"...the source of self-respect springs from "the willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life." This hit home for me. I am fortunate to have been able to have followed my own creative quests all my life (along with doing the marriage and children thing, for a number of years) But in looking back, there were many years when I guess I didn't really have deep self-respect, and looked for it outside of myself. Now at 71, as a solo artist/writer, I have truly accepted responsibility for my own life, and I am basking in knowing I've made the right choices (mostly.) Great post!
Thank you so much for sharing your story here. I've spent too much time looking for my self-worth from external sources. Learning to let that go is freeing!! You made me realize something new just now-- accepting responsibility for your life isn't only "taking action" or being "accountable" as I tended to think, it's about giving yourself grace, and taking ownership of your self-worth and value. Wow. Thank you. 💗🙏
At 62 almost 63, i have started the process of renewing my life. Im pursuing my passion in fashion. Haha. I'm not a writer but i love to read on Substack. I'm throwing my cares away and diving head first into what I want to do and see where it takes
Me. I applaud your decision and I'm here for the joy ride. Let's go!!! 💪🏻💯🎉
Lovely piece. Also choosing a “reinvention dream, to pursue a creative life amid the peaceful and ever-changing Vermont landscape” here in southern VT. I am continuously thinking, Writing, longing for authentic living. Glad I found your writing.
Your post really resonated with me, especially the part about reframing the question to “What do I want?” and then making every decision in favor of it. It's empowering, but I’ve been learning firsthand that it’s not always as simple or easy, depending on where you’re starting from. For me, the process of reinvention has been deeply intertwined with trauma healing, and that adds layers of complexity to every choice. There’s a lot of unlearning and rediscovering to be done, which can feel overwhelming at times.
But, like you, I’m striving to carve out that path, to embrace creativity and purpose. I appreciate the reminder that it's never too late to decide and make those small, brave choices each day. Thanks for sharing your journey—it's encouraging to see that even through the struggles, reinvention is possible.
Wishing you all the best on your walk (literal and figurative)!
Exactly. Until we don’t—because eventually, we arrive in a different space where trauma no longer drives our decisions. In that space, those deeply embedded patterns tied to past pain start to shift. The healing process transforms them into something new, a different way of being. It’s not that the trauma disappears, but it becomes integrated, no longer dictating our every move. It’s a powerful shift when those old automatisms give way to a more intentional, liberated version of ourselves.
Thank you for reading and commenting Jay. I try when writing these posts to convey that I do not have it all figured out. The last thing I want is to make it look "easy" because it's just not. And you are 100% right, healing is part of reinvention. Rest, reflection, recovery -- all come before the big AHA and the next big thing. Then, for me at least, when I think I've got it all figure out .... shit happens and we continue, like in nature, the cycle again. Rest, reflect, recover. Cudos to you for DECIDING to prioritize your healing.
Catherine! I feel like I’ve found a friend! I just retired at 59 from 35 years in education, so I could pursue my passions - writing, speaking , my podcast — full time —hoping I can help folks ‘( likely mostly women) move toward a life that is more fulfilling, happier and healthier, and to realize what it takes to achieve those things, sooner than I did. My daily morning mantra is: “ I can imagine the life I want, and I can create that life with the choices I make.” Here’s what I got tattooed on my arm at 50: Be brave.
Ha! I got a tattoo after I quit my job too (my first at age 56 was a 3-leaf clover!). I wish I could add a photo here of the second one I got when I decided to pursue writing full time. It says "Become who you are." A brave act if ever there was one--being one's true self! Be BRAVE! Work hard, and believe you can create the life you want!
Just have to jump in here as another mid-life tattooer! I just thought FUCK IT! WHY NOT? Thank you for the beautiful article Catherine - I’ve also spent 20 years inside the corporate marketing machine, terrified to stretch my creative wings. I’m finally ready 😁
First the universe was nudging me, then it resorted to just kicking me 😂 I left my full time marketing job in April and have been freelance since then. Carving out more time to work on things that light me up. It’s been scary but very rewarding. The biggest 💡 moment for me was giving myself permission to create for the simple joy of it without any expectations. As a recovering perfectionist who’d rather not start something than fail at it, this is a daily practice.
What do I want? What do I need? Who do I wish to be? are powerful questions. I enjoyed reading this post.
Indeed. I wish I had the answers! Thank you for reading.
