"Many people never climb above the plateau of forty-to-fifty. The signs that presage growth, so similar, it seems to me, to those in early adolescence: discontent, restlessness, doubt, despair, longing, are interpreted falsely as signs of decay. In youth one does not as often misinterpret the signs, one accepts them, quite rightly, as growing pains. One takes them seriously, listens to them, follows where they lead. One is afraid. Naturally. Who is not afraid of pure space -- that breadth-taking empty space of an open door? But despite fear, one goes through to the room beyond. But, in middle age, because of the false assumption that it is a period of decline, one interprets these life-signs, paradoxically, as signs of approaching death. Instead of facing them, one runs away, one escapes -- into depressions, nervous breakdowns, drink, love affairs or frantic, thoughtless, fruitless overwork. Anything other than face them."
Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Gift from the Sea
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Morrow_Lindbergh
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