I’m starting my life over after 50 years old. It’s proving exhausting but 100% worth it. See what I’m doing psychologically, financially and physically to get my life back on track after a breakup with a toxic man.
Can I Reinvent Myself at 53 Years Old?
Welcome to my little corner of the internet where I talk about reinventing yourself in midlife. This article is a special one because I’m laying it all out—my wins, my struggles, the goals I’ve set, and the messy, in-between stuff that no one talks about. And I plan to post about this every month.
So far, I’ve shared a lot about how I feel—the heartbreak, anger, and loneliness after leaving a toxic relationship and letting go of a lifestyle I worked hard to build. But I haven’t really shared what I’m doing to actually move forward and rebuild.
Also read : Midlife Reinvention: Starting Over at 50 and Broke (But Hopeful)
I’ve made some huge mistakes—financially, romantically—and it left me completely drained: emotionally, physically, and mentally. I didn’t want to stay stuck in that version of myself, so about five months after everything fell apart, I decided it was time to start climbing back. This is the journey of that climb.
Let’s dive into the extreme goals I’ve set for myself—and how I’m going after them.
Healing My Mind First
Before I could begin the journey of reinventing myself in my 50s I need to fix my finances or my health, I had to deal with the psychological fallout. Not just the pain he caused, but the guilt I felt for staying in that relationship—especially when deep down, I knew better.
First step: letting go of the anger. This is easier said than done, right? It honestly took over eight months to stop feeling that constant frustration. What helped the most? Positive distractions—new job, meeting new people, reconnecting with family, and just building a life that had nothing to do with him.
Now that the anger isn’t running the show (I still catch a wave of it here and there), I’m learning how to protect myself better going forward. I’m reading books, watching YouTube videos, and diving into anything that helps me recognize red flags and set better boundaries.
Surprisingly, making YouTube videos has been a big part of my healing. Sharing my story and connecting with YOU has given me purpose and hope. This community means more to me than I can express—your support has been incredible. Community really does help you heal.
Check It Out : AllieRambles Midlife YouTube Channel
Getting My Midlife Financial Freedom Back
Where I’m At Now at 53 Years Old
Let’s talk about money. A steady income is key to rebuilding, and I’ve got my sights set on $12,000/month someday. That covers everything—mortgage, investments, living expenses—while still living frugally (which is just how I roll).
But for now, my 2025 goal is $6,000/month income. That would mean moving out of mom’s house, making car payments, saving, and being able to support myself fully. I’m about a third of the way there.
How am I accomplishing this?
Well, I took a retail job in November 2024. It’s not glamorous, but it’s steady and allows me to invest in my online business tools and Etsy shop.
Since last July, I’ve been reviving my YouTube channel. It’s had some bursts of growth—nothing massive, but enough to keep me going.
Then in January 2025, I decided to start an Etsy shop selling Pickleball T-Shirts. It’s slow going, no sales yet, but I’m giving myself a full year to build it out since the overhead is low.
I’ve also been updating my blog and working on SEO. Traffic is slowly growing, and so is my Google AdSense revenue.
Where I Want to Go Financially
Relying on AdSense alone isn’t sustainable. That’s why I’m focusing on creating my own products—like t-shirts, journals, and eventually maybe courses. It gives me control over everything from creation to marketing.
To be real, I have no idea how much money this will bring in—or if it’ll even work. I’ve done research, sure, but I won’t truly know the potential until I start making consistent sales.
That uncertainty is scary, but it’s also exciting. This is the kind of journey I want to share with you month by month.
Taking Charge of My Health at 53
Honestly, I didn’t think I could stick to any fitness or eating goals with everything else on my plate—but I’m proud to say I’ve been making serious progress.
Here’s what I’m working on:
- No more nighttime snacking. I used to snack in bed every night. I’ve kicked that habit for about a month now and it’s saving me thousands of calories.
- 7,000 steps a day. I started tracking in February, gradually working up from 4,000 steps a day to 7,000.
- Working out 6 days a week. I do 2–3 days of heavy resistance training, and the other days are high-intensity workouts.
- Better eating. I’m eating more veggies, fewer carbs, and cooking at home more (shout-out to Mom for helping here!). Bread and fast food are still my kryptonite, but I’m working on it.
These aren’t quick fixes—I want them to be lifelong habits. My ultimate goal is to feel strong, lean, energized, and healthy every day.
It’s a lot. Between working 30–40 hours at my job, running my online biz 40+ hours a week, exercising, and trying to cook real meals… I’m amazed I’m still upright. Maybe it’s all the salads.
Social life? Practically none—besides video chats with my friend Stephanie in Colorado and some conversations at work. But I’m confident I’ll get back to living life on my terms again.
My 2025 Goals for Starting Over After 50
Let’s break down what I’m working toward this year:
Psychological
- Keep learning how to set and hold boundaries.
- Get more comfortable asserting what I need—and surround myself with people who respect that.
Financial
- Save $6,000 for a car down payment. And purchase a car.
- Keep investing at least $100/month into retirement (more once the car is bought).
- Move out and live on my own again.
- Be earning $6000 / month by February 2026
Physical
- Lose about 20 pounds or go down two pant sizes.
- Build muscle that supports my bones and joints.
- Eat more veggies than anything else—every day.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Every small step has made me stronger. Reinventing my life in my 50s isn’t easy, but it’s 100% worth it. And I’m excited to share this journey with you.
These monthly updates will keep me accountable—and maybe inspire you to take that first step toward your own transformation.
I’d love to hear what you’re working on. Comment below or, if you want something more personal, join my newsletter. I send updates every Friday, but I also love writing heartfelt letters to my subscribers—kind of like the pen pal days. 💌
This little community we’ve built is amazing. I see so many of you supporting each other in the comments, and it’s just… beautiful.
Thanks so much for being here. I’ll see you in the next video—and next month with another update.
Take care!
Watch this blog post on YouTube
Thank You for Stopping By!
Hi, I’m Allie—solo traveler, hiker, and midlife reinventor. I’m sharing my real story of reinventing my life in my 50s after a breakup with a toxic man, with a touch of hiking adventures mixed in.
This blog is where I explore what it means to rebuild and chase freedom in your 50s and beyond—because life doesn’t end at midlife, it begins. Let’s wander, grow, and figure it out together.
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