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LC Frias's avatar

I don't think we ever know because once we get what we thought we wanted, something else appears. I quit my old Corporate life to become a writer, and now that I'm one, I see myself trying to make others read me-- which is a challenge when you are a forty-something ex-engineer with no face, body, or personality to become an influencer in the "socials"... (is that how my kids would say it?... whatever...). So, Midlife: it's just the "mid" you still have a bunch to do and time to figure out :)

Alexis Mera Damen's avatar

That’s a good way to put it! I think the socials need some more forty-ish, farty, and fabulous women. At least that’s how I describe myself these days. 😜

LC Frias's avatar

Is there any other way? :) We rule! (The house, the bank account, the kids agenda, the grocery list…. and whatever else we put our minds on!)

Alexis Mera Damen's avatar

Hahaha. All so true! I’m always complaining to my bf that I don’t want to be the “manager of the house” anymore! 🙈

Debbie Dunne's avatar

Great story...reflective again. Philosophical and sprinkled with some humour. And yes maybe you don't need to know. Live in the present, as they say.

Alexis Mera Damen's avatar

Thanks, Debbie! That’s what I’m trying to do! 🙂

Debbie Dunne's avatar

yes it does seem like that's what you've landed on. Good on you! I just read your story about moving to Amsterdam. I love Amsterdam. I was there a lifetime ago as an au pair for about a year and just loved it. Enjoy!

Alexis Mera Damen's avatar

Thank you. Just need to stick to it! ;) Amsterdam is a great city! I'm enjoying it so much and can't really imagine ever leaving, but you never know. Life has its own plan (I've come to realize!).

Andi Bitay's avatar

I'm also turning 40 this year :) And I can tell you, I still don't know what I'm doing in life (and it doesn’t matter that I have a son or a husband). We just live it and try to make the best of it :))

Alexis Mera Damen's avatar

That’s the only way, right??? ❤️

Hannah's avatar

Also a dilemma of mine…do I get better at appreciating what I have? Or accept that I’m going to be on the existential quest forever and that means growth but also whyyyy me?!

Alexis Mera Damen's avatar

Bit of a catch 22 haha. I’m trying to focus on the present. 🤞

Melissa Scala's avatar

I'm itching to do soooo much more and it's exciting! At 50 years old... I still 50 to go to live a great purposeful life making an impact.

Alexis Mera Damen's avatar

Love your mindset, Melissa! Of course, so much to do and enjoy in this life!

Kristi Keller 🇨🇦's avatar

Okay first if all, I didn't know the 3-months turned into Amsterdam part. That alone is pretty awesome.

I feel like the right things find us at the right moments. When I had my midlife crisis around 10 years ago, I sold everything right down to my candle holders and moved into a friend's spare bedroom while "finding myself." Then the right thing came along and blah blah-blah-blah. The cycle continues.

Alexis Mera Damen's avatar

Yesss, that's how it happened! I was flying by the seat of my pants. Great time in my life. I didn't sell everything, but I first traveled for 3 months with only a travel backpack and then moved with only that travel backpack and a large roller suitcase. I left everything else behind. It's still piled into a storage closet in my apartment in Brooklyn, which is currently being rented. I often wonder what's in there. Haha. But I also don't want to deal with it. It was so freeing to start fresh with nothing. Now I have an apt filled with furniture and other things. My minimalist phase is over (for now). lol

Lisa’s Last Words's avatar

Great writing you put us there

Alexis Mera Damen's avatar

Thanks, Lisa! Glad you enjoyed it!