Updated: April 14, 2020
Originally Published: May 2, 2017
As I reflect on my life in my mid-30s, I’ve come to the realization that I’m grappling with a significant identity crisis. I feel the urge to share my thoughts, hoping that others might resonate with my experiences and perhaps offer guidance, support, or at least a sense of camaraderie.
Over the last five years, as I’ve transitioned from my 20s into my 30s, I’ve found myself surrounded by confusion. This internal struggle oscillates between wanting to relive the carefree days of my youth—dressing in trendy sneakers and perusing the latest styles at fast-fashion retailers—and embracing the responsibilities of parenthood, like pushing my toddler through the aisles of the local department store in search of practical leggings that double as both comfortable attire and a secret weapon against my busy mom life.
The conflict is palpable. I yearn for the thrill of sending my friends hilarious memes while simultaneously engaging in serious discussions with my partner about sensitive topics that arise as my daughter approaches the age of sleepovers. I crave the nostalgic taste of my kids’ fruity drinks and quick meals, yet I also desire the sophistication of a fresh goat cheese salad picked up by my husband on his way home from work.
While I find myself binge-watching classic sitcoms and scrolling through celebrity updates on social media, I also feel the pull to swap out my casual handbag for a stylish cross-body bag gifted to me by my mother-in-law. Yes, I admit it’s a Liz Claiborne, and I absolutely adore it.
I’m left questioning my identity, caught between the carefree, somewhat self-absorbed persona of my 20s and the organized, responsible mother my 34-year-old self is expected to be. The realization that I still use phrases like “got me trippin’” at my age is not lost on me. Shouldn’t I be more refined by now? Perhaps I should indulge in nostalgic treats like Sour Patch Kids.
Writing this has been a form of therapy. I’ve reconsidered my initial request for advice on how to navigate this identity crisis. Putting pen to paper has made it clear that fully embracing either identity alone feels rather disheartening. Who wants to be labeled as the “trying-too-hard” mom while also rejecting the homely comforts of adult life? I resist the notion of trading in my SpaghettiOs for a more sanitized lifestyle.
So here I remain, balancing between two identities that I both cherish and resent. If you find yourself in a similar predicament, I invite you to join me in this journey of self-discovery. Maybe I’ll reevaluate my identity crisis when I hit 40 or 50—or maybe I’ll choose to stay young at heart, sporting my sneakers into the next phase of life.
For those interested in further exploration of parenthood, you can check out our other blog post about at-home insemination kits here. Additionally, for more expert information on fertility, I recommend visiting this resource on IVF, which is quite helpful.
In summary, navigating the complexities of identity in mid-life can be challenging, but it’s a journey many of us share. Embrace the chaos, and remember, you’re not alone.
Keyphrase: identity crisis in mid-30s
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