to think I've hit an age of looking back not forward?

[Setsquares]

I'll be 50 years old next week.
Youngest DC will be leaving for university in September.
I'm in a full-time, stressful job, which will see me through to retirement in 14/15 years time. Will never be a high earner (teacher).
DH and I bumble along well enough together. Certainly not exciting, but not awful.
Elderly parents.

My looks have faded - frown lines, greying hair, tired eyes, bit of extra weight on the hips.

Becoming more cynical about the world and humanity in general.

AIBU to think that my life now is about looking back on the good times (I had a great time in my 20s, in a big city and did lots of travelling, and then the kids' pre-school years were probably the happiest of my life), rather than expecting the same level of 'adventure' ahead?

I'm the same OP. I'm 55 this year, DS is at uni so already an empty nester.

Sadly I had hopes for life, most of which have not happen so am filled with regrets. And plans for when we had more money and opportunity, however MS and menopause have stolen a lot of those.

I suspect I need to go for more counselling (as have done in the past) but last time I went, they refused to do it citing I needed to cure the MS first (not quite word for word but near enough).

No idea what the answer is, but wanted to join you in solidarity.

Don’t look back, you’re not going that way.

I understand what you’re saying, we can’t be that person again. But we can be a different one. And you get to choose.

Instead of fighting the change, embrace it. Make it work for you.

Without wanting to dismiss your feelings, it sounds like you have been quite successful in your life and contributed a lot through teaching ; and particularly as a parent.

You could be a little more upbeat to make yourself feel better. In your post it sounds as though you are writing off the rest of your time.

Life can have a lot more to offer you after the age of 50. Are there any new goals you want to set for the future. Relocation? Move to coast or country?Transferring your skills to a new role?