What does it mean to be truly happy?
Is it the size of our house? The properties we own? The luxurious brands we wear? The educational credentials we’ve earned? The wealth in our bank account?
To some, it could be these things. Happiness is subjective after all, right? Just like beauty — it’s all in the eye of the beholder.
But in midlife? I guess it’s safe to say that you can have all those things… and still feel sad. And it’s not even about lacking contentment, not at all.
As we age, happiness becomes more about how authentic we live. It’s about the connections we foster with people that matter to us. And above all, it’s about the inner dialogues we have with ourselves — when no one’s around.
Throughout this article, let me share some life lessons I’ve learned along the way as I navigate midlife. Some of them I learned gracefully, some I learned the hard way. Some might speak to you, some might not — and that’s perfectly okay!
But I do hope you realize the importance of prioritizing yourself at this phase of life — without feeling bad, guilty or selfish. Once you welcome this idea and reframe the way you look at things, oh, you’ll finally know what it means to be truly happy and free!
Alright, these might seem a little out of touch for now, but they will all make sense as you read further. Ready to take your dose of inspiration? Let’s get this heart-to-heart started!
Minimize to Maximize: When Living with Less Fulfills You More
During our 20s to 30s, it’s quite typical for us to be nonstop. It’s a phase of life when we are go-getters — chasing our dreams, possessing things, expanding our career, and simply building our name.
Interestingly, as we hit midlife, many women continue to live this way of life. And no, I’m not pointing this out in a negative light. We’re women — of course we’re unstoppable! It’s in our nature to care and nurture everyone around us, and I think that’s beautiful.
So, what’s the issue?
Well, for a woman in midlife living in today’s fast-paced world, the need for more often leaves us feeling overwhelmed — yet unfulfilled.
I’m not speaking for everyone, but for myself and the lovely ladies I got to meet along my midlife journey. It’s sort of a puzzle, really. We do the same things we always did, but why does having more not seem to hit as good?
For me, it’s a very simple answer: My body and mind have different needs now.
And so, I have to make changes in my daily routine. I have to make the room bigger for my peace, health and well-being; smaller for social commitments, work demands and even material things.
This light bulb moment changed everything for me, and no, it’s nothing divine or supernatural. Most of the deepest realizations in midlife can actually strike during the simplest moments! But you will not be able to hear those inner whispers if your life has a lot of “noise.”
That’s the beauty of living with less. It’s like decluttering for the soul. It allows you to reflect on your life in a way you perhaps never did in your younger years.
You learn to cherish experiences over possessions. And ultimately, it allows you to see aging as an opportunity to savor life’s simpler pleasures — not as a time of loss, decline or limitation.
When we strip away the unnecessary, we unveil the moments that bring us true happiness — whether it’s a sunset shared with friends, a quiet evening with a good book, or the laughter of loved ones around the dinner table.
Living less is not about deprivation — but about prioritization!
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Optimism in Action: Being Positive Isn’t About Silencing Our Struggles
Sadness hits different as we age, doesn’t it? I used to cry very easily when I was entering menopause. And that’s for many valid reasons (happening at the same time most days)!
It could be driven by career shifts, relationship conflicts, unfamiliar changes in the body, low self-esteem, hormone-related symptoms or some health concerns. And I think that’s precisely why many women find the “age gracefully” concept a bit unrealistic.
The fact that we’re literally feeling what it’s like to get older is enough reason!
I mean, how can we “age gracefully” when those back pains, energy dips, stubborn belly fat and foggy mind are reminding us that we’re getting old?
Here’s the thing, though: Choosing to be positive doesn’t mean we’re ignoring or silencing our struggles. In fact, for me, it’s the opposite: I find that it’s almost impossible to embrace real positivity if you don’t know what struggle means.
As we age, some of us may even find ourselves starting to think about how or when our life will end. Oh, the midlife blues indeed. We still feel very young at heart and yet, time seems to fly really fast!
Honestly, I sometimes forget I’m over sixty now. My mother died at around this same age. I guess I could bear with me that soon I might die, but on the contrary, I’m doing all I can to take care of myself — making sure my body gets all the support it needs.
Now that’s being proactive — putting positivity into action.
It’s about welcoming the idea that challenges (whether in our health, family life, relationships or career) can coexist with a solution-oriented mind!
