The Best Years Are Not Behind You—They’re Waiting for You to Show Up Now

Have you ever caught yourself reminiscing about the past? Thinking about old stories with family and friends - the “good ole days”. Do you find yourself thinking about it more lately? It seems like this reflection comes up as we make our way through new transitions. Maybe it’s the empty house that used to be filled with constant voices and activity. Or maybe it’s the days that used to be so busy as you were so focused on building your career and keeping up with your kids’ schedules. 

It’s quieter now. That part of your life has changed and evolved. The question that often comes up is - Is that it? Were the best years really back there somewhere?

If you’ve ever asked yourself that, you’re not alone. It’s natural to look back and reflect and smile with happy memories. But, I’m here to tell you something powerful. The best years are not behind you. They are ahead of you - just waiting for you to show up. 

You’ve Spent Decades Taking Care of Everyone Else

Think about it.

You’ve raised families, built careers, volunteered, supported spouses, organized holidays, kept homes running, and juggled a thousand invisible to-dos—often without recognition or rest.

You’ve been the steady hand, the heart of your household, the glue that held everything together.

And in the middle of all that beautiful chaos, you may have forgotten what you wanted.

Or maybe you never even had time to figure it out.

Now Is Your Time

For the first time, maybe ever, you don’t have to live your life around everyone else’s needs or schedules. It can actually make you feel a little lost - like, what am I supposed to be doing? But, it is also full of amazing possibilities.

Take time to start remembering the things you used to love doing, or wanted to do, but time didn’t allow it back then. It was too busy, and your life was wrapped up in taking care of others. 

Think about that book you always wanted to write; the art class you thought about taking; the solo trip you dreamed of but never had time for; the business idea that lit you up but felt too risky back then; the hobbies, the interests, the bold ideas—you haven’t missed your chance. You’ve been showing up for everyone else. Now it’s time to show up for you.

Rekindling the Fire Within

Take some time and ask yourself:

• What made me feel most alive when I was younger?

• What did I set aside because life got too busy?

• What have I always wanted to try or learn?

• What dreams have I thought about for years?

  
  

This isn’t about reliving the past. You don’t want to get stuck there. It’s about reconnecting with the passions and interests that you have always had and allowing them to lead you forward.

Step Into Your Second Act with Intention

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. But you can take one small step today:

• Sign up for a class.

• Start journaling.

• Create a vision board.

• Explore volunteer opportunities or part-time work that aligns with your passions.

• Make a list of 10 things you’ve always wanted to do, and commit to one this month.

  
  

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need to choose to keep showing up with curiosity, courage, and the belief that there’s more ahead for you.

You’re Not Too Old, and It’s Not Too Late

The second act is full of so many possibilities. Time has made you wiser, freer, and more resilient than you’ve ever been. And now—without the constant rush of everyone else’s needs—you have the time, the space, and the power to shape your future with intention.

The best years are not behind you. They’re waiting for you to show up, fully, bravely, and unapologetically. Let this be your time. Let this be your beginning.