Chapter 50 (years old)
Six months ago, I thought I was done with media when I stepped down as editor in chief of a luxury publication. I’d spent years caught up in deadlines, meetings, and the nonstop creative hustle. Honestly, I was ready for something quieter, longer mornings, more travel, and fewer commitments.
Then, Ria Prieto reached out and invited me to join her team. How could I say no? It sparked something inside me again. The love for storytelling never really goes away.
But returning wasn’t without some anxiety. Could I handle the deadlines again? Would I lose the time to travel, something I’ve grown to treasure? And my biggest worry was if I even have any new stories left to tell? I was half joking, half serious when I started saying I was becoming just another boring 50-something woman.
There’s also a new constant in my life. Menopause, my newly acquired best friend. I call her a best friend with a bit of sarcasm and a lot of respect, because like any lifelong companion, she demands attention, teaches hard lessons, and keeps showing up whether I’m ready or not.
She’s been quite the challenge. My mornings now begin with an assortment of 10 to 12 vitamins and supplements, carefully chosen to patch up the gaps in energy, sleep, bones, and mood. A Jisulife pocket fan is in every handbag, my nightstand, and even my office drawer. My back aches, my left foot is acting up, and my eyesight seems to have gone on a quiet vacation.
There’s a massive learning curve here, and I’m determined to figure it out, not just for myself, but for all of us navigating this biological plot twist. The body I’ve known for decades feels different now. Seems slower in some ways, but maybe wiser, too. Because of what I’m going through, I also find myself not wanting to stay out late. The comfort of my bed is too alluring. I do have more time on my hands, that’s for sure.
And maybe that’s exactly why going back to media felt right. Maybe this isn’t just about telling stories but rediscovering them and in the process, maybe even rediscovering myself. It’s no longer about proving anything. It’s about connection. Real stories. Honest reflections. Women who are figuring life out in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond. There’s depth here that deserves space.
Four years ago, my daughters, Jody and Jacqui, moved to Canada for further studies in advertising and global marketing. Sending both girls abroad at once was really tough emotionally. Financially, it was stressful, too, as they insisted a two-bedroom apartment was essential, and the tuition was painfully high (times two). Now, looking back, I honestly don’t know how I managed it alone. But I did. And it made me realize how resilient and strong I can be when it matters most.
Their first two years in Toronto, I constantly worried about how they’d adjust. Back home in the Philippines, they had it easy because there was always someone to cook, clean, and help out. In Toronto, they had to learn to do everything themselves. Laundry, cooking, commuting, and making new friends from scratch were just some of the things they had to face. Despite all my worries, they handled it beautifully. Today, they’re independent, capable, and thriving. I couldn’t be prouder.
I’m glad I gave them the chance to step out of their comfort zone and grow on their own. It wasn’t just a gift to them. It became one for me, too. Because now, as I step back into media unexpectedly, I see parallels between their journey and mine. Like them, I’m relearning, adjusting, and making new connections. I’m stepping into unfamiliar territory with old skills, but a new mindset.
It’s humbling to realize that reinvention doesn’t always come with fireworks. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it shows up as a phone call from someone who still believes in your voice. And sometimes, it’s as subtle as waking up one day and realizing you want to create again.
Their experiences taught me that courage and flexibility can lead to amazing new opportunities. It reminded me that we’re all always becoming. We are never fully done. And if my daughters can embrace change with open arms in a foreign country, then maybe I can juggle writing and run my jewelry shop once again.
So here’s to new chapters. New stories. And always embracing the chance to step out of our comfort zones. Whether it’s a newsroom, a new collection, or hot flashes, I am ready for you.
