As middle-aged men, we begin to question the path we are on. It's as if we wake up one morning and discover we are not living the life we hoped we would. We look back to the past and experience feelings of regret. Our future is uncertain, and our present is filled with stress, overwhelm, and loneliness. That familiar spark now flickers faintly, overshadowed by the daily grind and unfulfilled aspirations.
JEFF SINGAL // MEN'S IKIGAI COACH
REGION: NAGOYA, JAPAN
A midlife crisis is often perpetuated based on harmful myths and outdated stereotypes that most men don’t experience, myself included. I prefer “renaissance” over “crisis” because the latter seems too harsh. Also, midlife renaissance beautifully merges the concepts of exploration, opportunity, journey, and transition. It signifies a period of rediscovery, growth, and transformation during one’s middle years, akin to a rebirth or renewal of purpose and perspective.
I’ve been in Japan for well over a quarter of a century. During that time, I’ve experienced many transitions, such as moving to Japan from the U.S., working, losing family members, starting a couple of businesses, raising two children, a pandemic, a midlife renaissance, and others. During some of those transitions, it felt like life controlled me, not vice versa, which was quite stressful and unpleasant.
My background is in international education. I’ve worked at schools in Japan and the United States as a teacher, administrator, and in other capacities. Gradually, I’ve been transitioning into becoming a midlife renaissance coach because I have reached a point in my life where I want to help other men transition through midlife.
Finally, I’ve lived in Japan (mainly in Nagoya) for over a quarter of a century. This is where I experienced my midlife renaissance and where I’ve increasingly experienced/learned more about mindfulness, ikigai (the sources of meaning in one’s life), transitions (of all sorts, especially midlife), life direction/life purpose, the importance of play, and most importantly, how to become a much better midlife coach).
Many aspects of Japanese and Western culture, psychology, philosophy, and concepts have influenced the person/coach I am today. I’d like to share all this wisdom and experience to make your midlife renaissance easier, shorter, less stressful, and with less anxiety.
