Navigating the Mid-Life Crisis in Women with Confidence and Grace

Navigating the Mid-Life Crisis in Women with Confidence and Grace

If you're in your 40s or 50s, and suddenly the film “Eat, Pray, Love” makes sense, or you're Googling things like "should I leave my job and open a smoothie van by the sea?" or "should I get a tattoo?" welcome to the club! You might just be going through what is known as the mid-life crisis in women.

I swear to you - I watched “Eat Pray Love” about 12 years ago and thought it was rubbish. I didn’t get it AT ALL. Then I watched it a couple of years ago and oh crikey! I was SO ready to pack my bags and go off in search of whatever Julia Robert was on the hunt for. OK my version might have looked like a trip to Wales for a weekend with some girlfriends but nonetheless, I got it!

Before we go any further though, let me just claify one thing. I know that some people will object to the term “crisis” and see it as a negative term but in fact it’s a positive thing. I like to think of it more as a much needed recalibration, a remix, a second act. And it can be soooo liberating.

What Exactly Is a Mid-Life Crisis in Women?

One other thing we need to clear up is this: we’re all aware of the clichés when it comes to men: sports cars, new partners who are NEVER older than their previous ones, spontaneous life overhauls that involve buying “stuff.”

But what I’ve observed in women is that the mid-life shift tends to be more internal. It’s a mix of emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical changes that leave us questioning... well, almost everything we’ve ever come to know.

Common Signs of a Mid-Life Crisis in Women

I still haven’t quite figured it out but my guess is that a number of factors coincide at the same time - like a perfect storm - which throws everything up in the air and which bring about a mid-life crisis in women.

It’s a mixture of stage of life, age of life, children (if we have them) growing up, reflecting on what’s gone before and what’s ahead of us and witnessing what others around us are going through.

Of course it’s much more complicated than that. But there are some common signs such as:

• Feeling stuck or restless (like you want more, but don’t know what that is)

• Re-evaluating your career, relationships, or identity

• A sudden desire to declutter your house, your schedule, or your life (hello new Vinted account!)

• Questioning past choices or future goals

• Obsessing over your skincare routine (also hello, retinol/collagen/skin-pen rabbit hole)

If any of that sounds familiar, you're not alone, which I think is always reassuring to hear as feeling alone is incredibly isolating. And no — you’re not losing it.

Maybe, just perhaps, we’re waking up?

Why the Mid-Life Crisis in Women Can Actually Be a Gift

Yes, a gift. Really? For sure, it might be wrapped in a little chaos and a few existential questions, but let’s just sit with that thought for a minute.

In fairness I think you only start to see these turbulent times as a gift when you begin come out of the other side of the fog, chaos and dis-oriented state that we can find ourselves in. But hopefully that offers some solace, particularly if you find yourself right in the middle of unsettled waters right now.

It’s a Chance to Press the Reset Button

You’ve spent decades doing the things you were "supposed" to do. Now you get to ask: What do I want?

Point to note: beware, decision fatigue is real. For the first time in nearly 27 years, my husband and I have 3 weeks to ourselves. And can we make a decision on where to go on holiday? Can we heck!

When deciding what you want to do, think back to what you loved to do as a child. There are often clues there. But perhaps you’re ready to try something new. Look up, look around, see what’s on offer, see what others are doing. Decide to try one new thing a month for the next year and just see where it takes you.

It Brings Clarity

When things fall apart a little, it becomes easier to see what really matters. You might start caring less about what others think (which is so freeing).

In the process of putting ourselves back together, we re-prioritise what matters. Mindset, mindfulness, being outside, moving our bodies & spending time with friends and family often take centre stage. It seems to become less about materialism and more about meaningful experiences.

It Sparks New Adventures

This is the perfect time to try that thing you've always dreamed of — whether it’s learning a new language, starting a side hustle, writing a book, riding a motorbike or just wearing things you would have never dared wear before, without apology.

How to Navigate Mid-Life with Confidence and Grace (and a Good Laugh)

As with all of these things, the theory is great! But it’s important to get practical.

Here are some tips for embracing your mid-life reinvention.

1. Start by Getting Curious

Instead of panicking, ask yourself gentle questions:

• What makes me feel most alive right now?

• What am I craving more (or less) of in my life?

• When was the last time I felt really me?

2. Find Your People

Surround yourself with women who get it — the kind who cheer you on when you say you're taking up salsa dancing or cold water swimming and when you change your mind two weeks later.

3. Take Small Brave Steps

You don’t need to pack up and exit your current life entirely (unless you want to). Start small: book the class, write the blog, go on the solo lunch date.

At the same time build a framework into your life of things that you find supportive. Journaling, walking, sound baths, meditating and in my case, baking sourdough, all help to keep the gremlins at bay.

4. Embrace the Weird and Wonderful

Try new things. Even if you’re terrible at them. Especially if you’re terrible at them. And then laugh about it. Life’s too short to play it safe all the time.

5. Laugh. A Lot.

I’ve found mid-life to be weird. There are bits of my body that look like my Mum’s - or my Dad’s - but definitely not like mine. When I do a downward dog and look at my thighs, it’s a bit like a horror show. There are days when my phone doesn’t even recognise my face - let alone me!

I have one child almost the same age that I was when I had her. I have another one who is doing her A-levels, which I remember well. And a middle child who is graduating - a day I also remember clearly. In fact I seem to be permanently time travelling, to the point that my head is spinning.

So yes, when you can summon the energy, laugh through it. It really helps. And marvel at how life is shaping up.

Mid-Life Isn’t the End — It’s the Remix

Here’s the thing: cheesy as it sounds, the mid-life crisis in women doesn’t have to be a crisis at all. It’s an invitation. To reflect, to pivot, to grow. To stop living life on autopilot and start doing things with purpose — and joy.

So go ahead, shake things up a bit. Dye your hair pink. Start the podcast. Move your furniture around. Reinvent yourself as many times as you like.

Mid-life might just be the most powerful, exciting thing that we’ve experienced for a long time.

Are you up for coming along for the ride?

If you have any thoughts or questions, please feel free to come and find me on instagram at bethgoodrham or at denham.derby

Sending much love,

Beth x

PS If as part of your mid-life shake up, you’re tempted to try baking sourdough, or cold water plunging or taking a sauna with your friends, just click on the images below and a free guide will be on its way to you!