Working to a Different Rhythm at 60

Turning 60 has felt like a threshold moment for me.

Not in a dramatic, life-is-over way — but in a deeply reflective, embodied way. A moment where my body, very clearly, asked me to listen more closely and to work to a different rhythm.

I want to share what led me here, because I know so many women in midlife are feeling something similar — a quiet sense that the old way of doing things no longer fits, even when life looks calm and spacious on the surface.

Turning 60 and travelling back in time

A few months ago, I turned 60. I felt — and still feel — enormous gratitude for reaching this age. Not everyone does, and that awareness stays with me.

Not long after, I travelled from Ireland to Australia for my nephew’s wedding, and then on to Sydney to see my son and his fiancée. I hadn’t been back to Sydney for 38 years, and returning there stirred something deep in me. It reminded me of earlier versions of myself — full of movement, energy, ambition, and possibility.

That trip, however, came with a series of unexpected moments.

I left my phone in an Uber. I booked accommodation for the wrong week. I lost a significant chunk of money. And then, on a sunny day in Manly, I was knocked over by a closing ferry barrier and hit the concrete hard.

Nothing catastrophic happened — but it all felt like information.

When the body speaks loudly

Shortly after returning home to Ireland, my body spoke even more clearly.

I became unwell, felt unusually exhausted, and one night my heart began racing — fast enough that it wouldn’t settle. Hours later, I ended up calling for medical help. The paramedics arrived, confirmed I was in SVT (supraventricular tachycardia), and I spent the night in hospital.

I’ve been well since — thankfully — but when something like that happens, I always ask a deeper question:

What is my body trying to tell me?

I don’t believe these things happen in isolation. And I also don’t believe the answers come from thinking harder or analysing more.

They come from listening.

It wasn’t about slowing down

Several people said to me, “You need to slow down.”

But that didn’t land.

I don’t live a busy life anymore. I’ve intentionally designed simplicity into my days. I have space in my calendar, time for walking, rest, connection, and reflection.

This wasn’t about speed.

It was about rhythm.

At the time, I was working to a rhythm that no longer matched who I am now. Not unhealthy on the surface — but subtly misaligned.

And then came another piece of information.

What my blood pressure revealed

As part of my follow-up care, I wore a 24-hour blood pressure monitor. When I went back for the results, my doctor asked one simple question:

“What were you doing between 10am and 1pm?”

Everything else looked fine. Walking. Resting. Even exercise. But during those hours, my blood pressure was consistently high.

I told her the truth.

I was on Zoom, doing work that no longer lit me up.

She smiled and said, “Maybe you shouldn’t do that kind of work anymore.”

And she was right.

That data showed me something I couldn’t feel consciously. My body knew before my mind did.

Learning to say no — and trust what flows in

Since then, I’ve been checking in differently.

Before saying yes to work, I ask:

• Is this a wholehearted yes or a no?
• Does this support my health and nervous system?
• Is this aligned with the season of life I’m in now?

I’ve said no more often.

And what’s followed has been ease.

Aligned clients. Repeat clients. Women in midlife who are also feeling that something is off — not broken, just out of rhythm.

This kind of work feels nourishing. It doesn’t ask me to override my body or push past my limits.

A new season of business in midlife

Midlife is not the time to force or hustle harder.

It’s a time for discernment.

For creating businesses that support our health, energy, and capacity for joy.

For allowing income streams that are more spacious and more passive.

For trusting that there is no shortage, no lack — only alignment.

I’ve returned to retreat work this year, created new offerings, and begun sharing work on platforms like Insight Timer that allow income to flow without constant effort.

This isn’t about doing less because we’re older.

It’s about doing what fits now.

The wisdom of the body in midlife

Our bodies are incredibly wise — especially in menopause and midlife.

They will tell us when something is off.

They will nudge us towards a different rhythm.

And if we’re willing to listen, they’ll guide us towards a way of living and working that feels deeply supportive.

At 60, my goals are no longer about pushing for more.

They’re about connection. Abundance in every area of life. And allowing my business to support — not drain — me.

If you’re feeling that quiet inner knowing that something needs to shift, trust it.

Your body already knows the way.

Ready to explore your own rhythm?

If this resonated — if you’ve had that quiet inner knowing that something in your business feels off — I’d love to support you.

I want to offer you a complimentary business breakthrough audit.

During this 30-minute audit (with an extra 15-minutes if needed), I’ll ask you several questions so you can get the insights you need to get unstuck.

You’ll walk away with:

Sometimes you just need the right space to listen.