r/Life • u/Astrum_Tenebrae Work in Progress • 15h ago

Self improvement Rebuilding @ 43

My life has been built around taking the easy route, the route that kept me safe. I have missed so many opportunities and denied myself a stable life because the risk of failure was just too much. The fear I had kept my immobilized, never going forward, always staying stuck in a perpetual cycle of settling for less. ….i want more!

I am now 43 years old and I am just now starting to live life. It’s brutal and scary as all hell!

This week I pushed past the fear (which had me physically shaking), got registered as a student at a local college, got awarded grants to cover school, and have enrolled in 3 classes. I am excited, proud, scared as all hell… but ready to start this new chapter. Though, the anxiety has had me nauseous all day, kinda wanna scream “HOLY F*CK!!!!”

Anyone else starting over later in life?

28 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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8

u/carstanza 13h ago

You'll start over probably a few times more

5

u/Hendrick_Gossling 12h ago

Great for you!

2

u/Astrum_Tenebrae Work in Progress 12h ago

Thank you !!

5

u/Wonderful-Slip-1918 12h ago

Yep. Same boat! Went to school in January and starting a new job in Sept. I’ve been in the same “role” for my whole life so it’s insane and scary doesn’t even begin to describe!

3

u/Astrum_Tenebrae Work in Progress 12h ago

Good for you! I don’t know you, but i am proud of you!!

2

u/Wonderful-Slip-1918 12h ago

Likewise! I have so much faith in you! I’m excited for you and know you will do amazing!!

My therapist found a meme and you may appreciate it too (I can’t share it but this is what it says): “maybe this season feels heavy because you’re becoming someone you’ve never been before.”

2

u/Wonderful-Slip-1918 12h ago

It’s brave. Scary. And we are doing it!

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u/Ash_is_Robot 13h ago

What were you doing before this?

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u/Rupejonner2 8h ago

My adult life wasn’t healthy & successful until I was in my late 40’s. Keep up the good work my friend .

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u/Expensive_Doctor6334 10h ago

Congratulations mate, you got this! The fear is gone and now it's you pushing against all odds to become a better version of yourself, wishing you all the best in this journey.

1

u/Crimson6101 8h ago

This is just the start

1

u/smallsamsom 7h ago

The physically shaking part hit me, that's such a real detail. Most people gloss over how much fear actually feels like in the body when they talk about "starting over."

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u/hmeow 23m ago

The best thing at life, you can start over any moment. Your life is just that, and I think it’s rad as heck for anyone at any age to decide they want to do, be or have better!!