Waking Up with That Spark of Excitement You Haven't Felt in Years
Remember when you used to jump out of bed, excited about the day ahead? When was the last time you felt that tingle of anticipation for something that was just for you?
If you're struggling to remember, you're not alone. Somewhere between school pick-ups, work deadlines, aging parents, and the mental load of keeping everyone else's life on track, that spark got buried under a pile of responsibilities. Sound familiar?
The Great Disappearing Act
Let's be honest—we've become masters at making ourselves disappear. We've spent so many years being the family caregiver, the reliable employee, the supportive friend, that we've forgotten what lights us up. We've become so good at saying "yes" to everyone else that we've forgotten how to say it to ourselves.
But here's the thing: that spark isn't gone. It's just waiting for you to give it permission to shine again.
Why Midlife is Your Time to Shine
Forget what society tells you about midlife being a time where you are past your prime. This is actually your power decade. You've earned your stripes, learned your lessons, and finally have the wisdom to know what truly matters. More importantly, you're starting to realize that what matters includes you.
The kids are becoming more independent (or have already flown the nest). You're more confident in your career. You've stopped caring so much about what everyone thinks. This is your time to reclaim your identity beyond "mom," "wife," "daughter," or "employee."
So how do you rediscover that excitement? One step at a time, and you start small. Ask yourself:
What did you love doing before life got so complicated? Maybe it was painting, dancing, writing, traveling, or simply having uninterrupted time to read a book. Whatever it was, it's still there, waiting for you.
Give yourself permission to be selfish—yes, I said it. Being selfish with your time, energy, and dreams isn't just okay; it's necessary if you want to be happy. You can't pour from an empty cup, and if you are anything like I was a few years ago, you've been running on fumes for way too long.
Breaking Free from People-Pleasing
If you're tired of being everything to everyone, it's time to set some boundaries. Start saying "no" to things that drain you and "yes" to things that energize you. That volunteer position you dread? It's okay to step down. The friend who only calls when she needs something? It's time to reevaluate that relationship.
You are not responsible for everyone else's happiness. Let that sink in.
Want to wake up with excitement? Create something to look forward to. Maybe it's 15 minutes of meditation before the house wakes up. Perhaps it's finally starting that online course you've been eyeing. Or it could be as simple as savoring your coffee in peace while journaling your dreams.
The key is making it yours. This isn't about productivity or checking off another box—it's about feeding your soul so you can finally be free from taking care of everyone else more than you take care of yourself.
Embracing Your Authentic Self
At this stage of life, you've earned the right to be unapologetically you. Stop dimming your light to make others comfortable. Start prioritizing your needs without the guilt. Begin choosing yourself first, not as an afterthought.
Remember, self-care isn't selfish—it's self-preservation. And honestly? The people who truly love you want to see you happy and fulfilled.
Your Time is Now
That spark you're searching for? It's not in some distant future when you have "more time" or when everyone else is taken care of. It's available right now, today, if you're brave enough to claim it.
You've spent decades nurturing everyone else's dreams. Isn't it time you nurtured your own?
Wake up tomorrow with the decision that this is your day. Not in a few years, not when things settle down, but right now. Because you deserve to feel that excitement again. You deserve to live a life that lights you up from the inside out.
The spark is there. All you have to do is fan the flames.
Ready to rediscover your spark? Start tomorrow morning. Set your alarm 15 minutes earlier and do something—anything—just for you. Your future self will thank you.
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~Judy Davis is a motivational speaker, published author and mental health mentor that helps people escape the "I'm Fine" trap with contagious energy, zero filter, and a toolkit that turns burned-out givers into joyful boundary-setters who finally put themselves on their own damn to-do list!