Have you ever run into a friend and noticed something different about them but can’t put your finger on it? You may wonder how you can get some of that, too. What is she doing differently? I’m willing to bet that, in most cases, your friend has decided to reclaim her life. She is putting herself first and feeling more confident and fulfilled. That is what you are noticing. It’s time to reclaim your life and feel your own transformation.
Let me offer a few signs that might indicate it’s time to step back and refocus on your own needs, dreams, and desires.
- Feeling unfulfilled or restless
- Constantly putting others first
- Loss of personal identity – beyond your roles as a mother, partner, or professional
- Physical or emotional exhaustion
- Living on autopilot – your days seem to blend together
- Neglecting personal dreams
- Growing resentment or frustration
- Lack of joy or fun
- Comparing yourself to others
- Feeling overwhelmed by expectations
- Unexplained sadness or anxiety
Does one or two of those ring true for you? Recognizing these signs can be the first step towards a transformative journey that will help you reclaim your space, prioritize your happiness, and thrive in midlife.
And it doesn’t have to be hard or take much time.
“She remembered who she was… and the game changed.” – Lalah Delia
12 Simple Ways to Reclaim Your Life
1. Practice Daily Gratitude
Shifting your mindset can be as simple as starting or ending the day by writing down three things you’re grateful for. This creates a more positive outlook and helps shift focus from what’s missing to what’s abundant. You will start to notice more things to be grateful for, and your mind will soon be trained to look for the positive.
2. Set Boundaries
Learning to say “no” and protecting your time and energy is empowering. By setting boundaries, you free up mental and emotional space to focus on what truly matters to you.
3. Reconnect with Passions
Reflect on hobbies or interests that may have fallen by the wayside. Take small steps to reignite them. Whether painting, writing, or gardening, indulging in your passions helps you reconnect with your authentic self. Find those things that make time go away.
4. Commit to Physical Well-Being
Start with manageable fitness goals like daily walks, gentle yoga, or stretching. Exercise releases endorphins, helping you feel more energetic and confident in your body. Exercise is good for so many things, including, but not limited to, sleep, mental clarity, emotional resilience, quality of life, and strengthening relationships.
5. Engage in Lifelong Learning
Take up a new course, read a book in a genre you’ve never explored, or learn a skill you’ve always wanted to master. Even small steps in education can stimulate personal growth and expand your sense of possibility. How about learning Human Design? One of my favorite tools to help you live a more confident, aligned life.
6. Declutter Your Environment
Clear out physical clutter, which can directly impact mental clarity. Start small, like organizing a drawer or a closet. A tidy space helps create room for new ideas and experiences.
7. Create a Morning Ritual
Set aside time each morning to center yourself—whether through meditation, journaling, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. This small practice helps you approach the day with intention and mindfulness. Here are a few posts that can help you get started. 20 Morning Writing Prompts to Inspire a Great Day / 32 Daily Routine Ideas for Morning and Evening / The Power of Positive Thoughts in the Morning
8. Join a Community
Seek out or form a supportive group of like-minded women who are also looking to thrive. Whether it’s a local group, an online forum, or a membership, surrounding yourself with a positive community helps you stay motivated.
9. Reframe Negative Self-Talk
Replace self-criticism with affirmations or positive language. Instead of thinking, “I’m too old for that,” try “I have the wisdom and experience to excel.” Changing your inner dialogue can transform how you view your potential.
10. Practice Mindfulness
Incorporate mindful breathing or a five-minute meditation into your day. Being present in the moment helps reduce stress and creates a sense of calm, helping you navigate challenges more effectively.
11. Embrace Small Acts of Courage
Step out of your comfort zone in small, manageable ways—whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, trying a new activity, or initiating a difficult conversation. These acts build confidence and create momentum for bigger changes.
12. Celebrate Achievements
Acknowledge and celebrate small wins, whether it’s completing a project, sticking to a new habit, or even taking a well-deserved break. Celebrating yourself reinforces your progress and keeps you motivated. If you need help remembering everything you have accomplished, check out this free e-book.
These steps can be woven into daily life without overwhelming commitment, yet together, they form the foundation for thriving rather than just getting by. Little by little, these small changes add up to a powerful transformation.
When you reclaim your life, you can inspire someone to reclaim theirs. Be part of the domino effect and contribute to a more harmonious world.