The Midlife Service

When Your Body Demands Maintenance

Is this the age when everything starts to fall apart? Or when we finally start paying attention?

This week, I did something I'd been putting off for far too long: I had my very first colonoscopy and endoscopy.

With family members who are coeliacs and have had regular screenings, it was recommended that I finally get checked. Interestingly, as I started discussing it on Instagram and with friends, I was surprised to learn how common it is and how many people have actually undergone the procedure, as well as how many are frequent flyers. And honestly? The anticipation was worse than the actual procedure.

But lying there in that hospital gown, waiting to be wheeled into theatre, I had one of those crystal-clear midlife moments: When did I become the age where this stuff matters?

My sister-in-law joked that we must love hospitals. This month alone, two of us have had surgeries in our household. But everywhere I look in my midlife circle, it seems we're all suddenly dealing with more medical check-ups, whether routine tests or treatments for something more serious. I feel like I've reached the age where this is going to become more common, so I'm getting used to it.

When Life Forces Your Hand

You know how we treat our cars, right? We wait for that grinding noise, that dashboard warning light, before we reluctantly book them in for service. We don't think about the oil change until the engine starts complaining.

Midlife has a similar way of getting our attention.

Often, we wait until something is genuinely broken before we fix it. We discover health ailments that prompt us to take action and finally make those lifestyle changes we've been promising ourselves. We realise we're working too hard and not making enough time for fitness or proper nutrition. We keep saying yes when we desperately mean no, until our bodies start saying it for us.

With Mum's accident at Christmas, then her brain surgery months later, our medical emergencies in Bali, and now this screening, plus watching friends navigate various treatments and illnesses, it's more important than ever that we take control of our own health and wellbeing.

The Wake-Up Call We Didn't Ask For

The thing about midlife is that it has a brutal way of reminding us that life is short and that we only have these moments to cherish.

However, here's what I've learned: while some things may not be preventable, many are within our control.

As I wait for my follow-up appointment in two weeks (nothing serious came from my screening, just a couple of minor things requiring another in five years and possibly some dietary tweaks), I've been reflecting on the health pillars that have become non-negotiable for me, especially during perimenopause, but really for life in general:

1. Sleep hygiene - Because everything falls apart when we're chronically exhausted

2. Diet and nutrition - Not restriction, but nourishment that actually supports our changing bodies. A greater focus on whole foods, fibre, variety of vegetables and adequate protein

3. Stress management - Learning that "I'm fine" isn't a sustainable long-term strategy

4. Energy management - Including setting and understanding healthy boundaries (this one's huge for us people-pleasers)

5. Movement and strength training - Because our bones and muscles need us to show up

6. Connection and fun - Because what's the point of good health if we're not actually living?

Your Midlife Maintenance Checklist

When was the last time you gave yourself a proper service? I'm not talking about the surface-level stuff, though a good facial never hurt anyone; I'm referring to the real maintenance that keeps you running smoothly.

Think about it: if your best friend came to you right now and asked whether she should book that mammogram, get her hormones checked, or finally see someone about that persistent pain she's been ignoring, what would you tell her?

Now, why aren't you giving yourself that same care and attention?

The midlife service isn't just about medical check-ups (though those matter). It's about honestly assessing where you're at and what needs attention. Maybe it's finally having that conversation with your GP about perimenopause symptoms. Maybe it's admitting that saying yes to everything is actually serving no one. Maybe it's acknowledging that your energy management needs a complete overhaul.

Taking Back the Driver's Seat

Here's the truth: we can't control everything that happens to our bodies as we age. Genetics, accidents, and life circumstances will always play their part. But we can control how we respond, how we prepare, and how we prioritise our wellbeing.

Midlife might be when things start falling apart, but it's also when we finally have the wisdom, and hopefully the time, to put them back together properly. Not with quick fixes or denial, but with the kind of intentional care our younger selves never thought to give.

So consider this your reminder to book that check-up, have that difficult conversation, or make that boundary you've been avoiding. Your future self will thank you.

When was your last "Midlife Service Check" moment? What made you finally pay attention to something you'd been ignoring? I'd love to hear your story in the comments, we're all figuring this out together.

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P.S.If you didn’t see last week’s post, you may not know that I'm starting a free 12-week Artist's Way accountability group on September 1st. We'll be participating in Julia Cameron's gentle creative recovery program together, which includes daily morning pages, weekly artist dates, and community support for women ready to reconnect with their authentic selves. If you're tired of putting yourself last and want to finally finish something that's purely for your own creative soul, then…

Because your authentic self has been waiting so patiently. 💕

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