Midlife...is it or isn't it?

I like to think of myself as being in my midlife. I know that, strictly numerically speaking, this is highly unlikely. But it's my life, and I am hoping for the best; so with that, I'm claiming, at least for the moment, to be at midlife. Whatever I call it, I like this stage of life. And if the truth be told, I wish it would continue on for at least the next forty years! I am happier, wiser, and more content, tolerant, accepting, generous, reflective, caring and compassionate than I was earlier in my life. I'm not sure about the virture of patience, however; I think that it still depends on the situation. I can say, however, that I value patience more now, and I aspire to become more patience. Perhaps the most positive thing I've noticed at this stage of life is my increasing ability to apply the above virtues (my word for them) more readily and generously to myself; which unfortunately, is something that I did not do earlier in my life. It's a nice trade off for the gray hair, ever-expanding profile and loose joints! Ellen