Life doesn’t come with an instruction manual. In my 20s and 30s, I often worried about the little things—what others thought of me, how I was supposed to look, and whether I was aging gracefully enough to satisfy those around me. Now, in my 50s, I ignore all those self-imposed and outdated guidelines. I’ve never felt more alive, courageous, or unapologetically myself. Looking back, I wish I had spent less time listening to my younger self and more time building on the strengths I once saw as flaws.
I never thought I would feel this powerful in my 50s. There’s something magical about entering this chapter of life—especially after actively ignoring the rules society sets for women my age. Dress your age, act your age, and then quietly fade into the background. I’ve never accepted that life has to slow down once you reach the “halfway” mark. Are we really supposed to step aside and let youth take center stage? Well, that’s not happening. Not today, not ever. I’m getting older, but I’m also becoming bolder, and that’s something they don’t tell you in your 20s.
Who established these imaginary rules in the first place? Who decided that turning 50 means we should stop dreaming, stop striving, and stop pursuing what ignites our passions? I’m determined to rewrite each and every one of those rules with every breath I take.
This is where being unapologetically yourself comes in. To live without apology means becoming aware of what you truly want and know to be correct, as opposed to what others have told you. You choose authenticity even when you’re scared of what others might think. You no longer seek validation because you know you are enough just as you are. There will always be people who doubt your worth; don't let yourself be one of them.
There’s something so freeing about shedding the pressure to apologize for who I am and where I am in life. At 56, I’m not here to make others comfortable. I’m here to live loudly and fiercely and show the world that aging isn’t something to dread—it’s something to celebrate. Choosing confidence over caution is a very sexy thing.
It takes courage to step into your truest self and live unapologetically, but the leap of faith is always worth it. Life doesn’t come to a halt at a certain age; it evolves. In this chapter, the second act, the real magic unfolds.
I want to live on my own terms, prioritizing strength over stereotypes. It's important to be true to yourself and stop worrying about what others think. You are a unique individual—special and one of a kind. You possess your own abilities, strengths, and positive attributes. So don’t try to fit in; be proud of who you are and express yourself fully.
Most people find it challenging to live unapologetically. Standing out and speaking up invites judgment. You may worry about disappointing the people you care about, but never, ever lose the courage to be yourself. You have infinite potential—you can be and achieve anything you desire.
Life is short, so don’t waste time pretending to be someone you’re not. Your life doesn’t depend on gaining the approval of others. Let go of the need for external validation and embrace your uniqueness.
I refuse to apologize for choosing me, for putting myself first, for saying no to the things that no longer serve me. I stopped worrying about the rules and started listening to my own voice. That voice tells me I am strong, that I am worthy, and that I don’t need anyone’s permission to live life on my terms.
It’s not just about my personal journey, though. I’m surrounded by an incredible community of women who feel the same—who are lifting each other up, pushing boundaries, and proving that inner strength doesn’t come with an expiration date. We’re a force, and together, we’re rewriting what it means to be over 40, over 50, over anything. We’ve got goals, we’ve got grit, and we’ve got zero intentions of slowing down.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life doesn’t have to follow anyone else’s timeline. I’m not here to be defined by wrinkles or the number on a birthday cake. I’m here to live fully, boldly, and unapologetically. I’ve spent 50 years following the rules, but now? Now, I’m rewriting them.
Here’s to all the women out there who are doing the same—living their best lives in the second chapter, rewriting what it means to age, and proving that the rules were made to be broken. Life doesn’t come with a manual, but who really needs one when you’ve already successfully managed half of your life without it? So go on with your bad self. You are amazing.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Jalapeño Ranch Slaw
This recipe is for a double batch of meatballs, which are freezer-friendly.
INGREDIENTS
For the Meatballs
- 2 pounds ground chicken (93% lean)
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- 1 large grated carrot
- 1/2 large grated yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2/3 cup buffalo sauce, divided
- Garnish with crumbled blue cheese and Doritos if desired
For the Slaw
- 1 small head cored and shredded green cabbage
- 2 large carrots, cut into matchsticks
- 3 stalks chopped celery
- 1 bunch chopped scallions
- 2/3 cup fresh chopped cilantro, divided
- 4 tablespoons fresh dill, divided
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup cold sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I prefer Duke's)
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped (I used one, spice level mild)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- Juice of one lime
INSTRUCTIONS
For the Meatballs
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the ground chicken, panko, eggs, carrot, onion, garlic, chives, cilantro, salt, pepper, and 1/3 cup buffalo sauce in a large bowl, being careful not to over-mix.
- Form the chicken mixture into balls (about 20) and place on the baking sheet. Bake until golden brown and cooked through about 20 minutes.
- Add the remaining 1/3 cup buffalo sauce to cooked meatballs and toss to coat.
- Serve meatballs over slaw. Drizzle with remaining dressing, crumbled blue cheese, and crushed Doritos for added crunch. These make perfect sliders or try serving it inside individual Doritos bags at your next party.
For the Slaw
- Combine buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, jalapeños, white vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons dill, 1/3 cup cilantro, and lime juice in a blender or food processor.
- Combine cabbage, carrot, celery, scallions, remaining 2 tablespoons dill, remaining 1/3 cup cilantro, and celery seed in a large bowl. Pour the dressing (start with half) and toss well. Add more dressing as needed for coverage, reserving some for serving. Slaw best if refrigerated for at least two hours before serving.
