Taking Chances: How to Reclaim Your Power at Any Stage

Have you ever felt held back… not by actual barriers, but by the weight of what others might think?
I certainly did… for years.

For far too long, I allowed my fear of what people might think — and my deep desire for approval — to dictate what I was willing to do, try, or share with others. Even though I often quietly stepped off the beaten path, I kept many of those steps hidden from the people closest to me.

I still remember the day I wandered into the “New Age” section of a bookstore. As I pulled books off the shelves, happiness bubbled up inside me, and a sense that I’d just stumbled upon a pivotal place in my life. Excitement building as I started to skim through them to decide which book I wanted to start my journey with.

But back then, I kept it private. I hid those books in my bedside drawer, afraid of what my family might say or what my friends might think.

With age I’ve gained a little wisdom though. These days, I’ve learned to release much of that old baggage - and I can usually look past that innate desire for approval, or even acceptance. I’m learning to follow the paths my heart leads me to.

Taking risks can be intimidating - even frightening - but it can also be deeply rewarding. I often find that the more daunting the undertaking, the sweeter the personal growth that follows. Whether you succeed or stumble, the reward is in the journey.

One of my favourite quotes is: “Failure is not the opposite of success. It’s part of success.” (I don’t know who said it, but they deserve a Nobel Prize for inspiration.)

For me, this chapter began with grief… and learning how to navigate life after the death of my 22-year-old son. Figuring out how to not just survive, but to grow and discover a newer, stronger version of myself. It’s been a journey filled with unexpected turns, each one reshaping me in some way.

Too many people buy into the idea that we’re too old to start something new - as if growth has an expiry date. But I believe age is just a number. Our capacity to learn, grow, and transform doesn’t diminish. It merely evolves. With care and courage… and a little healthy caution… most of us can continue to challenge ourselves, emotionally and even physically.

Taking chances isn’t just about career shifts or personal growth—it can be about redefining what’s possible at any stage of life. Case in point? I started learning to ride a dirt bike at 54. And my best friend? She picked it up at 68.

Has it been challenging? Absolutely. Both physically and mentally. I’ve had to confront fear, especially after a fall that left me with a broken wrist and even shakier confidence. I had to start over in many ways: get coaching, take lessons again, and rebuild from the ground up. But I’m doing it. Slowly, steadily, and trying to do it with compassion for myself.

I believe in lifelong learning, and I don’t plan to stop.

My hope is that Transformative Journeys will help you find the courage to embrace new opportunities – maybe even inspire you to. Whether you’re in the middle of a life shake-up or simply ready to grow and evolve. It’s a space for people who want to grow through challenges, embrace change, and create a life that feels more aligned and meaningful. No matter your age. No matter your starting point.

This podcast and blog are about turning adversity into empowerment. About reminding you (and me!) that we can rewrite our stories — and become the version of ourselves we most want to be.

So go ahead. Take that leap. Start that project. Take that class. Explore the path calling your name.

You’re not too late. You’re not too old. And you’re certainly not alone.

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase - just take the first step.”

Here’s a journal prompt for you if you’d like:

“What’s one belief about myself that I want to change? What small action I can take this week to begin step toward my power?”

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