence for others to see.

Searching for the Story said...

I have a theory, which is perhaps only a youth's naive misconception, that if a person leads the kind of life they can be proud of then perhaps reaching the middle of it isn't so bad.

Maybe that's you!

And congratulations on discovering your writer's voice. What a nice consequence of a not-so-nice incident.