There comes a point in our lives where the house is finally quieter and our calendars reflect more empty space. The kids are grown and even though we’re still busy, we’ve finally got a little time for ourselves. This is the perfect time for us to reimagine life in the days ahead.
For some, the idea of time for ourselves may be terrifying. For others, it’s a long awaited gift.
Either way it leads us to ask the question, “What do I want next?“
The question is laced both with freedom and exhilaration and uncertainty and perhaps even some anxiety. We’ve spent so many years taking care of everyone else, building our homes, and working, that even thinking about our own goals and dreams may feel strange – if not outright indulgent.
But thinking about the years ahead doesn’t mean that life is over. Instead it’s an invitation to reimagine what your life can be, not just about what it should be.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
Reimagine A Life That’s Not “Perfect”
Many of us (myself included) have spent years chasing after perfection – the perfect home, the perfect job, the perfect family (including those perfectly behaved children), and the perfect image.
But perfection simply doesn’t exist and the pursuit of it often causes us to postpone other things. We have this feeling that once everything is “just right” we’ll get around to those other things we’ve been thinking and dreaming about.
This Goldilocks approach to life keeps us stuck spinning our wheels chasing after an illusion.
The honest truth is that nothing, no one, and no life is perfect…and it doesn’t need to be!
An imperfect life can be an absolutely beautiful one if it’s the one that makes you happy, gives you purpose, makes you feel fulfilled, and allows you to enjoy your days, your relationships, and your home.
You’ve spent years building all of the above and it’s now time to enjoy the fruits of your labors and be at peace with your life…despite its imperfections. It’s time to reimagine life as it could be for you in this new phase of life.
Decide To Dream Again After 55
Dreaming again when we’re older doesn’t have to mean grandiose plans or taking big scary risks. That’s a fallacy we may have bought into.
Instead, dreaming at this stage is more about listening to our inner wisdom. It’s about not ignoring that small voice that whispers in our ear telling us there’s still more out there for us if we’ll just believe in ourselves.
You might start by asking yourself:
- What would make my days more peaceful?
- What do I want more of in my life and what do I want less of?
- What’s something I’ve always wanted to do or try…even just once?
Here’s the key – your dreams don’t have to be huge in order to be meaningful. They only need to matter to you!
One strategy that may help you unlock the dreams you’ve ignored is to create a vision board. And yes, I used to think they were silly (because I’m not one who jumps on bandwagons or gets wrapped up in what I think are mere trends). But after creating a couple for myself I learned that once again, my initial reluctance was just my own stubbornness and hesitation to try something new and different.
Perhaps you’d like to take a class, go someplace you’ve never been before, learn to paint, volunteer for an organization that’s close to your heart. Or maybe you’d like to just slow down and enjoy what already IS.
For me personally, reimagining life has led me to finally admit that I want to write fiction books and to carve out time for that work.
Dump The Idea Of Perfect Timing
How many times have you told yourself you’ll do something “when things settle down.”
I’ve got a friend and we laugh about how naive we were when we were younger and thought we’d be less busy once the kids were grown or when we retired.
The joke was on us because life never really settles down. It simply shifts. And waiting for the perfect time frequently robs of the joy of the moment we’re in.
You don’t need a perfect plan or to know every single step you’re going to take in the future – you just need to take the first step. You’ll figure the rest out along the way.
But you won’t figure the steps out – they won’t be revealed to you – unless you take the first one…even if it’s scary.
So I’m going to encourage you to do one little thing in the next week:
- Write down five things you’d like to do or experience in the coming year
- Decide which one you’re going to do or try first
- Refresh a corner of your home
- Spend a day with yourself doing something that restores your soul
Every little step you take – even if it requires you to summon some serious courage – opens the door for more of the life you want and have imagined to flow in.
Accepting That Imperfection Often Precedes Freedom
When we finally release the idea of “perfect” we begin to see possibilities – and beauty – all around us.
Those projects we started but didn’t get around to finish – they’re a possibility. That clutter in the living room – a possibility to recreate the space more to your liking.
In fact, I believe so strongly in the idea of releasing things that I’ve chosen it as my word of the year for 2026. There are many things I want to release and let go of and perfectionism is close to the top of the list.
Letting go – releasing – is all about finally living our lives fully on our own terms. And I’m all in for it! Goodness knows I’ve waited long enough. I bet you have too.
Reimagine Life & Be Open To A New Purpose
You’ve poured yourself into others – and other things – for most of your life.
It’s now time for you to receive something in return – the time, space, and perhaps even the permission – to create a life you love that reflects your wisdom, curiosity, efforts, and peace.
Reimagining your life after 55 isn’t about tossing everything and starting over (although you can if that’s what you want).
Instead it’s about being yourself as you were created to be.
So give yourself permission to dream again. Not because everything in life (including the timing) is perfect, but because you are ready!
The perfect time isn’t out there. And if not now, then when?
A couple of books that I’ve found helpful:
I read the book, Wishcraft: How to Get What You Really Want by Barbara Sher, for the first time back many years ago and found it helpful – and not too “woo woo” for me. It’s on my reading list again for 2026.
Be Your Future Self Now by Dr. Benjamin Hardy is a book I first read either in early 2025 or late 2024. I took more notes and highlighted more information than in almost any other book I’ve ever read and learned so many positive things. I’ve been recommending this one to everyone I know.
More before you go:
Stop Causing Your Own Frenzy!
Ever had one of those days when everything went wrong? You headed to an appointment only to discover that the car needed gas. Or when you were getting ready to attend an important function, you found that the outfit you intended to wear was in the laundry hamper. Or perhaps the toilet began overflowing…again…and you…
Why I Recommend Power Sheets To Friends
One thing I’m not shy about is telling others about great products I’ve found and use. After all, I prefer to hear about great products from people I know and trust, so it makes sense that I’d sing the praises for things I know are awesome. One of those products is the Power Sheets. This…
Age Is No Excuse – Set Those Goals Now!
Have you ever been frustrated because it felt like men have always been supported in their dreams and goals while you have…not? Now, it may be the old feminist in me but it seems pretty obvious that women have not had the same support for their goals and dreams that men have had. All I’ve had…
5 Reasons You Don’t Know What You Want
Do you wonder if there’s something wrong with you if you’re not sure what you want going forward into the next chapter of your life? You’re definitely not alone and no…there’s nothing wrong with you. In fact, it’s not uncommon for older women to struggle when they’re thinking about what they want for the next…
I’m a retired educator, mom of three adult children, cancer warrior, sandwich generation member, and lover of life!
I help older women create & live a life they love through radical self acceptance, unapologetic goal pursuit, and relishing the joys of home.
Cinnamon Sugar Monkey Bread