Finding Your Purpose After 50 (And Loving Every Second of It)
If you’ve spent most of your life taking care of kids, partners, parents, coworkers, or the laundry list of responsibilities that always seemed to land in your lap first — you might be standing here now, in your 50s, wondering:
“What about me?”
Here’s the truth, my friend: life didn’t pass you by. You’ve just been living in Chapter One, and now you get to write the page-turning sequel.
If you’ve never had the space, time, or permission to figure out who you truly are and what you actually want — that’s about to change. You’re in a new season now. And seasons after 50? They’re not about surviving. They’re about thriving.
Your 50s and beyond can be the most exciting, fulfilling, and liberating years of your life if you choose to lean in, explore, and follow the breadcrumbs that lead you to the version of yourself you haven’t met yet.
This isn’t about reinventing yourself to become someone new. It’s about uncovering the woman you’ve always been but never had the chance to fully step into.
And yes — she’s in there. Waiting for you.
Why Purpose Matters More Now Than Ever
Purpose isn’t some lofty, Instagram-quote concept. It’s the reason you get up in the morning with a spark in your chest. It’s the thing that makes your coffee taste better, your smile feel brighter, and your days feel less like a checklist and more like a life.
Without a sense of purpose, even the most comfortable life can start to feel… flat. Like you’re just watching the days go by.
But when you have it? You feel alive. Energized. Excited for tomorrow. And here’s the best part: purpose doesn’t have to mean quitting your job, selling all your belongings, and moving to Bali (unless you want to — then by all means, book the ticket).
Purpose can be small but powerful — something that makes your soul light up. Something that feels yours.
Signs You Haven’t Met Your “True Self” Yet
If you’ve spent decades prioritizing others, you might notice:
• You struggle to answer “What do you want?” without factoring in everyone else.
• You feel a sense of emptiness, even when things in your life look “fine” from the outside.
• You’ve lost touch with your own hobbies, passions, or quirks.
• You catch yourself daydreaming about something “more” but never taking the next step.
• You feel guilty — or even selfish — for wanting something just for you.
If any of those sound familiar, here’s your permission slip to stop putting yourself last.
5 Simple Tips to Discover the Version of You That’s Been Waiting
1. Get Curious About What Lights You Up
Curiosity is your secret weapon. Think of yourself as an explorer — your job is to discover what excites you, even if it doesn’t make sense yet.
Start noticing when you feel a spark of energy.
• Is it when you’re helping someone?
• When you’re creating something?
• When you’re outside in nature?
• When you’re learning something new?
Keep a little notebook (or use the Notes app) and jot down anything that makes you smile, laugh, or feel “in flow.”
Tip: Don’t overthink it. You’re collecting clues, not making lifelong commitments.
2. Rewrite the Rules You’ve Been Living By
A lot of women over 50 are still playing by rules they didn’t even choose.
Rules like:
• “Don’t make waves.”
• “Be grateful for what you have.”
• “Don’t be selfish.”
• “Your worth is in what you do for others.”
It’s time to toss those in the recycling bin. Write new ones.
• “I’m allowed to take up space.”
• “I can try new things without needing anyone’s approval.”
• “I deserve joy and passion in my everyday life.”
And here’s a powerful question: What would I do if I didn’t care what anyone thought?
3. Play Before You Commit
The beauty of this season of life? You don’t have to rush. You can sample, explore, and dabble before you decide.
Sign up for that pottery class. Volunteer at the animal shelter. Try photography. Join a book club. Travel solo to a nearby town and explore like a tourist.
The more you try, the more you’ll discover what feels right.
Think of it like dating your passions — no pressure, no deadlines, just discovery.
4. Create a Morning Ritual That’s Just for You
Your morning sets the tone for your day. And if you’ve spent decades waking up to serve everyone else, a personal ritual can feel downright revolutionary.
It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Just 20 minutes to:
• Journal about what you’re grateful for and what you want more of.
• Sit in quiet meditation with your coffee.
• Take a walk in the fresh air.
• Read something inspiring.
Purpose often shows up in stillness — but you have to make room for it.
5. Surround Yourself with People Who Inspire Growth
If you’re trying to discover yourself while surrounded by people who expect you to stay the same, it’s going to feel like running with weights strapped to your ankles.
Seek out women who are also reinventing themselves, trying new things, and encouraging each other.
Join online groups, attend local meetups, or find a mentor. And remember: not everyone gets to come with you into your next chapter. Some relationships will naturally fade — and that’s okay.
Common Fears That Keep Women Stuck (and How to Break Through)
“I’m too old.”
No. You’re just seasoned enough to know what matters and wise enough to skip the nonsense.
“I don’t know where to start.”
Start anywhere. Action creates clarity.
“What if I fail?”
Redefine failure. The only failure is never trying.
“It’s selfish to focus on me.”
You can’t pour from an empty cup. When you’re lit up, you shine brighter for everyone around you.
What Purpose Looks Like in Real Life
Here’s the truth: purpose doesn’t always look like a flashy career or a perfectly curated life on social media. Sometimes, it’s:
• Running a small business that feels like play.
• Mentoring younger women in your field.
• Traveling to new places and sharing your adventures.
• Volunteering for a cause you deeply care about.
• Painting in your studio with music playing.
The “what” doesn’t matter as much as the “why.” If it makes you feel alive, it’s worth pursuing.
How to Keep the Fire Going Once You Find It
Keep learning — take classes, read books, listen to podcasts.
2. Set challenges — give yourself new experiences to aim for.
3. Share it — teach, mentor, or inspire others with what you’ve learned.
4. Check in — once a month, ask yourself if what you’re doing still feels right.
Final Word: This Is Your Season
You’ve been through enough life to know what doesn’t work for you. Now you get to choose what does.
This isn’t about becoming someone different. It’s about coming home to yourself.
One morning soon, you’re going to wake up with that excited-kid-on-Christmas-morning feeling — because you’ll be living a life that’s yours. A life that’s rich, vibrant, and aligned with your purpose.
And when that day comes? You’ll wonder why you ever waited so long to meet her — the real you.
Jill Katherine Schmidt, Personal Coach