“If not now, when?”

Introducing Lorraine

Lorraine C. Ladish is 55 years old and lives in Sarasota, Florida with her husband their blended family – three teens ages 14, 15, and 17 – and their dog. She was born in Spain to a Spanish father and an American mother and was raised to be bilingual and bicultural.

A writer by trade, Lorraine’s written and published a number of books on women’s issues, from eating disorders (she had one for many years) to parenting, and a few novels too. For many years, she was also a translator, interpreter, and a fitness instructor.

These days she makes a living as a journalist, writer, and a social media influencer, through her business Viva Fifty Media LLC, which includes the websites VivaFifty.com and LorraineCLadish.com.

Into sports and dance all her life, Lorraine, now practices yoga daily and says that helps her deal with all aspects of life.

What would you say has been the biggest shift in your life since turning 40?

At 45 I lost everything material: My marriage, source of income, my savings. Everything. I ended up on welfare with two young girls, then 4 and 7. That was in 2008 during the recession. Fortunately, I was able to reinvent myself and take my writing online and turn it all around. I later met the love of my life and will soon celebrate 9 years together. I can’t really speak of a shift but of evolution, and it didn’t have to really do with age, but simply circumstances and how I adapted to them…story of my life!

When do you feel you are most powerful?

I feel most powerful when I’m doing some crazy yoga arm balance. At 55 it’s that simple.

What are the top 3 most important things to you right now?

Health, family, purpose.

How do you make sure your actions are aligned with what’s most important to you?

I follow my gut. If something makes me feel queasy, I drop it.

What seeds are you planting today for the future?

I’m taking a 200-hour yoga teacher training course that specializes in teaching people 50+ and people with limitations, after which I will most likely take a 300-hour course, in order to complete a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher Training. The reason is that I want to be there for my kids as they grow up and also bring yoga and mobility to people who think yoga is not accessible to them. I’m also writing my next book. I don’t see myself retiring.

What advice would you give someone who is interested in redesigning midlife?

Ask yourself, “if not now, when?” – Write down what you would LOVE to do and aren’t doing and then do it. Connect with other mid-lifers who look like they’re living purposefully and take a cue from them.

How can people connect with you and your work?

I’m @lorrainecladish across all social media channels and LorraineCLadish.com