Turning 40 - Happy Birthday! Now, time for a mid-life crisis (not)

It's hard to feel good about your life when your body is sagging and you know that one day, nobody will even remember you existed. Is it time for a mid-life crisis now? How about a mid-life reassessment instead.

Hello, grey hair

I must confess to being one of those people who is always looking forward. You know,

"When the twins are at school,"

"When I can write full-time,"

"When our mortgage is paid off,"

"When {fill-in-the-blank}"...

It's not like I'm an "I'll be happy when..." sort of person, but I never felt comfortable just settling into wherever I'm at.

Sometime last year, it struck me that I am no longer young. I am turning 40. I have grey hairs and wrinkles. I no longer get mistaken for being in my 20s or asked for ID on the super rare occasion that I buy alcohol.

I got a sense that my time was running out, my body could no longer do the things that it used to be able to do, and I was not where I wanted to be.

I will not be alive forever, and people will not always remember who I am.

One day I will die and some years down the track, nobody will even know that I existed.

Bummer.

What a downer.

First, there was a sense of panic. Then a sense of hopelessness.

But... I have spent a lot of time thinking, and a book that I read recently* prompted me to ask myself: What would 14-year-old me think of where I am at right now?

Where I live, my family, my job. How I spend my time, my friendships, my personality, my routines.

Think about it honestly. If 14-year-old you was meeting you right now, what would they think about you? Don't bring 30-40-50/whatever-year-old you into your thinking. 14-year-old you doesn't know about your missed opportunities, your heartaches, your goals, your struggles. 14-year-old you is just sitting down to meet you with no other knowledge of your life between now and then. And you tell you about your life right now.

I am married.

Wow! Someone loves you?

Yep, I know, crazy, right? And guess what? I love them, too.

So you're happy?

Absolutely. And we have 5 children.

5! What the?!

Yep. 3 girls, 2 boys.

I'm a mum!

I can imagine that I would blow my own mind just with that information. But if I keep thinking about it, 14-year-old me would be so happy to hear about my life right now.

You write books! Does anyone actually read them?

Some people do, yeah. People all over the world.

14-year-old mind blown again.

This is 40

Honestly, this exercise makes me so happy. I would be so chuffed to know that this is what is in store for me. I know that I would quite happily take this life again, even if I were offered others.

To 14-year-old me, my dreams have already come true.

I mean, I have even shaken Taylor Hanson's hand!

14-year-old me: *dies*

I don't know if this exercise will help you. Maybe it will, maybe not, but it has certainly helped me.

Maybe young you has some tips for older you?

What does 14-year-old you think about you right now?

Love, at 40 - Marley x

*I think the book that spoke about this exercise was Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist, but I cannot be 100% certain. I borrowed it from the library, so I couldn't mark it. This is why I started keeping a reading journal. Might have to find it again...

Let's Talk About Kindles and Kindle Unlimited

What is a Kindle? What is Kindle Unlimited? Are books cheap or free on Kindle? Where can I buy a Kindle? Can a Kindle read to me? Will books go extinct? All these questions and more.

You can read on a Kindle outside with no problems

What is a Kindle?

A Kindle is an electronic device, that looks like a small tablet and is dedicated to ebook storage and reading. There are several different types of ebook readers, but the Kindle is Amazon's version and the most popular on the market (You may have also heard of a Nook or a Kobo). A Kindle is designed to read full-length novels on.

Currently, on Amazon, there are five different types of Kindles available:

• Kindle (regular)

• Kindle Paperwhite

• Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

• Kindle Oasis, and

• Kindle Scribe

These Kindles differ in battery life, screen size, storage, price, durability, water resistance, light settings, buttons, and capabilities. The Kindle Scribe comes with a stylus and can be used as a notebook.

What does a Kindle do?

