About 7 months ago I found myself in a place I wasn’t familiar with. I was home alone, and there was nothing I needed to do and nowhere I needed to go. My youngest child just moved across the country to start his new job and my 2 older children had been living and working on their own for a few years now.
Although I hadn’t had the crazy schedule of having 3 kids in multiple activities for years, my husband and I were still responsible financially and emotionally to our last child. But now he’s gone too, and I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. I started journaling more, reading my self-help books and reading everything I could on Pinterest telling me what to do now.
I imagine my mom, Marvel, found herself in a similar position after I left home. But the difference between then and now, is the unlimited information at our disposal to find help. Back in the late 80’s, my mom didn’t know she could start a new career or find a new passion to fill her time. She thought she needed to continue to stay home and take care of her husband who was the bread winner of the family. Sometimes that led to unhealthy decisions. Unfortunately, she passed away from breast cancer at the age of 66.
While I believe that was the path she chose when she was born, I also believe that we need to make sure we are paying attention and taking in the lessons she was here to teach us.
So, I decided I needed to find a way to make the most of this next chapter of my life. And with all of the information at my disposal, here is what I discovered.
How To Live Life To The Fullest After 50
1. We don’t have to do it alone
Whatever it is that you are imagining for your life, someone else has been in a similar position. All you have to do is Google your idea and lots of articles and information will show up. Read through and see what is most helpful to you.
In my research, I discovered blogging. I had followed a few blogs before but had no idea what it all entailed. It turns out there are thousands of people willing to help me. I just had to choose one and follow their directions. Every time I run into a problem or I get stuck, all I have to do is reach out to the community of bloggers on the internet, and I will find my answer.
We also have the power of the universe to help us. You just have to have faith in the understanding that God, Spirit, or whatever you name your higher power, is ready and willing to help. Know your destination and let the universe guide you.
2. There is enough for everyone
Never think you can’t have something, because you absolutely can. Not everyone is wishing or dreaming for the same things, you don’t have to worry about taking from anyone else. By attracting abundance to yourself, you are not limiting someone else. There is enough for everyone.
On that same line of thinking, remember that no one else can speak, write, paint, love, work or do what you do in the same way. You are unique and your version may be just what someone else needs. Find a way to be you again and don’t worry about what others are doing!
3. Discover what you love to do again
We need to find what we love to do and what makes us happy. Make a list of what excites you, what makes you smile, what gives you that happy feeling in your soul.
- What do you do that makes other people feel good?
- Why are others complimenting you?
- What did you do when the kids were younger or even before you were married and had kids, can you start that up again?
When you are doing what you love to do, it is easy to fill your time. And just maybe you will discover a new purpose.
4. We need self-care now more than ever
Now that you are done taking care of everyone else, it’s time to make sure you are taking care of yourself. With the downtime that comes with having an empty nest, it is easier to assess your health. Are you eating natural foods, exercising at least 30 minutes a day and getting 8 hours of sleep?
Every day is a new chance to improve your life. When you wake up every morning, you can choose to be a better version of yourself. Take the time to really get to know yourself and discover how you need to treat yourself better. Meditation and writing in your journal are great tools to help.
5. There is so much to explore
Now is your chance to go out and explore the world. What have you always wanted to do but didn’t have the time? Maybe its travel, reading, writing, taking day trips to museums, or learning more about your family tree.
Have some fun and try new things. Create a bucket list and start checking them off. Discover all of the possibilities of bringing more joy to your life.
6. We can let go
Start from this moment and decide what makes you feel good right now. Let go of what may have made you feel bad in the past. Let go of what may have been expected of you in the past. And, let go of any of the limiting beliefs that formed your past. Start fresh.
When you remember that the present moment is all we have, you can let all of that other stuff fall away.
What can you do right now to make the most of the life you have left? What will you do in your next chapter of life?
We are lucky to be alive in this age of information. We can see all of the possibilities that are available to us and do not have to feel like we are stuck or confined to the same way of life we have always lived.
I’m excited for what is in store for me now that my children are living their own independent lives. I will not take this opportunity for granted. I’m making the most of the life I have left!
About the author:

Laurie is the creative writer at Living Marvelously. Since her three kids are out of the house and living on their own, she has found herself with extra time to start doing the things she loves to do. It is time to stop sitting on the sidelines of life and chase our dreams. Living Marvelously is a website to share ways for you to make the most of this beautiful adventure that is life. She created the Living Marvelously Journal to encourage you to purposely reflect on your thoughts, feeling and dreams. You can find out more about Laurie and her work at Living Marvelously and/or on Facebook.
Allison | Start a Simple Life
Tuesday 26th of November 2019
Laurie,
How beautiful. I think sometimes we just don't know what's out there and if we do we're unsure of our skills or knowledge yet like the slogan says "Just do it!".
I keep saying I'm reinventing myself yet the other day I thought all the things I'm pursuing right now (I love being outdoors and hiking) I've always loved and now I get to do them more often. I guess I'm partially reinventing myself with a few new things I'm doing but I'm taking my passions to new levels as well.
Thanks! ~Allison