Midlife Choices: Acceptance or Change and How to Decide

In this episode, we're talking about something we all wrestle with at some point in midlife—whether to accept something as it is or take action to change it.

You know the feeling… standing at a crossroads, wondering: Is this just how life is now? Do I need to surrender to this new reality? Or is this my cue to shake things up?

Midlife is FULL of these moments. And honestly? It can feel like we're on some sort of game show:

"Behind Door #1, we have acceptance! Behind Door #2, we have change! Choose wisely—no pressure!"

So today, we're going to break this down:

• How do you know when to accept something and when to change it?
• What's the biblical perspective on both?
• And most importantly, how do you make the right choice for YOU in this new season?

Jody Cates is a faith-based life coach who helps Christian women navigate the changes and challenges of midlife and step into the joy-filled second half God created them for. Her 90-minute Midlife Strategy Session is a personalized coaching experience designed to help you gain clarity, confidence, and direction for your next chapter.

Learn more about how you can work with Jody to find your focus, renew your purpose, age with confidence, and grow satisfying relationships in midlife and beyond at BloomingintheMiddle.com.

Grab your free copy of Midlife Reframed, Jody's practical, faith-filled guide that will transform the way you think about midlife by replacing four common midlife myths with empowering biblical truths.

Transcript

Hey friend, welcome back to Blooming in the Middle Podcast. I'm so glad you're here today.

In this episode, we're talking about something we all wrestle with at some point in midlife—whether to accept something as it is or take action to change it.

You know the feeling… standing at a crossroads, wondering: Is this just how life is now? Do I need to surrender to this new reality? Or is this my cue to shake things up?

Midlife is FULL of these moments. And honestly? It can feel like we're on some sort of game show:

"Behind Door #1, we have acceptance! Behind Door #2, we have change! Choose wisely—no pressure!"

So today, we're going to break this down:

• How do you know when to accept something and when to change it?
• What's the biblical perspective on both?
• And most importantly, how do you make the right choice for YOU in this new season?

Now, I have some real-life examples to share—including my ongoing debate over whether I should embrace solo dinners… or maybe get a roommate—or what about a boyfriend?

So, grab a cup of coffee (or a trampoline—yes, I said trampoline—more on that later), and let's dive in.

The Tension Between Acceptance and Change in Midlife

Midlife brings so many transitions—our roles shift, our bodies change, relationships evolve. And somewhere along the way, we start asking:

"Do I fight this, or do I make peace with it?"

There's a myth we often believe:

• If we choose acceptance, we're "settling" or giving up.
• If we choose change, we're saying what we have isn't good enough.

Neither of those things are true.

The Bible shows us that both acceptance and change are part of God's plan:

• Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything…" (Some seasons call for change, others for contentment.)
• Romans 12:2 says, "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…" (Sometimes, change is necessary.)
• Philippians 4:11-13 is all about learning contentment... (Knowing when to accept what is.)

So, how do we know what to do? Well, let's start with two examples of very real dilemmas I'm currently facing in my own life.

How To Know if It's Time for Acceptance or Change in Midlife

Example #1: My Empty Nest Dinner Drama

So, picture this: It's dinner time. I sit down at the table, just me, myself, and I. I look at my plate, and it hits me—this is my life now. No noisy kids. No table full of conversation. Just me, eating my chicken, wondering if I should start talking to my houseplants.

And I think, Do I accept this? Do I fully embrace the solo dinner life and lean into it? Maybe light a candle, play some music, and pretend I'm at my favorite restaurant?

Or… do I change something? Maybe get a roommate? Maybe start dating? (That would be another podcast episode.)

The struggle is real, isn't it? And maybe you know how this one feels.

Example #2: My Stubborn Midlife Tummy

It's an ongoing battle of mine, and I have two choices:

Accept it. Embrace it. Stop trying to hide it under flowy dresses that somehow seem to only make it look BIGGER. That seems so unfair!

Or … Change it. Try to fix it by following not just diet and exercise but one of the thousands of "miracle solutions" I see every day.

The latest one? A rebound trampoline. Because apparently, bouncing like a 5-year-old is the secret to fitness now. Sounds fun! And worth a try.

What do I do?!

When Making Midlife Choices, Ask the Questions That Really Matter

It's easy to get caught up in frustration or overanalyzing every little choice in situations like these, especially when the choices come so fast and furious at midlife.

But instead of spiraling into "Should I accept this? Should I change it? Should I start a new Pinterest board for midlife solutions?"—let's pause and ask the questions that really matter:

• Is this within my control? (Some things, like aging, are normal. Others, like habits, are changeable.)
• Is God calling me to surrender this or step into something new?
• Am I resisting change out of fear, or am I avoiding acceptance out of pride?
• What fruit is this producing in my life? (Is it bringing peace, or is it bringing stress?)

You Need a Faith-Based Framework For Midlife Decision-Making

When you're stuck between acceptance and change, here are five steps you can take that will help you make sound choices:

1. Pray for wisdom

James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God…"

God wants to guide us! So, when faced with uncertainty, our first step should always be prayer.

Ask God to reveal whether this is a time for surrender or a time for action. His wisdom surpasses our emotions and limited perspective and leads us toward clarity and peace.

2. Seek biblical truth

The world offers a million different opinions, but God's Word is unchanging.

Search the Bible for guidance and consider if your choice aligns with His character, His promises, and His purpose for your life. Does this decision align with who God is calling you to be in this season?

When in doubt, Scripture will always illuminate the best path forward.

3. Consider the long-term impact

Will you look back in 5 years and feel peace about this decision?

It's easy to make choices based on what feels comfortable right now, but wisdom asks us to zoom out and consider whether this decision will bring lasting fulfillment and growth or is it just a temporary fix?

Thinking long-term helps us choose wisely instead of reacting emotionally.

So, ask yourself: Will I regret not taking action? Or will I regret not embracing peace with what is?

Let your future self thank you for the choice you make today.

4. Get wise counsel

Proverbs 15:22 – "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed."

Talk to trusted people who know your heart and will tell you the truth.

Sometimes, we're too close to a situation to see it clearly. A godly mentor, a wise friend, a counselor or a coach can offer perspective and help confirm whether acceptance or change is the better path for you.

5. Take one faithful step

God doesn't always give us a 10-year plan. He gives us the next right step.

Waiting for perfect clarity often keeps us stuck. So, instead of overthinking, take one small step forward in faith.

Whether it's choosing peace in acceptance or courage in change, trust that God will guide you as you move. And as you move, you'll gain the momentum you need to keep going.

Finding Peace with Midlife Acceptance and Change

Here's what I hope you take away today:

• The right choice isn't what society says or what your friends say—it's what brings peace, not pressure.
• Acceptance leads to freedom—freedom from guilt, from striving, from the exhausting need to control everything.
• Taking action fuels a sense of agency—it reminds us that we're capable and that God gives us strength to do hard things.
• Neither one is "better" than the other. The key is making a choice that aligns with who God is inviting you to become in this season.

So, whether you're setting the table for one, bouncing your way to a flatter tummy, or just asking God for clarity on your next step—you're not alone in this.

If you're feeling stuck between acceptance and change, I'd love to help you gain clarity and confidence in your next steps.

My Midlife Strategy Session is designed to help you make choices you'll feel great about in this season of life—decisions that align with your faith, your values, and who God is calling you to be.

You don't have to navigate this alone! Learn more at bloominginthemiddle.com, and let's walk this journey together.

If this episode spoke to you, I'd love for you to share it with a friend who might need this message, too.

Until next time, remember—God's not finished with you yet. It's your time to shine.