For far too long, society has placed expectations on women—how we should look, how we should behave, what milestones we should meet, and even what we should aspire to. By the time we reach 50, many of us have spent decades following those unspoken (and sometimes loudly spoken) rules, often at the expense of our own dreams and desires.
But here’s the truth: this is your time. The beauty of being over 50 is the realization that you don’t have to play by anyone else’s rules anymore. The path ahead is yours to shape, and you get to decide what fulfills you, what excites you, and how you want to live.
If you've ever felt boxed in by expectations that no longer serve you, now is the time to break free. Let’s talk about how to rewrite the rules and start living life on your own terms.
Identifying the Rules That No Longer Serve You
Before you can rewrite the rules, you have to recognize which ones have been holding you back. Some of these expectations are ingrained so deeply that we don’t even realize we’re following them. Consider these outdated beliefs:
- "Women over 50 should dress a certain way."
- "It's too late to change careers or start something new."
- "I should put everyone else’s needs before my own."
- "Slowing down means I’m giving up."
- "I should have everything figured out by now."
Do any of these sound familiar? These are just some of the unspoken rules that can make us feel stuck or limit our potential. But the good news is—you don’t have to follow them anymore.
Defining What Truly Matters to You
If you’re going to live life on your own terms, you need to know what those terms are. This means getting clear on what matters to you—not what society, family, or old expectations say should matter, but what you truly want.
Ask yourself:
- What brings me joy and fulfillment?
- What do I wish I had more time for?
- What beliefs or expectations have I outgrown?
- How do I want to spend the next 10, 20, or even 30 years?
Give yourself permission to dream big. There’s no rule that says you can’t start fresh or redefine your life at 50, 60, or beyond. In fact, this stage of life can be one of the most exciting and liberating chapters yet.
Breaking Free and Embracing Your Own Path
Once you’ve identified what no longer serves you and defined what truly matters, it’s time to step into the life you want to create. This doesn’t mean you have to make drastic changes overnight. Living life on your own terms happens one choice at a time.
Here are a few ways to start rewriting your own rules:
- Say "yes" to yourself more often.
Many of us have spent years prioritizing the needs of others. It’s time to give yourself permission to focus on what makes you happy. - Let go of guilt.
If breaking free from expectations makes you feel guilty, remind yourself that taking care of your happiness isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. - Stop apologizing for who you are.
Whether it’s your age, your choices, or your ambitions, own them unapologetically. You don’t need permission to live fully. - Surround yourself with people who lift you up.
Seek out friendships and communities (like the She Shed Sisterhood!) that encourage you to be your most authentic self. - Try something you've always wanted to do.
Whether it’s a creative passion, a bold adventure, or a career change, take the leap. Your time is now.
Living Life Without Limits
Rewriting the rules isn’t just about saying "no" to society’s expectations—it’s about saying "yes" to yourself. It’s about embracing who you are, what you want, and where you’re going.
This chapter of life is yours to design, and it’s filled with possibility. You are free to dream, to explore, to take risks, and to be boldly, beautifully, and unapologetically you.
So, what outdated rule are you ready to break?
Reflection Prompt:
Take a few moments to reflect: What’s one expectation or belief that has been holding you back? How can you start rewriting that rule today?
Let’s rise together, rewrite the rules, and live life on our terms. 💜