Karla Freeman declares midlife to be magical.


If you're a 50-something baby boomer, you've had significant life
experiences. Seeing yourself with the potential to live another
30-50 years can empower your choices. Freeman says seeing this
potential and knowing there's half a lifetime ahead of you beats
sitting and staring at your wrinkles. She calls it the "Midlife
Return" when you return to your hopes, dreams, creative yearnings
and yet-to-be-explored self.


Do you want a second career, a new life abroad, a chance to be a
writer or an actor? You have the time.


Using her 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist, the author
helps individuals and groups cultivate magic in midlife. She is a
licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who maintains a private
practice and facilitates workshops internationally.


This book consists of short easy-to-read chapters. It is a question
and answer format, divided into four sections. Freeman suggests you
read Section One, then flip around to any questions that are
important to you. Section One is called "The Magic of Your
Mission." The topics covered in the other sections include Work,
Money and Passion; Health and Well-Being; and Relationships.


Section one explores Freeman's "syn" theory of creating magic. She
explains how synchronicity, synergy and synthesis create midlife
magic and apply to your lifetime choices. She describes a balanced
life divided, like a pie, into slices. PIE stands for "put in
energy." You choose what each piece of your life pie represents,
and prioritize which slices to put your energy into.


Another exercise is used to start the process of change. On a sheet
of paper, you draw a box and divide it into nine squares. Based on
Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, you write a value in each
square. Then you rate each by the amount of energy you are putting
into it. The next step is to start shifting your energy to where
you want it to be.


Addressing the key areas of love, work, money and health, Freeman
skillfully guides readers on a journey toward fulfillment in the
second half of life. She offers well-researched advice with humor
and sensitivity. A list of resources is included, as well as an
invitation to readers to relate their stories and
experiences.