Facing midlife: Lessons from nature and person-centred therapy

Midlife often arrives quietly - until it doesn’t. For many, it sneaks in through subtle changes: shifting priorities, the realisation of time passing, and, in some cases, profound existential questioning. For others, it strikes alongside life-altering events.

For me, it was both. The pandemic fundamentally reshaped my family's reality, with a close family member facing a severe battle with COVID. This forced a deep reckoning with life’s fragility and the unpredictability of the world around us. It sparked something deeper - an urge to reconnect, redefine, and rebuild.

A midlife resolution: Climbing Snowdon

At the start of 2023, I made a resolution - a seemingly impulsive decision to climb Snowdon. At the time, it felt like nothing more than a challenge. But as I took my first steps along the Llanberis Path, I unknowingly embarked on something deeper: a physical, mental, and existential journey that would reshape how I saw myself and the world around me.

Like many at this stage of life, I assumed I was reasonably fit and that the hike would be a smooth adventure. But reality proved otherwise. The ascent was harder than expected. The famed trail, far from a solitary escape, resembled a bustling motorway. Breathless, feeling the weight of my years, I was forced to confront a choice: retreat into comfort or step forward into challenge.

That moment mirrored the broader midlife dilemma - do we stay as we are, letting time dictate our limitations, or do we actively shape our future? The struggle up the mountain wasn’t just physical; it was existential. The effort reminded me that life’s difficulties do not diminish its beauty. It was, in every sense, a metaphor for midlife itself - unexpected trials woven into stunning moments of clarity.

Embracing change and rebuilding through nature

Returning home, I could have settled back into old habits, accepting that age was beginning to dictate my limitations. But instead, I took a different route - I decided to improve my fitness, acknowledging that if I didn’t act now, I might never get another chance.

Since then, Snowdonia has become a regular part of my life, each trip more exhilarating than the last. What began as a symbolic act of change evolved into something richer: a reconnection to nature, mindfulness, and ultimately, the feeling of truly living.

Person-centred therapy in nature

This personal transformation directly aligns with the principles of person-centred therapy, particularly its application outdoors. At its core, person-centred therapy emphasises autonomy, self-discovery, and the understanding that clients already possess the answers within themselves. It fosters reflection, encouraging individuals to move toward growth and self-acceptance in their own time and terms.

The outdoors provides a uniquely fitting backdrop for this approach, especially in midlife, when existential questions become particularly pronounced. Movement, fresh air, and the unpredictable nature of outdoor spaces parallel the evolving journey of self-awareness. The sense of freedom, the physical engagement with the world, and the act of walking itself embody the very essence of progression, one step at a time.

Nature as a reflection of life

Outdoor therapy also offers a powerful mirror to our own existence. The changing seasons, unpredictable weather, and natural obstacles on a path all reflect the unpredictability of life itself. The climb up a mountain, much like personal growth, is demanding, requiring persistence, resilience, and an acceptance of struggle. Yet, once the summit is reached, the perspective shifts, offering a wider view of life, clarity, and a sense of accomplishment.

In many ways, nature teaches us the very lessons midlife demands: to embrace change, to find meaning in challenges, and to allow ourselves the space to pause, reflect, and grow. When we observe the patterns of the natural world - the way rivers carve landscapes, the way trees adapt to harsh conditions - we begin to see similar themes in our own journey. Nature doesn't resist change; it moves with it. And perhaps, this is what therapy - especially outdoor therapy - can offer: a reminder that change isn’t something to fear but something to engage with fully.

Because of this journey, I now move through life differently. Improved fitness hasn’t just made activities easier - it’s made them richer. I find myself more mindful, more present, and more deeply engaged with the simple joys of existence. Life no longer feels like something passing me by; instead, it feels lived.

Through person-centred therapy, we can apply this philosophy to clients navigating their own crossroads. Whether facing midlife transitions, grief, or existential uncertainty, walking outdoors provides a space for reflection, movement, and forward momentum - both physically and psychologically.

At any age, we stand before choices: stay still or step forward. As I’ve learned firsthand, the rewards of choosing progress, however small, are profound.