Starting my personal development journey in my 60s was unexpected. What began as a simple curiosity became an incredible adventure that reshaped how I view ageing and gave me a renewed sense of purpose and potential. As I navigated various challenges along the way, I discovered that personal growth in midlife offers countless opportunities to reinvent myself and embrace life with excitement and clarity.
This journey has taught me that it’s never too late to start, grow, and become the person you’ve always intended to be.
An Unexpected Adventure that changed my life
Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. At an age when many are settling into retirement, I found myself packing up and moving to Dubai. It all began when my husband, an aircraft engineer, was offered a job in the United Arab Emirates. Initially, the idea felt overwhelming—leaving behind our children and grandchildren who lived just 30 minutes away.
But then, a thought struck us. “If not now, then when”?
We weren’t getting any younger; this could be our last chance for a grand adventure. So, after careful consideration and a thorough pros-and-cons list, we decided to take the plunge. We packed our essentials, left our youngest son (then 21) and his girlfriend in charge of our home and pets, and boarded a plane to Dubai in November, thinking we’d be there for three to five years.
Adjusting to a New Reality: Challenges and Self-Discovery
Despite our mental preparation, the reality of living in Dubai hit us hard. The November heat was still intense, and while my husband immersed himself in his new job, I grappled with an unexpected identity crisis.
For the first time in my life, I felt… worthless. My UAE ID card even labelled me as a “housewife”—a stark contrast to the fiercely independent woman I’d always been. You see, I’d spent my entire life being self-reliant. In my 40s, I moved from Slovakia to the UK and brought all three sons with me within a year. Even after marrying my husband, I maintained my independence, including separate bank accounts.
Suddenly, being dependent and without my own income was a tough pill to swallow. The loss of financial independence and a sense of personal achievement left me feeling adrift in this new, unfamiliar world.
It was during this challenging period that I began my journey into personal development, seeking inspiration and motivation to adapt to my new circumstances. That was my first real experience with personal growth in midlife—a journey that, although difficult, began to reshape my sense of self and purpose.
Finding My Voice: From Recipe Blog to a Platform of Personal Growth for Middle-Aged
In my search for connection and purpose, I joined Facebook groups and WhatsApp chats for women in similar situations. While I appreciate the intentions behind these communities, I soon realised that they often became quite gloomy and focused on discussions about children, which felt irrelevant to me. Instead of uplifting my spirits, these chats often left me feeling a bit down.
At that moment, I turned to podcasts for a more positive and empowering source of inspiration. Listening to personal growth and transformation stories, I felt a spark ignite. I realised that my own experiences—the challenges I had faced and overcome—could help others going through similar life transitions.
It inspired a new idea: why not share my insights, knowledge, and experiences to assist those in comparable situations? I initially started the GrandmaZeal website as a low-carb recipe blog. But suddenly, I realised it could be much more than that. This realisation marked a turning point in my journey and the beginning of my commitment to personal development.
It became clear that my mission was to inspire others, regardless of their age or circumstances, by sharing my own path to personal growth in midlife.
Embracing the Unexpected: A Life Divided
Life, as always, had other plans for us.
Despite our initial intention to spend several years living full-time in Dubai, we soon realised this arrangement wasn’t ideal. The scorching Dubai summers proved challenging. We also soon realised our son in the UK needed guidance in managing the house and garden. I also missed my grandchildren terribly and longed for walks with our dog in the forest.
What we initially thought would be a full-time move to Dubai turned out to be an unexpected compromise—a life divided between the UK and Dubai. While my husband remains in Dubai year-round for work, I now split my time between the two locations.
While this arrangement presents challenges, it has also opened up many opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. Dubai’s sunny winters provide the perfect environment for me to focus on my personal development and work on my website project. Our time together in Dubai also helps strengthen our marriage. My time in the UK during the summer months allowed me to maintain close family ties.
Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth in Midlife
As I said, adopting this new lifestyle hasn’t come without its challenges. Being separated from my husband for nearly five months has strained our relationship, and we’re partly growing in different directions. However, there’s a silver lining – each reunion feels like getting to know each other again, bringing a renewed sense of excitement to our relationship (even if it comes with a few bumps!).
This journey has shown me that even in our 60s, when many people feel settled in their homes or countries, it’s still possible to find new paths and embark on exciting adventures.
Life’s Second Act: Embracing Change and Continuous Learning
Split between Dubai and the UK, I am constantly reminded of the importance of being open to new experiences. I also travel to the Czech Republic, where my grandchildren have moved. Slovakia, where my father, brother, and longtime friends live, is also part of my travel plans. Balancing family commitments with personal aspirations can be challenging but incredibly rewarding.
This chapter of my life has shown me that life’s second act can be just as exciting and fulfilling as the first. Perhaps even more so. Personal development isn’t just for the young! It’s a lifelong journey that can bring joy, purpose, and growth at any age. Check out my “Be Unbound” article here.
A Message of Encouragement for Personal Growth in Midlife
Reflecting on this journey of personal growth that began in my 60s filled me with wonder and gratitude. It’s a testament that it’s never too late to embark on a new adventure, learn new skills, or reinvent oneself.
My experience has shown me that age or circumstances do not limit personal development. It rather depends on our willingness to embrace change and challenge ourselves. To those who find themselves at a crossroads, feeling uncertain about the future or questioning their purpose, I say this: take that leap of faith.
Whether moving to a new country, starting a new hobby, or pursuing a long-forgotten dream, the potential for growth and fulfilment is limitless. Remember, personal development is a journey, not a destination. It involves continually evolving, learning, and discovering new ways to contribute to the world. So, no matter your age or situation, I encourage you to embrace new possibilities. You might surprise yourself!
