Who Says We Slow Down After 50? Finding Happiness In Midlife

Slowing down after 50? That’s far from my experience. My name is Sandra. I’m Italian, living in Italy, and at 63, I feel more energized and alive than ever.

At 57, I was unhappy despite having all the right things—a successful career, a wonderful 35+ year relationship, a supportive family, good friends, a beautiful home, and a life filled with travel, great food, and wine. I couldn’t understand it. How could I be unhappy when I had everything society says should make me happy?

And yet, I was. I felt trapped, even ashamed of my discontent.

I envied those people who seemed to find happiness by reinventing themselves, people I’d see on TV or in books. But deep down, I believed they could do it, not me.

Then one day, while stranded at a small Dutch airport, I picked up a book to keep me busy during a 3-hour delay. Its message struck me: Happiness isn’t given to us; it’s something we build. I’d never read anything like it. At the time, I knew nothing about personal development, but that book sparked a curiosity I couldn’t ignore.

I started listening to podcasts, reading more, and slowly learning that at 57, I could still live my life. One day, I heard a question in a podcast that changed everything: “What are you waiting for?” I couldn’t answer, so I decided to stop making excuses and start saying, “It’s never too late.”

Bit by bit, I followed every curiosity, every “crumb,” allowing myself to ask tough questions. Had I been living my own dreams—or someone else’s? That’s when I discovered coaching and realized I didn’t have to stay in a job I no longer loved. After more than 30 years, I could leave. So I did.

I enrolled in Martha Beck’s coach training, got certified, and at 62, left my corporate job—not to retire, but to start my own coaching business at 63. Now, I feel whole. I’m fully myself in every part of my life—mind, body, energy, and spirit.

This journey hasn’t been easy. It’s been like a winding mountain road with steep curves, breathtaking views, and moments of fear. But I believe I was able to do it because I was over 50, not despite it. By then, I knew I had nothing to prove to anyone else. I was finally free.

Today, I’m passionate about helping other women find and love themselves, reconnect with their dreams, and bring those dreams to life.

So, who says we slow down after 50? Not me!

Like this post? Support Us or Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox!