Finding your passion is a form of self-care!

I hope that every woman has the power within to find her passion. Passion is an intense desire; an enthusiasm that gives off positive energy. A passionate woman lives life to her fullest and feels truly alive. A passionate woman knows the importance of maintaining her emotional and physical well-being because it is important to her self-care routine. Inaction is the opposite of self-care.

Passion as a Form of Self-Care

A passionate woman is curious and lives outside the box. She is open to change. She knows herself. Many women have realized the importance of self-care and pursuing their passions after 50, often through experience and reflection. This woman knows the importance of living a lifestyle that fills her mind and heart with abundance. She has decided that this is her time, after the age of 50, to pursue her passions because she has the time to dote on her desires.

This is a form of self-care; an ability to understand the importance of taking care of her personal and emotional needs. She understands that self-care does not mean selfishness. She understands her aura of well-being will not only radiate within her but will radiate positivity to those around her.

The Passionate Pursuit of Solitary Pleasure

Every Woman Is Different

Every woman’s case is different. Some women have time to luxuriate in self-care because their life is relatively stable. Others have to work harder to find the time for self-care.

I was a fortunate woman, who until two years ago, practiced the importance of self-care. Without defining it as self-care, I took care of myself. But alas, situations change on a dime, and women, known for being caregivers by nature, tend to forget about their needs and obsess over the needs of others. This has been proven to be unhealthy because the practice of taking care of your overall well-being: physical, emotional, and social is paramount to living your best life possible.

A lot has happened in my life recently, and it has forced me to reflect on how these changes have shaped who I am today. I have learned you can do both. I have come to understand that I have choices: rise up or wilt under the strain of my circumstances.

How to Bloom Through Adversity After 50

I have an ill husband and I am an estranged mother and grandmother on my side of the family. I am living with heavy emotional burdens, and at times it feels overwhelming and isolating.

When I found myself crying several times a day at the drop of a hat I knew I needed to seek help to understand what was taking place in my mind. I thought I may be having a nervous breakdown. I put on my self-care hat and phoned a psychologist, who helped me through my recovery with the emotional side of dealing with cancer. Over time, we also became friends.

After a long conversation she reassured me that I was definitely not having a nervous breakdown. She explained I was experiencing a deep sense of grief over family loss and my ultimate concierge’s illness.

With Order, Comes Peace

Read on to see my tips on how to improve your self-care and how it will improve your life.

Sweet reader, after our discussion I felt a sense of relief because she was right. I am in the throes of grieving over the loss of my ultimate concierge’s health and the loss of family love. In actuality, I am practicing self-care by allowing myself to grieve.

After our call, my mind was cleared of chaos and order set in. I would no longer have to concern myself with the worry of a nervous breakdown and its repercussions. Instead, I would let myself grieve and find meaningful ways to deal with it. I had found order and with order, a sense of peace sets in.

If you find yourself in any type of situation that is detrimental to your well-being please do what I did. Reach out for answers. Reaching out for help is self-care. I strongly believe that doing nothing is not an option.

Self-care is essential! It is unfortunate that our generations were taught as little girls to be caregivers and to be seen and not heard. Many of us were blind to the importance of taking note of ‘our’ needs and desires.

As young women, most of us felt it was selfish to think of ourselves first. And, as older women many of us still feel guilt-ridden about self-care. So, my darlings, consider the you in you. Take the time to love yourself. It is not a selfish act. You will be happy nurturing your physical needs and emotional thoughts, and by doing so, you are cultivating happiness from within. Carve out time to understand your needs and then pursue them. This is self-care. Your attitude change will create positive energy. Finding positive ways to replace negative thoughts is an important part of self-care and can help you maintain a healthy mindset.

How to Incorporate Self-Care into Your Life

Here are some examples that you probably already know but might not be incorporating into your life.

• 30 minutes of walking
• Exercise
• Drink lots of water
• Eat healthy
• Focus on the positives in your life
• Stay connected with family, friends, or a group
• Implement gratitude
• Have a passion
• Journal

Choose activities that make you feel good and support your overall well-being.

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Stepping out of your comfort zone in middle age can be an excellent starting point for discovering new passions and interests. It’s easy to settle into routines, but sometimes, all it takes is a small step in a new direction to make a huge difference in your life. Whether you’re considering a new hobby, a different career path, or simply want to explore something you’ve always been curious about, now is the perfect time to begin.

If you’re not sure where to start, consider enrolling in an online course that sparks your interest or reaching out to a career counselor for guidance. These resources can help you identify hidden passions and open doors you may not have considered before. Remember, self care is not just about pampering yourself—it’s about nurturing your well-being and giving yourself permission to enjoy life fully.

Not everyone finds it easy to leave their comfort zone, but with a little courage and support, you can discover new hobbies and activities that bring you joy. Life is too precious to let fear hold you back. Embrace the adventure, and you may just uncover passions that make your heart sing.

Exploring New Things

Exploring new things is one of the most rewarding ways to find your passion and add excitement to your life. Many women in middle age have discovered that trying new hobbies and activities brings a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment. Whether it’s watching documentaries on topics you’ve never explored, volunteering for a cause that resonates with you, or signing up for a class that piques your curiosity, the possibilities are endless.

The idea is to approach each new experience with an open mind and a sense of fun. You never know what you might discover about yourself along the way. Most people find that exploring new things not only helps them gain clarity about what they want to do with their lives, but also introduces them to new friends and communities who share their interests.

So, don’t be afraid to step outside your usual routine. Try something for the first time, and let yourself be surprised by the sense of joy and excitement that comes from exploring new hobbies. You might just find your passion where you least expect it.

