Episode 15: The Black Midlife Crisis

Episode 15: The Black Mom Midlife Crisis/Moment Research suggest and age difference between the genders. For men, the ‘crisis’ begins roughly late 40’s-early 50’s, while women start their internal struggle between 35-44. What does the struggle consist of?--is it a feeling of being stuck, personally and professionally? Today we will explore this and what this looks like for black women/mothers. Even the term ‘crisis’ will be explored too.   Examples of Midlife characteristics: Feeling discontent with one’s life or lifestyle including people and activities which may have, at one time, provided more fulfillment Questioning decisions made years earlier Confusion about one’s achievements and questioning why “I failed to manifest the life I thought I would have by now” Confusion about “who am I” beyond the roles assigned by others, both in the workplace and in one’s personal life. Anger, expressed or hidden, over trying to fulfill the expectations of others or wanting their approval, in lieu of pursuing one’s own wishes or dreams Yearning for the early years, wanting to retreat rather than move forward   Here are questions to ask (based on the Psychology Today article): What do I feel I should have done by this time in my life? Is there something more important and fulfilling that I can focus on now? What do I want more of in my life? What have I imprisoned that is crying to be free? How can I ensure a commitment to living a significant life?   Sources: Avis, N.E., et. al (2015) Duration of menopausal vasomotor symptoms over the menopause transition. JAMA Inter Med, 175(4):531-9. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.8063   Calhoun, Ada (2015 October 5) The New Midlife Crisis: Why (and How) It’s Hitting Gen X Women. Retrieved from: https://www.oprah.com/sp/new-midlife-crisis.html   Dundon, Elaine (2018 January 30) Searching for the Meaning Beyond the “Midlife Crisis”. Psychology Today. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-search-meaning-after-age-50/201801/searching-meaning-beyond-the-midlife-crisis   Reynolds, Marcia (2011 May 14) What a Female Mid-Life Crisis Looks Like. Psychology Today. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/wander-woman/201105/what-female-mid-life-crisis-looks   Saner, Elaine (2017 January 27) Women on the verge of a midlife crisis. The Guardian. Retrieved from: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/jan/27/women-on-the-verge-of-a-midlife-crisis         Episode Sponsor: Destiny Day Spa by Donyea 2 Locations: Frisco and Allen https://www.destinyspa.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ddsbydonyeafrisco/?ref=br_rs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinydayspabydonyea/ Offer:  Mention Mahogany Momology and receive $10 off of a Destiny Signature Facial with Microdermabrasion. Specialty: Customized skincare treatments for all skin types   Brand Ambassador: Yara Imani https://yaraimani.com/ Enter offer code: Momology for 10% Discount   Meet Us: Honey Be Natural Affirmation Summit on Saturday, September 22 from 9AM-2:30PM in Dallas.  The Affirmation Summit is a self-love & body positive gathering aiming to provide women with tools to boost their self-worth, confidence and aid in stress management. From a sun-rise yoga to sensual dance, this day of affirmation will feature some of Dallas’ finest motivational speakers & artists.   http://www.honeybenatural.com/affirmation-summit/ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-affirmation-summit-tickets-40911519456     Recording Studio: Greenville Ave. Website: http://www.greenvilleaverecordingstudio.com/   Continue the Discussion, Download, Subscribe, Rate, Like, Follow Us, and Share on: Twitter: @MMomology Insta: @mahoganymomology FB: @MahoganyMomology Email Us: [email protected]