A midlife crisis is a experienced during the middle years of adulthood. It typically affects people roughly between the ages of 35 and 65, although it can occur earlier or later as well1. During this time, individuals often question their identity, life choices, and the direction of their lives. It’s a time when roles shift, health changes, and relationships evolve. While not everyone experiences a midlife crisis, it’s a term used to describe the emotional turmoil some people encounter during this stage of life2.

The other day, I was listening to a radio station, and they were reporting how they are hosting a goodwill project. Listeners are asked to donate towards it and that’s exactly what happened. Call after call, where people were donating towards this good cause. The radio presenter then said:

“This is the reason why we live. One day when we look back onto our lives, these things where we did good things, should be the reason we live.”

I realized that this is why we, as humans, struggle with the phenomenon called a “midlife crisis.” We reach a certain age where we reflect on our lives and sometimes compare them to those of others the same age. We then notice that we haven’t achieved certain goals we set for ourselves, or we observe how others have or enjoy things in their lives that we don’t. It might be materialistic or spiritual. It might even be that you long for something like love or a family but haven’t attained it yet, which can lead to experiencing depressive emotions, commonly referred to as a midlife crisis.

In light of the insights shared by the radio presenter, it becomes evident that our pursuits shouldn’t solely revolve around what we haven’t accomplished or acquired. Rather, our focus ought to be directed towards pursuits that encompass heavenly treasures such as love, friendliness, compassion, and care. When crafting goals for a fulfilling existence, it is imperative to prioritize actions that enrich the lives of others. By doing so, we unlock the essence of true living, where the fulfillment derived from contributing to the well-being of others transcends mere personal achievements or possessions.

Examples of living a full live

- Donating money towards a children’s home;

- Looking after your parents in their elderly years;

- Volunteering at your local church at one of their ministries;

- Donating dog or cat food towards your local animal shelter;

- Visiting an elderly person whose family isn’t living close by;

- Blessing homeless people with food and clothing;

-Giving your time at a rehabilitation center and being a difference in that one person’s life.

These examples merely scratch the surface. Engaging in such acts will eventually lead to a reflective moment in your life where you’ll experience a profound sense of fulfillment. This fulfillment doesn’t stem from outdoing others, but from realizing that your happiness transcends material possessions and emotional gratification. Instead, it resides in the positive impact you’ve made on others’ lives or within society as a whole.