Growth At Any Age
As we get older, our bodies remind us of time passing. Trust me, I am feeling it in my back and knees these days. Aging (or growth, as some call it) can mean menopause, hair thinning, a few more wrinkles, or pounds that never quite go away.
Along with those physical shifts often comes a need to rethink daily life. For me, it was all of the above. Entering my forties brought gratitude for what I had built, but also an awareness that some parts of my life no longer fit with who I was becoming.
My “start over” was not dramatic or sudden, it was a series of small choices, made one after another. Choosing books that inspired me by authors I enjoyed or those who challenged me to think more critically or strategically (Malcolm Gladwell, for example). Enrolling in a doctoral program was a milestone I had long dreamed of, and while I am still in the process, it has been a rewarding journey.
I have also embraced more hiking, though my back and knees remind me to move at a pace that is realistic, yet still offers bliss. Along the way, I have let go of habits that no longer served me, while holding on to small joys like peanut butter on a spoon at night, a guilty pleasure I am not ready to release.
Starting over can be easy for some, but for many it requires thought and daily reflection. Often clarity comes from change, opening the door to opportunities we never imagined.
Here are a few lessons I have learned along the way (and continue to learn):
1. Change Is Not a Failure
For years I believed change only happened when something went wrong. Now I see it differently. Change can be a sign of growth, even when prompted by challenge. Choosing change can come from strength, not desperation.
2. You Cannot Take Everything With You
Starting over often means leaving behind people, routines, or old versions of yourself. That is not rejection; it is simply making space for what is waiting ahead.
3. Starting Over Takes Courage and Patience
Taking real steps to change takes time and courage. There is no magic wand to make the process happen overnight. You need to recognize where you want to change, how you want to change, and the steps to achieve that goal. Leaning on support can also be a great resource along the journey.
4. Self-Trust Is Essential
When the road is unclear, self-trust becomes your compass. Believing in your instincts, values, and ability to handle hard things makes starting over possible. Change is not about running away, it is about facing life honestly and choosing growth. Do not judge the process. Change takes time, and you will be proud of yourself in the end.
5. You Are Never Too Old to Begin Again
The world tries to tell us we must hit milestones by a certain age. College by 21. Marriage by 30. Career title by 45. Those rules are false. At 40, I had resilience and perspective I never had in my twenties. At 50 or 60, I hope to look back with gratitude for the strength gained along the way. I recently read an article about a woman who achieved her bachelor’s degree at 60; a reminder that age is only a number.
Starting over has taught me that endings carry seeds of new beginnings. The lessons, the love, and the strength you carry with you are what make the next chapter possible. Be proud of where you are and be proud of where you are going. Never stop believing in yourself and never give up on yourself.
Mindfully curated by Debra Gudema for Well&Co.
pic: FG Trade/Getty Images