Have you ever looked around at your life and wondered… “When did I stop feeling excited?”

It’s a quiet drift, not a dramatic event. One day, you’re chasing goals and checking boxes. The next, you realize you haven’t laughed deeply in weeks—or done something just for you in months.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means it’s time to pause…and realign.

Here are three subtle signs you’ve lost touch with what truly lights you up—and how to gently find your way back.

1. You’re always busy, but rarely fulfilled.

Your calendar is packed. Your days are productive. But when night falls, there’s a sense of emptiness. Like you’ve spent all your energy doing… but none of it actually matters to you.

What to try: Take five quiet minutes with your thoughts. Ask, What activities make me feel alive? If nothing comes to mind right away, that’s okay. That’s where our Reclaim Your Time & Joy Checklist & Journal can help guide you back to those forgotten sparks.

2. You say “I don’t know anymore” more than you’d like.

You used to have dreams. Hobbies. A fire in your belly. But now, when someone asks what you want, you draw a blank. Somewhere along the way, your identity got tangled in responsibilities—and your own needs slipped off the list.

What to try: Reconnect with the past versions of you. Use journal prompts like, What did I love doing before life got so serious? What would I do if time and money weren’t obstacles? You might be surprised by what still lives within you.

3. You’re waiting for “someday” to feel joyful again.

Someday, when things slow down. When the kids are older. When retirement comes. When you’re less tired. The truth? Joy doesn’t wait for permission. It comes when you choose it—today, in small ways.

What to try: Begin to reclaim joy in just 10 minutes a day. A walk, a song, a call with a friend. Your joy doesn’t need to be extravagant—it needs to be intentional.

Ready to Reclaim Your Joy—One Thoughtful Step at a Time?

If any of this resonates, you don’t need a complete life overhaul. You just need a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect.

👉  Download Your Free Reclaim Your Time and Joy Checklist and Journal 

Still Unsure Where to Begin? Discover Your Thrive Factor.

Sometimes, the hardest part of reclaiming joy is knowing where to start. That’s why we created the Thrive Factor Quiz—a quick and insightful tool that helps you understand your current mindset and what’s holding you back from living fully. Are you a Wanderer, a Caretaker, or a Dream Builder? Your personalized results will point you toward your unique path forward—and give you a clearer picture of how to reconnect with what lights you up.

And when you're ready to go deeper—to design a life of passion, purpose, and fulfillment—join me in the "Thriving After 50!" course.

You haven’t lost your light. It’s simply waiting for you to remember where you left it.

Kat from Thrive Vibe Creations