“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” —George Eliot
Welcome to Seasoned to Perfection — our blog, written for our vibrant community of 50+ women, standing at the crossroads of life! If you’re reading this, you might be feeling a sense of anticipation mixed with uncertainty, as you contemplate the new beginnings before you. Whether you’re considering a career change, are in the middle of a life transition, are exploring new passions, or are simply seeking a deeper connection with yourself, you’re in the right place. This blog will be a space for you to learn, to dream, to plan, to be inspired … to thrive!
As we women reach our 50s and beyond, many of us find ourselves at a unique place in our lives. With children grown, careers established, and a wealth of experiences behind us, this stage can feel both exhilarating and daunting. The beauty of this time lies in its potential for new beginnings—new adventures, new passions, new learnings, and new chapters that invite us to rediscover ourselves and the world around us.
Starting anew at this age is not merely about new directions — it’s also about taking stock i.e., taking a really close look at the lives we have lived to date, and asking ourselves:
- Am I satisfied?
- Am I happy with my life to date?
- Who do I want to be moving forward?
- What really matters to me now?
- What else is there?
- What do I want my legacy to be?
This unique time in our lives offers the remarkable opportunity to shed the labels of the past and embrace the essence of who we truly are – to be brave and face our authenticity, to reach for what we really want. Remember those dreams you had once upon a time — the ones you tucked away as bosses, babies and bills took over your life? What about that course you always wanted to take, or the adventure in that faraway land you always wanted to have? Now is the time to slip into that long-lost reverie, rekindle your passions, and reignite that spark. The key is to listen to that inner voice urging you to explore — and let serendipity have a shot, for once, at leading the way.
Another thrilling aspect of this new chapter is the chance to learn and grow. Whether it’s enrolling in a course at a local college/university, attending workshops, escaping to a retreat in a tropical paradise, or simply picking up a book on a subject you’ve always wanted to explore, the world is full of opportunities for education and growth. Learning is a powerful tool that empowers. It keeps our minds sharp, enhances our creativity, and fuels our passions. Plus, it’s never too late to discover a hidden talent—perhaps you’ve always wanted to paint, write, play an instrument, or pole dance?
Among the many things that I still want to learn and do in my life, is aerial yoga — definitely very high on my list. I had first heard about this acrobatic form of yoga in an article I read in the Daily Mail about Mick Jagger – apparently, he took up the practice of aerial yoga at 73! I was impressed – and very curious. As a child, I studied ballet for years; as an adult, I gravitated to yoga (many different forms). For me, aerial yoga seemed to combine the beauty and elegance of ballet, with the strength, flexibility and balance of yoga – where bodies are held perfectly suspended, in mid-air. After a little bit of research, I discovered that not only are there studios all over my own city, to learn this new discipline, but there are retreats around the world (https://www.aerialyogazone.com/aerial-yoga-retreats/) where one can go to gracefully hang upside down with others …. who knew?!! And for those who teach yoga, who are really looking to expand their repertoire, there is the Unnata Yoga Online Education Centre (www.unnatayoga.com) that offers aerial yoga teacher training, run by a woman named Michelle Dortignac, out of Europe.
The joy of learning is not confined to a classroom; it’s about nurturing curiosity, having the courage to try new things, and embracing the journey of self-discovery. So, what new chapter will you begin today? Embrace it with open arms and a joyful heart! Dare to approach life after 50 as a canvas, waiting for your unique brushstrokes.