How To Embrace Midlife and Thrive Through Change – My Interview with Ashley Longstaff
In this enlightening conversation with Ashley Longstaff, I share my journey from teaching for over 30 years to creating a new life in Noosa's hinterland. We explore the realities of midlife transitions — from career pivots and empty nests to health challenges and reimagining what comes next. This honest discussion reveals why midlife isn't something to merely survive but rather a powerful opportunity to create a life aligned with your true values and desires.
Key Takeaways
The Midlife Essence (40-65) is filled with transitions that can either overwhelm you or become catalysts for positive change. After decades of living for others, this is your opportunity to redesign life on your terms.
Values Alignment is crucial for fulfilment. When feeling unsettled or restless, examine if your current lifestyle matches your core values. Many women experience dissatisfaction because they are living misaligned with what truly matters to them.
Health Must Be Prioritised during midlife transitions. With 80% of women over 50 developing two or more chronic diseases, establishing strong health habits now is non-negotiable. Even small, consistent actions make a significant difference.
Boundaries Are Essential for self-care. Start with small, non-negotiable commitments to yourself—like dedicated exercise time or morning rituals—and gradually expand these boundaries as your family adapts.
Take 100% Responsibility for your life moving forward. Instead of waiting for circumstances to change, actively create the future you want through intentional choices. Knowledge without action creates no transformation.
A big thank you to Ashely Longstaff for the ‘podswap’ and being able to share our experiences with more women in midlife.
Connect with Ashley
www.lovingcolour.au/colouranalysis - Virtual Colour Analysis
www.instagram.com/lovingcolour__ - Follow Ashley on Instagram
https://www.lovingcolour.au/podcasts/life-in-colour - Life In Colour Podcast
Moving Forward
The biggest regret of the dying, as palliative care nurse Bronnie Ware discovered, is "I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me." Don't wait until it's too late to create a life that excites you. Whether through small daily choices or bold new directions, you have the power to redefine what midlife means for you. Remember, knowledge is only potential power — it's putting what you know into action that creates real change.
Connect with Me
Join Better Than Before: joclarkcoaching.com/better
Share your journey with me by sending me a message on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/
Email me your success story at jo@joclarkcoaching.com.
What you do today shapes your tomorrow. Your health matters because YOU matter.
Here’s to redefining midlife and making our next half of life even better than the first.
