It’s Never Too Late to…Develop a Mindful Practice
At a certain point in life, many of us start to feel like we should have it all figured out. We’ve ticked the boxes—career, family, responsibilities, and yet there’s often a quiet voice in the background saying: Is this it?
The truth is, midlife can feel messy.
Beautiful, yes.
Empowering, definitely.
But also chaotic, noisy, and full of shifting identities.
That’s why Mindful May is such a powerful invitation, because in a world that’s constantly asking us to do more, mindfulness reminds us to be more.
More present. More intentional. More connected.
And if you’ve never had a mindful practice before? That’s okay. Because here’s the real truth: it’s never too late to begin.
What is mindfulness, really?
Let’s strip away the clichés. Mindfulness isn’t about sitting cross-legged in perfect stillness or having an empty mind. It’s simply the practice of paying attention to the present moment, on purpose and without judgement.
It’s about tuning into what’s happening now, rather than constantly revisiting the past or fast-forwarding to the future.
It’s noticing the way your shoulders tense when you're stressed. The joy in a quiet cup of tea/coffee or whatever your drink of choice is.
The moment you choose to pause before reacting. That’s mindfulness in action.
Why mindfulness matters in midlife
Midlife is a season of change. For many of us, it's when the noise gets loud, internally and externally.
We’re managing families, navigating career changes or pivots, dealing with menopause, caring for ageing parents, or facing the quiet that comes when the house starts to empty.
It’s no wonder so many women in midlife tell me they feel overwhelmed, lost, or stuck on autopilot.
A mindful practice gives us space to breathe, reflect, and respond with intention instead of running on survival mode.
It reconnects us to what matters. And it reminds us that this moment, not the next one, is where life is actually happening.
How to start a mindful practice (even if you think you're too busy)
You don’t need to overhaul your life. You don’t need to sit in silence for an hour a day. You just need to begin with small, gentle shifts that bring you back to yourself.
Here are a few simple ways to start:
Morning Check-in - Before you reach for your phone, take 2 minutes to check in with yourself. How am I feeling today—physically, mentally, emotionally? Set a small intention for the day ahead.
Mindful Walking - This is a particular favourite of mine! Leave your headphones at home and go for a short walk. Feel your feet on the ground. Notice the colours, sounds, and textures around you. Be present.
The Power of the Pause - Before you reply to an email, make a decision, or say yes out of habit—pause. Take one breath. Then respond.
Gratitude Practice - Each evening, jot down 3 things you’re grateful for. It shifts your focus from lack to abundance, and grounds you in the good that’s already here.
Guided meditation - There are so many free apps and resources. I’ve previously used Headspace, and Calm, but you can find plenty on YouTube for free. Start with 1 minute, then 3 minutes and then 5 minutes, and build from there.
Mindfulness is a practice, not a performance
You don’t have to get it right. There’s no ‘perfect’ way to be mindful. Some days will feel easier than others. The beauty is in simply returning to the practice, over and over again.
And if you’re thinking, I should have started this years ago, here’s your gentle reminder:
It’s never too late.
Not to pause.
Not to choose differently.
Not to build a life that feels more intentional, more spacious, and more you x