The opportunity of midlife

The Midlife Metamorphosis: Embracing the next chapter

"I just don't recognise myself anymore."

These words echo through my workshops, client conversations, and coffee dates with friends. They capture a sentiment so many women share during their midlife transition. While this can feel unsettling, I've come to see it as something potentially powerful - a catalyst for powerful change in our lives.

Understanding the transformation

Think of this phase as your chrysalis moment. Yes, you're in what I like to call the "caterpillar soup of transformation," and while that might feel messy and uncertain, it's also incredibly full of potential.

The changes are real and significant. Your relationship with your body, brain, emotions, and place in the world is shifting. Hormones are reshaping your experience, energy levels are fluctuating, and you might be facing new physical challenges you've never encountered before.

Beyond "getting back to normal"

It's natural to want to return to your familiar self - the version of you that felt more predictable and understood. But here's what I find exciting: this transition offers an opportunity to do more than just recover your old self. It's a chance to consciously shape who you want to become.

Do you remember when we wanted to get back to normal in 2020 after lockdowns and so many changes in our day to day lives? I wonder if we missed an opportunity for a life-style re-set then?

Crafting a new chapter

The key lies in making yourself a priority, perhaps for the first time in decades. This means:

Creating a foundation of physical wellbeing through movement and nourishment that works for your changing body

Protecting your mental clarity with adequate rest and intentional self-care practices

Building networks of support through friendships, family connections, and communities of shared interests

A wiser approach to energy

While you might miss the boundless energy of your 30s, remember that you now carry something equally valuable: experience and wisdom. The next phase of your life can combine this hard-won wisdom with renewed vitality - not by trying to turn back time, but by creating something new and powerful.

The power of curiosity

Instead of resisting these changes, try approaching them with curiosity. Ask yourself:

  • Who do I want to be next?

  • What matters most to me now?

  • How can I channel my experience into creating a life that truly resonates with who I'm becoming?

Your midlife transformation isn't just about managing symptoms or "getting through" a challenging phase. It's an opportunity to consciously craft the next chapter of your life, drawing on both your accumulated wisdom and your renewed understanding of what truly matters to you.

Remember, the butterfly doesn't try to be a better caterpillar - it becomes something entirely new, while carrying forward all the essential elements of what it once was. Your midlife transformation offers the same opportunity: not to become a "better" version of your younger self, but to emerge as something fresh and powerful in your own right.

The journey through this transformation isn't always smooth, but with the right support and mindset, it can be one of the most rewarding phases of your life. This is your time to prioritize your wellbeing, redefine your energy, and step confidently into your next chapter.

Ready to write the next chapter?

If you're feeling called to make this midlife transition truly transformative, I'd love to support you on that journey. My 12-month coaching programme offers you the space, guidance, and practical tools to navigate this profound life change with confidence and purpose.

Working together through all four seasons, we'll address both your immediate wellbeing needs and your deeper aspirations for this next phase of life. Whether you're struggling with energy levels, seeking better sleep, or feeling ready to redefine who you are, this comprehensive programme provides the sustained support you need to make lasting changes.

This isn't a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all approach. It's a thoughtfully paced journey that honors your individual experience while building the habits, mindset, and strategies that will serve you well beyond menopause.

If you're ready to embrace your metamorphosis and step into thriving through midlife and beyond, then come join my new workshop, “What’s next? The opportunity of menopause”




Lesley Waldron