10 Reasons Why Midlife is THE BEST Time of Your Life!

Midlife Awakening

As we near the end of another year, I can’t help but reflect on the year that has passed. In a recent video, I used the phrase “midlife awakening.” That phrase really struck a chord with many of you and we’ve been using it ever since. I think midlife awakening resonated because you also understand that midlife, or life after 40, doesn’t mean slowly fading into oblivion. It can actually be THE BEST time of your life!! I know that is definitely true for me.

In this post, I’m sharing the top ten reasons why midlife is amazing! Ready?? This is going to be fun. (Be on the lookout for stunning jewelry along the way too.)

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1) You Appreciate Quality Over Quantity

Long gone are the days of finger tarnishing rings or clothing that falls apart in the wash, we really pay attention to quality over quantity now.

When the fine jewelry brand, Judith Ripka, reached out and asked if I would like to partner with them, I was SO excited! Not only do they create exquisite jewelry, but I also love their mission of creating elegant jewelry that works seamlessly into a woman’s everyday life. Because let’s face it, if you spend a bit more for beautiful jewelry, it shouldn’t sit in a jewelry box or drawer, it deserves to be out in the world with you!

Gorgeous Ring

Now, I look for special pieces like this gorgeous silver and diamond ring.  I love how it makes a statement, but is still wearable everyday. It will also work beautifully with your wedding rings too. The intertwining metal gives it a really beautiful sculptural and modern look. And of course, the pave diamonds add just enough extra sparkle. If you want to try something similar without the diamonds, I also love this ring with mixed metals.

2) You Can See How Everything Has Come Together In Your Life

Early on in your career and life, you sometimes do things and think, “Why the hell am I doing this??? How could this experience possibly help me with in the future?” When you are older, you can look back and see the purpose for every experience. When I look back and my curvy career line, I can see a clear reason for each and every job… even my summer as an Electrician’s Apprentice! You can also see the gifts in the not-so-favorable experiences. There is so much beauty and light that can come from the darkness.

3) You Understand That This Chapter is More About Meaning

When you are younger, it’s all about striving. You climb the proverbial ladder of success and in many cases realize that when you get there, you are still missing something. You spend the second half of your life striving for the something… more meaning. What is the purpose of you life? How can I make more of an impact on this world?

I finally feel more clear about my purpose. I know now that I am here to be a mom, wife, and a teacher; someone who can inspire and be a source of light and love for other women. Empowering other women gives me joy and clarity… helping me guide every decision.

Lariat Necklace

4) You Feel More Comfortable In Your Own Skin

If you are over 40 you know that pretty much every day, something changes. Your skin on your legs and knees changes, your joints ache more, your vision decreases, and the mother of all midlife changes: menopause, which comes with its own laundry list of symptoms. But, even with these changes you feel more comfortable and confident than ever! How is this possible? Well, with all of your life experience, you don’t sweat the small stuff anymore. You might even joke about it! At least I hope you do. I sure do!

Cuff Bracelet

The modern intertwining texture of the Eternity Highway Cuff (above) represents the eternal love in our lives according to Judith Ripka. Isn’t that beautiful?

5) You Are Not Afraid to Speak Up More

Gone are the days of always ‘being nice’ and ‘sweet’. You are not afraid to advocate for yourself whether it’s at the office, with a doctor or with your husband. You now know that the only way to get what you want and what you and your family needs is to speak up. You also are not afraid to share your beliefs and values when it’s important. I used to be terrified of speaking up and I’m so proud now that I’m able to share my thoughts openly with all of you. It’s truly my passion and mission!

Silver & Diamond Ring

6) You are Strong Enough to Heal the Past

Instead of allowing the past to continue impacting your life in a negative way, you take active steps to heal it.

This has been a year of healing for me. I think an awakening is more likely once you have healed and let go of the past. Are you familiar with an ACE score? ACE stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences. A high ACE score means you are at higher risk for social and emotional problems, heart disease, lung cancer, diabetes and many autoimmune diseases, as well as depression, violence, being a victim of violence, and suicide. That’s a tough list! (You can find a downloadable quiz here.) For reference anything above 4 is considered “high“. My ACE score is a 7! In other words, I had a LOT of work to do. I am so proud to share that I have done more inner work this year than ever before. Through alternative healing modalities like EMDR or Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, breathwork, meditation, and hypnosis, I have released so much trauma and feel lighter and happier than ever!

I don’t care nearly as much what people say or think. I don’t feel the need to make excuses for my no’s. It’s simply “no.” I’m also more likely to take risks in all areas. I also don’t feel the need to justify my yes’ like I once did.

7) You Are Confident Enough to Take More Risks!

Forget about fading into oblivion, and adhering to every midlife cliche, the wisdom that comes with midlife can make you feel more confident than ever ….giving you the ability and strength to take risks! For example, this year my family moved to Spain for 6 months which is awesome, but also really scary. (I talk about the journey here.) I also happily have long hair, wear jumpsuits, short skirts, and everything else I’m not “supposed” to wear at 47-years old.

8) You Care More About Legacy Than Ever Before

Once you understand what your gifts are (AKA what you are really good at that also brings you joy), you are able to go even deeper… considering impact and legacy. How will you leave your mark on this world? How can you fully embody the extraordinary person you know that you are in your heart and mind?  How can you enjoy the moment, have fun and play while also creating the legacy? You are fully aware that your most precious resource is time and you are not going to take that for granted.

I look at everything through this lens now. For me, it’s not just the white picket fence, two kids, husband dream…. it’s also about using my gifts to make my mark. I hope to continue growing our community and reach millions of women globally.

9) You Don’t Care As Much What Other People Think

Oh I just LOVE this one!! It’s like the clouds part, and the sun shines brightly on your face the moment you realize, you don’t care as much about what other people think! You live your life for YOU based on your values and beliefs. You can say “NO” whenever you want, and you don’t have to give a reason. Eureka! It’s just “no”. You can dance if you feel like it, wear what you want and unapologetically be your goofy self. You also are more careful about the people you spend your precious time with.

10) One Word… FREEDOM!

Caring less about what other people think, healing your past, taking more risks, having more strength in your voice and decisions, saying no more and spending time with people you really love and feel inspired by, all lead to one big and beautiful word… FREEDOM! Oh, yes, your Midlife Awakening brings you ultimate freedom.

Judith Ripka Favorites

I wanted to share a few more stunning pieces by the renowned Judith Ripka. I just love their mission to “celebrate and inspire women”  which they do with their luxurious jewelry and collaborations with female architects, designers and artists.

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Huge thank you to Judith Ripka for sponsoring this post and supporting our mission to inspire and energize women over 40. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What Do You Think?

What do you think is the best part about your Midlife Awakening? Please share in the comments. It’s really easy to find negative articles about this stage of life (You’ll see what I mean after a quick Google search), so let’s choose to focus on all the wonderful things.

Love you all!