Shift & shine
Midlife is a juncture of endings and beginnings. It’s a time our mothers aptly called “the change,” when life shifts and reveals new opportunities. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and imagine what’s ahead.
Lately, I’ve found myself contemplating this quite a lot. Beyond the usual resolutions, I’ve been revisiting the battles I’ve fought - the personal struggles, the resilience required to build my business, and the broader societal shifts that have made me more politically aware.
Midlife isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a collective reckoning for women like us. It’s a time to reflect on what it means to live fully and authentically. What does this stage mean for you?
For me, this might be the season when they begin to leave the nest. Watching my daughters step into their own lives and gap years fills me with both pride and an ache I can’t quite name. I’ve invested so much in raising them.
It also stirs reflections on my parents, and now, with a beautiful grandson, I see myself stepping into the role they held for so long with my daughters. Their guidance and loss have shaped me profoundly.
There’s the quiet - a quieter home, a stillness that can feel both peaceful and disconcerting. It’s a time to ask: What’s next? What truly matters?
Midlife often brings a sense of loss. We say goodbye to youthful vitality, to loved ones who shaped us, and to roles that once defined us. Yet, alongside these farewells, there’s an invitation to embrace what remains and what’s yet to come.
We gain perspective, wisdom, and the freedom to redefine ourselves. This is a time to soften—to extend kindness to ourselves and to those around us - to appreciate that everyone is navigating their own journey through the vulnerabilities of ageing.
There’s power in this phase. We can choose to mourn what’s passed, or we can celebrate what’s possible. We can run that marathon, learn a new skill, or finally visit those far-off places we’ve dreamed about.
Staying curious and open keeps us vibrant and connected to the world around us. It’s a time
to honour what has been, to cherish the memories, and to boldly create what comes next.
