Pursue Yourself: A New Era for Women of a Certain Age

Women of a certain age have already pursued so much – relationships, family, education, careers, caregiving, community. We’ve poured into everyone and everything around us. But eventually the question arrives, sometimes quietly, sometimes like a shout:

Now What?

If you don’t know what to pursue next, pursue yourself. Pursue becoming the healthiest, happiest, most healed, most present, most confident version of who you are. When you do that, the right path has a way of revealing itself.

This is your era – not a season of winding down, but of rising up.

Where Do You Begin?

Start by identifying what you enjoy. Are you a reader, a hiker, a pickleballer, a gardener, a traveler, a creator? Or is there something new tugging at you – something you’ve always wanted to try but never gave yourself permission to explore?

At 54, I finally listened to that tug. I’d always wanted to write a book. So I dug in, word by word, chapter by chapter. A year later, I published my first book – and now I’m working on my second. That dream didn’t expire. It was simply waiting for me to make space for it.

Reflect on What Fulfills You

Ask yourself questions that pull you inward:

• When do I feel most like myself?
• What legacy do I want to leave?
• How do I define success at this stage of life?
• What brings me joy, peace, or a spark of excitement?

You don’t have to aim for the Olympics. You can start small – tiny acts that align with your values and interests. Small steps still move you forward.

And if you’re unsure where to begin, seek guidance. A friend, a coach, a mentor, a community – someone who can nudge you toward the thing you’re curious about.

Try Something New – Even if You’re Terrible at It

I wanted to see what all the pickleball craze was about, so a dear friend and I signed up for a beginner class. The group was evenly split between 50‑plus women and 13‑year‑old kids. We had an absolute blast.

Was I good? No. Did I have fun? Absolutely.

That’s the point. Joy doesn’t require perfection.

Embrace Uncertainty

You never know what life has in store. The unknown can feel intimidating, but life is too short to sit on the sidelines. Go out there and seize it – even if your knees pop, even if you’re the oldest one in the room, even if you’re starting from scratch.

And if things don’t go the way you hoped, give yourself grace. It’s not about flawless execution. It’s about showing up. It’s about getting back up when something doesn’t work out — or pivoting toward something that fits you better.

This Is Your Invitation

Pursue yourself. Pursue joy. Pursue curiosity. Pursue the version of you that’s been waiting patiently while you took care of everyone else.

Your next chapter isn’t behind you. It’s right here, ready when you are.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What interests do you actively pursue now that you’re past 60? What do they bring you?