"External crises such as wars, pandemics, and economic turmoil have a strange power: They jolt us out of our daily routines and trigger a state of deep self-reflection. In such moments, we suddenly stop and ask ourselves the big questions: Am I living the right life? Am I doing what I truly want? Am I satisfied with my relationships?"
"The unsettling realization might be catching up with you: All the things you've achieved, such as the career, the money, the status, the marriage, the parenthood, aren't going to make you happy forever. The thought might trigger a genuine sense of panic, making you wonder: If not all these things, then what will bring true fulfillment?"
"According to James Hollis, a Jungian analyst, our 40s is when we go through something called the 'middle passage.' That's the time when the old ideas and beliefs that used to give our life meaning stop working, but we haven't found anything new to replace them yet."
External crises like wars and pandemics prompt individuals to reflect on their lives, particularly during midlife. Many feel drained despite achievements, realizing that success does not guarantee happiness. This period, often referred to as the 'middle passage,' involves confronting the inadequacy of previous beliefs and searching for new meaning. The U-shaped happiness curve suggests that happiness declines in midlife but can improve later. This existential crisis is marked by nostalgia, regret, and fear, highlighting the need for deeper fulfillment beyond material success.
Read at Psychology Today
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