You know those midlife moments when you look around your life and think,
“How did I get here? And is this really it?”
For me, one of those moments happened in the kitchen of the home I thought I’d grow old in. I’d just unloaded the dishwasher. I was standing in a space I’d decorated myself, sipping coffee from my favorite mug, looking out over a backyard perfectly landscaped. On paper, it was perfect.
But deep down?
I felt like I was disappearing inside my own life.
I was still doing all the things, working, showing up for others, keeping the house running as much as I could but I wasn’t being myself anymore.
Somewhere between responsibilities, routines, and expectations, I’d lost touch with who I was outside of my roles.
Midlife has a way of doing this. It shakes the snow globe.
For some women, it’s menopause. For others, it’s divorce, an empty nest, career burnout, the loss of a parent, or simply waking up one day with a deep sense that something’s missing.
It’s not always dramatic on the outside, but inside, it feels like a low hum:
Is this really how I want to spend the rest of my life?
The world loves to call this a “midlife crisis,” but I see it differently. It’s not a crisis, it’s a reclaiming.
It’s an invitation to stop living by default and start living by design.
The turning point wasn’t an overnight overhaul. I didn’t wake up, quit everything, and reinvent myself in one big leap.
Instead, I started small:
Saying “yes” to things that lit me up.
Saying “no” to things that drained me (even if it made people uncomfortable).
Carving out 30 minutes just for me, not for work, not for chores, not for anyone else.
Over time, those small, intentional shifts rebuilt my life from the inside out.
If you’re in this space right now, here’s a gentle starting point:
If I was starting fresh today, what’s the first thing I’d add back into my life?
Don’t overthink it. It might be painting, hiking, writing, traveling, or simply having quiet mornings again.
Block time for it — even if it’s just 10 minutes a week. Protect that time like it’s an important meeting (because it is).
Share your intention with someone you trust — a friend, mentor, or coach — so you have both encouragement and accountability.
(Print this out or save it in your notes)
If I was starting fresh today…
The first thing I’d add back into my life is: _________
Why does this matter to me right now?
What’s one small step I can take this week to move toward it?
Who can I tell or involve to keep me accountable?
Midlife isn’t a deadline. It’s not “too late.”
It’s the perfect time to create a life that feels deeply aligned with who you are today, not who you were 20 years ago.
You don’t have to burn it all down to feel alive again. You just have to start with one brave, intentional choice.
And if you want someone in your corner while you do it? That’s exactly what I’m here for.
Ready to stop living by default and start living by design?
If you’re craving clarity, confidence, and a fresh sense of YOU again, I’d love to help you reclaim your next chapter.
Click here to book a free 15-minute discovery call and let’s talk about what’s possible for you.
Want to learn more about my Rise with the Tides Retreat? Click HERE to find out if this is for you!
