I started publishing personal essays here. I've been a production blogger in entertainment for 20 years with my income tied to someone else. I *have* to become financially independent while I still have time for a career pivot, so I practice writing here while I ramp up to bigger publishing goals.
I love this for you. I suspect Substack has played a part in many of our midlife rebellions—it certainly did in mine, helping me find my voice and get more comfortable putting myself out there!
Mine was learning how to accept my body as is and appreciate all that it does for me (neck down lol). Now I want to give it what it needs instead of what I want it to do for me. My attitude has completely shifted. It's not easy some days but I'm working towards it. Great seeing photos of you! I come from a long line of women who died their hair right until the end. I don't know what decision I'll make but I know I'm not ready yet while I'm still going through perimenopause. One major adjustment at a time.
I’ll be 44 in February and I still don’t feel like I “belong” to the midlife group. Maybe it’s because I don’t have kids so life hasn’t changed that much?
I’ve also always felt that I never quite fitted into the norms, or followed them.
I stopped coloring my hair almost 4 years ago and I do have a fair bit of grey. That transition has been an interesting one. Next up is leaning into my “midlife” body and I’m embracing those changes with clothes that I like and that are colourful and comfortable 😄
It's funny because I probably didn't either at 44. The changes started kicking in at 47, 48, 49 ... I wonder what 50, 51 and 52 are gonna look like. You're one of the models I look to for guidance on body acceptance, so it's surprising to hear you're starting to lean in. I think you've been doing it!
You might be right Kristi. My body has changed a fair bit over the past few years so I have really had to practice what I preach. Buying some new clothes have been a necessity, as some simply didn't fit anymore.
I've had a few wobbles but rigth now I am beginning to feel more at peace with it again. I am curious what this decade of my life might hold.
I became a public school teacher when I was 46. At age 51 I became a widow. And at age 53 I married again. I stopped getting my hair colored when I was 61. I was fortunate that my gray hair has always been sort of woven in with other colors, almost looking like highlights. Growing out my hair was easy for me. I was one of the lucky ones on the going gray journey. Now, at almost 70, I'm enjoying writing. I've had a couple of stories published with Chicken Soup for the Soul. I enjoy writing here on Substack too.
Cutting my hair short as supposed to long, how I wore my hair all my life! Then, I proved to myself I could travel through Europe by myself, and I did.
I love this question! I gave up dieting at 40... At 45 I tried standup comedy for the first time and am now hooked, a year later. And recently- this is small but feels important- I clearly told two people (a friend and an acquaintance) that I'd prefer they not introduce me to anyone in a networking capacity without checking with me first. Sorry I know that's three not one but they all felt kind of bold!
It must be quite liberating to be one of the few “elders.” I’ve thought about going back to school myself, but I also think it might just be another means of procrastinating on the book I’m writing.
I started publishing personal essays here. I've been a production blogger in entertainment for 20 years with my income tied to someone else. I *have* to become financially independent while I still have time for a career pivot, so I practice writing here while I ramp up to bigger publishing goals.
I love this for you. I suspect Substack has played a part in many of our midlife rebellions—it certainly did in mine, helping me find my voice and get more comfortable putting myself out there!
I have no filter and call strangers out quite loudly when they're being douche bags.
I believe this is both healthy and necessary!
Mine was learning how to accept my body as is and appreciate all that it does for me (neck down lol). Now I want to give it what it needs instead of what I want it to do for me. My attitude has completely shifted. It's not easy some days but I'm working towards it. Great seeing photos of you! I come from a long line of women who died their hair right until the end. I don't know what decision I'll make but I know I'm not ready yet while I'm still going through perimenopause. One major adjustment at a time.
I'm not sure I've ever really stopped rebelling per se, but I love this topic. Society needs to be rebelled against constantly.
Totally agree. I really like the small subversive acts, because they often lead to embolden the subverter.
I’ll be 44 in February and I still don’t feel like I “belong” to the midlife group. Maybe it’s because I don’t have kids so life hasn’t changed that much?
I’ve also always felt that I never quite fitted into the norms, or followed them.
I stopped coloring my hair almost 4 years ago and I do have a fair bit of grey. That transition has been an interesting one. Next up is leaning into my “midlife” body and I’m embracing those changes with clothes that I like and that are colourful and comfortable 😄
It's funny because I probably didn't either at 44. The changes started kicking in at 47, 48, 49 ... I wonder what 50, 51 and 52 are gonna look like. You're one of the models I look to for guidance on body acceptance, so it's surprising to hear you're starting to lean in. I think you've been doing it!
You might be right Kristi. My body has changed a fair bit over the past few years so I have really had to practice what I preach. Buying some new clothes have been a necessity, as some simply didn't fit anymore.
I've had a few wobbles but rigth now I am beginning to feel more at peace with it again. I am curious what this decade of my life might hold.
I stopped wearing makeup or doing any styling of my hair in my late 30s. 15 years later I'm still comfortably me, in all my glorious frump.
I became a public school teacher when I was 46. At age 51 I became a widow. And at age 53 I married again. I stopped getting my hair colored when I was 61. I was fortunate that my gray hair has always been sort of woven in with other colors, almost looking like highlights. Growing out my hair was easy for me. I was one of the lucky ones on the going gray journey. Now, at almost 70, I'm enjoying writing. I've had a couple of stories published with Chicken Soup for the Soul. I enjoy writing here on Substack too.
Cutting my hair short as supposed to long, how I wore my hair all my life! Then, I proved to myself I could travel through Europe by myself, and I did.
I love this question! I gave up dieting at 40... At 45 I tried standup comedy for the first time and am now hooked, a year later. And recently- this is small but feels important- I clearly told two people (a friend and an acquaintance) that I'd prefer they not introduce me to anyone in a networking capacity without checking with me first. Sorry I know that's three not one but they all felt kind of bold!
Woah, that really is bold! Do you mind me asking what was the impetus for the latter?
I think I have been rebelling my whole life, but going back to studying as a mature student just for the joybof it was life changing.
It must be quite liberating to be one of the few “elders.” I’ve thought about going back to school myself, but I also think it might just be another means of procrastinating on the book I’m writing.
I stopped shaving my legs and underarms a few years ago, and it's been a HUGE relief to feel "done" with that act of performance.
That’s a good one, Addie, and one I hadn’t considered. Now you’ve planted the seed…
Me too!
Yes, going gray has been a rebellious act for me and I love it!
It took awhile, but ending the marriage, leaving my corporate job and losing 45 kilos in under 9 months with dance and yoga were life changing for me.
Thanks for sharing the transformation photos. I think you look lovely in each.
Thank you, Audra! Sounds like your rebellion was really good for you!
Love all of this Alison.