Mindful Movement: Rediscovering Strength After 50
My journey of reinvention didn’t start in my mind—it first began in the gym. Through mindful movement, I found the strength I thought I’d lost and reconnected with my newfound sense of overall purpose.
If you’re a professional who’s ready to reinvent after 50, let me share how the gym—and movement in general—helped me transform my life and how it can do the same for you.
1. Rebuilding Strength—Physically and Mentally
After spending years focused on caregiving and raising my kids as a single mom and advancing my career in leadership, I found myself at a point where I physically needed to take care of me. When my parents passed away within ten months of each other, I lost not only my family but also a sense of who I was. I gained weight during that time—30 pounds—and felt disconnected from the strong, focused person I used to be. I was drained mentally and physically...zero energy for the first time in life!
It wasn’t until I sought out my first personal trainer the morning after returning from a family vacation to Virginia Beach that I began to rebuild my strength. At first, it was physical—pushing myself in workouts, gaining muscle, and losing weight. But after three months of weekly workouts with my trainer, it became clear that this physical journey was also transforming me mentally and emotionally. I'll never forget the day that I recognized this while in the gym sweating profusely and trying to catch my breath after doing squats on the "Smith machine."
The act of consistently showing up for myself and pushing through physical challenges reminded me of the strength I had, within all along.
At 50, or at any stage in life, we can rebuild. Strength isn’t just about muscles; it’s about fortifying the mind and spirit, reminding ourselves that we’re capable of growth, no matter where we are in life.
2. Finding a Supportive Community
One of the unexpected benefits of starting my fitness journey was the sense of community I gained in the gym. Being surrounded by others who were also working on their personal goals created a sense of belonging and motivation. We didn’t need to know each other personally to feel that connection—we were all there to better ourselves.
This sense of community was especially powerful after years of focusing so much on others and neglecting myself. I found camaraderie, shared goals, and even a bit of healthy competition. Healthy as in "trash talking" at times; all in fun!The simple act of working out next to someone, cheering them on, or even sharing a laugh during a tough set brought me back to life in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
If you’re looking to reinvent yourself after 50, surround yourself with people who are also on journeys of growth. Additionally, please do not allow yourself to avoid exercise just because you don't know how. No one was born knowing what to do! Be willing to become a student of life.
3. Rediscovering What’s Always Been Inside You
When I started going to the gym after losing my parents, I didn’t just lose weight—I rediscovered the strength and resilience that had always been within me. Every time I left the gym after a challenging workout, I walked out feeling more connected to myself than I had in years.
The truth is, we all have these qualities within us—strength, resilience, determination—but sometimes life gets in the way, and we forget. The beauty of reinvention is that it gives you the chance to rediscover those parts of yourself that might have been dormant for so long that you may have forgotten about them.
At 50, it’s not too late to tap into what’s always been inside you. Whether it’s through physical movement, creative exploration, or professional development, the next chapter of your life can be the most fulfilling one yet. Be willing to explore! Be curious to learn new things!
Action Steps to Reinvent Yourself After 50
Start Moving: Whether it’s in a gym, a yoga studio, or simply walking outdoors, find a form of movement that excites you and stick to it. Movement is a powerful tool for reconnecting with yourself, reducing stress, and gaining clarity. Schedule it using the calendar on your phone so you can block time and set reminders.
Build a Supportive Circle: Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth, whether it’s a fitness community, a hobby group, or a professional network. Having people who share similar goals makes the journey more rewarding.
Set New Goals: Reinvention is all about envisioning a new chapter of your life. Set goals—big or small—that align with your personal and professional desires. Whether it’s learning a new skill, achieving a fitness milestone, or starting a passion project, having something to work toward will keep you motivated.
Be Consistent: Change doesn’t happen overnight. The key to reinvention is showing up for yourself consistently. Whether it’s a daily walk, journaling, lifting weights, painting, or simply dedicating time each week to work on your goals, keep going.
Rediscover Your Inner Strength: Remember, the strength and resilience you need are already within you. Movement is just one way to bring those qualities to the surface. Embrace the process, and trust that you have what it takes to reinvent yourself at any stage of life. Allow me to emphasize that age is not a barrier!
The strength you need is already within you, waiting to be tapped into. All it takes is the courage to show up for yourself, embrace the process, and trust that you are capable of more than you ever imagined. This my friend is a FACT!
– Licia Thompson 🌿 CPC, ELI-MP
Leadership & Personal Growth Coach
Author of "When Your Soul Whispers"
PS: Ready to Reinvent?
If you’re a professional ready to rediscover your strength and passion after 50, I’d love to help guide you through that process. Message me on LinkedIn if you’re ready to start your journey of personal and professional reinvention. Together, we can create a plan that leads you to a more fulfilling, heart-led life. Check out my website
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