10 Things I’m Not Messing About in Midlife

Can I get real with you for a minute about some major realizations I’ve had in midlife? I feel like I’ve finally woken up from this mindless hustle where I was just going through the motions without being very intentional. But now that I’m in my 50s, I’ve gotten serious about what truly deserves my energy and efforts going forward.

Listen, there’s no more time for messing around halfheartedly or making empty promises to myself about what I’m going to change or focus on. We’re in the second half of this whole life thing, and I don’t want to look back with regrets over what I didn’t prioritize or go after wholeheartedly. Does that resonate with you?

So I’ve gotten crystal clear on my non-negotiables. The things I’m simply not messing around with anymore now that I’m solidly in these midlife years. And I have to share them with you because I know some of these are likely the very things you’re thinking about too as we navigate this season of life.

#1 No Messing With my Health in Midlife

You and I both know the energy, vitality and independence we have later is going to be largely determined by how we treat our bodies now. I’m done with the silly diets and workout binges. Building sustainable nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress-management habits is my highest priority.

#2 Moving my Body

I’ll admit, I’m a bit ashamed over how I let this slide for way too many years. But no more! I’ve added a weekly Pilates reformer class to my yoga schedule, I’m getting my 10,000 steps a day, and I’m seriously considering joining a local gym because I KNOW how important strength training is as we get older. We’ve got to preserve that metabolism, strength and muscle mass as a fountain of youth!

#3 Looking After My Finances

I’m taking my finances seriously in midlife. No more reckless spending or going into debt for dumb stuff I don’t truly need. I’m locking it down because having a solid financial foundation and nest egg matters so much at this stage. I want peace of mind, not living paycheck to paycheck stressed about retirement.

#4 Managing Stress

Of course, managing stress overall is huge – I put way too much on my plate for too many years and let that really run me into the ground at times. Now that I’m in my 50is I don’t have the same energy anymore and I’m much more mindful of how much I can do. I’m meditating daily, saying “no” more often, and prioritizing feeling calm, rested and rejuvenated over that toxic grind mentality.

#5 Building Friendships

Relationships are another biggie for me now too. I just moved to a new country and am building a new community of friends here. And I’m letting go of relationships that don’t nurture me with intention. It’s quality over quantity for my energy.

#6 Having Fun

Speaking of quality, I’m literally scheduling time for the activities, hobbies and projects that light me up inside! Going to the beach, renting a SUP, reading, cooking fancy dinners – whatever sets my soul on fire, I’m making room for more of that in my days. No more shoving my passions to the side for another day.

#7 No More People-Pleasing

The days of being a people-pleaser are so over, my friend. I’ve finally realized how crucial it is to set healthy boundaries and put my needs first without guilt or overriding that inner voice. I’m learning to speak up and honor my personal limits.

#8 Slow Living

Everything that feels like excess noise, busyness, or owns more of my time/energy than it should is getting massively simplified! Clutter, commitments, all of it. More breathing room, more savoring of moments is what I’m aiming for.

#9 Loving Myself

So many of my younger years were spent judging myself, chasing unrealistic ideals, and getting derailed by inevitable setbacks. Now in midlife, I’m making self-acceptance a top priority. Treating myself with compassion, ditching the negative self-talk, and focusing on what I can control.

# 10 Living More Mindfully

Rather than running on autopilot going through the motions, I’m being much more intentional about how I want to spend my one precious life. Slowing down, practicing gratitude, fully experiencing every moment. Being mindful instead of letting years slip by.

So those are the 10 big ones I’m doubling down on with real commitment and intention. My health, strength training, finances, managing stress, nurturing my soul tribe, living my purpose and passions, boundaries, simplicity, self-love, and being present.

There’s no more spinning my wheels or waiting for “one day” on any of them. We’re in the prime of our lives, but it’s also a reckoning to pause and get intentional while we still can. What do you think? Are any of these your non-negotiables too as we navigate midlife? I’d love to hear your takes! Let’s do this thing mindfully together.