Living Intentionally in Our 50s : 3 Simple Rules in Life

Woman in her 50s smiling because she's living intentionally and with purpose

It only took me 40+ years, a failed marriage, and a meltdown in the granola aisle to figure out a truth I wish someone had tattooed on my forehead at age 20:

The real secret to happiness is creating your own rules in life—and living intentionally in your 50s (or any age).

But, of course, figuring out those rules doesn’t happen overnight. It took me decades of emotional rollercoasters, a few toxic relationships, and roughly 7,829 existential crises to realize that my life felt chaotic because I wasn’t living by my rules—I was living by everyone else’s.

Let’s talk about how I finally decided to rewrite my rules in life, and how living intentionally in your 50s can bring back your sanity—and maybe even your smile.

Contents

Why Our Rules in Life Get So Messy

Here’s the thing about midlife: nobody hands you a manual. You just wake up one day and suddenly:

Your hormones are rioting like it’s the French Revolution.
Your career might feel stale.
Relationships you thought were rock solid start crumbling.
And worst of all… you start asking: Is this really it?

I spent years feeling like I was constantly spinning in circles. One minute I’d be thrilled about a new idea, the next I’d be crying because the grocery store was out of my favorite yogurt. I blamed perimenopause (because, obviously) but deep down, I knew there was more to it.

I finally realized my emotional chaos wasn’t just hormones—it was because I wasn’t following my own rules in life. I was living according to what society, family, and social media told me I should do. And let me tell you, “shoulds” are dream-killers.

Living Intentionally in Your 50s: A Total Game Changer

So, how did I climb out of that spiral? I decided it was time to start living intentionally in my 50s. And if you’re anywhere near my age—or even if you’re younger—it’s the best gift you’ll ever give yourself.

What Does Living Intentionally in Your 50s Mean?

Living intentionally in your 50s means this:

Every decision you make should align with your own rules in life and the values that truly matter to you.

It’s not about rigid routines or color-coded planners (unless you’re into that). It’s about living life on purpose, instead of drifting along on autopilot.

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My Own Rules in Life (And Why They Matter)

I’ve discovered three big rules in life that I now live by. And believe me—they’ve made all the difference.

1. Live By Your Core Values

At my core, I’m a woman who craves nature, solitude, and adventure. I’m curious about the world, and I need autonomy like I need coffee—immediately, and without question.

These are the rules in life that define me:

Spend time outdoors as much as possible
Keep curiosity alive
Prioritize freedom over fitting in

Whenever I’m not living according to these rules, I feel like I’m wearing a costume in someone else’s play. And that’s when anxiety, frustration, and restlessness creep in.

Living intentionally in your 50s means identifying your own core values and holding them close. Because if you’re living a life that clashes with who you are, you’ll always feel off balance.

Read Becoming Stronger in Your 50s by Discovering Personal Core Values to find out more about finding your core values.

2. Be 1% Better Every Day

Look, I’m not aiming to become a brand-new person overnight. I’m not signing up for an Ironman, nor am I joining a monastery.

But I do want to be slightly better each day:

Eat an extra veggie
Skip gossiping about a coworker
Smile even when I don’t feel like it
Go for a short walk instead of doomscrolling Instagram

These little steps add up. They’re my small, personal rules in life that help me stay connected to my goals. And they’re a huge part of living intentionally in your 50s because, let’s face it—we don’t have time to waste on massive, unsustainable changes.

3. Respect Others—But Don’t Let Them Run Your Life

I work in corporate retail, and let me tell you—customers, managers, and coworkers can try your last nerve on a daily basis. People are rude. They’re demanding. And sometimes, they just suck.

But here’s one of my new rules in life:

I respect people as human beings—but I don’t let them dictate how I feel.

That means:

Not internalizing their negativity
Keeping boundaries firm
Remembering their mood has nothing to do with me

Sometimes, my version of staying calm is giving an evil smirk and thinking, “Nice try. You didn’t shake me.” Hey, I’m human.

Living intentionally in your 50s means protecting your mental energy—and refusing to let other people steer your emotional ship.

A Real-Life Test of Living Intentionally in Your 50s

Not long ago, I woke up to news that the United States bombed Iran. I was instantly terrified—for myself, my family, and my kids. As someone who’s been on this planet for five decades, I know all too well the dark reality of war.

My first instinct was to spiral. I started picturing my children getting pulled into something horrific. I was angry at the greedy powers that be. I wanted to scream at the world.

But then… I stopped. I remembered my own rules in life. I took a breath (okay, several breaths) and realized this:

There’s only so much I can control.

So instead of giving in to fear, I decided to keep living intentionally in my 50s. I kept showing up for my kids. I stuck to my values. I focused on the life I’m building.

And that’s why living intentionally in your 50s matters—it keeps you grounded, even when the world feels like it’s on fire.

Why You Need Your Own Rules in Life

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’m exhausted just trying to keep up with life—how do I even know my own rules?”—I hear you.

Start small:

Ask yourself what truly makes you happy
Notice what drains your energy
Write down moments that bring you peace or joy
Define your personal non-negotiables

Because here’s the truth: you get to write your own rules in life. And there’s no better time than now, especially if you’re embracing living intentionally in your 50s.

Living Intentionally in Your 50s Can Change Everything

The older I get, the more convinced I am that living intentionally in your 50s is the key to not just surviving, but thriving. When you know your own rules in life, you:

Stress less over things you can’t control
Spend your energy on what truly matters
Feel proud of who you’re becoming
Wake up excited for life—even if you’re still wearing yesterday’s leggings

So here’s my challenge to you:

What are your rules in life? And how are you living intentionally in your 50s (or however old you are)?

Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your story.

Because midlife doesn’t mean your story is over. It’s just getting good.

🌟 FAQs About Living Intentionally in Your 50s and Rules in Life

How do I find my purpose in life at 50?

Start small. Identify what matters most to you—your core values—and begin making daily choices that align with them. Living intentionally in your 50s isn’t about huge changes overnight; it’s about steady, purposeful decisions that reflect your personal rules in life.

What are “rules in life,” and why do they matter?

Rules in life are the personal principles or values you choose to live by. They act like a compass, guiding your decisions and helping you stay true to yourself. Especially when living intentionally in your 50s, knowing your rules helps you avoid drifting through life on autopilot.

Can living intentionally help reduce stress?

Absolutely. When you’re clear about your rules in life and practice living intentionally in your 50s, you waste less energy on things (and people) that don’t matter. It brings focus, peace, and resilience—even in chaotic times.