Stepping Out on Faith in Your 40s (and Why It’s Not Too Late to Start Something New)

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be heading back to school in my 40s, I probably would’ve laughed, blinked twice, and asked if you were serious.

Life at this stage looks different than I imagined. I’ve built a business I love. My son is off at college, taking steps toward independence (but I’m still right here supporting him as he does). And I’ve grown in ways I never expected.

However, recently, I’ve felt a tug. One that won’t go away. Something inside me is whispering that there’s more. A new path. A fresh start.

Still, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t scary. Making a big change at this point in life comes with all kinds of questions: Am I too old for this? Will I be able to keep up? What if it doesn’t work out?

But here’s what I’ve come to believe:
It’s not too late.
Not to grow. Not to learn. Not to become more of who you’re meant to be.

So if you’ve been wondering the same thing, if a part of you is craving change or thinking about starting over, this post is for you.

Let me share what stepping out in this season has looked like for me, and why you might be more ready than you think.

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See What's Inside

Why I Decided to Go Back to School

For a while now, I haven’t been able to shake the feeling that something needs to shift. Not because anything is necessarily wrong, but because I feel a quiet restlessness. Like a part of me is ready for more.

But I wasn’t initially quite sure what that “more” looked like yet. The blogging world has changed a lot in recent years, and while I’m incredibly grateful it still provides for me, I’ve started to think more seriously about the future and how I might want (or need) to grow in other ways too.

I started paying attention to those small nudges. A thought here. A curiosity there. A sudden interest in something I hadn’t considered in years. At first, I brushed it off. I told myself I was too busy, too established, too comfortable.

But deep down, I knew I was craving growth.

Going back to school isn’t something I dreamed I would ever be doing at this stage of my life. But after a lot of prayer and reflection, I made the decision to pursue a career in Radiologic Technology. It’s a path that feels both purposeful and practical. The salary outlook is solid, which brings some peace of mind, and the structure of the work feels like a surprisingly good fit for how my brain works.

As someone who’s both autistic and has ADHD (you can read more about that here), I’ve learned that clarity, step-by-step routines, and quiet observation play to my strengths. This field checks a lot of those boxes—and the more I looked into it, the more I could see myself in it.

I want to challenge myself. I want to do meaningful work. And maybe most of all, I want to prove to myself that I can still stretch and evolve.

That doesn’t mean the decision came easily. I went back and forth more than once. I questioned everything: the timing, the finances, and whether I’d even be able to keep up.

But despite all the doubt, there’s still this strong, steady pull. And at some point, I realized I’d rather try than keep wondering “what if.”

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The Mental Hurdles (And How I’m Working Through Them)

Even after making the decision to go back to school, the doubts didn’t magically disappear. They still show up: loud, quiet, and everything in between.

Will I be the oldest one in class?
Will I be able to keep up?
Am I too far removed from the world of tests, textbooks, and studying to do this well?
Am I crazy for doing this now?

I’ve asked myself all of it. Some days, I still do.

The program I’m entering is competitive, and as someone who’s neurodivergent, I’ve had to be extra intentional about how I prepare, organize, and manage my energy.

But I’ve learned that fear doesn’t always mean “stop.” Sometimes it just means you’re doing something brave.

So when those doubts come, I try to give myself grace. I remind myself why I said yes to this path in the first place. I focus on the next small step instead of the whole staircase. And I lean into the truth that discomfort isn’t always a sign you’re doing something wrong. Sometimes, it’s a sign you’re growing.

You don’t have to have it all figured out.
You don’t have to have every answer.
You don’t have to be fearless, you just have to be willing.

✨ Reflection Question:
What fear or doubt has been holding you back from trying something new? What would it look like to take one small step forward anyway?

What I’ve Learned So Far

Classes start tomorrow, but in many ways, the journey has already begun.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve found myself diving into Anatomy and Physiology videos on YouTube and TikTok, reviewing textbook chapters I tracked down online, and even studying last year’s syllabus just to get a head start. I’ve taken pages of notes, highlighted diagrams, ordered a fun-looking Anatomy & Physiology coloring book, and rewatched certain lessons more times than I can count.

Taking the time to prepare has helped to ease my nerves and reminded me that I’m capable, committed, and showing up for myself.

I’ve learned that even before the first assignment is due or the first grade is given, the decision to step forward changes you. Saying yes to something that stretches you, something that matters to you, brings a kind of clarity and quiet confidence that doesn’t come from having all the answers. It comes from showing up.

And I’ve seen God in the details. In the timing. In the way I’ve found the exact resources I needed. In the steady peace that’s replaced some of the fear. He didn’t make all the doubt vanish, but He’s given me just enough strength for each step.

So, what have I learned so far?
That preparation is powerful.
That obedience brings peace.
That even baby steps count.
And that God truly does meet us when we move.

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It’s Not Too Late (And You’re Not Too Old)

If there’s one thing I want you to take from my story, it’s this: you are not too old to try something new. You’re not too late. You’re not behind.

I turn 45 this month. And we don’t talk about this enough, but there’s a real pressure to have everything figured out by a certain age.

To have a certain level of success, or a certain type of job, or a certain amount in savings…the list goes on.

But life doesn’t work like that. We all have our own journey and timeline, and it’s never too late to make changes and pursue your dreams.

So if there’s something you’ve been wanting to do but feel like you’ve missed your chance, I want to encourage you today: take that first step.

Whether it’s going back to school, changing careers, moving to a new place, or finally saying yes to something that’s been tugging at your heart for years, it is not too late.

You don’t have to have it all figured out to start.
You don’t need permission.

You just need to be brave enough to take that first step.

Whatever dream you’ve been putting off, whatever idea keeps resurfacing, maybe this is your sign. Maybe it’s time.

🌿 Quote to Reflect On:
“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”
—George Eliot

📝 Reflection Prompt:
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try, but talked yourself out of because you thought it was too late?
What would change if you gave yourself permission to begin now?

What’s Next (and What I Hope for You)

As for me, classes begin this week, and I’m stepping into this new season with a mix of excitement, nerves, and quiet determination. I know it won’t be easy, but I also know I’m capable of doing hard things. I’ve done them before, and I’ll do them again.

I don’t know exactly where this path will lead, but I’m open to the possibilities. My hope is that it brings growth, stability, and purpose. My prayer is that it stretches me in all the right ways.

And my hope for you? That you stop waiting for the perfect time. That you stop holding back because of your age, your doubts, or the voice in your head that says it’s too late. That you remember your timing is valid. And that your dreams are still worth pursuing.

If there’s a step you’ve been thinking about taking, maybe now is the moment to stop overthinking and start moving.

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A Prayer for Moving Forward

Father God, thank You for reminding us that it’s never too late to grow, to begin again, or to step into something new.
For every woman reading this who feels the pull to move forward but is battling doubt or fear, I ask for clarity, courage, and peace.
Remind her that her path is her own and that You are with her.
Give her the strength to take that first step, even if it’s small.
And help her to trust that what You’ve placed in her heart still matters.
Amen