The Struggle Chronicles

Still Figuring It Out—While Everyone Thinks I’ve Got It Together…

The Middle of the Map

No one warns you that your fifties come with mystery back pain, unstoppable opinions, and the sudden urge to grow herbs and cut toxic people.

You forget why you walked into the room—but remember exactly who you are.

Coffee gets colder, patience gets shorter, boundaries get stronger.

Welcome to midlife.
It’s weird. It’s wonderful.
And somehow, you’re just getting started.

A Day in the Life (Almost)

Wake up. Brain: “Is it morning? Is it night? Are we late or early?”
Try to convince myself it’s Saturday. It’s not. It’s Wednesday. Or maybe Sunday. Who knows—I work them all.
Stare at the kitchen counter. Healthy breakfast or last night’s toast crusts? Existential crisis ensues.
Miss Marple wants a walk. Gaea wants a throne. I serve both.
Yoga class? Or stay horizontal and spiritually pretend I’m doing savasana?
Remember I said I’d “drink more water today.” Drink some soda instead.
Consider making a to-do list. Make a snack instead.
Afternoon hits: body’s tired, brain’s awake. Or the other way around.
Try to adult. Accidentally nap instead.
Feed the creatures. Forget to feed myself. Eat a sanduiche over the sink like a rebel.
Wonder if I did enough today. Realize I survived it. That’ll do.

Little Truths I Didn’t Ask For, But Learned Anyway

Relationship truth

You don’t have to finish the book just because you started it.
Same goes for bad dates and boring conversations.

About starting fresh after 50

Turns out you can reinvent yourself after 50.
I did it last Tuesday. Might do it again next week.

Romance & midlife reality

If he said we are “intimidating.” we said, “Thank you.”
If he didn’t text back.

It’s a Peaceful silence.

On fixing things

I used to try fixing people.
Now I fix a snack and let them sort it out.

On new hobbies or dreams

You’re not too old, too late, or too tired.
You’re just finally out of f*cks—and that’s where the magic lives

On confidence and caring less

I used to overthink everything.
Now I just think, ‘Is this worth my energy?’
If not, I nap.

Things I Had to Learn the Hard (and Slightly Embarrassing) Way

No regrets, just… well, maybe a few questionable decisions.

“Yes, he’s cute. No, he’s not your soulmate.”

A reminder that attraction isn’t a compatibility test — and we always figure that out just after the drama.

“SPF. Every day. Even in winter. Especially in winter.”

Because skin regret is real and sun damage is sneakier than your ex’s texts.

Style fades, but orthopedic regret lasts forever.

“There’s no such thing as ‘just one glass’ when you’re over 50.”

Plan accordingly. Also: you will send that text if you keep sipping.

“Your nervous system needs peace more than people-pleasing.”

Say no. Turn off your phone. Take a nap. It’s not selfish — it’s survival.

“Debt isn’t sexy. Confidence is.”

The dopamine from impulse shopping fades. Self-worth doesn’t.