Hey there, friend! If you’ve found yourself here, chances are you’ve been asking a big question: “Who am I outside of being a mom, partner, or career woman?” First, let me say this—you’re not alone. Life has a way of sweeping us up in responsibilities, leaving little time to nurture the person we are at our core. But here’s the good news: it’s never too late to rediscover yourself and reclaim your identity.

Turning 40 isn’t an end; it’s a beginning. It’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and redefine what matters most to you. Let’s walk through five steps to help you reconnect with the amazing woman you are.

Acknowledge Where You Are Right Now

Take a deep breath. Let’s start by recognizing the stage of life you’re in—no judgment, no guilt, just honesty. Whether you’re overwhelmed, unfulfilled, or simply curious about what’s next, it’s important to accept your feelings as valid.

Action Tip:

Set aside 15 minutes to journal with these prompts:

• What do I love about my current life?
• What feels missing or unfulfilled?
• What would my ideal day look like?

This isn’t about solving everything at once; it’s about gaining clarity and understanding where you are so you can plan where to go.

Reconnect with What Makes You You

When was the last time you did something just because it lit you up? Think about your favorite hobbies, childhood dreams, or that thing you’ve always wanted to try but never had time for. Spoiler alert: those interests are still part of you.

Action Tip:

Make a “Joy List.” Write down 10 things that genuinely bring you happiness—big or small. Then, commit to incorporating one of these into your week. Maybe it’s taking a dance class, reading a book uninterrupted, or simply walking outside with your favorite playlist.

Carve Out Time for Yourself

I know what you’re thinking: “Rachel, how am I supposed to make time for myself when my to-do list is endless?” Trust me, I get it. But here’s the thing—if you don’t intentionally create space for yourself, no one else will do it for you.

Action Tip:

Start small. Block out 30 minutes in your calendar for “Me Time.” Use this time to explore a hobby, meditate, journal, or do absolutely nothing (yes, nothing is productive sometimes!). Protect this time like you would any other important commitment.

Surround Yourself with Support

Rediscovering yourself isn’t always easy, and that’s okay. The journey is much lighter when you surround yourself with people who lift you up. Whether it’s a close friend, a community of like-minded women, or even a therapist, having support makes a world of difference.

Action Tip:

Join a local or online community focused on personal growth. Don’t be afraid to share your journey—you’d be surprised how many others are navigating the same path.

Embrace the Power of Small Changes

You don’t need to reinvent your entire life overnight. Sometimes, the smallest shifts lead to the biggest transformations. Maybe it’s saying “yes” to yourself more often or setting boundaries where they’re needed.

Action Tip:

Pick one area of your life to focus on this month—whether it’s health, relationships, or personal growth. Set a small, achievable goal, like taking a daily walk or calling a friend once a week. Celebrate every win, no matter how small it feels.

Final Thoughts:

Rediscovering yourself isn’t about finding a “new” you—it’s about uncovering the incredible woman you’ve always been. This chapter of life is yours to write, and I’m so excited for you to step into it with confidence and joy.

Remember, you’re not just a mom, partner, or worker—you’re you, and that’s worth celebrating.

So, what’s one step you’ll take today to reconnect with yourself? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

You’ve got this, and I’m cheering for you every step of the way.