There comes a time when you realize you are now middle-aged. After the initial shock and discomfort, you hopefully accept the fact that you should do what you always wanted to do because your time is running out. There might be a divorce, a separation, a career change, depression, the empty nest syndrome and menopause. Though many of these spell midlife crisis there’s no need to worry. We all know a great way to fix that – hit the road! If anything can help you break out of a rut and feel alive again, it is definitely adventure. Just say yes to it, and start getting ready by following these simple tips.
Be Bold
There has to be an old dream somewhere deep down in your soul. Reach for it, find it, or take the time to dream up a new one. Do something that will enrich your soul – something you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time, the money or guts to try. You are not getting any younger and if you don’t do it now, maybe you never will. Don’t waste your precious time= while you are still physically capable. Make a list of your unrealized dreams and go for it, they were not given to you for nothing.
Get Healthy and Fit
Traveling is a serious business, especially if you are going away for a longer period of time. Make sure your body is in the best possible shape. Be a friend to your body and detox, eat healthy and quit your unhealthy habits. Exercise, get fit, prepare your skeleton and your muscles for long walks, bike rides and extended periods of time sitting in cars, buses or trains. Learn some yoga and consider bringing a mat with you to keep you in a balanced state while traveling. God knows your body will have to put up with physical strain, and some poor eating and sleeping while on the road.
Invest in Travel Gear
It is always a good idea to invest in high quality travel gear, including some sturdy luggage, good comfortable shoes and clothes, as well as other travel accessories and gadgets. If you want to be comfortable and practical, choose comfort over looks. Don’t expect your back to handle large backpacks, get some wheel luggage. Get yourself some travel pillows, ear plugs, an eye mask, and a water bottle. Consider picking up some extra memory cards and batteries for your camera. Bring a folding hand fan if you are traveling in hot weather. A pair of binoculars, for example, could completely change your experience.
Choose Meaningful Destinations
Maybe you want to go traveling, but don’t know where to go and what to do. Midlife is usually a time when people start thinking about the meaning of life, and look for deeper fulfillment – something that brings spiritually rich experiences. Youth seeks thrills, wise age seeks serenity. There are many spiritual destinations all over the world, temples, churches, meditation retreats, yoga schools, ancient temples and sacred sites like megaliths and stone circles, archeological mysteries and so on. Bridging the outer and inner landscape, and connecting to life around you and your inner self is what it is all about anyways.
Relax and Enjoy
It would be a good idea to learn how to be present in the now and to be mindful, so you can get the most out of your adventure. Become conscious of everything you see, hear, smell and feel, soak it all up. What good will it do you, if you keep staring at your phone or obsess over taking photos from the best angles? Drop your gadgets, live your adventure, be present for it. Take it easy, sit down and observe how people look and behave in this new place, listen to their language, notice what nature is like and how colors are different. Look consciously, memorize as much as you can – you will feed on these memories once you get back home.
The world is your oyster, and you know you deserve a breathtaking adventure. The road is calling.
Emma Lawson
Emma is a teacher, constantly improving her skills both as a teacher and as a parent. She is passionate about writing and learning new things that can help you to lead a quality life.
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