A Reflection a Friend Shared With Me —

A friend shared this with me not long ago over coffee. She’s 55, going through a lot, and her story really stayed with me. It was honest, simple, and something I think many of us can relate to — that feeling of life getting a little too full, and losing ourselves in the process.

Here’s what she told me:

“I always thought by the time I got to this age, life would slow down. I imagined more peace, more quiet. But the truth is, it’s been anything but peaceful. I’m still working, still looking after family, still trying to figure out how to take care of myself — and honestly, I’ve been feeling all over the place.

Some days, I’d get to the evening and realize I hadn’t really eaten. Maybe a muffin and coffee, but no real food. Other times, I’d grab fast food just to get through the day. I felt tired, bloated heavy, and disconnected — “like I was just going through the motions, not really present in my life”

She said everything changed with one small shift:

“One morning, I decided to make myself a real breakfast. Just eggs, toast, and a few slices of avocado. Nothing fancy. But I sat down, no phone, no TV, just some light music, and I enjoyed every bite of real food. And for the first time in a long while, I felt… calm and energized.

“So I kept going with it — one day a bowl of soup, another day some roasted veggies, or a quick, fresh salad. Nothing fancy, but it felt good. These weren’t big meals or complicated recipes — just fresh, real food made at home. And something about the process — chopping, cooking, slowing down — started to bring me back to myself. 

It reminded me that I still matter. That even in the middle of the busyness, I can give myself a few quiet moments. And that caring for myself doesn’t have to be expensive or perfect. It can be as simple as a home-cooked meal just for me.”

Her story made me stop and think. Sometimes we wait for big changes — a new job, a new season, more time, more money — to feel better. But maybe the peace we’re looking for is already here. In a cup of tea. In a bowl of soup. In the time it takes to sit down and breathe.

If life feels messy right now, maybe this is your sign: Start small. Cook something simple. Sit down. Make time just for you.

One good meal. One quiet moment. It can help bring you back to center.

Let’s Chat

What have you changed in your routine that’s made a difference in your energy? I’d love to hear from you in the comments on the She’s Got Stories page — or share this with a friend who needs a reminder that feeling great in your 50s isn’t just possible — it’s totally within reach.