Lifting Fog

To be human is to experience yearnings. 

Is this the path? What’s next? Do I stay here or keep looking? There has to be more... isn’t there?

In our 20’s, course-correcting is expected; even welcomed. In our 30’s & 40’s the hourglass-sand slips faster, begging us to firm-up decisions with expiration dates. In our 50’s & beyond the dusty sand-clock reminds us – the first act is over...a second and final act (if lucky) calls us to lift our gaze from life’s business. With this upward glance inviting impending existential angst. Numbing agents are miracles for such malise. Dopamine relief, conveniently a path away.  

The road to serenity isn't a smooth ride. One can expect to get jostled and thrown from the vehicle. Resisting hedonic joy-rides, staying put, and buckling-up for the less traveled road requires faith, tolerating discomfort, rejection, and driving down the foggy road.

The break in midlife fog brings awareness of silenced-desires, the examination of expectations, and dreamlike vows adhered to. The well-worn trodden pathway of the “urge to please” becomes too obvious to ignore. Somehow this contract, signed at youth, has lost its brain-washing lure, and like a shrunken, itchy, wool sweater is destined for the donation bin. 

Revising life’s contract requires the willingness to cull wisdom, hold steadfast to personal truths, and to source joys and fulfillment beyond dutifulness. To vow to your heart daily is an ambitious goal. To not do so is a foggy existence.