Does anyone else feel panicked by ageing?

[Gymlurker]

I've NC as don't want this linked to my other posts.

I'm wondering if anyone else is feeling this way?

I recently turned 35 (which I appreciate isn't old) but ever since I've been hit by this blind panic of not getting the time back that has passed and not experiencing everything life has to offer.

Random things like - what if if I live my whole life never having rode a motorbike/visited Thailand/Get my nose pierced.

The random thing is, that these things I've mentioned are not things I particularly want to DO as they feel out my comfort zone and things that 'other people' do and I've always been quite happy with that.

Surely I should be focussing on things i DO want to do such as run a 10k, visit America, get long hair extensions again.

it's almost like I've realised there's a whole world of possibility of things I could do and now I'm terrified I never will.

What on earth does this mean? Has anyone else felt the same and if so, what did you do about it?

Thanks in advance!

You get more of what you focus on.
There are definite times in your life when you are struck by the marvel/horror of time and life whizzing by . Fortunately, it mostly doesn't stay at a crippling, in your face sharp focus. It passes and we get on.
But even in the grinding of the mundane, we remind ourselves that we want to drive across America, swim in the Med, eat warm figs straight off the tree. And you build plans for that so you get to do those things.
Also, remember that you are the marvel that you are because of how long you have been on the planet and the privilege that that is.

@PerseverancePays that's a fantastic way of looking at life and yourself!

Why not make a list of things you definitely do want to do and start working out how you can make them happen?

I'm somewhat older than you and sometimes feel depressed when it occurs to me I'm almost certainly more than halfway through my lifespan. But if you focus too much on the passage of time you can forget to appreciate the moment. It's not just about the big, 'bucket list' things, it's the small things that you are able to do that give you pleasure in life. Sometimes you need to stop and smell the roses.

Thanks @ClariceQuiff it's hard though because I logically know that's the right thing to do but I still just feel this sense of overwhelm I wish I didn't!

How would you feel, do you think, if you concentrated more on what you do have/have done?

Whoever I get a bit too introspective, I think of what a friend's father once said to me when I was down. Look at it like this he said. Put your head between your knees and whistle up your Barcelona. For some reason, it made me howl laughing.

Now whenever I start contemplating my life, I think of that comment fifty years ago.

I'm twice your age opening poster and I'm just grateful for the things I've had the pleasure of doing, rather than the things I can no longer do - like change direction without fear of falling over 😁.

But at 35? Go out, where ever you want, have the adventures that please you, do the things you think you want.

Then go get those things you need. Good luck

I'm mid forties and don't feel like that because I feel like I've made the most of the opportunities I've had and always found a way to do the things I've wanted - I've been very lucky to be able to afford it though.

Don't spend your time doing things you think you should because other people have though, concentrate on the list of things that you do really want to do. If you can't afford the expensive ones then start saving if you are able, even if it's just a little each week/month and do the ones that are cheap or free to start with. Use that 'terror' to inspire you and push you to get on with doing the things you want to. Stop putting them off and start planning.