“Having It All" - A Midlife Woman's Remix
Remember when "having it all" meant ticking off life's big boxes?
✅ Respectable career
✅ Spouse
✅ 2.5 kids (because apparently, half a kid is totally a thing)
✅ A house that doesn't look like a tornado hit it (most days)
So many of us were conditioned to believe that securing these boxes was the pinnacle of adulthood, proof that we'd won the game and checked all the "right" boxes.
But then... plot twist! Your 40s and 50s roll around, and suddenly you're hit with an existential crisis bigger than your first grey hair. (Which, by the way, has now invited all its friends to the party on your head.)
You look around at your perfectly curated life and think, "Is this it? Did I miss the memo on fulfillment?"
Don't panic! This is just your soul's way of saying, "Hey lady, time for an upgrade! "Having it all" isn't about mindlessly securing a prescribed collection of status symbols and Kodak moments. It's about uncovering our most uncaged way of being in full alignment with who we are at our core. It's about purposefully curating the things that serve as anchors for our most vividly alive self.
So, what does "having it all" look like for those of us who are seasoned?
Purpose: Finding something you're passionate about that doesn't involve laundry or carpool duty.
Body Positivity: Embracing your curves, wrinkles, and that weird chin hair that appears overnight. Remember you're a masterpiece, my friend!
Saying "No": Because "No" is a complete sentence, and you've run out of sh*ts to give.
Visibility: Refusing to become invisible just because society thinks you should. Heck, wear that outfit and red lipstick to the grocery store!
Emotional Freedom: Finally letting go of that embarrassing thing you did in 8th grade. It's time...
Childlike Wonder: Rediscovering the joy of jumping in puddles, eating dessert first, and asking "Why?" until someone loses their mind.
Spirituality: Exploring the meaning of life beyond wine o'clock.
Sensuality: Remembering that "Netflix and chill" can mean more than falling asleep on the couch by 9 PM.
Self-Care: Treating yourself, without feeling guilty about it. Yes, you DO need that spa day!
So ladies…
It's time to rewrite the rules.
Burn those old checklists (safely, we don't want to set off the smoke alarm), and
Embrace your own fabulous version of "having it all."
Remember, the world needs your wisdom, your laugh lines, and your ability to open jars that have been tightened by superhuman forces. Go forth and conquer, you magnificent midlife woman!
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~Judy Davis is on a mission to help you go from “I’m fine” to “never better” and mean it. She is a motivational speaker, 3 time published author and mental wellness mentor with information, products and books that are go to resources to help people reduce anxiety and stress so they can find balance in their lives. For mental wellness solutions Judy recommends click here.