If you’re over 40 and wondering “What’s next?”, you are not alone—and you are not lost. You are awakening. You’re shedding old roles, outdated expectations, and stories that no longer fit. You’re not having a midlife crisis. You’re stepping into a midlife rebirth. And that, my friend, is powerful.
I know this, because I’m right there with you.
At 47, I’ve lost 147 pounds, paid off over $32K in debt, transformed my style and beauty routine, earned my life coaching certification, started a brand-new job, and surrounded myself with women who see me. But most importantly? I’ve redefined my life’s purpose—and let me tell you, it didn’t come overnight. It came from doing the work.
So if you’re craving more meaning, more passion, and more direction in this second half of life—this post is for you. Let’s walk through it together.
By 40, most women have spent decades doing what was expected of them:
✔ Raising kids
✔ Holding it down at work
✔ Showing up for family
✔ Nurturing everyone but themselves
But now—maybe the kids are grown, the job feels “meh,” and you’re realizing that you have needs, dreams, and a voice that’s been whispering:
There has to be more.
And there is.
The difference between a life that feels like you’re just going through the motions and a life that feels aligned, joyful, and vibrant?
Finding your new purpose after 40 isn’t just about your career or a side hustle (though it might include that!). It’s about waking up excited for the day. It’s about showing up as your full, authentic self. It’s about making choices that align with who you are becoming—not who you used to be.
Let’s get real—life purpose is not some magical unicorn that you either find or you don’t. It’s not one single thing that lasts forever.
Your purpose can evolve.
It can be layered.
And it’s allowed to look different at 47 than it did at 27.
At its core, your life purpose is the intersection of what you love, what lights you up, what serves others, and what feels meaningful to YOU.
It’s a feeling of being connected to your life—not just running on autopilot.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably already feeling the nudge. But here are some telltale signs:
• You feel restless, uninspired, or bored—even if life looks “fine” on the outside
• You daydream about a completely different life
• You’re craving more freedom, creativity, or joy
• You’ve achieved what you were supposed to—and now you’re asking, “What now?”
• You’re feeling called to give back, teach, create, or share what you’ve learned
These feelings aren’t random. They’re invitations.
This is where we get into the juicy part—the process of rediscovering yourself and reinventing your path. It’s a mix of reflection, clarity, and aligned action. You don’t have to figure it all out at once. Just take the next right step.
You are not the same woman you were at 25—and that’s a beautiful thing.
Before you define a new purpose, get reacquainted with the current you.
Ask yourself:
• What are my core values right now?
• What brings me joy—deep, soul-level joy?
• What drains me?
• What have I outgrown?
Tip: Grab your journal and write “I feel most alive when…” and let your pen flow for 5-10 minutes. You’ll start to uncover clues.
Your purpose is often hidden in your own story. Think about:
• What challenges have you overcome?
• What lessons have you learned the hard way?
• What do friends come to you for advice on?
• What could your younger self never have imagined you’d survive—or thrive through?
Your purpose may be to teach, share, coach, create, support, or serve in a way that honors your journey.
Remember: The things you’ve healed from are often the things you’re meant to help others with.
Let go of the “shoulds.” After 40, it’s time to stop people-pleasing and start truth-telling.
Ask yourself:
• If I didn’t care what anyone thought, what would I do with my life?
• What would I try if I knew I couldn’t fail?
• What have I always dreamed of—but told myself it’s too late?
Spoiler alert: It’s never too late.
You may want more flexibility. You may crave stillness or adventure or contribution. Your purpose needs to match your life season—not fight it.
Be honest:
• What are my real responsibilities right now?
• How much time/energy can I give?
• What would feel expansive, not overwhelming?
Your purpose doesn’t have to be a huge job or business. It could be becoming a mentor, starting a passion project, or leading a group of women like you.
Purpose isn’t always revealed in one “aha” moment. Often, it comes through doing.
• Volunteer in a space you care about
• Take a course that sparks curiosity
• Write, paint, walk, speak—follow the breadcrumbs
• Say YES to opportunities that feel like you
• Notice what energizes you vs. drains you
Purpose grows with action, not overthinking.
To get your creative juices flowing, here are some real-world midlife reinvention ideas:
• Becoming a life coach, wellness coach, or mentor
• Writing a blog, book, or starting a podcast (hey, I did it!)
• Starting a passion-based side hustle or small biz
• Teaching, guiding, or creating content
• Building community—online or in your city
• Advocating for a cause close to your heart
• Returning to school or learning something brand new
• Creating art, music, or something beautiful
Your purpose can be bold or quiet, public or private—it just has to feel aligned with you.
First, breathe.
There’s no rush and no deadline. You’re not behind.
Here’s what I want you to remember:
• You’re not empty—you’re evolving.
• You don’t have to find purpose—you can create it.
• Every small step you take toward alignment reveals the path.
• Clarity comes from engagement, not sitting on the sidelines.
• You already have wisdom. You already have gifts. The world needs them.
Let me share something personal.
Three years ago, I was 390 lbs, buried in $32K of debt, stuck in default living, and barely recognizing myself. I had no real friendships, no confidence, and no clear direction. I was exhausted and invisible.
But something inside me woke up.
I started walking every day.
I started feeding myself better.
I started believing I was worth saving.
One choice at a time, I rebuilt my life—from the inside out.
Today, I’m 147 lbs lighter, working a new job I love, debt-free, surrounded by uplifting women, and sharing my glow-up journey as a life coach, blogger, and podcaster. I show up every day helping women over 40 awaken and reinvent—and that is my purpose.
If I can do it, so can you.
Ready to get started? Use these prompts:
1.What do I want the second half of my life to feel like?
2.What did I love doing as a child or teen before life got busy?
3.Who do I admire—and what about them inspires me?
4.What would I do every day, even if no one paid me?
5.What would I regret not doing 10 years from now?
Defining your life purpose after 40 isn’t about being perfect or having it all figured out.
It’s about listening to that small, strong voice inside that says:
“There’s more for me.”
More joy.
More meaning.
More you.
So go create it. Write the next chapter. Start where you are. And know that I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
You’re not behind—you’re becoming.
If this post spoke to your heart, leave a comment below and share your story. And don’t forget to subscribe to The Midlife Glow Report podcast and my newsletter at www.jaxstys.com for more midlife glow-up inspiration.
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