Midlife Courage Begins with Putting Yourself Out There
Despite fear, rain, and self-doubt, I showed up to dance—and rediscovered the joy that comes from putting yourself out there in midlife. 🩰✨
🌟 Summary: Week Three is about the quiet, powerful courage of putting yourself out there after 55 — even when you’re tired, guilty, uninspired, or afraid of falling behind. It’s about recognizing that: motion creates emotion; showing up builds confidence; small bravery is still bravery; community lifts us unexpectedly; joy returns when we step toward it. Midlife metamorphosis is real, and it often starts with this simple act: Get in the car and go.
This post is part of my ongoing series, Lessons from the Dance Floor, where I share stories from my adult jazz dance class—and the surprising life lessons they reveal. Each week, I explore how movement, music, and a beginner’s mindset can help women over 55 confront self-doubt, rediscover joy, and live with intention. This is my Week Three blog for Session Two.
A Preamble: 🌧️ Musings on the Way There: The Resistance Before the Growth
I missed last week’s class — and I hated it.
When you miss a session, you know you’ll be behind. You know the steps will feel awkward. And you carry a quiet guilt — not for the teacher or other dancers, but for yourself.
This week came with obstacles:
Rainy, dark November skies
A 23-minute country drive
Foggy windows
Worry about deer and animals crossing the road
My right knee acting up
The urge to stay warm and sheltered
Parliament’s 2025 Budget vote happening right during class
The inner voice whispering: You’re tired… stay home…
And yet another voice — quieter, but wiser — answered:
Go.
Show up.
Put yourself out there.
Your life expands when you do.
I even asked the angels to keep me safe — and drove off into the darkness.
Note: Please see: The November Blues: The Tender Work of Midlife Metamorphosis
This week came with obstacles.
And yet another voice — quieter, but wiser — answered:
Go.
Show up.
Put yourself out there.
Your life expands when you do.
🪞 The Truth About Being in Midlife and “Putting Yourself Out There”
Women over 55 understand this deeply:
It’s not just the weather we’re fighting—
It’s inertia, fear, guilt, fatigue, and doubt.
We’re in the stage of life where comfort can calcify.
Where routines become walls instead of anchors.
Where staying home feels easier than facing our own physical vulnerability.
But here’s the more profound truth:
Every midlife metamorphosis requires a moment of choosing yourself — on purpose — even when it’s difficult.
And sometimes that moment is lacing up your shoes, grabbing your keys, and saying:
“I will grow anyway.”
Note: You might want to check out my Midlife in Motion Hub
Every midlife metamorphosis requires a moment of choosing yourself — on purpose — even when it’s difficult.
And sometimes that moment is lacing up your shoes, grabbing your keys, and saying:
“I will grow anyway.”
💃 Musings on the Way Back: What Happens When You DO Put Yourself Out There
Dance class was exactly what my soul needed.
I walked in hesitant.
I left expanded.
The foggy car, the rain-soaked darkness, the tightness in my chest — all replaced by:
A clearer mind
A lighter heart
A body that felt alive, mobile, capable
Inspiration from Jen’s dancing
Connection with fellow dancers
A reminder that I still have rhythm, energy, and joy inside me
I worked hard.
The choreography is not easy.
Jen challenges us every single week — and I love it.
On the drive home, I noticed how much better I felt.
Stronger.
Proud.
More myself.
That’s what happens when you push past resistance:
You become the woman you forgot you were.
Note: My Mindset Mastery bundle could help you overcome some mental obstacles.
On the drive home, I noticed how much better I felt.
Stronger.
Proud.
More myself.
That’s what happens when you push past resistance:
You become the woman you forgot you were.
🦋 **This Is the Heart of Week Three:
Putting Yourself Out There = Becoming Larger Than Your Hesitation**
Women over 55 need this reminder:
You are not fragile.
You are not done growing.
You are not meant to shrink your life to match your comfort zone.
Each time you put yourself out there —
whether it’s a dance class, a walk at night, a new hobby, a social outing, or simply leaving the house on a gloomy day —
you strengthen your midlife courage muscle.
Life gets larger when you step forward.
Life gets smaller when you stay still.Note: The Joy Blueprint Workbook is a great resource for you.
Life gets larger when you step forward.
Life gets smaller when you stay still.
🌱 Advice for Women Over 55 Experiencing the Same Feelings
You’re not alone if you’re feeling:
afraid of falling behind
reluctant to leave the house in winter
guilty for not practicing
unsure about your body
tired, overwhelmed, or unmotivated
Here’s what helps:
1️⃣ Give yourself a gentle pep talk.
Not harsh.
Not perfectionist.
Just loving.
2️⃣ Lower the bar — raise the consistency.
You don’t need perfection.
You need movement.
3️⃣ Get inspiration from someone who lights you up.
Like Jen does for you.
4️⃣ Remember the feeling AFTER you show up.
That lightness is the reward.
5️⃣ Allow yourself to be awkward.
Awkward = growth.
6️⃣ Celebrate the smallest win.
Even “I got in the car” counts.
7️⃣ Tie your effort to who you want to become.
Not who you were.
You’re not alone if you’re feeling:
afraid of falling behind
reluctant to leave the house in winter
guilty for not practicing
unsure about your body
tired, overwhelmed, or unmotivated
Here’s what helps:
🇨🇦 Strong Canadian Sources
These high-quality Canadian resources support the importance of movement, confidence, and stepping beyond comfort zones in midlife:
ParticipACTION – Benefits of Movement for Older Adults
https://www.participaction.comCanadian Society for Exercise Physiology – Movement Guidelines for Adults 65+
https://csepguidelines.ca/guidelines/adults-65Active Aging Canada – Physical Activity & Aging
https://www.activeagingcanada.ca
❓ FAQ
Q: Why do I feel so resistant during November?
Short daylight, weather, and midlife hormone shifts increase fatigue and inertia. It’s normal.
Q: How do I rebuild confidence after missing a class?
By returning — even awkwardly. Confidence comes from consistency, not perfection.
Q: Is it normal to feel guilty for not practicing?
Yes — but guilt is unhelpful. Replace it with intention: “Next time, I’ll try again.”
Q: What if I feel behind at 55+?
Feeling behind is a story — not reality. Growth after 55 is not linear; it’s cyclical.
Q: How do I “put myself out there” when I’m scared?
Start small. Leave the house. Go to class. Let yourself be a beginner.
NOTE: To check out my newest article on Medium, please click this link: Putting Yourself Out There: Notes From a Midlife Metamorphosis
👉 I thoughtfully use AI tools to polish my writing, but every story comes from my lived experience.
