Your Best Years Forward

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    Your Best Years Forward

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      Your Best Years Forward

      Embracing Joy and Resilience in Our Middle Years

      You know what? As I got older, I started to see myself as OLD. On my weak days, I saw myself as I thought women in their 50s and 60s looked to me when I was 20. Oh...THAT old. Yep. And I noticed one day (at the young age of 60) that when I approached a salesperson, it was like they didn't even know I was there! I had to wave them down to make my purchase! WTAH??

      For many women in middle age, there’s a recurring theme that’s hard to ignore: the sense of becoming “invisible.” Studies have shown that older women often feel overlooked in social settings, workplaces, and even in their families. It’s as though, somewhere along the way, society decided our stories were less compelling, our voices less important.

      But here’s the truth: we are not invisible.

      We are vibrant, wise, funny, a bit raunchy from time to time, and full of life—and we have so much left to experience, create, and give. The key to moving past the narrative of invisibility lies in one powerful quality: resilience.

      The Quiet Strength of Resilience

      Resilience is what helps us roll with life’s challenges, adapt to change, and find joy even when things don’t go as planned. It’s not about ignoring the difficulties we face but having the inner strength to move through them with grace and courage. That's not always easy, especially when we doubt ourselves. After all, if nobody sees us do we matter??

      When we adapt to being resilient, we find the strength to step into new opportunities—whether that’s pursuing work that truly suits our needs, exploring fresh interests, or creating friendships with women who share our experiences. We learn to shake off the idea that we’ve “aged out” of relevance and instead remind ourselves (and the world) that we are still here, and we still matter.

      Finding New Opportunities

      In these middle years, we’re in a unique position to redefine what work and enjoyment mean to us.

      • Work That Fits Your Needs: Whether you’re continuing in a career you love, returning to the workforce, or pivoting to something entirely new, this is your chance to make choices that align with your values and needs. Flexibility, purpose, and balance aren’t luxuries—they’re essentials. Resilience helps us stay focused on what truly matters and avoid settling for anything less than what feels right.
      • New Sources of Joy: This stage of life can be an open door to try new things—things we never had time for before. Always wanted to paint? Start a garden? Try your hand at kayaking or join a book club? Now is the time. Resilience fuels our curiosity, keeping our spirits open to fresh adventures and possibilities.
      • Friendship and Connection: We’re not meant to go through this alone. Building meaningful connections with other women who understand where we are in life can be incredibly empowering. Resilience allows us to reach out, create bonds, and nurture friendships that remind us we are seen, valued, and loved.

      Stepping Into the Light

      One of the most insidious effects of feeling invisible is the tendency to shrink back from life. Lemme tell you, now is not the time to fade into the background. Now is the time to step into the light.

      • Bring Your Wisdom: You’ve lived, learned, and weathered life’s storms. The insights you’ve gained are a gift—to yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
      • Share Your Humor: Life in middle age comes with plenty of challenges, but it also brings moments of absurdity, hilarity, and joy. Laugh. Share your stories. Celebrate the moments that make this chapter of life uniquely yours.
      • Live Fully: Each day is a chance to focus on what matters most. Whether that’s spending time with loved ones, chasing a dream, simply savoring a quiet moment. Never forget that YOU, yes you, are entitled to joy.

      Embracing What Matters

      In the end, resilience is about more than just bouncing back—it’s about moving forward with intention, grace, and purpose. It’s about choosing to live life to the fullest, no matter what challenges come our way. Resilience is about knowing that when the wind blows you can bend, bob and weave if you have to and still be YOU.

      So let’s push back against the idea that we’re invisible. Let’s show up, speak up, and embrace the fullness of who we are. Together, we can remind the world—and ourselves—that we’re not just still here; we’re thriving.

      Because we are. And we deserve nothing less.

      Step into the light. Your best years are still ahead.

       

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