I’m partial to midlife women, especially given that I’m a particularly fabulous one myself. I for one believe that we exemplify the honor and glory of aging. For years, there’s been this negative trend of sorts, one which relegates us—midlife women and beyond—to the background . . . as if we aren’t worthy to be seen or heard. For example, take a gander at Hollywood. An actress over the age of, oh, say 40 was considered passé. Young was in. Older was out.

Show of hands…who finds this antiquated, misogynistic practice ridiculous with a capital “R”? Yeah, I thought so.

Here’s the thing: there is so much value to be had from simply being in the mere presence of a midlife woman, that I’m surprised we don’t have people bowing at our feet. Yeah, we’re that good. Among other things, midlife women are (in no particular order):

• vibrant as hell,
• oozing with all kinds of wisdom,
• experienced as all get-out,
• bodacious,
• not afraid to use our voice,
• passionate,
• bad ass,
• powerful,
• a force to be reckoned with, and
• the ruler of our Queendom!

On top of all that wonderfulness, we’re doing amazing things in life, too. And, for most, we aren’t defined by that 2-digit quantitative variable known as our age and we flat out refuse to be pigeonholed. Nope, we’re not having any of that foolishness.

Midlife-A-Go-Go asked the fabulous women of midlife to tell us what they do (whether intentional or not) to combat the stereotype of midlife, and guess what I found out? No longer are we defined by what others believe we should be or how we should act! Bold? Oh yeah. Sassy? At times. Empowered? Hell yeah! So, you want to know what today’s midlife really looks like? Strap yourself in ‘cause this ain’t yo mama’s midlife!

We Are Entrepreneurs . . .

I’m learning and trying new things. I have as many or more computer skills than my 23-year old and I’m not afraid to put myself out there. I started a new business this year – something many said I “shouldn’t do at my age” – but why not? It’s what I want to do, it’s interesting and it’s helping other people. You are never too young or too old to follow your heart – life is too short to always play it safe!
Tara R. (49, Pivot To Happy)

Starting a new business (Boomer Haiku greeting cards and eventually more Boomer Haiku branded products) in addition to my freelance medical writing business (that currently pays the bills!).
(Roxanne Jones, 63, Booker Haiku)

At the age of 50 I moved out of the country to Baja. I had previously visited here just one year before and fell in love with the local people. I volunteer here at the local elementary school which is in one of the poorest areas and also at the preschool two mornings a week. I’m working on my Spanish each day and, for the gringos, I volunteer to lead a weekly writing class. I am loving my life in my 50s and hope to make a difference in the lives of everyone I meet. I also lead women’s writing retreats here in Baja, Canada, the US and, next year, Greece.
(Tammy Coia, 51, TLC Writing Retreats)

I’ve always had a dream to start my own magazine, sharing what I love with others who feel the same way. Last Fall I did it; I went and started an online magazine for urban women who love the countryside. [It’s called RURAL] We’ve been gathering together a group of amazingly talented and creative midlife women who contribute to the magazine. We are living the dream!
(Jen, 54, RURAL Magazine and The Light Laughed)

I quit my corporate job and ran full steam ahead to create my online business, The Suburban Soapbox, a food and lifestyle blog. The food/lifestyle blogging industry is dominated by young 20-somethings and I am frequently overlooked by brands because of my “old” status (aka…not millennial). However, casting my age aside and being truly authentic to the person I am, the wisdom I gained over the years and the right to do as I please, I have created a successful career that will take me places I could never have dreamed of if I remained in my gray padded corporate cell. I’ve been featured on my local news several times, appeared in magazines and traveled all over the country . . . all because I dove head first into something I am immensely passionate about.
(Kellie Hemmerly, 43, The Suburban Soapbox)

We’re Oh So Sexually Aware . . .

I’ve just written my first book — on sexuality for older women. It’s a product of my embracing my own sexuality and having lots of fun with this side of me–I feel sexier and more vibrant than I have in years!
(Walker Thornton, 61, Walker Thornton)

We’re Spreading Our Knowledge . . . 

At 55, I’m launching a new career as a Udemy Instructor teaching my expertise on delegation and outsourcing. Boomers are really so well equipped and motivated to share what we’ve learned and how to succeed. Udemy is on the leading edge in the adult education marketplace and I plan to be in the forefront. I want to do good and do well financially.
(Dina Eisenberg, 55, Outsource Easier)

We’re Handling Life; Life Isn’t Handling Us . . . 

I’ve woken up to the fact that life is what you make it. I quit the soul-sucking job I was in a year ago and now earn 30% more and work for people who think I’m great! I got my second tattoo, had my daith pierced and dyed some of my hair fuschia pink just because I could. I have a great marriage, two kids who are off my hands and happily settled and now I have my first beautiful grandbaby. Life just keeps getting brighter.

