When I sat down with Lavanya Kethamukkalar’s answers for this Q&A, I felt an immediate surge of recognition and quiet admiration. There is an unshakeable, luminous strength in the way she speaks about midlife — not as a time to slow down or retreat, but as the moment to step into your “second innings” with bold confidence and zero apologies.
Lavanya describes herself as a midlife woman, a devoted wife, mother of two sons, and a lifelong multitasker who genuinely thrives on challenging herself. From completing 1,000 push-ups in February and 1,500 squats in April, to dancing at her 50th birthday celebration despite never feeling comfortable on the dance floor, Lavanya is living proof that 50 is an invitation to recognise your own power. Sandwiched between guiding her sons through college, caring for aging parents, and balancing her health and work, she has stopped living by other people’s expectations. Grounded in the spiritual wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and guided by the question “If not now, then when?”, her reflections offer a vibrant blueprint for putting yourself at the top of your own priority list.
I am so deeply honoured to share her wisdom with you today.
Who are you, and what season of life are you in?
I am a woman in midlife—a devoted wife, mother of two wonderful sons (ages 22 and 18), and a lifelong multitasker. I love challenging myself. Completing 1,000 push-ups in February and 1,500 squats in April reminded me that 50 is not the time to slow down; it is the time to recognize my strength and keep moving forward.
What surprised you most about your 50s?
I was surprised by how much midlife demanded of me—sending my children to college, caring for aging parents, and balancing work, family, and health. Even when my energy felt nearly depleted, I discovered that I could handle it all.
One thing you’ve stopped doing (and you’re better for it):
I have stopped worrying about how others define me. I am more resilient and focused on pursuing my dreams instead of living according to someone else’s expectations.
One thing you’re choosing instead:
I am choosing to put myself at the top of my priority list. When life does not go as planned, I switch to Plan B, move forward, and refuse to hold myself back.
One boundary you now honor, no apology:
I honor my need for space and no longer apologize for my decisions. I am choosing to do what I have always wanted without fear or unnecessary compromise.
One micro-decision that changed everything:
Turning 50 reminded me that my second innings has begun. My guiding question is, “If not now, then when?” Although dancing has never felt comfortable, I asked a friend to choreograph a few steps and danced at my 50th birthday celebration.
One practice that keeps you steady:
Staying spiritually grounded keeps me steady. As an ardent follower of the Bhagavad Gita, I find purpose in fulfilling my responsibilities to my family and profession. This strengthens me mentally, physically, and emotionally.
One belief about midlife you no longer subscribe to:
I no longer believe that I need to please everyone.
The best thing about being in your 50s:
The best part of being in your 50s is knowing yourself and recognizing your worth. You have lived enough to understand your strengths and become exceptionally good at something meaningful.
Complete this: At 50+, I am…
confident, unapologetic, and committed to being a role model for women in midlife. I am finally doing the things I have always wanted to do—without feeling the need to explain myself.
This week, I want women turning 50 to remember:
Time moves quickly. Don’t wait or spend it on things that don’t matter. Prioritize your health, happiness, and the life you truly want to live.
My Note to My Future Self
What I keep returning to is Lavanya’s guiding question: “If not now, then when?”
All those years we spent worrying about how others define us, holding back because of fear, and editing our desires to fit someone else’s expectations—and the quiet, radical act of finally putting ourselves at the top of our own priority list.
Because midlife is not the time to slow down. Or perhaps we’ve just decided to stop living within parameters set by everyone else.
I loved her boundary around space and self-permission. Moving forward with Plan B when life doesn’t go as planned, asking for help to choreograph a few dance steps, and stepping out onto the floor without needing to explain herself to anyone. There is so much permission in that. So many women have been taught that prioritizing their own happiness and health is selfish, or that turning 50 means quietly receding into the background. Lavanya honours her need for space without apology. And that shift—from seeking approval to fully recognising your worth and standing as a role model—might be the most underrated gift of this decade.
And her closing line: “Time moves quickly. Don’t wait or spend it on things that don’t matter. Prioritize your health, happiness, and the life you truly want to live.”
I don’t think I need to add anything to that.
If you’re following along this week:
My Stop: Where am I still worrying about how others define me or wasting energy on things that don’t matter?
My Start: What is one thing I have always wanted to do that I can choose to start this week by asking, “If not now, then when?”
My Boundary: Where do I need to honour my need for space and stop apologising for the decisions I make for my own well-being?
My Micro-decision: What is a small, uncomfortable step — like asking for help or trying something completely unfamiliar — that I can take today to step into my second innings?
My Practice: How can I draw strength from my core spiritual beliefs or daily routines to stay steady when life demands a pivot to Plan B?
Journal Prompt: If I were to stop explaining myself and put myself at the top of my priority list today, what would the very first chapter of my second innings look like?
There is something so deeply reassuring about sharing this space with women like Lavanya — leaders, mothers, and multitaskers who remind us that midlife isn’t a signal to contract, but a magnificent threshold to recognise our true strength.
If Lavanya’s reflections resonated with you today, I warmly invite you to explore her work at Nourishing Expert and take a moment to reflect on your own second innings.
As always, I’d love to hear what landed most deeply for you in this conversation. What is one expectation you are ready to let go of? What dance are you finally ready to step into? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below.
Until next time, keep curating a life that gently supports the woman you are becoming.
Kiran x
READY TO CURATE YOUR NEXT CHAPTER? Choose the path that fits you best:
The Book: Order From “What Now?” to “Watch Me!”
The Midlife Reset: 14 days to step off autopilot, listen to your body, and reclaim your peace.
The Aligned Year: Step out of default living and move with the seasons.
The Midlife Circle: Join our private community to navigate this season together.
Midlife in Your Pocket: Monthly rolling support for the woman who wants a trusted voice in her corner, without the formality of scheduled sessions.