Reinventing yourself at any age – Why less is more

This post is written by guest author, Olivia Williams Jones.  More information on Olivia can be found at the end of the post.

We use numbers as a point of reference in almost every situation – from our weight, age, height, to the number of points it takes to get into a university or win the lottery. Our entire lives can be summed up into numbers, and in addition to being useful, they have become an obsession.

That’s why we have predefined expectations that come with certain numbers. The twenties are reckless, the thirties are family oriented, but the fifties and above? Well, nowadays, the pressure of doing more as you age has accumulated to incredible levels. Now, you are almost expected to have and follow through with a bucket list the length of a Tolstoy novel and be superbly excited about it. But all of that aside, what is your reinvention all about?

1.    Finding your own tempo

This ever-growing pressure of living your life to the fullest in accordance with some random definition often leaves people feeling as if they yet again have no time to do it all. Yes, we all hear about those brave ladies who celebrate their retirement by trekking the jungles of Cambodia, but unless you really crave the rush, where’s the fire?

Choices are perhaps our era’s greatest curse, as the more we have them, the more difficult it becomes to pick just one. And although the entire world is at your fingertips, and you seem to be constantly reminded of that fact, do your thing the way it feels right. Perhaps you will go to Cambodia in a few years’ time, but maybe now you just want to read a book, watch the sunrise and enjoy a glass of red.

2.    Minding your meals

Healthy munchies are one of the main pillars of longevity, and despite those general health guidelines to steer clear of processed, sugary foods, there are as many eating styles as there are people. A family friend went vegan in her early fifties to improve digestion, and it helped tremendously, while her mum switched to keto and enjoys bacon and eggs almost daily. Both have superb health.

If there’s a health issue you need to tackle, or you simply feel your diet could use a once-over, there’s no harm in consulting a nutritionist, reading up on options and trying out what seems like the healthiest, most viable option for you. Even the smallest of steps in the right direction are more than enough to fuel your reinvention process. Why not do it one delicious, healthy bite at a time?

3.    Falling in love

Major changes, such as losing a spouse or retiring can make your life seem completely meaningless. When my father passed away, my mum went through a period of severe insomnia, and I knew she was in need of a companion. But how could one possibly fall in love at such a time, one might wonder. Well, if you keep your mind and your heart open, love can happen at any age, and in any circumstance. And it doesn’t have to be as cliché as it sounds – why not fall in love with a dance or life itself?

My mum now has an adopted pooch that goes by the name Oscar, and she takes him everywhere with her, and her friends. Every weekend, she packs her beloved Go Travel inflatable foot rest, some treats for Oscar, and heads to the next unexplored retreat with her friends, somewhere in New South Wales. He is precisely the companion she needed.

4.    Tending to your inner cavewoman

If there’s one thing doctors manage to agree upon, it’s that physical activity remains yet another pillar of reaching your golden years healthy. According to the esteemed neuropsychiatrist and Harvard professor John Ratey, if you want to keep your brain vital along with your body, stay active.

The concept of returning to our caveman roots in a sense that we should use our genetic predisposition towards activity to our benefit is an old one, but professor Ratey takes it to a new level. And it means going beyond your comfort zone and implementing challenging workouts such as HIIT, weightlifting and other exercise forms. Even when you’re fifty and above? Especially then!

5.    Being in the moment

Whether you like to play chess, feed the swans, run a marathon or make cupcakes, soak in the present moment. The kids have flown the nest, or you’ve retired and ready to learn new skills, but your mind is often elsewhere, as it tends to be in this over saturated world. Practicing mindfulness goes beyond just your daily meditations. It’s a mindset that is created and nurtured our entire lives.

However, you choose to fill your time, immerse yourself in the beauty of the very moment you are experiencing right now. Is your seat comfortable? Is your face relaxed or do you feel tension between your eyebrows or your jaw? Are you, maybe, enjoying this article?

Whatever your tempo might be, time can never be wrong for the things that are inherently right and make you happy. Take a breather, listen to your own needs and ditch the numbers along with the modern-day expectations that come with them. Enjoy your journey pressure-free, it’s too precious to be spent anywhere else other than in this very moment – embrace it, celebrate it and make each one your best one yet.

Author Bio: Olivia Williams Jones, Editor, High Style Life.  Olivia is a psychologist and entrepreneur from Brisbane. Mother of two beautiful children and proud owner of two silly boxer dogs, Teo and Mia. She is passionate about writing and always inspiring her readers to be clever in their lives. Her motto is “Be the change you want to see in the world”.  You can also find Olivia here on Twitter.

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