How to Stop Being Invisible In Midlife

Feeling like you’re fading into the background as you age? I’ve got some insights to help you step out of the shadows and reclaim your visibility after 50.

At 50, I’ve carved out a new space for myself in the world through my blogs, videos, summit, podcast interviews and midlife women’s health coaching practice, empowering women to take center stage in their lives.

Many women in their 50s resonate with feeling invisible, a phenomenon often referred to as The Invisible Woman Syndrome. But you don’t have to settle for feeling unseen!

I made a choice at 45: I would never be invisible. Now, at 50, I feel the most visible and relevant I’ve ever been.

When we start to feel our looks and confidence waning, we need a little inspiration to become the women we want to be. That’s why I’m here!

HOW TO STOP BEING INVISIBLE AFTER 50

In my mid-forties, I decided to step into the light. I didn’t want to hide anymore. I chose to become the author of my own life, and I’ve been showing up ever since.

What I’ve learned is that visibility is a choice. We decide whether we want to be seen or not.

Women of our age often feel pressured to blend in or believe that our age keeps us hidden. As we age, our appearance, bodies, values, and beliefs change. Sometimes we lose sight of our younger selves and wonder where she went.

HOW DID I BECOME THE INVISIBLE WOMAN?

I believe many women spend their lives trying to fit in and care for others, losing sight of who they truly are. We become disconnected from our authentic selves, leading us to feel invisible.

You might find yourself saying, “I don’t know who I am anymore.” This often happens as our nests empty or as we approach retirement. We’ve spent so much time trying to be perfect for others that we lose sight of ourselves.

No amount of cosmetic surgery can fix that. We need to reconnect with our true selves to become visible again.

WHY WE REALLY BECOME INVISIBLE

The Invisible Woman often hides behind a shell, thinking it’s because of gray hair, wrinkles, or society’s views.

Here’s the truth: we hide the parts of ourselves we don’t love. We suppress the parts we believe are lazy, awkward, selfish, or hurtful.

We allow only a fraction of ourselves to be seen, hiding everything else. The result? We only partially show up, feeling invisible as a result.

WHY A WOMAN SHOULD BE VISIBLE

Being visible is beneficial for you and everyone around you. It’s about putting your true self out into the world.

Visibility is more about attitude than action. It’s not about doing wild or showy things, though if you want to, that’s great too.

Being visible means making yourself relevant and present wherever you go. It’s a myth that we become less relevant as we age.

It’s mind-blowing that during what could be the most vibrant time of our lives, we believe we should hide.

We have years of experience and wisdom to share. The world needs you to stay visible!

We often have more choices than we think. This time in our lives could be a time of celebration.

WHAT KEEPS A WOMAN OVER 50 HIDDEN?

Women hide for various reasons. We think we’re too fat, ugly, old, boring, or less than in some way. These are the top reasons I hear, and I understand.

Media and culture haven’t valued women in our age group, but you’re in good company now. You can choose to be visible or not—that decision is yours.

Choosing to be visible is courageous and life-giving. Unfortunately, many of us buy into the idea that we should fade away as we age.

HOW YOU BECAME INVISIBLE

At some point, you began to dismiss and hide parts of yourself.

By the time you start experiencing perimenopause, you might become someone responsible, appropriate, rule-following, and productive, banishing the wild young girl inside you.

However, she holds the key to everything you want—the things your heart truly desires.

HOW TO BECOME VISIBLE

Being visible is both scary and fun. It feels amazing to be loved for the parts we think are bad.

Acknowledging who you really are doesn’t mean you have to change anything! You’ll feel better and more authentic than ever before.

Despite saying we hate being invisible, many women choose invisibility because they’re ashamed of some aspect of themselves, often their appearance.

HERE ARE 5 THOUGHTS ABOUT BEING VISIBLE

Be willing to be seen: Decide to be visible now. I started my blog and YouTube channel worried about embarrassing myself, but now my words and videos have reached thousands of people.
Not everyone is going to like you: Don’t let a few negative opinions define you. Be yourself, and the people who love you will continue to do so.
Give your wardrobe some love: What you wear is a part of your overall wellness. When you wear something that lights you up, you’ll naturally be more visible in the best possible way.
Being visible makes a difference: Being invisible doesn’t benefit anyone. Being visible inspires many younger women to look forward to their 40s, 50s and beyond.
Being visible doesn’t require feeling great about yourself all the time: I’ve had tough times in my mid 40s, but I’ve learned that self-love and compassion make all the difference.