The process of aging is a true gift. Though growing older may present some physical challenges, it is a beneficial process that sprouts wisdom and inner strength. Enjoy these life lesson for women – as shared by women over 50.
Stories that share hope
For most women, aging increases awareness and understanding, positively affecting thoughts and behaviors. Gone are the days of insecurities and self-doubt, stupid mistakes and poor choices, and caring more about what others think than how we do. With age comes newfound confidence, power, and wisdom. Here are some life lessons for women that are the product of growing older:
Leslie:
Slow down. As a restaurant owner, I worked 24/7 for most of my adult life. I spent years building my reputation in the field, focusing on hiring great chefs, overseeing menus and wine lists, scheduling, handling finances, and even training staff and overseeing kitchen cleanup. While I enjoy a fast-paced restaurant environment, in hustle and bustle of running my business, I lost sight of who I really was. In turn, my relationships suffered through failed marriage. As my list of acquaintances grew, so did my list of estranged friends. I woke up on my 50th birthday, suddenly a bit older or wiser, and realized that I had no one close to me. I vowed to slow down and delegate work so that I could reconnect with family and friends. I am much happier now that I’ve made that choice.
Juanita:
Be yourself. In my youth, I didn’t really have much style. I wore hand-me-downs and thrifted with my sister through high school and college. I bought name brand clothes that I thought my friends would wear, not clothes that I even liked. And I chemically straightened my hair to “fit in” with the other girls. Now that I look back at old photos, I laugh at how silly I looked in yuppy clothes that simply weren’t my style. As I got older, I outgrew the habit of trying to fit in and impress others by looking like them. I embraced my own style. Now friends follow me on social media and can’t wait to see my wildly curly hair, new makeup trends, and flashy clothes – that are all my style. Who knew that being myself would make me insanely popular?
Gracie:
Embrace the fun. Being 50 is said to be a turning point for most women, and it was for me. After this milestone birthday, I truthfully felt discouraged. My kids were growing up and leaving home to pursue college and career dreams, and the whole rhythm of our lives quickly changed. I was kind of in a funk. It was then that a friend in the travel business invited me to Prague to inspect a series of hotels on behalf of her clientele. From that experience, I discovered a love and passion for travel. I delight in learning about other cultures, absorbing rich history, tasting delicious foods, and exploring stunning landscapes. My current goal is to visit every major city in Europe by the time I’m 80. My husband has become my favorite travel companion, and we continually make new memories. I can’t believe how much fun we are having at this stage of life!
Rachael:
Prioritize health. Something you should know; I hate going to the doctors. Always have. So, I wasn’t great about prioritizing my health. Shortly after my 53rd birthday, I found a lump on my breast. I ignored it for some time, thinking it would go away. But it didn’t. It turned out to be stage 2 cancer. Fast forward after diagnosis and treatment, I’m alive and well today. From the experience, I realized the need to be proactive on behalf of my health. I now watch my diet, go to the gym three days a week, and get regular health checkups. I also go to therapy to maintain my mental health. Women should understand that taking care of the mind is just as important as taking care of the body. Through my whole cancer ordeal, I realized how foolish I was to take my health for granted, Fortunately, I came out on top. I’ve since gained a deep appreciation for life. And I continue my wellness journey. Now I’m happy to share what I learned with other women my age.
What we can learn
Above are four examples of life lessons for women as expressed by women over age 50. Note that each person’s journey is different, yet they continually made better life choices and advanced in wisdom. In turn, they grew into happier and healthier people. These four women embraced positive changes by slowing down to enjoy life, being true to oneself, embracing the fun, and prioritizing health and wellbeing. The main takeaway – one is never too old to learn, grow, and evolve, and live one’s best life!
To read about the importance of adult mental health, click here.
This article is purely informational and is not intended as a medical resource or substitute for medical advice.
