The Power of Pleasure, Purpose, and Permission to Prioritize Yourself in Midlife
Let’s cut the crap.
If you’re a woman in midlife, chances are you’ve spent decades being everything for everyone, except yourself. And now? You’re feeling a little antsy. Restless. Maybe even resentful. Let me say this loud and clear: You’re not broken. You’re not selfish. And you’re not the only one.
You’re just ready to come back to yourself.
This week in the Midlife Rebellion Series, we’re diving into the holy trinity of thriving in your second act:
Pleasure. Purpose. Permission.
Pleasure Isn’t a Luxury, It’s Your Compass
Somewhere along the way, we were taught that pleasure was a reward for hard work. Something to earn, if we ever got around to it. (Spoiler alert: we never do.)
But here’s the truth:
Pleasure is not frivolous.
When you prioritize your pleasure, whether it’s something sensual, creative, emotional, or physical, you shift from survival mode into magnetic, joyful living. And no, I’m not talking about bubble baths (but I’m Here for bubbles, in your glass or in your tub).
I AM talking about unapologetic YESes to what lights you the f*ck up:
Dancing in your kitchen (This is one of my go-tos.)
Writing your heart out (Grabbing my journal always helps me feel better.)
Saying no without guilt (This takes practice.)
That first sip of hot coffee on your porch (Nothing better.)
Reclaiming your sex life (The most under-appreciated midlife hack.)
Doing less and feeling more (Hell Yes!)
If you’re not sure what lights you up anymore, no shame, that is extremely common for women over 40! This can help!.
Midlife pleasure isn’t passive, it’s powerful. It energizes your nervous system. It cracks you open to what feels good. And yes, it’s time to make it a priority.
Purpose Doesn’t Have to Be Big and Noble (But It Does Have to Be Yours)
Did you know, maintaining a sense of purpose in midlife predicts better physical health?
Purpose isn’t just for 20-year-olds with vision boards and startup dreams.
Your purpose might not be climbing Mt. Everest. It might be healing your unhealthy generational patterns, becoming a Hype Woman, writing that book that’s been on your heart for decades, or simply living a life that feels like yours, where you're not abandoning yourself for everyone else’s comfort.
Midlife is a second chance, and a fiery invitation to ask:
“What matters to me now?” and “What would fuel my soul?”
Start there. That’s purpose. No algorithm needed.
Permission Is the Gateway Drug
Now for the real act of midlife rebellion:
You don’t need anyone’s permission, but your own.
Let that sink in. Because most of us are still waiting for a permission slip we’ll never get. From our kids. Our partners. Our culture. The ghost of our mothers’ and grandmothers’ generation whispering, “Don’t rock the boat.”
Well, f*ck the boat. Let it capsize.
You were born with dreams and desires and passion inside you and it’s time for them to come out to play.
Giving yourself permission is the ultimate rebellion:
Permission to rest without guilt
Permission to want more
Permission to say, “That’s not enough for me anymore”
Permission to take up space
Permission to matter, to yourself
Permission to say NO
When you give yourself permission, you rewrite the rules. (And if you need help doing this, read my blog post on how the rules were never meant for you.)
You stop abandoning yourself. You begin to live like you’re actually the main character in your own damn story.
You start to live like you freaking mean it!
Let’s Get Real: Why This Matters
Too many midlife women are burnt out, bored, and buried under ‘shoulds.’ But deep down, they’re also on the brink of a powerful awakening.
They just need a spark. A nudge. A rebellion.
So here it is:
Pleasure is your compass. Purpose is your path. Permission is your power.
When you embody all three, you don’t just get through midlife, you light it on f*cking fire.
Ready to stop waiting and start living?
Grab my free Midlife Reset Cheat Sheet and let’s get you clear, confident, and ready to take action, today. It’s your permission slip, clarity prompt, and action plan all in one 15 minute, fiery little guide.
👉Get the Midlife Reset Cheat Sheet Now
*This is my 5th post in My Midlife Rebellion Series. To get caught up, click the links below.
The Life You Built Doesn’t Fit Anymore: Now What? A Guide For Midlife Women
You Were Never Meant To Live By The Rules
The Grief No One Talks About: Healing The Hidden Losses Of Midlife
That Restless Feeling Isn’t A Midlife Crisis, It’s Your Next Chapter Calling
**If you want more journal prompts, strategies, and inspiration to create your best midlife, keep scrolling and sign up for my weekly newsletter, Dare You To Move.
