Coming Home to Myself: A Journey Through Midlife and Rediscovery

Girl and horse in black and white walking in a barn.

The past few years have been a journey—one filled with deep reflection, challenge, and transformation. As I’ve moved through perimenopause and into the next phase of life, I’ve found myself connecting to me in ways I never had before. What started as a confusing and sometimes uncomfortable transition has turned into an unexpected invitation—to slow down, listen, and truly understand myself on a deeper level.

Doing this inner work hasn’t been easy. It’s taken time, energy, and a lot of honesty with myself. There were moments that felt heavy, moments of clarity, and moments of release. But looking back, the effort has been worth it a hundred times over. My relationships—with family, friends, and most importantly, myself—have grown richer and more real. I communicate more openly now, and I show up with more compassion and authenticity than I ever have before.

One of the most powerful parts of this journey has been reconnecting with my younger self—the part of me that still remembers joy, curiosity, and wonder. Revisiting those early memories has helped me heal old wounds and understand how my past shaped the woman I am today. It’s been humbling and liberating all at once.

Through this process, I’ve gained a deeper awareness of what I need, what I value, and what I want for the next chapter of my life. I no longer feel the need to push through or prove myself. Instead, I’m learning to listen—to my body, my emotions, and that quiet voice inside that always seems to know the way.

Recently, I had the chance to revisit one of my favorite activities from childhood—horseback riding. Being back in the saddle stirred something deep inside me. The smell of the horses, the rhythmic sound of hooves, the quiet connection between rider and horse—it all came rushing back like a memory my body never forgot. Returning to my love of horses wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was about reclaiming joy.

As a child, being around animals brought me a sense of freedom, trust, and pure presence. I spent countless hours outside, brushing coats, breathing in the calm of those gentle creatures, and feeling completely at peace. Coming back to that space as an adult reminded me that joy doesn’t have an expiration date—it just waits patiently for us to return. In that moment, I realized how healing it can be to reconnect with the passions that once lit us up. They remind us of who we are beneath the layers of responsibility and routine.

This season of life—messy, magical, and everything in between—has become a time of coming home to myself. I’m grateful for the growth, the healing, and the unfolding that continues every day.

If you’re navigating a similar transition, I hope you remember: it’s not just about getting through it. It’s about discovering the deeper layers of who you are—and allowing yourself to evolve into the woman you’ve always been becoming.