Shifting into the Afternoon of our Lives
Looking to fulfill a Purpose
We all come to a point where we reflect on where we have gone and what we’ve contributed. It is the transition everyone must go through, taking us from the morning of our lives…to the afternoon of our lives. Carl Jung often referred to this as the shift into the afternoon of our lives. Those who transition find happiness and live happily ever after, but those who do not…go on miserably.
The mid-life crisis is the label for when this occurs. A time when we must change the way we see things in life, letting go of our past experiences and what we have already learned. In letting go, we lighten the load as we embark on a new beginning of our lives. Again…those who make the shift find happiness. Those who do not let go of the past will continue a “living death.” A living death is where we take up space, breathing in the air while slowly decaying away.
As long as we are green, we are growing.
Yellow, we are a dying fellow.
Brown…we are down.
~Cal (at five years of age)
Shifting into the afternoon of our lives, we instinctively look to fulfill a purpose. A purpose that many struggles to find. Sages, gurus, yogis and other enlightened beings often say we must “go within” to find our purpose. The formula for finding our purpose is so simple that many will shun the idea. Is there something that you have always dreamed of doing in your lifetime? Is there an idea you have wanted to explore since you were a child? Chances are, this is the answer you are looking for.
The dilemma comes with conditioning. We have been conditioned to think we need to make more money, have a “real job,” or have a respected place in society. We can do this, but will we be authentically happy? Do you want money or happiness? I am not suggesting you cannot have money to be happy…it is possible to have it all. I suggest gauging your life on your happiness and letting the money come second. If you love what you do, you will profit from your success.
If you are not happy while making the shift, then it is time for a change. Change towards happiness is always a good idea…make it now. Taking this leap may require a bit of labor and maybe even faith. Do you know of someone who has made a significant change in life while going against the grain of what everyone else suggested he do? These are the Warriors who decide once and for all it is time to be happy. Everything on the line, they leap.
Once a man has committed to a way of life, he puts the greatest strength in the world behind him. It’s something we call Heart power. Once a man has committed, nothing will stop him short of success.
~Vince Lombardi
Pondering the thought of standing firmly in Her beliefs, Ani Po reflects on the changes that she has made in Her life. From pilgrim to Warrior, with a single thought…Her life changes forever. Realizing that She has stepped onto the path of Warrior, She knows She can never return to the way it was.
With further reflection, She recalls a friend who is currently transitioning to the afterlife. In hospice care, the family says, “He has suddenly become ill.” Ani Po knows differently and has known that he has been dying for some time. While we are all dying, this gentleman gave up on living about ten years ago and followed a path of darkness. Ani Po, for years, tried to get him to see Light but had no success.
Ani Po: “Why are you always so negative? Can’t you find positive in any given situation?”
Friend: “No. I see things as they are, and it isn’t always pretty.”
Ani Po: “If you cannot find good in any situation, you are already dead. Sadly, we think that things are horrible, which is the only reality we’ve ever known. Have you ever read The Death of Ivan Illych?”
“No Ani Po.”
“I would highly recommend it.”
What if my whole life was wrong?
~Ivan Illych
While Her friend’s health options sadden Ani Po, She respects Her friend’s decision to die, knowing that maybe this is how her friend chose to live her life — alone till the bitter end. The truth is that our world is a mirror image of how we see ourselves. If we are inspired, feeling alive, then we go on living as such. If we feel the world has fallen around us, we slowly decay until we reach death. We all have a choice to believe in negativity or positivity. One promises growth, the other death. While death is imminent, we do not have to leave this place in misery.
Stepping into the Canvas with an indomitable spirit. The only person who can conquer you is yourself. When someone brings negativity towards you, turn up the positivity. Step with confidence today, knowing that your afternoon has arrived and is about to get a lot Brighter. You are a Warrior, and you are no longer afraid.
Her friend having firm belief in the finite or quite possibly the ego-self dying, looking to gain a softer approach on life. Uncertain as to whether this story is of parallel universal thought or a page from a personal journal, we leave it to the reader to share what it brings to them.
Inspired by Diana C.’s prompt, In what ways is the Story not about you?
Thank you Diana C., jules, Ravyne Hawke, Spyder and the whole family of KTHT.
Much gratitude for those who take time to read, ponder, and allow the inner workings of self to come forward. Grateful for the feedback, love shared, and, more importantly, the Dance with Inspiration. Deep Peace.
