Midlife Crisis to Midlife Reset: Danielle Dahl Of Resilient Stories On How To Use A Midlife Crisis as an Opportunity to Embrace Change and Unlock New Possibilities

An Interview With Shawna Robins

…The first essential shift is embracing curiosity over fear. Instead of focusing on what’s ending, ask yourself what new opportunities this transition might bring…

Many people experience a midlife crisis as a time of uncertainty, loss of purpose, or even fear of change. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Midlife can be a powerful turning point — a reset that opens doors to new opportunities, personal growth, and a fulfilling next chapter.As part of this interview series, we are interviewing Danielle Dahl.

Danielle Dahl is a former management professional turned full-time writer and co-founder of Resilient Stories, a platform dedicated to using the power of storytelling to heal and unite. Inspired by her own traumatic childhood, Danielle pursued what she thought was a stable career in management, before embracing her true calling as storyteller. Today, she uses her experiences to inspire others to find healing in their journeys.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to ‘get to know you’. Can you share a story with us about what brought you to your particular career path?

My husband and I got married when we were young. I was 19, and he was 22. At the time, we were both trying to finish college. We got pregnant with our daughter just a few months after the wedding, and honestly, it was just too hard for both of us to attend physical classes. I decided that I would go to school online. The two majors I had pursued at a brick-and-mortar school were journalism and equestrian studies. Of course, neither of those was offered online. This was back in the very early 2000s, which really only meant I could major in business. So, that’s what I did. I spent 20 years in management and earned a master’s degree in management and leadership — only to wake up decades later questioning everything!

You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

1 .Resilience
I’d have to say resilience is both my greatest strength and survival mechanism. Growing up in a traumatic and unstable environment taught me how to adapt and persevere. For instance, when my mom died just 6 months after being reunited with her and I was faced with the reality of being homeless, or going back to Florida with my grandma, I found another way. I switched from the expensive equestrian degree that had been one of my reasons for staying with my mom in the first place, to a less expensive political science degree. With the funds I saved, I was able to apply my financial aid to cover room and board on the campus. That resilience didn’t just help me survive — it pushed me to thrive. The boy I was dating at the time was the same boy I married almost a year later. It is that same resilient spirit that enabled me to make the bold leap into pursuing my dream of becoming a writer.

2. Empathy
Empathy is a valuable trait that has served me well in both my leadership and storytelling roles. I’ve always believed that if I can understand where people are coming from, I can build more meaningful relationships. One example that stands out was when I was managing editor for an online publication. One of my writer’s confided in me that he was struggling with burnout. Instead of focusing solely on our calendar, I listened to his concerns and worked with him to adjust his workload. This not only improved his quality of writing but it also reinforced trust. I apply this same principle in storytelling — creating space for others to share their voices and feel understood.

3. Adaptability
Life’s unpredictability has taught me the importance of adaptability. When I transitioned from retail management to writing, I had to embrace change and learn an entirely new set of skills. When I started publishing on Medium — I knew little about online platforms but I dove in headfirst! I experimented with content and learned from feedback (even though some of those first few rounds with publication editors had me in tears). Luckily for me, finding ways to connect with readers has always been a strength of mine. I have been told, I know how to tell a story, which is probably how I garnered a pretty impressive amount of followers in a short time. My willingness to adapt has carried through everything I do, from co-founding Resilient Stories to managing the challenges of entrepreneurship.

These three traits — resilience, empathy, and adaptability — have shaped who I am and allowed me to navigate life’s challenges with purpose and growth.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

I’m working on growing the Resilient Stories platform right now. We’re in what I like to call “growth mode!” Taking a website and transforming into a vibrant community where people can share their stories of resilience, find inspiration, and connect with others is not easy. It’s been incredible to watch the platform evolve, from creating content that resonates with readers to planning social media content that people want to engage with.

Another idea I’m especially excited about is planning a Resilient Stories retreat. The vision is to create a 3–4 day immersive experience where people can engage in healing events, like the Tree of Life Wreath making workshop we just did! It will also feature other activities designed to foster connection and personal growth. I believe there’s something deeply transformative about coming together in person to share and heal. I can’t wait to see this dream become a reality.

Both projects reflect the heart of Resilient Stories: empowering people to find strength in their stories and build meaningful connections along the way.

Let’s now shift to the main part of our interview. Let’s start wiith a basic definition, so that everyone is on the same page. How do you define the idea of “Midlife Crisis”?

To me, a midlife crisis is a crossroads — a moment when you’re confronted with a profound sense of restlessness or dissatisfaction. It’s not always dramatic but often manifests as a quiet realization that something is missing. For me, this was tied to acedia, a term describing apathy and indifference, which I discovered during a period of reflection. That awareness spurred a series of small but powerful changes, starting with daily walks around a lake, that ultimately helped me rediscover purpose and joy. A midlife crisis isn’t the end; it’s an opportunity to realign with what truly matters.

What are the most common signs that someone is experiencing a midlife crisis?

Some common signs include feeling stuck in routines that no longer feel meaningful, questioning your accomplishments or direction in life, or experiencing a desire for change but being unsure of what that change should be. People might also struggle with heightened emotions — regret, apathy, or restlessness — and notice shifts in how they prioritize relationships or personal goals. In my experience, these signs are often subtle at first, but they grow louder the longer they’re ignored.

