It’s Not Too Late and You’re Not Too Old—Here’s Why I’m Just Getting Started at 55

I used to think there was a deadline for reinvention. That by 50—or maybe 40—I was supposed to have it all figured out: my career, my body, my purpose, my next steps.

But now, at 55, I feel like I’m just beginning.

Not because I’m starting from scratch, but because I’ve finally let go of the story that says I’m too old, too late, or too far behind to do something meaningful. And I’m not alone. More and more women are rewriting what this season of life looks like—and I’m here for it.

This post is for you if you’ve ever questioned whether your time has passed. If you’ve felt the nudge to start something new but worried you’d missed your moment. If you’ve been quietly craving more.

I want to show you why midlife is not an ending—it’s an opening.

The Stories We’re Told

“You’re too old.”
“You missed your chance.”
“No one wants to hear from women your age unless you’re aging backwards.”

We may not say these words out loud, but they’re there—woven into the culture, the marketing, the outdated definitions of beauty, success, and relevance.

And yet…
Helen Mirren is having a full-blown moment at 79.
Nicole Kidman is redefining visibility and power.
Laura Dern is producing, creating, and speaking up louder than ever.
Dr. Mary Claire Haver is making menopause part of the wellness conversation, not something to be hidden.

Can you imagine if they had believed the story that aging was decline?

We’ve been given a narrative that suggests our value diminishes over time. But that narrative? It’s not ours. And I’ve decided not to carry it anymore.

What I’ve Learned at 55 That I Couldn’t Have Known at 35

I used to think I’d arrive at this age with all the answers. Instead, I’ve arrived with deeper questions—and way more self-trust.

At 35, I was striving. At 45, I was still proving. But at 55? I’m releasing. I’m rooted. I’m not hustling for my worth—I’m choosing alignment.

I know how to listen to my body now. I know how to say no. I know what nourishes me, what drains me, and what deserves my energy. And more than anything, I know that I’m allowed to change my mind, try something new, or begin again at any time.

That kind of freedom didn’t come overnight. It came from experience, from heartbreak, from healing, from showing up even when it felt like nothing was happening.

It’s Not Too Late—You’re Just Getting Started

What if this is the season where it all starts to come together?

I used to think I was running out of time. Now I know—I’m just stepping into my best work. I’m teaching, writing, learning, unlearning, and showing up for myself and others with more honesty and presence than ever before.

There is no finish line. No expiration date on your voice, your creativity, your curiosity, or your capacity to grow.

If you’ve been holding yourself back because of a number, a belief, or a timeline you didn’t even write—you can let it go now. You can start here. You can start small. And you can start now.

You’re not too old.
You’re not too late.
And you are definitely not done.

Whatever season you’re in, I hope this post reminds you that aging is not a decline—it’s a deepening. And you get to decide what this chapter looks like.

If you’re ready to reconnect with yourself, I’d love to gift you Start Small: A 5-Minute Practice for Presence—a simple guided meditation that’s helped so many women return to themselves without pressure or perfection.

👉 Grab it here and stay connected—because we’re just getting started.

Here’s to new beginnings, Carol