A Kindle is an e-reader, which is like an electronic library of books that you can access, store, and read on a device. A Kindle is linked to the Amazon Kindle store, which you can access to search, view details, download samples, and make purchases. Any books or samples you choose will download onto the device so you can open and read them straight away. Think of it as a library that you don't have to travel to or wait for books to arrive at, and which probably has a much larger selection than you are used to.

Different Kindles allow you to read in different ways. Some allow you to swipe the screen to turn a page, while others have buttons. They allow you to highlight passages, make notes, search words on an electronic dictionary (a great feature when you reach a word that stumps you), and even do simple web searches.

Does the Amazon Kindle Store have every book on it?

No, it does not. If you like to read something on the rarer side or particularly nichey, you may like to check out the store before you buy a Kindle.

Why use a Kindle and not a tablet/iPad?

• Battery life - This seems to be at the top of the list of reasons why people love to use Kindles. Most Kindles will last weeks on a single charge. One blog I looked at suggested that you could expect a Kindle charge to last 4 - 10 weeks!

• Cost - Kindles are much cheaper than iPads

• Screen - Kindles are meant to be better for your eyes, thanks to the screen and light options

• Size - The size of a Kindle is similar to a paperback book

• Kindles can do less than iPads - This means fewer distractions and contributes to the longer battery life, but it does mean that its capabilities are limited and certain types of reading (like graphic novels) may be better on a tablet.

Can a Kindle read to me?

Yes. You can use text-to-speech and Audible on certain Kindles. These features are limited in certain Amazon regions, like Australia (where I am). You can get Audible to work if you change your Amazon marketplace/region. I haven't tried this out (if you don't know what I'm talking about, keep reading for more info on Amazon marketplaces).

Where can I buy a Kindle?

There are lots of different places. A Google search tells me that you can buy a Kindle from Myer, eBay, Kogan, and Dick Smith, but they are also available at places like JB Hi-Fi and Officeworks for Aussies like me, so there are lots of places both instore and online. That being said, the Kindle is an Amazon device, so Amazon is going to have the full range of devices and accessories and will make it super easy to set up. Amazon also has regular sales where you can pick one up for a great price.

Note: Amazon has 21 different 'global marketplaces'/web addresses for different regions eg. Amazon.com (US), Amazon.com.au (Aus), Amazon.co.uk (UK) etc. If you wish to make a purchase on Amazon, you will need to make sure that you are on the right marketplace for your region.

What is the Kindle App?

The Kindle app is free and will turn any phone or tablet into an e-reader (without the great battery life, convenient size, and easy-on-the-eyes screen). The app gives you access to the Kindle store where you can make purchases and have the book show up on your device straight away. You can then read and store your books in the Kindle app, like a little library on your device.

What is Kindle Unlimited?

Kindle Unlimited (KU) is a monthly subscription that gives you access to a heap of free books, a bit like a streaming service (eg. Netflix) book library. Again, not all books are included in KU, so you may like to check if what you like is available before you sign up. You will also find a lot of new and indie authors put their books on KU (like me). This is in the hope that people will be more likely to take a chance on an unknown author without shelling out for a book they don't know whether they will love. Don't be scared though, lots of popular authors have books on KU too.

The Silver Sheep is free to borrow on KU or $3.99 AUD to buy

KU gives people a chance to try all sorts of books (you can borrow and return instantly), and is great for fast readers who tear through their books quickly. For those of you who are old like me, KU is a bit like a Blockbuster (stick with me), because you borrow the books and can only have 20 at a time before you need to return some so you can borrow more. Current price for KU at the time of writing is $13.99 AUD per month.

Are books cheap or free on Kindle?

Some books are perma-free, and some are free only for Amazon Prime users. KU is a monthly subscription - one fee and you can read as much as you like (but it doesn't include all books). Authors often run free book promos, where books are free for a limited time, and there are lots of newsletters you can sign up for that will keep you up to date about free books you might be interested in. You may also get access to free e-books through your library. So you can find and read lots of free books on a Kindle, but not every book all of the time.

Yes, ebooks are often cheaper than paperbacks, but not always.

