Hello, SilverLife readers! 😊 We’re all going through a mid-life transition, a time when we reflect on the deeper meaning of life. Today, I’d like to share a piece of life wisdom I’ve learned over the years, the adage of “adding to the sewage and taking away from the treasure,” to help you design a richer, more meaningful second life.
When we were younger, we were constantly trying to “add more” to our lives – learning more, owning more, experiencing more. But now that we’re older, we suddenly realize that the real value is in the things we add. I realize that true value can be found in what you take away rather than what you add.
“Adding” and ‘subtracting’ – two paths in life
“Addition” symbolizes the enthusiasm and challenge of youth. It fuels us to learn, experience, accomplish, and move forward with new things. But if we’re constantly “adding”, life can feel like a burden, and it’s easy to lose direction.
“Subtracting” is the wisdom and grace of middle age. It’s the process of letting go of unnecessary greed and attachments, focusing on what’s important, and finding balance in your life. It’s a paradoxical experience: the lighter your life becomes, the richer you feel on the inside.
Practicing “letting go” in midlife
So, what do we need to “lessen” and what do we need to “add” to our lives in midlife? Let’s think through some specific examples.
Health care : Less complicated methods, more core habits
Sewage: You get caught up in fad health information, take untested supplements, or start an overwhelming exercise plan and give up quickly. They also try to chase complicated methods, such as extreme dietary restrictions.
Stick with it: You consistently practice a few core health habits that work for you. You stick to the basics-eating regularly, exercising adequately, getting enough sleep, and working on stress management and a positive mindset. It’s about adding healthy habits to your life, not adding unnecessary health concerns.
Relationships : Less superficial relationships, more valuable ones.
Sewage: You maintain a wide and shallow circle of relationships and try to be nice to everyone. You obsess over the number of friends you have on social media and waste time on unnecessary socializing.
Sticky: You focus on family and friends who truly matter to you. You let go of superficial relationships and invest time and effort in deep relationships. You prioritize quality over quantity, and add real, heartfelt connections.
home and possessions : get rid of unnecessary stuff and add comfort and space.
Sewage: You’re constantly buying things, trying to fill your home with stuff, suffering from a lack of storage space, being afraid to throw things away, and being weighed down by stuff.
Stickler: You practice minimalism, keeping only what you really need and getting rid of what you don’t. You make your home a place to relax and recharge, and you enjoy living in a simple, comfortable environment. It’s about letting go of possessions and adding more space and ease to your life.
Work and career : Less clutter, more core competencies and enjoyment.
Sewage: You’re insecure in retirement, doing whatever comes your way to make ends meet, struggling to learn new skills, and stuck in the old ways.
Sticking: You choose work that leverages your core competencies, find joy in challenging yourself in new areas, and focus on feeling rewarded and fulfilled in your work while reducing unnecessary competition and stress. It’s about taking the pressure off work and adding energy and meaning to the second half of your life.
Peace of mind : Less regrets from the past and anxiety from the future, more happiness in the present.
Sewage: Regrets about the past and anxiety about the future prevent you from fully enjoying the present. Worry and distress keep you awake at night and make you vulnerable to stress.
Stuck: Accepting that the past is the past, and the future is yet to come. You focus on the here and now, enjoying the small pleasures of the present. Meditate, go for walks, engage in hobbies, etc. to keep your mind at peace and approach life with a positive attitude. Less anxiety and worry, more peace of mind and happiness.
The flavor of life deepens with each passing day
The proverb “add more sewage and take away less salt” is more than just a life skill, it contains deep life wisdom. Midlife is a golden time to let go of youthful enthusiasm, focus on the essential values of life, and create a more mature and fulfilling life.
Take a good hard look at your life right now and see what you need to cut out and what you need to add. The more you can get rid of, the lighter and more fragrant your life will be.
The SilverLife Blog is always here to help you live a happy and healthy second life. 😊
SilverLife 
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