Hi, friends!

Many of us who are 50 (and beyond!) question our life choices and wonder if we’re making the most of our time on earth. I know I’ve been meandering some existential and some not-so-existential – just essential, questions for the last few years! This type of deep-dive thought process can often lead to what is commonly referred to as a female midlife crisis. 

Instead of buying a flashy sports car or taking up extreme sports, many of us choose to do something more lighthearted to mark the occasion. Whether it’s taking a solo trip or getting a new tattoo, there are plenty of ways to embrace your inner ‘rebel’ without breaking the bank. Here are some ideas:

1. Start a Gratitude Practice: Starting a gratitude practice can be a powerful way to shift your mindset and focus on the positive aspects of your life. Consider starting a daily gratitude journal or practicing gratitude meditation.
2. Launch a DIY Project: Consider starting a DIY project, such as refinishing furniture, painting a room, or creating a garden. You can find inexpensive materials and supplies at thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces.
3. Take a Solo Adventure: Embark on a solo adventure to a nearby city or town. Explore local museums, art galleries, and outdoor spaces. Go on a hike or bike ride, or wander through the streets and discover new places.
4. Take a Class: Sign up for a class in a subject that interests you. Consider learning a new language, taking a cooking or art class, or attending a writing workshop. Many community centers and adult education programs offer affordable classes for adults.
5. Join a Book Club: Join a local book club or start one with friends. Reading can be a great way to explore new ideas and perspectives, and a book club can provide a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
6. Attend a Free Event: Many communities offer free events, such as concerts, festivals, and outdoor movie screenings. Check your local community calendar or online listings to find free events in your area.
7. Volunteer: Volunteering can be a great way to give back to your community and connect with others. Consider volunteering at a local animal shelter, food bank, or co-op garden.

While a midlife crisis can prove to be a more challenging and chaotic time for some women, there are several common aspects to this experience that I feel like we can all appreciate! I wonder if any of you can empathize with some of the women who have been in my audiences lately when I was giving a speech. Here’s what they had to say about their midlife crisis:

“I’ve become so much more adventurous with my fashion choices, opting for clothes and hairstyles that might be more suited to a younger crowd. I even got a daring new haircut and colored my hair GREEN. It wasn’t even St. Patrick’s Day!”

“I wake up in the middle of the night questioning the purpose of my basic existence, leading to a serious existential crisis. It’s like I’m trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow – up all over again!”

“I’ve developed a fascination with younger men, AND women, leading to some interesting dating experiences. It’s like I am trying to recapture my youth in any way possible.”

“I’ve started hoarding beauty products, trying to stave off the signs of aging. My bathroom drawers are overflowing with anti-aging creams, serums, makeup to cover my wrinkles, and lotions. Every time I read about new coverup products for age spots, I buy them – no matter the price!!!!”

“I’ve developed a sudden interest in extreme sports and adventurous activities, like skydiving and bungee jumping. It’s like I’m trying to prove to myself that I’m still young and daring.”

“Lately I’ve been reminiscing about my youth and the music and fashion of my formative years. Suddenly, all those old cassette tapes and concert t-shirts I’ve been hoarding seem like priceless artifacts.”

One thing is for sure, it’s important to try and maintain a sense of humor about the experience of transitions! Laughter can be a great way to cope with the challenges of this period and help you find joy and fulfillment as you navigate this new stage of life.

Personally, I’ve decided to make this life stage a period of self-reflection and transition. It can be a tricky time, marked by anxiety, restlessness, and uncertainty about one’s future. However, there are several ways we can all begin to face and deal with our midlife crisis – here are a few ideas.