Right now on the AUS Amazon store, I can buy:

• Rich Dad Poor Dad for $10.99 on Kindle or $12.45 paperback (not on KU)

• Boy Swallows Universe for $4.99 on Kindle or $9.00 paperback (not on KU)

• Fourth Wing for $16.99 on Kindle or $14.00 paperback (not on KU)

• Demon Copperhead for $7.09 on Kindle or $14.00 paperback (not on KU)

• The Housemaid for $4.99 on Kindle or $14.00 paperback (FREE on KU)

• Haunting Adeline for $7.06 on Kindle or $31.24 paperback (FREE on KU)

Will books go extinct?

I hope not!

Yes, I own a Kindle.

Yes, my books are available on Kindle and are free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers.

Bit hard to read a book like this

BUT...

While ebooks have their benefits, I think that nothing can beat holding a real book and I still love visiting my local library.

Happy reading,

Marley x

Earthing vs Grounding, Earthing mats, earthing for health - What is earthing all about?

Earthing is nonsense, right? WRONG! Let's take a look at 7 of the most common questions about earthing (according to AnswerthePublic.com)

Earthing by standing barefoot on the grass

• What is earthing?

Earthing is the time that a person spends connected to the surface of the our planet. This can be done by touching the ground, skin to Earth, or by using special conductive equipment that can connect a person with the ground without the need for direct contact. This equipment can be used to earth a person wearing shoes, indoors, even when lying in a bed, and allows a free flow of electrical current between Earth and body.

• Is earthing the same as grounding?

Yes! Earthing and grounding are the same thing. That being said, spiritual grounding does not necessarily require a physical Earth connection. Sometimes, other techniques are used, like visualising a connection, meditation, or mindfulness practices.

• Can earthing be done on concrete?

Yes, on plain concrete or bare earth. This will vary depending on what sort of foundations the concrete is on and what sort of sealers the concrete may have on it. Note that plastic, wood (other than living trees), paints, and sealants are not conductive, so you can not earth on those.

You can find some more information HERE.

• What is an earthing mat?

An earthing mat is made of conductive material and has a wire attached to it that you plug into a turned-off electrical socket. Every electrical socket should be earthed, so if you plug in your mat and then stand, sit, or lay on it, you will be earthed too. That way, you can earth yourself indoors while watching TV, meditating, sleeping, washing dishes etc. Some earthing mats have grounding rods, which you hammer directly into the ground outside. The cord is attached from the rod to the mat, generally running through an open window, and that will earth you as well.

• Can I use earthing when sick?

There are no contraindications for earthing. You can, and should, practice earthing every day when sick or well.

• Does earthing really work?

Earthing has been known to reduce inflammation and pain, improve sleep quality, aid wound healing, plus improve mood and overall well-being.

(See below for my source material and the studies that have shown these results)

• How much earthing time do I need each day?

There is no ‘magic number’ or a specific amount of time. One study advised that “even a brief touch” can aid blood flow, while others have shown positive results on mood between 30 minutes and two hours of earthing. Multiple studies show positive results with participants sleeping on earthing mats overnight. Any amount you can do is good, though results indicate that grounding should be practiced regularly to receive the most benefit.

If you are interested in reading more, I wrote a brief summary of earthing research which includes all of my references and source material. You can download it for free on the Freebies page of my website. Please keep in mind that I am not a health professional or an academic.

I have also written two fictional novels that contain earthing themes. The Silver Sheep and The Silver Shepherd are contemporary women's fiction books about Cleo's fight to uncover the truth about an earthing conspiracy. Both books are available in ebook and paperback.

My writing was partly inspired by The Earthing Movie. If you haven't seen it and you have an interest in earthing, then give it a watch and let me know what you think.

Happy earthing,

Marley x

*** Please note that this blog post has not been written by an expert or medical professional. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health problems. If you have a health problem, or suspect that you do, please seek professional medical advice.