I never imagined how much my life would change after 50. 

Peri- and actual menopause transformed me. I needed new ways to rest and play to manage the physical changes. Losing hormones forced me to soften into new ways of being.

Turning 50 brought long-held desires to the surface. I realized it was no longer okay to hold back on my dreams. I became less patient with not living a passionate life. While my sexual fires burned a little more softly, the need to make every moment of my life full of love and passion became stronger. 

So I finally said “Yes” to some long-held desires. I deepened friendships and allowed myself to become fully me.

Here are 10 new projects, hobbies, and dreams I said yes to after 50.

1. Pickleball: A fun cross between tennis and ping pong, it’s easy to learn and oh-so-fun to master. I play at least once a week near our home.

    

2. SUP Yoga. I love being on a river or lake, doing yoga poses on the board. It’s relaxing and peaceful. I love the sound of the waves lapping at the sides of the board, the challenge of doing the poses on a moving surface, and the gentle rocking of shavasana on the water.
    
3. Weight Training. I now lift once a week to protect my bone health. I’ve been surprised at how empowering it feels to be getting stronger and stronger!

    

4. Adopted a Beloved Dog. I’ve been longing to have a dog ever since I was 7. My husband and I finally realized this dream 3 years ago. Our goldendoodle Millie brings so much joy and makes every day brighter.

    

5. Wrote and Published my first book.  Moon Salutations became a best-seller after 15 years of my dreaming about publication. I give thanks to finding the right coach and the right writing process!

    

6. Author Coaching: I love helping women tell their stories, achieve publication, and create a legacy. I believe the world needs to hear from women.

7. Gardening: Today my husband and I have an herb garden, several fruit trees, a greenhouse, indoor hydroponics, microgreens for smoothies, and a veggie garden. I delight in seeing what wants to be picked each day. Will it be a melon or squash? How many cucumbers and tomatoes can I find? How is the celery doing? I love knowing that the kale we put on the table was picked fresh, and the pesto we serve is homemade and homegrown. 

8. Changed my Name. I changed my middle name from “Jean” to “Joan,” which feels more aligned with my essence. I prefer the sound of “Joan” to “Jean,” and the numerology is better, embodying balance and strength.

9. Picked Up Violin Again. After quitting in Middle School, just two months ago I rediscovered my love for the violin. I’ve been practicing with YouTube lessons and real teachers and recently joined the Sedona Concert Orchestra.

10. Studying Italian! I had so much fun in Italy in May that I’ve now taken up Italian. The LingQ app says I know almost 3000 words. Maybe one day I’ll be trilingual!

Blessings, 

Laura Joan Cornell, PhD
Best-Selling Author, Sacred Business and Sacred Writing Mentor