Overcoming Obstacles on the Path to Passion

The journey to finding your passion isn’t always smooth—many women encounter obstacles like self-doubt, fear, or uncertainty along the way. It’s important to remember that these challenges are a natural part of the process, and overcoming them is essential for personal growth.

Prioritizing self care and focusing on your well-being can help you stay positive and motivated, even when the path gets tough. Give yourself permission to take your time, make mistakes, and learn from them. Finding your passion is a journey, not a race, and every step you take brings you closer to a more fulfilling life.

If you ever feel stuck, reach out for support from friends, mentors, or professionals who can help you navigate the bumps in the road. The most important thing is to keep moving forward, stay true to yourself, and trust that you are capable of overcoming any obstacle on your path to passion.

Creating a Growth Mindset for Self-Discovery

Adopting a growth mindset is a powerful tool for self-discovery and finding your passion. This means being open to new ideas, embracing challenges, and believing that you can develop new skills and interests at any stage of life. Many women have found that a growth mindset allows them to discover passions they never knew they had.

Start by practicing self reflection—take time to honestly consider what excites you, what you want to achieve, and what ideas or interests keep coming back to you. Seek feedback from others and be open to trying new things, even if they feel a little intimidating at first. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection.

Enjoy the journey of self-discovery, and allow yourself to be curious and adventurous. The more you focus on learning and growing, the more likely you are to uncover passions that bring meaning and joy to your life.

Building Resilience Through the Pursuit of Passion

Pursuing your passion is a journey filled with ups and downs, and building resilience is key to staying the course. Many women experience setbacks, rejections, or disappointments along the way, but these challenges can be valuable opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Prioritize self care and surround yourself with positive, supportive people who encourage you to keep going. Focus on your strengths and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Remember, finding your passion is about living your best life and enjoying the journey, not just reaching a destination.

By building resilience, you empower yourself to overcome any obstacle and continue moving forward. Trust in your ability to adapt, learn, and thrive. With each step, you’re not only discovering your passion—you’re also creating a life filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment.

How Self-Care and Passion Go Hand-In-Hand

At the beginning of this story I defined passion as an intense desire or enthusiasm that gives off positive energy. What better way of initiating self-care into your life! Passion arouses energetic feelings of excitement, joy, and self-worth. It opens new doorways. You have the time. Do you have the initiative and incentive? Do you have a passion that is lying dormant? Take a moment to identify what you are most interested in pursuing at this stage of your life.

As women over 50, it is your time to find new creative opportunities. I know from your messages that many of you want to experience just as much passion in the second act of your life as you had in the first. Time is not your enemy. Time is your friend and your opportunity. Now is your time to pursue your interests and goals with energy and dedication. Don’t be concerned about taking a new risk. Be optimistic because deep down inside of you — you know what makes your heart sing. Remember, seeking out what makes life interesting after 50 can lead to new adventures and personal growth.

A passion is a core part of who you already are sweet reader. If you have forgotten what gives you pleasure notice what you enjoy and consider your strengths.

You have a passion. Everyone does. Unfortunately, many women don’t explore and act upon their desires. This is the opposite of practicing self-care.

I Can Attest, You Can

Therefore, it is time you invest in this form of self-care. Darlings, find your path. It may be an untested new endeavor that arouses a passion, or you may want to reinvigorate a love from the past. My neighbor, a retired attorney, took up photography. It is a new found passion, and his photographs are amazing. I believe a part of passion is in the search. As you search, take time to hear your inner voice—quiet the noise around you and listen deeply to what truly excites you. So go searching, darlings.

I realize many women over 50 are floundering. They are bored. Many are alone. And some are not alone but know they are in a rut. They are feeling sorry for themselves. They feel invisible.

I have sympathy for those of you who are reading my musings and I can relate. I know it takes energy to figure out your path. We all have hidden passions. Firstly, remember self-care. All personal journeys begin with taking stock of, the you in you. Seek wisdom from others who have found their passion or have experience in this area—their insights can guide and inspire your own journey.

It takes time — and practice — to realize that it is not selfish to think of your needs first. This self-respect and self-love will allow your passions to develop. Life after 50 is a joyful adventure; it’s up to you to bloom where you are planted — to grow!

The Past Few Years of My Life

The past few years of my life and especially right now are filled with loss. As I mentioned, I cry several times a day at the drop of a hat. This means I am allowing myself to grieve. This is healthy though it does not feel as such. And…

On the other hand, I am creative every day of my life. I work-out everyday. I read. I watch documentaries or escape into a great flick for entertainment. I talk to close friends and my grandchildren and daughter in law – the Goods. I write, using writing as a tool for self-discovery and to explore my passions. And, I try, try, try, to help myself find relief from the almost inconsolable sadness that plagues me. I am constantly searching for answers to help myself. This has been the most difficult time of my life. So, I can relate to those of you who are also in dire situations.

If you are searching for passion after 50, consider pursuing a new job, starting a business, or seeking out volunteer opportunities—these can all help you find purpose and fulfillment. Remember, money is not the only factor in happiness and living a passionate life; it’s about what brings you joy and meaning. Look for ways to make a difference in the world, as engaging with broader issues can ignite your sense of purpose. In the same way that self-care is essential, actively seeking out what makes you come alive is just as important.

What I have trouble relating to are those of you who are sitting on the fence and letting your life over 50 pass you by. Get off your backside and get into life! Recreate your passion. Take care of yourself. In other words practice the art of self-care. You owe it to yourself.

For those of you who are living your best life possible — I applaud you. Continue to ride your wave! Amen. Amen.

Women need women. Come spend some time with me on my Facebook page!

*This blog post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.