Let me ask you something.

When was the last time you laughed.

So hard your stomach hurt or did.

Something just because it made you happy, not because it was productive or responsible or expected?

Somewhere along the way, a lot of.

Us stopped prioritizing fun.

We became caretakers, workers, problem solvers, plate.

Spinners, and fun that got bumped to the bottom of the list.

But here's the truth.

Fun isn't frivolous.

It's fuel.

And today we're talking about why joy, play, and lightness aren't just nice to have after 50, they're necessary.

Living our Best Life it's good to be alive, but it's best to truly let your spirit fly.

So celebrate the journey every single day.

Aging with Grace and style in our own special way.

Welcome to Aging with Grace and Style, the podcast that reminds.

You Midlife isn't the end of your story.

It's the start of your next most vibrant chapter.

Valerie I'm your host, Valerie, and around.

Here we talk about what it means.

To show up fully, love ourselves deeply.

And live with unapologetic joy and confidence at every age.

This is part two of my Real.

Talk plus Real Life series.

Three episodes focused on the things that.

We carry, question, and crave in midlife.

In part one, we talked about body image, health, and emotional pressure in the weight of it all.

If you missed it, be sure to go back and catch that one.

Today we're shifting into something a little.

Lighter but just as important, and that's called joy.

Because fun isn't optional, it's essential.

So grab your coffee, your tea, or.

Your glass of something sparkly, and let's.

Talk about how to bring more fun back into your everyday life.

We don't age out of needing fun.

We don't outgrow joy, and we definitely.

Don'T need anyone's permission to play.

So let's get into it.

Why we stopped having fun, what's costing what it's costing us, and how to.

Reclaim that joy again.

If I asked you what fun looked like in your 20s or 30s, you.

Could probably rattle off a list.

I know I could.

But now many of us pause.

We say things like, I don't have.

Time, girl, I am too tired.

Or there's just too much to do.

And let me be clear, I totally get it.

Life is full for me.

I'm juggling a lot.

Work, church, responsibility, supporting my mom, keeping up with the podcast.

It's a lot.

And yes, some days, fun feels like a luxury.

But here's what I've realized when I.

Stop Making space for joy.

Everything feels heavier.

I become resentful.

I'm more drained.

I am pretty darn grouchy.

And honestly, I'm less me.

Here's a reflection prompt.

When.

When's the last time that you felt pure, unfiltered joy?

What were you doing?

And then I guess a big question is, why did you stop doing it?

You know how we talk about mental health, physical health, and emotional health?

Well, let's add joy health to the list.

Fun boost mood, it lowers stress, it increases creativity, and it reconnects us to our aliveness.

In fact, research shows that engaging in.

Leisure activities is linked to lower blood.

Pressure, lower cortisol, better sleep, and even stronger immune function.

Fun is not silly.

It's strategic.

It's not something to squeeze in.

It's something to schedule in.

So here's an example.

A friend of mine recently started taking salsa classes at 58.

She said, I was nervous at first, but the music, the people, the movement, it woke something up in me.

That's what fun does.

It wakes us up.

So if you're not sure where to.

Start, here are a few fun ideas to try this month.

You could join a beginner's dance class or a yoga class or a painting class.

Maybe host a grown woman game night.

That could include dominoes, charades, snacks and.

Music and a bunch of laughter.

Take yourself to a matinee or a solo lunch.

Try a new coffee shop or a.

Smoothie place, or walk through a bookstore.

Play your favorite throwback playlist and just dance in the kitchen.

Or start a low pressure hobby like maybe a puzzle or sketching or thrifting.

Take a day trip just to explore.

No agenda needed.

Just hang out.

Plan a solo yes day where you.

Say yes to anything that's joyful or low stakes.

Joy doesn't have to be big, it.

Just has to be intentional.

So grab your calendar right now, pause it if you have to, and ask where is my joy Schedule, not task, not appointments.

Joy start with just one moment this.

Week and then build from there.

I did the same exercise.

I looked at my calendar and I'm going to be honest, I didn't have any joy scheduled on my calendar.

Everything was task.