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s essential to recognize and acknowledge the feelings that come with a midlife crisis. Trying to suppress or ignore these emotions can lead to further distress. Take the time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings, and don’t be afraid to seek support.
2. Embrace Your Authentic Self: Midlife can be a time to let go of old expectations and embrace your authentic self. Consider what values are important to you and how you can align your life with those values. Focus on what truly matters to you and let go of what no longer serves you!
3. Reassess Your Priorities: During a midlife crisis, it’s common to question your goals, values, and priorities. Take the time to reassess what’s important to you and figure out whether your current path aligns with your values and long-term goals. This can help you gain clarity and identify areas where you may want to make changes.
4. Try New Things: As I mentioned before, trying new activities or hobbies can help you break out of your comfort zone and rediscover your passions. This could include taking up a new sport, learning a new language, or exploring a new destination.
5. Focus on Your Health: During a midlife crisis, it’s important to prioritize your health and well-being. This may include adopting healthy habits such as getting enough sleep (or at least trying to do so!), regular exercise, and a balanced diet. Consider alternative therapies such as acupuncture or yoga, which can help promote relaxation and relieve stress.
6. Connect with Others: Feeling connected to others can help ease feelings of isolation and loneliness during a midlife crisis. Try to cultivate meaningful relationships with new like-minded friends. It’s essential to maintain a positive and open-minded outlook and to be receptive to new experiences and perspectives.
7. Reflect on Your Life: I can’t say this one enough…take the time to reflect on your life and assess where you are now – and determine where you want to be. Think about your values, your passions, and your goals. Consider what brings you joy and fulfillment.
8. Embrace Change: Change can be scary, but it’s often necessary to move forward. Take risks and try new things. Embrace the uncertainty and see it as an opportunity for growth.
9. Practice Self-Care: Take care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs: practice mindfulness, meditation, or sound healing. Prioritize activities that help you feel grounded and centered.
10. Seek Support: Reach out to supportive fictive-kin and family members who will encourage you to pursue your passions and embrace change. Consider joining a support group or seeking out the services of a therapist or coach who specializes in midlife transitions. As a matter of fact feel free to book an appointment with me by clicking this link.
11. Find Your Passion: Midlife can be a time to rediscover your passions and explore new interests. Consider what you love to do and what brings you joy. Take classes or pursue hobbies that allow you to express your creativity and explore your interests.

There is no doubt that a midlife crisis can be unsettling, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. By acknowledging your feelings, reassessing your priorities, trying new things, focusing on your health, and connecting with others, you can successfully navigate this transition period and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment.

By the way, there are several online groups and communities that support women going through a midlife crisis or transition. These groups can be a great source of information, support, and inspiration while you are navigating this challenging time period. Here are some websites that offer support and resources for women dealing with a midlife crisis:

1. Midlife-A-Go-Go: This website offers a fun and upbeat approach to midlife, with articles on travel, lifestyle, and personal growth. They also provide a podcast and community support for women going through midlife transitions.
2. Menopause Chicks: Menopause Chicks is a community of women who support each other through the challenges of menopause and midlife. They offer resources, support, and a podcast to help women navigate this stage of life.
3. AARP Menopause Survival Guide: From when it begins to how long it may last (!) to how to keep your sex life better and belly flatter, AARP has gathered the top experts and offers proven advice to help you navigate the Change.
4. Next Avenue: Next Avenue is a website that offers resources and support for people over 50, including articles on health, finance, and lifestyle. They offer a section specifically for women, with articles on midlife transitions and personal growth.
5. The Transition Network: The Transition Network is a community of women over 50 who support each other through midlife transitions. They offer events, support groups, and resources to help women navigate this stage of life.
6. Midlife Boulevard: Midlife Boulevard is a website that offers articles and resources on midlife transitions, including health, lifestyle, and personal growth. They also offer a community of women who support each other through this stage of life.

These are just a few examples of the many online resources and communities that support women going through a midlife crisis or transition. Joining one of these groups can be a great way to connect with other women going through similar experiences and gain support and inspiration as you navigate this challenging time.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is different, and it may take time to find the right support system that works for you. If you know of any additional resources that I’ve left off, put them in the comment section or send me a note and let us know! The more, the merrier….Ladies, we are all in this together!!!!

Have a beautiful day!!! xxAA

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