Accidental Twists can lead to a life in full Bloom

Welcome to another  Tell Us About….  , a link up hosted by some lovely ladies (including me) from all over the world. You can see who they are at the end of the post and I encourage you to visit their blogs and check out what they have written for this month’s prompt.

We would love you to join in so at the end of the post you can find the link and also the prompts for the coming months. It would be great for you to link up with us and participate in the Tell Us About Link Up. I’ve put some details below for when the link up opens and dates for the diary.

Each month one of the members selects a topic/prompt and this month Marsha selected ‘Accidents‘ for this month’s ‘Tell Us About prompt.

For the Tell Us About Prompts I try to align the prompt with my WOTY – Bloom. I decided to look at Accidents from a different perspective and in particular how some accidents can have a positive twist on our life.

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Accidental Twists That Lead to a Life in Full Bloom

Recently, I had an experience which made me think about how sometimes accidents can have a positive effect on our life. I wasn’t thinking and didn’t realise I had a white top included with my red jacket in the laundry. The result was my white top became a lovely shade of pale pink. I could have berated myself but the top wasn’t ruined and I still have a top that fits well within my wardrobe colour scheme.

We spend so much of life trying to plan it perfectly.

We map out our careers, relationships, retirement, even our fitness routines and meal plans. And while a little structure is helpful, sometimes life has other ideas. An unexpected shift. A surprising opportunity. A door closing—only to nudge us through another we hadn’t considered.

These accidental twists may not come with a roadmap, but they often lead us exactly where we need to be.

The Detour That Changes Everything

Maybe you took up a hobby just to pass the time… and found a new passion.
Maybe a job you didn’t get led you to something more fulfilling.
Maybe you lost something—a routine, a role, a relationship—and discovered a new version of yourself in the process.

It wasn’t part of “the plan,” but somehow, it brought growth, meaning, and a deeper sense of who you are.

Living in Full Bloom Means Saying Yes to the Unexpected

After 50, many of us think we should have it all figured out. But real blooming doesn’t come from having all the answers—it comes from curiosity, openness, and being willing to start again.

Years ago, I said yes to something unexpected: I started running.

It was never on my radar. I didn’t see myself as a runner—especially not in midlife. But one small “yes” led to something extraordinary. Training runs became milestones. A local race turned into half marathons. And most importantly, I discovered a strength I didn’t know I had. It wasn’t just physical—it was mental, emotional, and deeply personal.

That one accidental twist led to a sense of confidence, freedom, and connection I might never have found otherwise.

It also was an opportunity to show my grandsons that staying active and healthy as we age allows us freedom to move, stay independent and continue to enjoy life.

Last week I ran in my second half marathon and the boys ran their first 3km. It was such a great morning and a memory we will always share. Each cheering the other on at the finish line, getting out moving our bodies in the fresh air and feeling alive.

Let Go of the Timeline. Embrace the Season You’re In.

The truth is, you’re not behind. You’re not off course. You’re simply in a different season—one that invites reflection, reinvention, and even a little risk-taking.
Because living well isn’t about controlling every outcome. It’s about trusting yourself to adapt, to pivot, and to bloom—even when life surprises you.

So if life has thrown you a curveball recently—pause. Take a breath. It might just be the start of something wonderful.

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“Some paths can’t be planned—they’re discovered in the wandering.”

Say yes to something unplanned. Accept an invitation. Start the project. Reach out. Begin… without knowing exactly where it will lead.

We would love you to join in and participate in the Tell Us About Link Up. Just click on the image below.

Tell Us About….Contributors

Deb from Deb’s World (Australia) – One of Debbie’s defining posts is all about an accident when she was 17 and on a school excursion overseas.  This tragic accident has impacted her life ever since. https://debs-world.com/2018/04/08/what-ive-learnt-from-surviving-a-school-trip-that-went-terribly-wrong/

Suzy from Suzy Turner  (Brit living in Portugal) – Suzy shares funny and scary personal stories about accidents, showing how even mishaps can bring unexpected kindness and laughs. Find her post at www.suzyturner.com

Marsha, from Marsha In the Middle  –  Luckily, Marsha hasn’t been in many accidents.  But, there was this one that changed her life forever.. Find her post at https://marshainthemiddle.com/ .

Rosie Amber – Rosie has chosen 5 things that she came across by accident. Find her post at https://rosieamber.wordpress.com

Tell Us About Link Up

What: Tell Us About Link Party
When: Third Wednesday PM (US)/ Third Thursday 0:05AM (UK) and Third Thursday 9:05am (AEST) – SECOND THURSDAY FROM MARCH
Where: Link Party, Blog, Blog Comments, Instagram or other social media.
Who: This linkup is open to everyone BUT YOU MUST WRITE ABOUT THE PROMPT.
How: You can share in the comments, with a blog post, or on other social media of your choice. Include the hashtag so that we can find you and include your link in our posts.

Tell Us About….Contributors

Deb from Deb’s World (Australia) – Debbie tells us about the many ways she’s been boldly blooming since she was made redundant, and how it’s not about being fearless – it’s about showing up, growing and embracing a new way of being. Find Deb’s post at www.debs-world.com  

Suzy from Suzy Turner  (Brit living in Portugal) –  Suzy reflects on blooming later in life—through creativity, self-expression, and soulful growth, not babies or begonias.  Find her post at www.suzyturner.com

Marsha, from Marsha In the Middle  –Marsha is a lot like that smelly flower, the Corpse flower. It blooms once every ten years.  After a little more than ten years, she is blooming once again.  Find her post at https://marshainthemiddle.com/ .

Leslie from Once Upon A Time & Happily Every After – Now that she and her husband are both retired, Leslie and her PC are finding new ways to bloom and experience life to its fullest.  Find her post at https://onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com/

Rosie Amber – Rosie talks about a blooming friendship. Find her post at https://rosieamber.wordpress.com/

Women Living Well After 50

Living Life Your Way