To need more excitement in my life

[PlipPlop7clocks]

I have a wonderful happy life and do a job that I absolutely adore.

But...I do have an overactive imagination and find myself craving more excitement. I tend to develop intense unsuitable crushes on men which I suspect is me looking for something thrilling.

I have the best job in the world but fantasise about being a hero and doing something more dangerous and exciting. The reality is that I wouldn’t want to do these other riskier jobs.

How can I resolve this?

I thought that maybe I could do some extreme sports (never done this before but I’m middle aged and don’t really want to get injured).

Or maybe I could write a novel and live out my superhero needs in fiction.

Do you have any other ideas or thoughts for me. I guess this is a midlife crisis of sorts.

I should add that I don’t drive and have no interest in cars so a sports car won’t really help.

Thanks

I do fencing and aerial hoops. Both a little bit different and exciting but no massively dangerous. Both only taken up in my 40s so not just for youngens. Do either of them sound exciting to you?

Do you need more physically challenging things? Doesn't have to be "extreme". Intellectually challenging? What do you think you would like to do (if you could)?

I love dancing and would like to go to raves. But I'm in my 50s so it feels a bit weird - and how would I even arrange it. That would be exciting for me :)

Thanks MulberryPeony. What’s aerial hoops?

ohrosy, I think I need both physical and intellectual excitement. And probably emotional excitement most of all!!

@PlipPlop7clocks a metal hula hoop hung from a beam, quite gymnastic and circusy www.elle.com/beauty/health-fitness/advice/a14165/aerial-hoop-workout/

Write a book, volunteer in something you can be passionate about, join an amdram club?

I volunteered in a male prison rehab for a number of years. Certainly an interesting and worthwhile role and comes with a lot of adrenaline and risk. But genuine risk, not just the adrenaline you get from safe activities like rollercoasters!

Are you single?

If not, are there issues in your relationship?

What about larp?

Drama? Travel? LARPing did occur to me too.

Writing a novel could work, but it depends if you want to take it seriously and find a publisher for it or not -- if you do, it's a long hard road of polishing and revising and rewriting the daredevil exploits of your hero into as perfect a form as possible, and then sending out to agents, and then hanging on while they submit to editors... Which is not to discourage you, only to say that while your subject matter may be exciting, the road to publication is a lengthy trudge. You might of course want to self-publish or write fanfic in an exciting fandom.

Or take a career break and do something entirely different for a while, preferably in another country?

Following with interest as I get a bit bored at times

Physical excitement, is easily arranged. Intellectual excitement, too.

But I'm not sure what you mean by emotional excitement. But then I'm the sort of person who loves peace and quiet and finds enough emotional excitement in meeting a friend for a drink! Maybe you could find it vicariously through Drama, Amateur Dramatics, ie. acting in or producing plays etc, going on stage, being the centre of attention, becoming a football ref , running a toddlers playgroup. Or are you alluding to sexual or romantic excitement? I assume you're single. I don't see there is anything particularly wrong with crushes. Why are they unsuitable? Can't you meet anyone romantically who thrills you and its mutual? I know it can be difficult that one

I felt a bit like that a year or so ago and started CrossFit. It challenged me physically and often emotionally and was great fun.

Not suggesting that specifically (it’s ridiculously expensive really) but an exciting/challenging hobby sounds like an excellent idea. Something you can immerse yourself in.

Yes, if you’re single and want sexual/romantic drama, fair enough!

Karate, caving, white water rafting - can all be taken up in your 50s.

What do you do day to day? - look for a volunteering opportunity that will lead to doing things that you regard as way outside your skill set/comfort zone.

You sound like my kindred spirit except the good job part! I too love chasing unsuitable men and then obsessing over them liking me back, and if they do then I suddenly go off of them!

I’ve no advice to offer but I just had to come on here and comment seen as you sound like me!

Thanks everyone. I have a really enjoyable and altruistic job that isn’t paid that well so, rightly or wrongly, I already feel like I’m doing voluntary work! 😱

I’ve decided that I’m going to learn a new language, do some self defence classes, and get to peak fitness!!

Good luck in finding the fun and excitement your after.

You’re even! I wish there was an edit function on MN.