In todays world where ageism and sexism often intersect, women over 40 often find themselves contending with a barrage of stereotypes and misconceptions that overshadow what is there in brilliance and resilience. From the boardroom to the beauty aisle, society’s narrow lens fails to capture the multifaceted nature of women in this age group. But amidst the noise of societal expectations and age-old prejudices, achievements and experience are all things embodied within women of long reach.
Stereotypes lurk in the shadows of societal norms and cultural biases, ready to pounce at the slightest provocation. Thankfully every day we see women over 40, many in their 50s, 60s and 70s taking hold of the unique opportunity to become public influencers in heath, fitness, fashion, and business stepping outside the “norm” and proving loud and proud excellence. These women seemlessly navigate obstacles including the outdated notion that women over a certain age are past their prime.
The Power of Transformation
There often comes a moment when the familiar road we’ve been traveling diverges, and we find ourselves standing at a crossroads, faced with a choice—to follow the well-worn path or to forge a new trail, guided by our dreams, passions, and convictions. This choice can be a tricky one as the intricacies of expectation from others, our careers, finances, relationships, and family come into play. Most likely if you’ve weathered one storm or another, you look forward to that next as a journey of transformation.
In the last year, more and more women over 40 are proudly transforming their lives. A lawyer announced on social media that she went back to school to become a therapist, and a C-Suite executive announced writing her first novel with the desire to for a TV deal. Every where I turn others have made testimonies about finding their true calling. It is a time of freedom and exploration, a time to shed the expectations of others and embrace the fullness of who you are. It is a time to forge new paths, to challenge the status quo, and to redefine what it means to be a woman of 40 in today’s world.
Women in this age group drive innovation, foster collaboration, and shape the future of business and industry. In a 2023 article for AmericanProgress.org, Beth Almeida and Sara Estep, “Five Facts on Older Women In the Labor Market”, women 55 and older are benefiting from rhistorical job growth after rebounding from pandemic lows. This surge in workforce participation is not just a testament to the economic necessity of working later in life but also a reflection of the intention and determination.
But such achievements extend far beyond the boardroom. Women over 40 are prioritizing their health like never before, engaging in regular exercise, adopting healthier eating habits, and seeking out preventive care to safeguard their well-being. The Mckensey Health Institute recognises a $1Trillion dollar opportunity in the preventative healthcare market for women.
Contrary to popular belief, women over 40 are not resigned to a life of solitude or settling for less than they deserve. The Pew Research Center found that in growing numbers, they are choosing to remain single or delay marriage, focusing instead on personal fulfillment, career advancement, and self-discovery.
Ariel Felton, in her article entitled “Adventure Travel is a Growth Industry Thanks to Women Over 40”, their travels are estimated to be worth $2 trillion by 2032, with spending power and adventurous spirits driving tourism expontentially. Whether it’s embarking on solo expeditions, group tours, or luxury getaways, these women are seizing the opportunity to explore new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes, enriching lives and broadening their horizons in the process.
Embracing The Path Forward
It’s often the questions we ask ourselves that illuminate the path forward, guiding us toward a deeper understanding of who we are and what truly matters to us as we explore our impact.
Prominent coaches and thought leaders have long recognized the power of introspection and self-inquiry in fostering personal growth and fulfillment. By asking ourselves probing questions, we can uncover hidden truths, challenge limiting beliefs, and embrace the fullness of our character without falling prey to comparison or self-doubt.
Here are some questions from prominent coaches that can help during transformative times:
By exploring our core values we can tackle our true power and provide clarity and direction in navigating life’s challenges and opportunities. Lets align our choices with our values, and live with greater integrity and authenticity.
Ask: What are my core values, and how do they inform my decisions and actions?
By acknowledging our strengths we can create a narrative about our unique talents and abilities, while redefining our weaknesses opening the door to growth and development. Lets embrace both aspects of ourselves and cultivate resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Ask: What are my strengths and weaknesses, and how can I leverage them to achieve my goals?
By addressing our fears and insecurities, we can create a plan to realize our full potential without the blockages of the past. Lets challenge these limiting beliefs and free ourselves from their grip and step into our power with confidence and courage.
Ask: What limiting beliefs or self-imposed barriers am I holding onto, and how can I release them?
By measuring achievement without the influence of others. It can be easy to lose sight of what truly matters to us on a deeper level with society pounding wealth and matrerialism. Lets cultivate a sense of fulfillment and purpose that is authentic and meaningful to us.
Ask: How do I define success and fulfillment on my own terms, separate from societal expectations or external validation?
By identifying the activities, relationships, and experiences that bring us joy and allow us to prioritize self-care and nourish our souls. Lets cultivate a sense of balance and well-being to fuel our personal growth and fulfillment.
Ask: What brings me joy and fulfillment, and how can I incorporate more of these elements into my daily life?
Exploring these questions can be a powerful catalyst for self-discovery and transformation, empowering us to embrace our character without comparison and walk our own path with confidence and conviction.
As we wrap up our exploration of what we know is the exciting potential of women over 40, I urge you to pause and reflect on the profound power within your own narrative. It’s so easy to lose site of the importance in the beauty and strength found in our individual stories. No more obsessively fixating on youth and conformity. It is precisely by embracing our unique experiences and crafting our own vision for the future that we unlock the true essence of fulfillment and empowerment.
Dear Tribe, lets step boldly into the unknown together, embracing the uncertainty and endless possibilities like an open road. It is within the liminal spaces of life—the spaces between what was and what is yet to come—that we discover the freedom to redefine our paths, challenge outdated norms, and shape our destinies.
As you embark on this journey of self-discovery and personal growth, may you be guided by the wisdom of The Liminal Tribe. Use these narratives to weave together our collective experiences and to fully embrace, with courage, grace, and unwavering courage to create the best chapters yet to come.
Btwix & Between Liminal Tribe!
Dawn
Links to articles:
https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/closing-the-womens-health-gap-a-1-trillion-dollar-opportunity-to-improve-lives-and-economie
https://washingtonpost.com/business/2024/01/16/women-adventure-travel/