"...the source of self-respect springs from "the willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life." This hit home for me. I am fortunate to have been able to have followed my own creative quests all my life (along with doing the marriage and children thing, for a number of years) But in looking back, there were many years when I guess I didn't really have deep self-respect, and looked for it outside of myself. Now at 71, as a solo artist/writer, I have truly accepted responsibility for my own life, and I am basking in knowing I've made the right choices (mostly.) Great post!
Thank you so much for sharing your story here. I've spent too much time looking for my self-worth from external sources. Learning to let that go is freeing!! You made me realize something new just now-- accepting responsibility for your life isn't only "taking action" or being "accountable" as I tended to think, it's about giving yourself grace, and taking ownership of your self-worth and value. Wow. Thank you. 💗🙏
You just made my day, Catherine. 😊 What a lovely response! And many thanks for the restack!
At 62 almost 63, i have started the process of renewing my life. Im pursuing my passion in fashion. Haha. I'm not a writer but i love to read on Substack. I'm throwing my cares away and diving head first into what I want to do and see where it takes
Me. I applaud your decision and I'm here for the joy ride. Let's go!!! 💪🏻💯🎉
Pursuing a passion is very in fashion! 😉
This really spoke to this woman who has spent 35 years working as a paralegal--not what I wanted--and is now making different decisions.
P.S. I love Remains of the Day.
I can't believe I waited so long to read it!
Lovely piece. Also choosing a “reinvention dream, to pursue a creative life amid the peaceful and ever-changing Vermont landscape” here in southern VT. I am continuously thinking, Writing, longing for authentic living. Glad I found your writing.
Thanks for reading. Always great to hear from a fellow Vermonter!
Catherine,
Your post really resonated with me, especially the part about reframing the question to “What do I want?” and then making every decision in favor of it. It's empowering, but I’ve been learning firsthand that it’s not always as simple or easy, depending on where you’re starting from. For me, the process of reinvention has been deeply intertwined with trauma healing, and that adds layers of complexity to every choice. There’s a lot of unlearning and rediscovering to be done, which can feel overwhelming at times.
But, like you, I’m striving to carve out that path, to embrace creativity and purpose. I appreciate the reminder that it's never too late to decide and make those small, brave choices each day. Thanks for sharing your journey—it's encouraging to see that even through the struggles, reinvention is possible.
Wishing you all the best on your walk (literal and figurative)!
Warmly,
Jay
Exactly. Until we don’t—because eventually, we arrive in a different space where trauma no longer drives our decisions. In that space, those deeply embedded patterns tied to past pain start to shift. The healing process transforms them into something new, a different way of being. It’s not that the trauma disappears, but it becomes integrated, no longer dictating our every move. It’s a powerful shift when those old automatisms give way to a more intentional, liberated version of ourselves.
Wise words.
Thank you for reading and commenting Jay. I try when writing these posts to convey that I do not have it all figured out. The last thing I want is to make it look "easy" because it's just not. And you are 100% right, healing is part of reinvention. Rest, reflection, recovery -- all come before the big AHA and the next big thing. Then, for me at least, when I think I've got it all figure out .... shit happens and we continue, like in nature, the cycle again. Rest, reflect, recover. Cudos to you for DECIDING to prioritize your healing.
Catherine! I feel like I’ve found a friend! I just retired at 59 from 35 years in education, so I could pursue my passions - writing, speaking , my podcast — full time —hoping I can help folks ‘( likely mostly women) move toward a life that is more fulfilling, happier and healthier, and to realize what it takes to achieve those things, sooner than I did. My daily morning mantra is: “ I can imagine the life I want, and I can create that life with the choices I make.” Here’s what I got tattooed on my arm at 50: Be brave.
I’m so here with you.
Ha! I got a tattoo after I quit my job too (my first at age 56 was a 3-leaf clover!). I wish I could add a photo here of the second one I got when I decided to pursue writing full time. It says "Become who you are." A brave act if ever there was one--being one's true self! Be BRAVE! Work hard, and believe you can create the life you want!
Just have to jump in here as another mid-life tattooer! I just thought FUCK IT! WHY NOT? Thank you for the beautiful article Catherine - I’ve also spent 20 years inside the corporate marketing machine, terrified to stretch my creative wings. I’m finally ready 😁
Have you made the leap? Scary, but when you know, you know!
First the universe was nudging me, then it resorted to just kicking me 😂 I left my full time marketing job in April and have been freelance since then. Carving out more time to work on things that light me up. It’s been scary but very rewarding. The biggest 💡 moment for me was giving myself permission to create for the simple joy of it without any expectations. As a recovering perfectionist who’d rather not start something than fail at it, this is a daily practice.
Yay you! You're doing it!