Women 55+ Living Their Timeline Their Way
A Preamble
Women over 55 have always felt the pressure of societal norms—pressure to marry, have babies, work, and lead with childcare and housework. They have been expected to make meals and drive their kids to activities. And they have felt the pressure to look after aging parents—be they their parents or their partner’s parents. Finally, there is the pressure to retire from work and life and fade into the background.
I am not talking about all women, and I am not talking about all the time. Many women have embraced societal norms and thrived.
But, for most women, society has told us what to do and how to do it, and it takes enormous effort to tune those voices out and live our lives in a way that suits us.
Society has dictated our timeline, and it is time to rise and say: “I want to live my life my way!”
Why Women 55+ Should Stop Worrying About Society's Timeline
Do you ever feel you need more time to achieve specific goals? As women over 55, societal expectations can make us feel like we're racing against a clock ticking faster than we can keep up.
But what if we threw out that timeline and redefined success on our terms?
Let’s explore society's unrealistic expectations of women, why letting go of those expectations is crucial, and how to live life on our timeline.
Best of all, we'll discover the benefits of embracing our unique journey.
The unrealistic timeline society sets for women
Society sets unrealistic standards for women of all ages, particularly those over 55.
We're supposed to have achieved certain milestones, like paying off a mortgage or retiring by a certain age.
The truth is everyone's journey is unique, and these societal expectations only serve to create unnecessary stress and anxiety.
It's essential to let go of these expectations and recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all timeline for success.
When we redefine success on our terms, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities and experiences that may have been overlooked. So, let’s embrace our unique journeys.
The hard part might be knowing where we want to go. If you could clear all the ‘you musts’ and ‘you shoulds’ from your head, where would you like to go, and what would you like to do?
Why it's important to let go of others’ expectations
Society's timeline for women 55+ can be a source of pressure and anxiety. The expectations of achieving certain milestones by a certain age can feel overwhelming.
By holding onto these expectations, we limit ourselves and our possible experiences.
Letting go of these societal pressures allows us to redefine success on our terms, explore new possibilities, and embrace our journeys.
By doing so, we can live on our terms and define success.
It is fun to follow Carol and Ken on YouTube, as they have decided life is too short and have embarked on wild camping adventures. They are living their lives on their terms with their definition of success.
How to redefine success on your terms
Redefining success on your terms can be empowering and liberating. It allows you to focus on what truly matters and make choices that align with your values and priorities.
Acknowledging your strengths, passions, and purpose is essential to starting to redefine success and living intentionally. Ask yourself what makes you feel fulfilled and what you want to achieve.
Be bold, think outside the box, and explore new possibilities, even if they don't fit the traditional definition of success.
Remember that success is not just about achieving external markers of status or wealth; it's also about finding meaning and joy in your everyday life.
By embracing your unique journey and defining success on your terms, you can unlock your full potential and live a fulfilling and satisfying life. This can bring many benefits to your well-being and happiness.
The benefits of living life on your timeline
It allows you to prioritize your personal goals and aspirations above societal expectations. When you focus on your timeline, you can pursue your passions, build meaningful relationships, and create a fulfilling life that aligns with your values.
By doing so, you can avoid the pressure and stress of meeting external expectations that may not align with your personal goals.
Another benefit of living on your timeline is the freedom to make the best decisions for your health and well-being.
When societal norms do not constrain you, you can live a life that prioritizes your physical, emotional, and mental health.
This means taking breaks when needed, saying no to commitments that don't serve you, and prioritizing self-care activities that make you feel good.
Putting your well-being first can improve your overall quality of life and help you experience more joy and fulfillment.
Living on your timeline has many benefits that can positively impact your well-being and happiness.
Finally, living life on your timeline allows you to embrace your unique journey and appreciate the lessons and experiences you've had.
When you're not fixated on achieving external markers of success, you can enjoy the present moment and reflect on the growth and development you've undergone. This can lead to greater self-awareness, appreciation for your journey, and profound gratitude for meaningful relationships and experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, living on your terms can be a liberating and empowering experience that benefits your well-being and happiness.
By prioritizing your personal goals, health, and unique journey, you can unlock your full potential and create a fulfilling and satisfying life.
The pressure to conform to society's timeline can be overwhelming, especially for women over 55. However, it's time to let go of these expectations and embrace your path.
To be successful or happy, you must achieve certain milestones by age. However, you can live a more fulfilling and meaningful life by redefining success on your terms.
So, let go of the stress and anxiety and start living your best life now.
As Tony Robbins once said, "The only impossible journey is the one you never begin."
Note: We have an Exploring Your Timeline workbook to help you understand where you have been, where you are now, and where you want to go. Doing the exercises will help you make better decisions about your future. Download it now!
Further Reading
From Chris: “Women 55+ Meeting Challenges Head On.”
From Statistics Canada: “The Economic Well-Being of Women in Canada.” A thorough study and report.
From Vanity Fair: “Defying Society's Timelines for Women.” Eye-opening and inspiring! Young women are telling their stories.
From Politico Magazine: “What Are the Biggest Problems Women Face Today?”
From The National Institute on Aging: “10 Myths About Aging.”
From NBC News: “Aging is a woman's secret power — and the data proves it.”
A Challenge For You:
To further explore your timeline, click the link for your workbook.
Complete the first exercise in the booklet, exploring your timeline and noting times when you followed others’ expectations instead of your own.
Complete the second exercise in the workbook, exploring how you handle change, and choose one area of your life you want to change and plan that change intentionally.
Plan to make that happen and do it.
Celebrate.
You are amazing!
Please consider sharing a link to this blog or site with people you know who could use it and pass it on to others. Also, please share your thoughts with me. And … I would be appreciative of a coffee and croissant.
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