Well, howdy there, sugar! Now, if you’ve clicked on this article thinking you’ll just skim through it, I have to warn you—you’re going to want to stick around until the end. But hey, go ahead and click that little ‘back’ button if you think this isn’t worth your time. Trust me, you won’t regret staying. Wink, wink.
Alright, let’s get down to it. Why is it that we lovely ladies often find ourselves diving into new and rediscovered passions after the big 5-0? If you’re thinking it might be to stave off empty nest syndrome or simply keeping the old noggin alert, you’re just scratching the surface! Oh, honey, you should’ve listened to me all those years ago, but better late than never, right?
Goodbye, Distractions
First off, let’s talk about one big reason: distractions, or should I say the lack thereof! Those of us who’ve been wrangling kids, grandkids, husbands, or even the occasional rambunctious pet know that our lives have been filled with interruptions. Suddenly around 50, the kids have flown the coop. That hubby? Well, he might still need some wrangling, but at least he knows how to find the remote control by now. With everyone a bit more self-sufficient, us gals can finally focus on ourselves.
And boy, does that come with its own set of hilarious situations! I remember rediscovering my love for painting. I bought myself an easel and some paints, set ‘em up, and then thought, “Now what am I supposed to paint?” So here I am, experimenting with different styles, often ending up looking like a Picasso fever dream more than anything. But it’s all in good fun!
A New Lease on Life
Another reason we blossom into passions is a new perspective. There’s something about hitting 50 that makes you say, “Why the heck not?” Call it wisdom, call it not having time for nonsense, but whatever it is, it makes us bolder. I recently took up ballroom dancing, and let me tell you, watching my husband try to keep up is a spectacle worth the price of admission. Sometimes, he looks like a chicken chasing a June bug! But we have a good laugh, and isn’t that what it’s all about?
Speaking of chickens and June bugs, the garden has another one of my rediscovered loves. Every morning I hop out there, clippers in hand, hat on head, ready to tackle the jungle. There’s something downright spiritual about getting your hands dirty and watching something grow. Besides, it gives me a great excuse to wear my favorite pair of gloves—who says gardening can’t be fashionable?
The Good Lord’s Campfire
And lest you think we’ve gone all worldly with our new passions, let’s not forget the good Lord and our role in His plan. Rediscovering a passion can be God’s way of telling us it’s time to use those gifts He gave us! I’ve found renewed joy in baking. Let’s just say, my church’s bake sale has never seen such an array of pies and cakes, and of course, they sell like hot cakes—pun intended.
Now don’t get me wrong; immersing yourself in passions old and new doesn’t mean you’ve got to go it alone. The best part? Sharing these rediscoveries with like-minded friends. Joan from church started quilting again, and we’ve been meeting every Thursday to create patchwork masterpieces. Although, there was that one quilt that ended up looking more like a treasure map than a blanket. We laughed so hard it turned into my favorite piece!
Wrap It Up, Mary
So why do we rediscover our passions at this age, you ask? Simple. We’ve finally got the time, the perspective, and oh, the wisdom to appreciate these divine little joys fully. And if you think you’re too old to start something new, honey, take it from me. September might typically be the beginning of fall, but in our lives, it’s the second spring.
Alright, darling, you’ve made it this far, and I knew you would. I hope you got a chuckle or two and maybe even a little inspiration. Now go ahead and share your stories down below. I can’t wait to hear about your own rediscovered passions!