As women, we’ve all been there. Turning 50 can feel like closing the book on youth and entering a new, unfamiliar chapter. Society reinforces the idea that after 50, your best years are behind you.
I’m here to tell you this couldn’t be further from the truth!
The key is shifting your mindset.
Our thoughts create our reality, so choosing positivity and abundance opens us up to new possibilities. With some self-work, we can rewrite limiting narratives about aging and access our inner wisdom and strength.
Here are some tips on adopting an empowered, growth-focused mindset after 50:
Let Go of Limiting Beliefs
The stories we tell ourselves shape our self-image. Think about the assumptions you have about life after 50. Are you holding onto ideas like “I’m too old to find love again” or “new careers aren’t for women my age”? Start noticing these limiting beliefs and actively challenge them. Talk back to your inner critic with compassion. Just because a thought feels familiar doesn’t mean it’s true (we like to say in our home: “feelings aren’t facts”).
Release the restrictive ideas so you can create space for new growth.
Rewrite Your Narrative
Once you’ve identified limiting beliefs, you can begin rewriting your personal narrative.
Instead of saying “I’m too tired to be creative anymore,” try thinking “I have a wealth of life experience to draw from.”
Rather than “Now that I’m over 50, my metabolism is shot” tell yourself “I’m free to develop self-care habits that work for me.” Reframe your inner dialogue to reflect the wisdom and freedom that comes with age.
Surround Yourself With Possibility
Our environment influences our mindset, so build one that reflects possibility!
- Follow inspiring women over 50 on social media.
- Read memoirs by late-bloomers.
- Display art, photos and quotes in your home that depict the beauty of aging.
- Immerse yourself in images and stories that counter ageist stereotypes.
What we feed our minds matters, so let your space reflect the potential you know exists.
Set Intentions, Not Expectations
Replacing rigid expectations with flexible intentions is key for an abundant mindset.
Expectations lock us into preconceived ideas about how life should unfold. Intentions provide direction while allowing room for growth.
You may expect that your career plateaued years ago, but what happens if you intend to stay curious and open to opportunity?
Expectations limit, intentions liberate.
Keep Learning and Exploring
Lifelong learning keeps our minds active and engaged. Treat your interests like you’re back in school – learn deeply, ask questions, explore resources.
- Sign up for classes that excite you.
- Form or join book clubs.
- Take nature workshops.
- Play with pottery or photography.
Never stop pursuing activities that light you up inside. Curiosity keeps us feeling alive and taps us into our inner wisdom.
Practice Gratitude
Research shows that cultivating gratitude boosts happiness.
Carve out time each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for – your health, loved ones, freedoms, nature, opportunities.
Keep a gratitude journal to maintain perspective on the blessings in your life. When challenges arise, bring to mind all that is going right. Gratitude grounds us in the abundance already present rather than fixating on what’s missing.
Release Comparisons
The belief that we should be further along than we are leads to dissatisfaction. Yet comparing your 50s to your 20s is like comparing apples to oranges! Each stage of life holds new gifts. Focus on your own personal growth rather than measuring yourself against others. Release “shoulds” and trust your inner voice about what feels right. Your path is unique. YOU, my friend, ARE UNIQUE! And that’s a wonderful thing!
Embrace Self-Care
Nurturing yourself replenishes your spirit so you can share your gifts with the world.
Explore self-care practices like therapy, massage, yoga, healthy eating, boundary setting, and saying no.
Make time for creativity, connection, and flow. Know your limits and respect them. Radical self-care allows you to care for others from a place of wholeness.
Trust Your Intuition
As women, we’ve been taught to ignore our inner knowing and seek external validation. But the wisdom of experience makes this decade the perfect time to finally trust your intuition! Those subtle feelings and nudges contain valuable information. Start listening within. Keep a journal by your bed and capture nighttime insights. Take solo nature walks to hear your inner voice. Honor your truth.
Live Purposefully
Having a sense of purpose is linked to longevity, happiness and better health.
Reflect on how you want to spend your 50s. What fulfills you? How do you want to contribute? Here’s a helpful article on purpose you can read here: Reigniting Purpose for Women Over 50 With the Wheel of Life.
Small daily actions towards your purpose add up to a life well lived. Volunteering, activism and mindfulness practices can help you get clear on what matters most.
Cultivate Connections
Positivity takes root more easily when you share it with others. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who see your radiance. Join communities of vibrant women thriving in midlife. Share inspiration and wisdom across generations. Loneliness feeds limiting beliefs – company feeds growth. Tend to your relationships as you would a garden, helping them blossom.
The second half of life overflows with potential. By shifting your mindset to abundance, you open the door to new possibilities.
May you look in the mirror and see a wise, courageous woman carrying a wealth of gifts. Your light is so needed in the world. Your family, your friends, and I can’t wait to witness all that awaits you!