This is what I need to do.

To get this out.

This is what I need.

These are the meetings I have.

But then I added a couple of things.

So one thing that was added is, was a women's event, rather at our church it's a pottery making event and.

The other is in a few weeks.

A couple's bowling outing that's joy.

That's going to be fun.

And so now you do the same.

Check your calendar.

If you don't have anything on there, then add something.

You can always find some joy.

There's some good movies out.

So pick a movie.

Just do something.

Now, let's name the obstacles so we can move past them.

So let's say barriers.

Barrier number one.

I feel guilty.

We've been taught to be selfless, to work hard, to earn rest and pleasure.

But joy doesn't have to be earned.

Joy should be your birthright.

So try this.

Reframe.

When I prioritize fun, I come back.

To my responsibilities more energized and present.

Barrier number two.

I don't know what I enjoy anymore.

Now, this one is real.

After decades of caring for others, we sometimes forget what we like.

So start by thinking, what did I enjoy as a child?

Now, it might not be the same thing that you enjoy now, but that gives you some point of reference.

Or what brings me peace or laughter.

Now, what's something that I've always been curious about?

Then try one small experiment a week.

No pressure.

You're just going through discovery at this point.

Barrier three.

I don't have anyone to do it with.

You don't need permission or a plus one to enjoy yourself.

Take yourself out.

Laugh by yourself.

Be your own date.

That's not lonely.

It's powerful.

I'm going to be honest.

Some of my most fun moments.

I love being with my girls.

I love being with my husband.

But I also love being with me.

It could be just going to a.

Coffee bar.

Shopping, or even just turning.

On some music and having a dance party.

That's joy.

Some of my favorite memories, as I.

Said, come from doing the simple things.

Like walking through a park, getting dressed just for me, watching a show with.

No guilt, having a dance party.

That quiet joy is real joy, too.

So let me tell you something.

The women that I admire the most aren't just wise or successful.

They're joyful.

They laugh loudly.

They show up as themselves.

They've stopped asking for permission.

That's what I want us to do.

Aging out loud means saying yes to.

What feels good, letting yourself be seen.

Laughing from the belly, choosing clay.

Even in the midst of hard seasons, fun doesn't cancel out your responsibility.

It helps you carry them better.

I got a DM from a listener who said val.

I started doing Taco Tuesday solo at this little spot in town.

I used to wait for someone to.

Go with, but now it's my thing.

And honestly, it's the best part of my week.

That right there.

That's what aging out loud looks like.

So your challenge for the week is to plan one thing just for fun.

It can be small, it can be totally silly.

It can be solo.

But do it on purpose and watch what shifts.

Try this joy ritual.

This week, pick your joy song, which could be a throwback that gets you dancing your joy outfit, the thing that.

You feel good in, not just presentable.

A joy action, even 10 minutes of something you love.

Joy is a spiritual practice, and you deserve to practice it often.

So we've talked today about reclaiming fun not as a reward, but as a necessity.

You don't need to be younger or freer or thinner to enjoy your life.

You just need to give yourself permission to live it.

So this week, I hope you laugh louder, I hope you dance longer and.

Say yes to joy without guilt.

Because you're not too old and you're not too busy.

You're right on time for the kind of fun that fills you up.

This episode is part two of my Real Talk Real Life series, where we're being honest about what we need as women over 50.

Next week, we're wrapping up the series with you're not the only one.

It's a conversation about the things that.

We secretly google and silently wonderful.

And let me tell you, you are not alone.

If this episode spoke to you, then.

Tag a friend or send it her way.

Sometimes joy just needs an invitation, and this could be hers.

Until next time, Keep shining, keep playing.

And keep aging out loud with grace.

Style and a touch of satin.

Thanks for hanging out with me today.

If you love this episode, do me a fav, share it with a friend and leave a quick review.

It's a small thing that makes a big difference.

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

And hey, let's keep the conversation going.

Join me@podagingwithgraceandstyle.com for more tips, stories, and.

A whole lot of connection.

Until next time, Keep shining.

With grace, style, and a touch of sass, it.