Thrive after 50: Owning your well-being one choice at a time.
- Michelle Freedman
- May 28
- 4 min read
Let’s talk about something we all know but sometimes conveniently forget: our health is our responsibility. Yes, I know that you would rather not hear it, but I said it, anyway. And I’m not here to shame you—just to nudge you, lovingly but firmly, toward a more empowered and intentional approach to your well-being.
As women 50 and beyond, we’ve spent decades caring for others—partners, children, aging parents, colleagues, friends. Many of us have been the glue holding everything together. But here’s the deal: if we don’t take care of ourselves now, who will?
The Wake-Up Call No One Talks About
For some of us, it’s a creaky knee, sore hip or a hot flush that makes us pause. For others, it’s a health scare—ours or a friend’s—that jolts us into awareness. Either way, there comes a time, when we have to realize that our bodies are not invincible, and maintenance is no longer optional. Just like you wouldn’t drive a car for 30 years without a regular service, so do your body and mind deserve (and demand) attention.
Menopause: The Not-So-Quiet Game Changer
Let’s call it what it is—menopause is a significant shift, not a mild inconvenience. It’s more than hot flushes and mood swings. It can mess with your sleep, memory, energy levels, and metabolism. One minute you feel fine, and the next you’re crying over a commercial about yogurt. Does this sound familiar?
It’s not just physical—there’s an emotional and mental recalibration too. Some women feel like strangers in their own bodies. Others feel invisible, tired, or overwhelmed. But here’s the good news: you’re not broken—you’re just transforming. ( I prefer to call it becoming).
Menopause is a transition, not a decline. By taking responsibility for your health during this time means:
Getting the facts (not the myths).
Finding and speaking with the right healthcare professionals who actually listen.
Tracking your symptoms and advocating for what you need.
Giving yourself permission to slow down, reframe, and reclaim your body.
You don’t have to suffer in silence or just put on a brave face. This is your time to get curious, compassionate, and clear about what does and what doesn’t work for you now.
Why Taking Responsibility Is Empowering
Let’s be honest—it’s easier to blame time, genetics, or "life" for our lack of energy, poor sleep, or extra pounds. But the moment we shift from blame to ownership, everything changes.
Taking responsibility doesn’t mean perfection. It means:
Making informed choices.
Listening to your body instead of overriding it.
Showing up for yourself consistently, even if it’s messy.
This is about empowerment, not pressure.
The Basics Still Work (Even When We Wish They Didn’t)
There’s no magical solution, no glitter-covered detox tea that’s going to fix it all. But the basics? They work—and they’re surprisingly within reach:
Eat with intention. Whole foods, less sugar, more greens. You know the drill.
Move your body. Walk, dance, stretch, lift. Motion is medicine.
Prioritize sleep. Yes, even when your internal thermostat is rebelling.
Manage stress. Deep breaths, boundaries, and a little humor go a long way.
Stay connected. Isolation isn’t just lonely—it’s unhealthy.
But What About Motivation?
Ah yes, the elusive “M” word. Here’s a little truth bomb: you won’t always be motivated. That’s why you need commitment, not just enthusiasm. It’s okay to grumble, to stumble, and to start over (again). The point is to keep showing up for yourself.
Start off by setting baby, achievable goals. Celebrate every tiny win. And find support—whether that’s a friend, a walking group, or yes, a coach like me.
Let’s Get Real
Health doesn’t mean fitting into your 1980s jeans or running marathons (unless you want to). It means feeling good in your skin, having energy for the things you love, and aging with grace, strength, and vitality. You’re not trying to “get back” to who you were—you’re stepping forward and transforming into who you are today. That woman is wiser, more self-aware, and ready to take ownership of her well-being on her terms.
And yes—there will be off days. That’s not failure. That’s life. But taking responsibility means you always come back to the center: because your well-being matters.
Final Thought: You Are Worth the Effort
Taking responsibility for your health isn’t selfish. It’s the most generous thing you can do for yourself and those who love you. When you’re well, you can live fully, laugh loudly, and show up as the strong, wise, radiant woman you are. So, start today. Make one choice—just one—that supports your health. Drink the water. Take the walk. Call your doctor. Go to bed early. Say no to something that drains you. Say yes to something that nourishes you.
Because the second half of life? That’s your time to shine—and it starts with you.
Need support navigating midlife, menopause, and everything in between?As an empowerment coach for women 50+, I help you build a life filled with intention, energy, and self-care that works for your real life. Reach out today for a free 30 minute discovery session—you don’t have to do this alone.
Because you’re not just aging—you’re evolving and transforming into the new YOU
email: mich.coaching@gmail.com
Tel: 054 4544 825
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