Eat, Pray, Love, Mid Life Crisis?

I know it's going to happen. People are going to see Eat, Pray, Love and there will be a major mid life crisis epidemic. After all a lot of us think they should be, or could have been, living another life. Something more exciting, passionate, and adventurous. For some people living in California or Los Angeles for that matter, is a dream life. Sun, beach, movie stars, it's all here, but you better have thick skin because the entertainment business is no joke.

It was my dream to live and work in California, like Carol Burnett. I dropped everything and move out here. I left family, friends and a boyfriend behind and came out to LA knowing no one! Looking back it seems so brave. I was terrified but it didn't stop me. The other option was to not ever try to live my dream.

My dreams have changed over the years, simplified a little. When you have kids you tend to focus on their happiness more than your own.  Lately though, after turning 40, I have been dreaming more. I think a lot of people are looking for more after forty.


Don't get me wrong, I will be lined up to see Eat, Pray Love. I loved the book. I understood Elizabeth Gilberts wanting more, feeling trapped, and needing adventure! Sometimes I wonder about living doing somewhere else, doing something else. Would I be happier? Probably not!

I'm not sure we all need to go to India and Italy to find our true happiness. I know Elizabeth Gilbert needed to get away and find herself, but let's be serious, not many people have the time or money to go gallivanting all over the world.

I have one simple way I solve this. I try to bring the excitement, the adventure, into my own life in big and small ways.

Here are just a few:

I rearrange my living room and den every few months. 
I drive home different ways to find new places.
I find new cool restaurants to try.
I have friends over and try new and exciting new table scape's and menus.
I arrange girls nights with different groups of women and try to connect people.
I grow my hair long and then cut it short.
I stay open to living in other places, making new friends, and joining new groups.
I take day trips on the weekends with the family.
I take on new projects, even if it's outside my comfort zone!


Let's face it life can feel dull and monotonous, especially when you are running a household and raising kids. You need to keep it fun and interesting!