As for me, after losing my mother to colon cancer, I started making it a priority to get regular checkups. Knowing I’m staying on top of my health gives me peace of mind.
Today, my gut is in great shape, and my test results reflect that! This reassurance allows me to focus on the present — free from the weight of past worries or future fears.
Unlike my mother, my mother-in-law is rocking her life at 93. She’s thirty years older than me but the thought that I might also have 30 more years? What a gift! It makes me so happy.
Of course, I can feel the age in my body sometimes, but there are so many things I can do within my control. For me, a strong, healthy body fuels a strong, positive mind!
Fuel Your Body, Nourish Your Mind
There’s a reason I first wrote about the minimalist mindset and positivity: They help you shift how you view health and aging, making the changes you want more achievable!
So, if you’re thinking, “Okay, I’m all in, Gita — but where do I start?”
I’m so glad you asked. Because it all begins with what you eat.
What you put on your plate doesn’t just fuel your body — it plays a huge role in how you age and how you feel mentally. The food you choose can directly impact the physical signs of aging, like energy levels, skin health and even brain fog.
The nutrients you feed your body also influence your brain chemistry — which affects your mood, mental clarity and how you handle stress.
So, when you make mindful food choices, you’re not just slowing down the aging process, you’re also improving your mental state and well-being. Small changes can lead to big shifts, inside and out!
Now, if you’re already eating a nutrient-dense diet that provides you with enough energy, keeps your gut healthy, lets your mind stay sharp, gives you a better mood and helps your hormones stay balanced… Bravo! Keep doing what you’re doing, girl.
But, if you think your body demands some tweaks in your diet (you’ll know your body’s talking to you when you’re experiencing various symptoms), this is my golden challenge:
Give yourself two weeks of eating just real, nutritious foods.
Drop everything that is highly processed or contains almost no nutrients.
I’m telling you… You will feel such a HUGE difference. And I will let that positive difference convince you to never go back to the old ways!
Also, are your meals giving you a rich, nourishing experience? Or is it more of a task (of meal prepping, cooking and eating) that you do on autopilot?
Remember, it’s not just about what you eat; it’s also about the relationship you build with food!
If you need a step-by-step approach to resetting your gut and knowing what foods will make you feel your best, my course FAST.EAT.THRIVE!™ is here to guide you. It’s a really good eye-opener filled with lifestyle hacks tried by me and many other midlife women!
5 Midlife Mantras I Live By — They Can Be Yours Too!
1. “All I truly have is now.”
As someone who’s always dreaming about the next adventure, I tend to get lost in planning future trips and imagining what’s to come.
And don’t get me wrong, I love the excitement of it all — the planning, the dreaming. But sometimes, I get so caught up in what’s next that I forget to see what’s right in front of me.
I’ve noticed that when I do this, it adds unnecessary stress to my shoulders (literally and figuratively). It’s like I’m running toward the future when I should be pausing, enjoying the present and seeing the beauty in the life I have right now. And trust me, I really do appreciate it!
This mantra has become something I need to remind myself of every day — especially when I feel like I’m caught in the spinning wheel of life.
The truth is, I have no idea what tomorrow will bring. So, why not make today my best day and truly live in the moment?
2. “Social media is a double-edged knife.”
Are you like me? Sometimes I find myself scrolling through social media, just a few minutes here and there, and before I know it, 30 minutes have passed.
Well, we live in a world that’s constantly consuming — whether it’s food, information or content. And let’s be real, it’s easy to get sucked into the endless stream of perfectly curated lives: People living their dreams, looking fabulous, traveling the world, buying new things. It’s fun at first, but then it starts to make you feel like you’re falling behind or not doing enough.
I know I’ve felt that way, and it’s hard not to get caught in that comparison trap. But here’s what I’ve realized: Those posts, as pretty as they are, are not the kind of “food” I want for my soul.
If you’re following accounts that educate, inspire or entertain in a positive way — great! But I always encourage my fellow ladies to take a Social Media Detox from time to time. Even the most “harmless” posts can clutter your mind and drain your spirit!
Remember, living with less is a luxury in midlife. We don’t need to keep up with everyone else’s life; we have our own to celebrate — and that’s where true happiness starts!
