I often wonder why my thirst for living doesn’t age as my skin does. Then last week, quite by accident, I stumbled upon an answer while listening to an author speak during a TED Talk. She said, “A woman’s soul never dies.”

Those words stopped me in my tracks and in that moment, I finally understood why women over 50 often have such unique and layered feelings about aging. It’s because we possess something ageless: our souls.

While the essence of the soul may be universal, how it reveals itself in each of us is beautifully distinct. A woman’s soul is shaped by a lifetime of stories, like our personal history filled with joys, losses, triumphs, failures, and growth. These experiences build the very fabric of who we are: our preferences, our perspectives, and our spirit.

The Force of a Woman’s Soul

The speaker’s words lingered with me. I reflected deeply on the idea and came to this conclusion: though our bodies inevitably age, a woman’s soul has the potential to evolve endlessly, IF we choose to live with intention, hope, and grace.

A woman’s soul, that mysterious core of who we are, is the source of consciousness, emotions, and personality. It is our driving force behind our desire to live fully and meaningfully.

With time, as our physical bodies slow down, our souls have the extraordinary opportunity to grow more luminous. Why? Because age brings us wisdom. Experience teaches us to let go of regret and embrace what is. We become more spiritual, more open to purpose and meaning, and, perhaps most importantly, we begin to accept ourselves. With age, we finally have time to become curious again.

How to Remain Ageless

So, how does a woman over 50 remain ageless? I’ve given this considerable thought. Self-esteem and confidence certainly help. They are important and deeply empowering. But what truly keeps a woman radiant, what makes her sparkle, is her sense of wonder.

It’s the ability to be amazed, to remain curious, and to find meaning in everyday moments that makes a woman timeless. These qualities don’t come from skin care routines. They live in the soul.

The Importance of Being a Curious Woman After 50

In today’s world, we hear a lot about women’s empowerment and the importance of breaking the glass ceiling. These things matter, but they are not the full picture. I’ve found that awe and wonder are just as powerful as confidence and competence, if not more. Why? Because they uplift the spirit in ways that status and material gain never can.

The Power of Wonder

From the time I was a young girl, I was wonderstruck, not by things, but by moments. A blue sky after a storm. The kindness of a stranger. A word of encouragement. I wasn’t raised to chase material wealth; I was raised to value the richness of gratitude and the beauty of chance. For that, I credit my wise parents.

I’ve lived a charming life, not because I’ve had everything, but because I noticed everything. Awareness and gratitude still live deep in my soul and brings me joy today.

Like so many women in their later chapters, I carry my share of heavy burdens. I could easily rust from the weight, but I don’t! Instead, I choose to focus on what sparks excitement, what brings delight, what fills me with awe. At the top of my list? Wonder and purpose. These two things make me feel alive.

A Magical Woman’s Soul

When we were little girls, magic came naturally. We believed in guardian angels and fairy dust. As adults, we sometimes forget. But the magic hasn’t left us, it’s just buried under responsibility and heartache. You can uncover it again. It lives in your soul, waiting for you to notice.

One of my most vivid memories of wonder happened three years ago on the Kenyan plains. My Ultimate Concierge and I were driving through the quiet wilderness in our Land Rover when we looked up and saw the lone planet Venus twinkling in the night sky. It took my breath away. That moment, simple and serene, is etched into my soul… not because it was grand, but because it was meaningful.

Nourishment for the Soul

Every day, I make space for wonder. Just yesterday, I was watching the movie Love in the Time of Cholera and heard a line that prompted me to reflect deeply about the wonders of life. The day before, my heart danced when I saw an email from Janice, my childhood friend from Kankakee-by-the-Sea, who now lives down South. We still sign our notes, “Your soul sister from the north. Your soul sister from the south.”

These small joys are not fleeting, they are nourishment for a woman’s soul. Joy, unlike happiness, is not dependent on circumstance. It is an inner state. Happiness comes and goes, but joy, when rooted in the soul, lingers.

Soul Searching Ritual

If you feel a sense of disconnection, consider turning inward. Make soul searching part of your daily ritual. Disconnect from your to-do list, from the noise, from your phone. Sit with your thoughts and ask yourself: How am I feeling? What truly matters to me?

Then take it a step further. Cultivate a purpose, a passion, or a practice that lights you up. Gratitude, wonder, and meaningful work are the ingredients of a joyful soul. These are the keys to living an amazing and impactful life after 50.

It’s never too late to begin again. If you feel like you’ve lost your magic, know this: it’s still inside of you. You just need to reconnect with it. Albert Einstein once said, “He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead.” Write this quote down, tape it to a mirror and read it every morning. Let this quote be your compass!

“He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead.” -Albert Einstein

The Depth of a Woman’s Soul

I’ve learned that it’s not the excesses of life that bring us joy, but rather it’s the depth. Look up at the stars. Take a deep breath. Avoid distraction. Make room for reflection. Allow yourself to enjoy soulful downtime.

With all the grief I’ve carried, from watching my Ultimate Concierge fade into dementia to mourning the estrangement of my daughters, I used to wonder how I kept going. Not anymore! Now I know it is my soul that keeps me standing.

My Optimistic Soul

My soul flickers with lights, each one a belief, a memory, or an intention. Together, they guide me. They are my inner truths, my personal compass and they are eternally mine.

I have what I like to call an optimistic soul. I believe in the good, in the possibility, and I never give up hope. Talk to your soul. Listen to her. What lights her up? What makes her tick? Unlike your body, a woman’s soul can be as youthful, curious, and vibrant as you want her to be. She is untouched by time. She is ageless.

So, dear reader, let your soul be your guide. Search for her, nourish her, and let her shine! Because a woman’s soul never dies, and that is your superpower.