50 After 50

Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life

Maria Leonard Olsen

At age 50, Maria Leonard Olsen drank her way out of a 25-year marriage. She had, against advice, put all her eggs in the motherhood basket, willfully derailing her successful law career. As teenagers, her precious children did not need her in the hands-on way they previously had. Her husband and she had grown apart because, among other things, they failed to nurture that important relationship. She was depressed and stuck.
When she turned 50, she had the distinct feeling that she was on the downward slope of her life. Actuarially speaking, she was. So when she turned 50, her gift to herself was to go on a crusade to make the most of whatever time she had left. She set out to do 50 new things that were significant, at least to her. The list spanned physical challenges, adventure travel, and lifestyle changes. Each taught her something about herself and about how she wanted to lead the next years of her life to come.
This work follows the work she did to accomplish those 50 new things and shows readers how to make their own action lists – whether it be joining a knitting club or hiking the Himalayas, every item has significance for each individual and speaks to her needs and desires. The list is the match to spark the fire that will light the years after 50. Readers will hear about Maria’s adventures and the rewards of each. Accomplishing new things, learning new skills, deepening personal and spiritual relationships, and seeking out challenges will add the spice to a life that may feel repetitive, insignificant, inauthentic, or just plain boring.

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pages: 200 • Trim: 6¼ x 9⅜

978-1-5381-0964-9 • Hardback • June 2018 • $42.00 • (£35.00)

978-1-5381-3664-5 • Paperback • October 2019 • $27.00 • (£19.99)

978-1-5381-0965-6 • eBook • June 2018 • $25.50 • (£19.99)

Subjects: Self-Help / Personal Growth / Happiness, Body, Mind & Spirit / Inspiration & Personal Growth, Self-Help / Aging

50 After 50

Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life

Hardback

Paperback

eBook

Summary

At age 50, Maria Leonard Olsen drank her way out of a 25-year marriage. She had, against advice, put all her eggs in the motherhood basket, willfully derailing her successful law career. As teenagers, her precious children did not need her in the hands-on way they previously had. Her husband and she had grown apart because, among other things, they failed to nurture that important relationship. She was depressed and stuck.
When she turned 50, she had the distinct feeling that she was on the downward slope of her life. Actuarially speaking, she was. So when she turned 50, her gift to herself was to go on a crusade to make the most of whatever time she had left. She set out to do 50 new things that were significant, at least to her. The list spanned physical challenges, adventure travel, and lifestyle changes. Each taught her something about herself and about how she wanted to lead the next years of her life to come.
This work follows the work she did to accomplish those 50 new things and shows readers how to make their own action lists – whether it be joining a knitting club or hiking the Himalayas, every item has significance for each individual and speaks to her needs and desires. The list is the match to spark the fire that will light the years after 50. Readers will hear about Maria’s adventures and the rewards of each. Accomplishing new things, learning new skills, deepening personal and spiritual relationships, and seeking out challenges will add the spice to a life that may feel repetitive, insignificant, inauthentic, or just plain boring.

Details

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pages: 200 • Trim: 6¼ x 9⅜

978-1-5381-0964-9 • Hardback • June 2018 • $42.00 • (£35.00)

978-1-5381-3664-5 • Paperback • October 2019 • $27.00 • (£19.99)

978-1-5381-0965-6 • eBook • June 2018 • $25.50 • (£19.99)

Subjects: Self-Help / Personal Growth / Happiness, Body, Mind & Spirit / Inspiration & Personal Growth, Self-Help / Aging

Author

Maria Leonard Olsen is an attorney, women writing/empowerment retreat leader, public speaker, and a cohost of the “Inside Out” radio show on WPFW, FM 89.3, in Washington, D.C. She has written for the Washington Post, Washingtonian, Bethesda Magazine, Parenting, and other outlets. Olsen also counsels women recovering from addiction and trauma. See www. MariaLeonardOlsen.com for additional information.

Table of Contents

Preface:Maria 2.0, or Out of the Mud Comes the Lotus
Part I:Why I Did This (And Why You Should, Too)
Chapter 1: Recovering From Childhood
Chapter 2: The Emptiness of Materialism and Trap of Perfectionism
Chapter 3: A Living Problem
Chapter 4: Dry Drunk Grad School
Part II: How I Achieved My Post-50 Transformation--My List of 50 and
What I Learned from Each Endeavor (A Micro Look)
Chapter 5: Travel and Adventure
Chapter 6: Learning and Teaching
Chapter 7: Social Activities
Chapter 8: Physical Challenges and Well-Being
Chapter 9: Spiritual Endeavors
Chapter 10: Thrill-Seeking Ventures
Chapter 11: Lifestyle Changes
Part III:Lessons and Tools for Your Own 50 After 50

Reviews

An inspiring read for those who are in or have passed through middle age.