Midlife is a choice – you can choose to be middle-aged and stuck in a rut or you can be brave and try new things. I stepped out of my comfort zone and haven’t looked back. Playing it safe and trying to control everything drains the life and happiness out of you. Follow the song in your heart, laugh lots, invest in relationships and shine your light because it doesn’t get better than this.
(Leanne, 54, Cresting The Hill)

The umbrella answer for this is: I have recently taught myself (and it’s working!) to no longer silently think, when weighing a new idea, “Oh, I’m X age, I can’t do Y…”. That’s not to say I’m doing lots of very exciting things. But I’m doing things without (much) regard to whether or not I “should.” If I want to, and I can, I do.
And – equally important – when I don’t want to do something, and it wouldn’t harm anyone, I don’t!
(Lisa Romeo, 56, Lisa Romeo Writes)

I really came into my own at age 50. I started running and ran my first full marathon at 55. Taking early retirement, I started my blog Sizzling Towards Sixty. I am passionate about health and fitness and work out 3-4 times per week, including a long run with my Saturday Sisters group. I encourage others to be the best they can be and definitely subscribe to the view that ‘age is just a number’ and more importantly – ‘life is too short – so go for it!’
(Sue, 58, Sizzling Towards Sixty)

Skinny dipping, attending concerts, endless activities with the grandkids, like sports, wrestling on the floor, making goofy faces, traveling, and many more that are too numerous to mention. I walk my two dogs every morning, despite the aches and pains. I can finally start a conversation with anybody and sit at a bar alone and order a drink. I can defend myself at work despite the know-it-alls with whom I work. Last but not least, I was able to discard the negative energy I was brought up with.
(Vikki Adams, 55)

Went on a two-week spiritual journey to Peru last year that included climbing up mountains & bathing in waterfalls. Attended my first ever blog conference and met amazing compatriots. I work full time, do blog posts twice a week, and am starting the journey of becoming a life coach. Still trying to ‘figure it all out’ and loving the process and picture that is unfolding.
(Julie W. 54, WordStorm Casserole)

I don’t settle for “safe” or “it’s good enough, I guess.” My 50s are an explosion of choices that often send me flying off cliffs into a dark unknown abyss where I have to feel around in the dark hoping for the best! My first book was published in my 50s and I put myself out there to write 4 more; in my late 50s I left a 17 year “safe” marriage and later entered a passionate chaotic fascinatingly whirly-winded relationship that crashed and burned and I have no regrets; somehow I’m paying my mortgage and bills all on my own and still able to work from home writing, editing, website editing. I run off bears from my porch; shovel deep snow; when possible, repair my car or things in my little log house. It’s all on me; no one has my back and though sometimes I’m lonely, I know I Got This. My choices have been terrifying but I’m free to do as I please. Metaphorically or otherwise I skin my knees and then bandage them myself. I answer to no one. I think, “What’s next in my life story?” And then, if necessary, I will jump again.
(Kathryn Magendie, 59, The Lonely Woman’s Guide to Our Galaxy)

We’re Multi-Tasking Divas . . .

I will not live a mediocre life.  I am a very active 64-year old woman who loves dancing, walking, hiking, aerobics, working out, socializing, happy hour with friends, traveling to new places, attending spiritual and writing retreats and workshops. My passion right now is writing my memoir about my daughter which involves addiction and adoption. In addition to participating in all of the above on an almost daily basis, I have my own business working out of my home and when people ask me when I am going to retire I say ‘Me Retire: Hell no I won’t ever retire. I plan to live life to its fullest until my last breath.’
(Sandy H., 64)

Everything! I’m working on rehabbing my knee to return to ultra running; I’ve got Project 50 going on, planning a zipline and white water rafting trip (not together) soon!
(Kim Love-Ottobre, 50, Kim Today)

Surfing! Camping → Hiking → Surf; Sexing (with my husband ;-)) High heels; Short skirts; Teeny Bikinis; CrossFit; Overhead squats; Pull-ups (almost!); Dancing; clink-clink Drink; Velvet; Leopard; Brunch; Excellent Old Fashioned. And most importantly, caring for my 88-year old live-in mother-in-law and, while it is not kick-ass, it is VERY necessary and it makes me take care of the caregiver: ME! THIS is not my mother’s 50s; this is MY 50s!
(Darya, 53, xoxoDarya)

I’m writing. My publisher is just working on my tenth novel. And I’m still parenting. And grand-parenting. And bike riding. And dancing.
(Diane Tolley, 60, On The Border)

. . . And we’re just getting started.

Yes, midlife women are fabulous. Now, read Part 2 of Midlife Women and the Honor and Glory of Aging. In the meantime, if you want to take the survey and be a part of the greatness, click below.