They told me midlife was a crisis.
They were wrong.
It’s a reckoning.

Turning 45 isn’t some gentle waltz into invisibility, it’s a full body stomp into power, peace, and zero patience for bullshit. This isn’t my breakdown era. This is my breakthrough.

So here’s my Midlife Manifesto. It’s raw, real, and a little bit rebellious. Just like me.

1. I will not apologize for taking up space, emotionally, physically, or otherwise.
2. I have no desire to be “low maintenance.” If I’m too much, go find less.
3. My body is not a trend.
4. I don’t chase people. I don’t chase trends. Hell, I barely chase the chickens anymore.
5. The quiet life? Understated. Sexy.
6. Healing is hard, but staying broken was worse.
7. I still believe in magic. Especially the kind I make myself.
8. “No” is a complete sentence.
9. I am allowed to outgrow people, places, hobbies, and the big dreams that turned into dead weight.
10. There is no timeline. Not for healing, success, motherhood, or reinvention.
11. I no longer shrink to fit places that don’t feel like home.
12. Rage is not the enemy. Silence is.
13. I want soft mornings, bold opinions, and books that gut me.
14. I trust my gut now more than I ever trusted their opinions.
15. I will not wear uncomfortable bras, pants, or fake smiles.
16. Aging isn’t ugly. It’s undefeated.
17. I am not your mother’s midlife woman. Unless your mom’s a badass, then maybe I am.
18. Grief and Anger live in me, and so does love and joy. They can cohabitate.
19. I am allowed to rest. Even when I haven’t “earned it.” (I mean, says who?)
20. I keep receipts. For people, energy, and skincare.
21. I’m done over explaining.
22. I’m allowed to want more.
23. Midlife rebellion doesn’t have to look loud, it can look like peace, solitude, or starting fresh.
24. I’ve earned every line on my face and body.
25. If you love me, love me without conditions, edits, or expiration dates.
26. I’m not afraid to start over. Again.
27. I believe in boundaries, block buttons, and blasting music when the mood hits.
28. I don’t drink. I don’t judge. But I sure as hell don’t promote a poison I fought so hard to walk away from.
29. I speak softer now, but my silence hits harder.
30. Self care isn’t always candles and face masks, sometimes it’s saying “not today” and meaning it.
31. I let the right people love me all the way through. No settling.
32. I will not compete where I do not compare.
33. Grace isn’t weakness. It’s grown ass woman strength.
34. I’m learning to trust the divine timing of everything I used to rush.
35. Being “difficult” just means I stopped people pleasing.
36. My softness is sacred, but it doesn’t mean I won’t burn shit down.
37. Perimenopause can kiss my ass.
38. I will take the trip, get the tattoo/piercing, buy the book (and read it whenever the hell I decide), wear the thing, light the incense, and walk out of the house without a lick of makeup on if I want to.
39. I am not afraid of being alone.
40. If it costs me my peace, it’s too damn expensive.
41. My intuition has never been louder. And I’m finally listening.
42. You don’t have to like me. I like me.
43. Respect is the bare minimum. If I have to beg for it, I’m gone.
44. I am not running out of time. I am stepping into it.
45. This is not the end of my story, it’s the wild, wonderful middle.

So yeah, I’m turning 45. (Next Saturday the 2nd, Full Leo energy baby!)
And I’m not shrinking, softening, or slowing down unless I decide to.

This isn’t a crisis.
It’s a coronation.

Long live the Midlife Queens! 👑

🫶🏼 – Ali

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