— Library Journal

Maria's honesty about becoming herself is inspiring to women of all ages--her journey toward living authentically reads as urgently as a mystery novel, with her true self being the mystery she is solving. I couldn't stop writing down ideas to apply to my own life as I discovered more about her path. This is the perfect book for any women questioning choices she has made and considering -- even just as a daydream -- different possibilities.
— Kimberly Palmer, author, "Smart Mom, Rich Mom: How to Build Wealth While Raising a Family" and "The Economy of You: Discover Your Inner Entrepreneur and Recession-Proof Your Life"

Maria Olsen is a brave woman and a brave writer. Her new book 50 After 50 is sometimes raw in its painful honesty, yet always heartfelt and deeply inspiring. Her courage, resilience, and adventures in self-discovery will undoubtedly motivate many other women who’ve been hamstrung by psychological, emotional or social demons to move forward with passion and purpose in their journey toward self-compassion and self-fulfillment.
— Stacey Colino, award-winning journalist, and co-author of "Disease-Proof: The Remarkable Truth About What Makes Us Well" and "Strong Is the New Skinny"

Maria Olsen's new book, Fifty After Fifty is powerful, courageous and inspiring. Through her own adventures and experience, Maria shares valuable life lessons on every level--psychological, emotional, spiritual and physical--to help the reader live their most abundant life. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to make the most of life and all that it can offer.
— Dr. Anita Gadhia-Smith, Psychotherapist and author of "From Addiction to Recovery: A Therapist's Personal Journey and How To Stay Together: Whether You Want To Or Not"

Maria Olsen has opened her heart in this deeply personal story that travels from deep despair through an affirming journey to renewal and joy. A compelling story that offers advice and encouragement for anyone seeking purpose, passion and happiness.
— Robin Gerber, author of "Leadership the Eleanor Roosevelt Way: Timeless Strategies from the First Lady of Courage" and "Katharine Graham: The Leadership Journey of an American Icon"

Maria Olsen is provocatively honest in her new book, Fifty After Fifty, as she openly talks about delicate topics from her past. I applaud her ability to recreate herself and seek her bliss. This book shows how we can all change our mindset and transform ourselves if we choose. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking their best life.
— Trish Earnest, addictions Clinician and author of "Blood on the Walls—from Rebellion to Redemption, a Memoir"

I am so glad Maria Olsen is mapping out her explorations and encouraging other women to go on their own adventures. I work with a lot of women who turn 50 and say, what now? what’s next? who am I? I love the idea of explorations, experiments and deep dives during this beautiful stage in life. What a gift to have this conversation. Ageing is really the privilege of a lifetime.
— Pleasance Silicki, health coach, teacher and author of "Delight: Eight Principles for Living with Joy and Ease"

Maria Olsen has the courage and knows the importance of conquering fears, fulfilling dreams and taking new steps at every stage of life. I’d follow her anywhere!

— Iris Krasnow, bestselling author of relationship books

It feels like a miracle! Just as I am entering the final countdown to 50 myself, and as our youngest child has left for school, and am embarking on a career change, Maria Olsen, who I have long admired, sent me her delectable manuscript. This book is now cherished reading and a guidebook to the next chapter of my life. As soon as I put it down I’ll be starting my own “50 after 50” list and will get busy checking them off!
— Aviva Goldfarb, author and entrepreneur; founder of The Six O'Clock Scramble

Features

10/25/21, Medium: Maria Leonard Olsen was interviewed by Penny Bauder in this article.
Link: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/maria-leonard-olsen-on-how-to-achieve-great-success-after-recovering-from-an-addiction-d6a4e4c212b7

12/6/18, Thrive Global article "5 Things You Need To Know To Survive And Thrive After A Divorce" with Maria Leonard Olsen, author of “50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life.” Link: https://thriveglobal.com/stories/5-things-you-need-to-know-to-survive-and-thrive-after-a-divorce-with-maria-leonard-olsen-author-of-50-after-50-reframing-the-next-chapter-of-your-life-rowman-littlefield-2018/amp/

UpJourney, a resource for motivational tools, features 50 after 50 as one of the 40 Best Self Help Books for Women (To Read in 2019) here. https://upjourney.com/best-self-help-books-for-women

2/17/19: Thrive Global article "Intelligence of Many Shades" with Maria Leonard Olsen, author of “50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life.” Link: https://thriveglobal.com/stories/intelligence-of-many-shades/

2/10/19, Booksbywomen.org article “Writing to Release Pain” authored by Maria Leonard Olsen, author of “50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life. Link: http://booksbywomen.org/writing-to-release-pain-by-maria-leonard-olsen/

11/16/19, Seniorly: Included on the 36 items for "2019 Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Seniors and Caregivers" list. Link: https://www.seniorly.com/resources/articles/2019-holiday-gift-guide-for-seniors

11/18/2019: Fifty After Fifty is one of Seniorly.com's ultimate holiday gifts for seniors and caregivers. Check out the full list here.

Link: https://www.seniorly.com/resources/articles/2019-holiday-gift-guide-for-seniors

8/21/20: Author interviewed for Authority Magazine's column “5 Things Anyone Can Do To Optimize Their Mental Wellness.”
Link: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/author-maria-leonard-olsen-5-things-anyone-can-do-to-optimize-their-mental-wellness-bac2fe6275b9

HIT/DETAILS: 9/2/20: Thrive Global published author’s latest, “Maria Leonard Olsen: ‘Radiate love.’”
Link: https://thriveglobal.com/stories/maria-leonard-olsen-radiate-love/

2/27/21, Thrive Global: Author Maria Leonord Olsen pens a new article related and referring to the book.
Link: https://thriveglobal.com/stories/maria-leonard-olsen-determine-what-you-can-and-cannot-change

50 After 50

Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life

Maria Leonard Olsen

50 After 50

Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life

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