DEAR HARRIETTE: I am 47 years old, and I think I am having a midlife crisis. I am financially stable, I'm healthy and I have a great family, yet I am suddenly feeling very unsatisfied with my life. I feel as if I don't know what my real purpose in this world is, and that feeling really scares me. I have tried expanding my comfort zone and explored new hobbies to try to change this feeling, but nothing seems to be working. Is this a normal feeling? Do you have any ideas about how I can find my real passion in life? -- Midlife Crisis, Sarasota, Florida
DEAR MIDLIFE CRISIS: For some people, a midlife crisis is a real and terrifying experience. It can be unnerving to feel like you don't know what to do with your life. You do have choices. It would be smart to seek mental health support by going first to your primary care physician and getting a physical to ensure that your body is healthy. Ask for a referral for a therapist who can help you think through what's happening in your life. If you have a spiritual life, you may want to dive more deeply into your spiritual practice.
Another idea is to take a vacation. Go to a destination that you have dreamed about but never visited. Treating yourself to something you have longed to do may help relieve some anxiety.