Sharing The Gifts of Midlife

So many women feel like the inevitable changes of midlife are the beginning of the end. That the value we once held in the world is diminished when our reproductive years are behind us and we no longer fit the limited cultural beauty standards. It's a time when we can feel less than, overlooked, and even begin to doubt ourselves and our place in the world. I know this because I’ve felt that way. But I learned something a while ago that completely shifted my perspective and changed how I think about this next chapter.

In Chinese medicine, there is a concept called the Chong meridian. It's one of the many energy channels that flow through the body. Full disclosure: I’m not a Chinese medicine practitioner, so forgive my crude explanation. During our reproductive years, when we are focused on birthing and raising families, the energy flow of the Chong meridian goes downward toward our reproductive organs to bring energy and focus where it's needed. Makes sense, right? But then, when we pass our childbearing years, the channel of energy reverses and begins to flow upward and out through the eyes so that a woman may begin to share her gifts with the world. How beautiful is that? It actually gives me goosebumps.

This concept is the perfect articulation for the mission of Old Chicks Know Shit. The changes we all experience midlife are not a diminishing of value but rather a shift in focus of the type of value that we bring. While the early chapters are narrowly focused on self, children and family, the next chapter is a broader focus on sharing our gifts with the world.

What do you think? I hope you find this as inspiring as I do.
What are your gifts to share in this next chapter of life?