People - A Call to Adventure: My Midlife Journey of Transformation
By: Joanna Filmer
Standing in a tiny boulangerie in France at just 11 years old, I felt a spark of independence ignite within me. I mustered all the courage I could to order a baguette in French. The thrill of being understood, of stepping into a world so different from my own, filled me with a joy I couldn’t quite put into words. Little did I know that this small moment would become the foundation of a lifelong love affair with travel—a love that would lead to profound self-discovery and a deeper understanding of life’s possibilities.
Fast forward to my teenage years, and there I was, standing at the helm of a cruise ship, on a school study tour, in the Mediterranean. For the first time, I felt truly free. Away from parental expectations and the routines of daily life, I discovered something extraordinary: independence. We visited places I had only dreamed of—the Acropolis in Greece, the bustling streets of Jerusalem, archaeological sites in Crete. The world opened up to me, and with it came the realization that life could be so much more than the roles and rules we’re born into.
In my 20s, I traveled incessantly, living and working in different cultures, soaking in alternative ways of life. My 30s were a whirlwind of hard work, professional growth, and becoming a mother. We emigrated to Australia, and not long after, I found myself navigating life as a single mum.
Then came menopause—a journey of its own, as so many midlife women will understand. Everything was shifting. My son was preparing to leave the nest. I was stressed, unfulfilled with work, and disconnected from myself. I felt lost. Who was I? What did I truly want? And most importantly, how could I find my way back to the vibrant, empowered woman I once was?
The answers didn’t come in whispers—they came as a deafening roar !
So, I did the only thing I knew would help: I packed up my house, took a sabbatical, dusted off my backpack, and boarded a plane. Travel became my salvation. I explored national parks in Japan, trekked in Sapa, North Vietnam (in pic ), snorkeled Borneo’s reefs, temple-hopped across India, and embraced the long, reflective hours of train and bus journeys. Each step peeled away layers of fear, doubt, and societal pressure, helping me rediscover this new woman I was always destined to be.
Through this journey, I realized something profound: midlife isn’t an ending—it’s a beginning. It’s an opportunity to rewrite the story, embrace who we are, and step boldly into the life we truly want.
If you’re feeling stuck, let me tell you this: it’s never too late to set another goal or dream a new dream. Your call to adventure is waiting. It starts with one small step—whether that’s trying something new, traveling to a place you’ve always dreamed of, or simply giving yourself permission to prioritize your own needs.
Midlife isn’t a crisis; it’s a crossroads. The journey ahead is yours to shape.
So, what’s your call to adventure?