3. Solitude and real connections nourish my soul.”
I’ve learned that carving out time for myself—whether it’s self-reflection, journaling, meditation or simply enjoying hobbies that bring me joy—helps me better understand my thoughts and feelings.
We all have emotional baggage, right? Maybe there are old grievances or past hurts that still weigh us down. I’ve found that writing them down can be a great way to release them. It’s like giving yourself permission to move on and embrace the present.
If we can find harmony with ourselves, let go of the emotional baggage and approach each day with a sense of peace — that’s what aging well is really about. After all, what’s the point of living a long life if we’re stuck in misery?
And let’s not forget about nature —spending time outdoors is one of the best ways to recharge! It heals the body and the mind.
And if you can enjoy it with good company… even better! I know I value my alone time, and it’s essential for me to recharge. But I realized it’s also important to surround ourselves with good people who lift us up. Genuine connections can keep your spirits high and your heart full!
4. “People don’t care as much as I think they do.”
Do you know what’s one of the most priceless things about aging? It’s how we tend to care less about what others think. Oh, I wouldn’t trade this for anything — it’s so liberating!
As I get older, I don’t care anymore about what others think of me. I’m living truer to myself. I dress how I want, say no when I want and say yes more often to things that might be a bit scary! Trekking on a wild trail? YES! Driving an all-terrain vehicle? YES!
You’ll be surprised that even the young ones find beauty in aging. Yup, I saw a post on Instagram the other day that said:
“There’s a woman doing Qi Gong right now in the airport. Barefoot, unbothered by all of us staring. That is the gift of aging. We don’t lose appeal — we lose the need to explain ourselves.”
Life’s too short for “what ifs” and “I should haves.”
Life is not to be survived; it is to be lived!
5. “A diagnosis is not who I am.”
This is something I stand by strongly. So many people automatically link aging with “health decline” and fear unexpected diagnoses.
Whether it’s high blood sugar, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, diabetes or other so-called “age-related diseases,” it sure can feel like a heavy burden!
And in those moments, it’s easy to let that diagnosis define you — to believe that it’s your whole identity.
But I want to remind you this: You are not a diagnosis.
We don’t have to attach labels to who we are. In fact, many of these age-related conditions can be prevented or even reversed through lifestyle changes, as Functional Medicine experts often point out!
That means we have power. We have a choice. We can make proactive changes to improve our health, but we will not let those labels define our future.
We are in control of our health and our story. Your ability to adapt and thrive will always shine brighter than any label — whether it’s from the doctor’s clinic or from society!
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Here’s What I Want You to Take Away…
Your age doesn’t define you, and neither do your struggles. Every moment you have is a chance to rewrite your story. No one’s going to live your life for you, so why not make it the best one yet?
Forget about what you think you should be doing or how you think you should be living. Instead, tune in to what feels right for you right now. Stop looking at everyone else and start being unapologetically YOU.
We’re not here to just exist — we’re here to thrive, to take risks, to laugh more and to savor the good stuff. The future can be exciting, but the present is where your power lies!
And when you look back one day, you’ll be proud of the life you created. Because you chose it. The best? It’s waiting for you right here, right now!
If you’re ready to get more guidance, create solutions for living a healthier, more balanced life and have a clear blueprint to help you thrive, check out my e-Books and courses! They’re designed to help you feel your best and live a life you love — in midlife and beyond. And I’m here to walk with you on this journey!
👉 What to Do Next
Don’t go just yet — especially if you’ve been feeling off and no one’s given you real answers.
Go to the START HERE page.
It’s where things begin to feel clearer. No more second-guessing, no more sorting through conflicting advice. Just calm, honest support for where you are right now.
And if you haven’t yet, download the FREE GUIDE.
It’s quick, clear, and made to help you feel better — without having to turn your whole life upside down.
Gita is the founder of My Menopause Journey. Since 2014, she has been supporting midlife women by sharing hard-earned learnings from her own experience. To advance her knowledge, Gita puts a lot of her time and effort into understanding the broad spectrum of women’s health. She immerses in extensive research about the physical, mental and emotional aspects of menopause. Gita believes in the life-changing power of healthy, holistic living — this is where she anchors her message to all women. Learn more about her marvelous mission in About us - My Menopause Journey.
