I Have 1612 Weeks To Live

A midlife reflection on time

What will you do with your remainder weeks???

In his eye-opening book ‘4000 Weeks’, Oliver Burkeman offers us a stark reminder of our mortality. If we live to 80 years old we are granted a mere 4160 weeks on this planet. I am 49 years old, which means I have 1612 weeks left to live, if I’m to make it to the merry age of 80. Honestly, that statistic blows my mind! Yet it also provides a profound opportunity to explore how I should live my life to the fullest.

Shortly after walking the dogs with my friend earlier this morning (in the dark), I was processing what we discussed and we discussed lots! Both of us divorced, both self employed, sharing what we had achieved, discussing what more we wanted from life and what was important to us as midlife mothers. It made me pause for thought. It left me thinking about the fragility of life. And the fact that I actually don’t know if I have 12 minutes, 12 days, 12 months or 12 years ahead of me. And how much I take life for granted.

When I’m in this sort of mood, trying not to worry about so much, I tell myself that yesterday has gone, tomorrow hasn’t arrived, so all I have is now. Which is a gift, don’t you agree? What are your thoughts on this? Do you live in the moment? Do you cherish the day? Do you wake up with a Carpe Diem attitude?

How should we truly cherish the day without falling into the traps of procrastination or worry?!

Here are 5 ideas I’ve focused on recently to help me be more present, you may find them useful too…

1. Embrace Imperfection - understand that perfection is an illusion. Allow yourself to embrace imperfections and learn from the mistakes.

2. Set Small Goals - instead of grand, distant goals, focus on smaller, more achievable steps that align with your values.

3. Practice Gratitude - I know this one can be tough to do sometimes, but try and cultivate a daily practice of gratitude, acknowledging all the beauty and the cool suff in your life, no matter how insignificant they feel. For me, I love where I live, only minutes from the ocean and the countryside. Wales is a stunning country, with over 800 miles of coastline. I could spend every day walking with my ridgebacks along the beach if I really wanted to. That I’m grateful for!

4. Connect With Loved Ones - nurture your relationships. Share moments of joy and vulnerability with friends and family. Last weekend I spent 7 hours in the car, so I could see my parents. We had 4 glorious hours together. Sharing stories over lunch and giggling until our ribs hurt. Dad turns 76 today and starts his radiotherapy on Thursday, every moment I spent with him and my mum last Sunday, was SO precious. Every minute of those 7hrs in the car was worth it.

5. Mindful Awareness - begin each day with a moment of mindfulness, as simple as setting yourself one intention for the day. Today I’m being mindful by reaching out to as many midlife women as possible. I’m on a mission to share the transformational benefits I offer through my therapeutic journaling program ‘rage on a page’. I want to reach out to them because I can know I can help them. I am mindful lots of women are searching for connection. Maybe you have a friend that is seeking support, she maybe searching for a small and safe community of likeminded women, she might feel like she has lost her purpose in life, she may have become stuck, feel overwhelmed or depressed. Please, if you could do me one favour today, if you have a friend who loves to journal and is in need of some support, please ask her to connect with me. Thank you.

Before I get on with my tasks for the day, I’m going to reflect on the 1612 weeks I hopefully have ahead of me. I’m going to remind myself to appreciate the gift of every week. To remember that life’s value lies not in its length but in its depth. My message to you, is to live with intention and seize the day. I hope you have wonderful day planned. If not, and you need a friend, I’ll be online if you’d like to connect.

Until the next time

Take care & stay safe xxx