Beyond the cliches, what are some of the lesser-discussed challenges that people face during midlife?

One lesser-discussed challenge is grappling with unprocessed emotions or trauma from earlier life stages. For me, unresolved issues from childhood like my mother entering witness protection and leaving me behind subtly influenced my decisions. My traumas shaped my drive for stability and my eventual yearning for creative fulfillment.

Another challenge is the isolation many people feel — whether it’s from societal expectations or the sense that others can’t relate to their internal struggles. Finally, navigating a lack of self-compassion can make midlife transitions harder, as people are often their harshest critics during this time.

Do you think societal pressures or expectations play a role in triggering or exacerbating a midlife crisis? If so, how?

Absolutely. Society often defines success using things like career achievements, family milestones, or financial stability. This puts pressure on people to measure themselves against unrealistic benchmarks. Social media can make these issues worse by presenting the best moments and versions of other people’s lives, making it feel like you’re falling short. For me, this showed up as a sense of discontent with a stable but unfulfilling career. All I really wanted to do was write and create. Breaking free of these societal expectations requires redefining success on your own terms and embracing your unique journey.

What mindset shifts are essential for transforming a midlife crisis into a period of renewal and positive change?

The first essential shift is embracing curiosity over fear. Instead of focusing on what’s ending, ask yourself what new opportunities this transition might bring. Another is practicing self-compassion; it’s okay to not have everything figured out right away. Finally, reframing setbacks as stepping stones helps you build resilience. For me, turning to simple, intentional actions — like walking daily and writing consistently — helped create momentum and clarity, transforming restlessness into renewal.

Can you share a personal or client success story where a midlife crisis led to a transformative life reset?

My own story is one of transformation and resilience. In my late 30s, I felt trapped in a stable but unfulfilling career and consumed by a restless apathy I couldn’t explain. That’s when I came across an article about acedia, which named the indifference and disconnect I had been experiencing. Recognizing that feeling as something I could confront was life-changing, and I decided to do something simple but meaningful: I committed to walking around the lake every day for a year.

What made this journey transformative was not just the act of walking but the promise I made to myself. Every day, no matter the circumstances, I showed up for myself. Whether it was in the predawn quiet, during a late-night thunderstorm, or in the middle of a snowstorm, I walked. It wasn’t just about moving my body — it was about telling my brain, I matter. After a childhood where I often felt unseen or unworthy, this commitment to myself was a profound act of self-care and self-worth.

This practice became a foundation for change. It gave me clarity and courage to leave my management career, pursue my dream of writing, and eventually create Resilient Stories after being laid off from what I thought was my dream job. What began as a response to restlessness turned into a statement of resilience, showing me that small, consistent acts of self-affirmation can lead to powerful transformations.

How can someone overcome the fear of starting over later in life?

Overcoming the fear of starting over in life is mostly about learning to trust yourself, even in small ways. For me, that meant making a promise to show up for myself every day. There were no excuses based on circumstances. It wasn’t about grand gestures or immediate results. It was about proving, step by step, that I deserved a fresh start and was capable of achieving my goals.

Fear often comes from focusing on the unknown or comparing your current situation to someone else’s life. Instead, shift your focus to the present. What can you do today, right now, to move toward the life you want? Small actions, like walking around a lake or carving out 30 minutes for a passion project, can build your confidence.

Another important element is embracing the idea that your past experiences are not wasted — they’re part of your toolkit. Every lesson, every challenge has equipped you for this moment. While starting over later in life may seem hard, it’s an opportunity to redefine success on your terms. Another thing you can do is surround yourself with supportive people. Remember to give yourself grace! Starting over is less about the destination and more about the courage to begin.

Ok. Here is the main question of our discussion. Can you please share “5 Ways To Use A Midlife Crisis as an Opportunity to Embrace Change and Unlock New Possibilities”? If you can, kindly share a story or example for each.

1. Identify and name what you’re feeling.
Many people can’t embrace change because they don’t fully understand what’s holding them back. For me, discovering the term acedia helped me realize that my restlessness and apathy weren’t depression but something I could confront. Naming your emotions gives you the clarity and power to address them intentionally.

2. Start with one small, consistent change.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when considering major life changes, so start small. My commitment to walking around the lake every day was just 30 minutes of my time, but it created space for reflection, clarity, and momentum. Those walks eventually led to a full career pivot into writing.

3. Explore your creative side.
Midlife is a perfect time to reconnect with forgotten passions. For years, I had buried my love of storytelling in favor of a stable career. Joining a local writing group and sharing my work rekindled that passion, leading to opportunities I never imagined.

4. Reframe fear as possibility.
Fear of failure or starting over is common, but it can also hold you back. Instead, ask yourself, What’s the best that could happen? When I left my management career to pursue writing full-time, I feared losing stability, but that leap led to financial independence and fulfillment I couldn’t have found otherwise.

5. Commit to showing up for yourself daily.
Midlife crises often stem from a disconnect with yourself. Creating daily rituals, like walking, journaling, or meditating, helps rebuild that connection. These routines aren’t just about productivity — they’re about honoring yourself and reminding your brain that you matter.

What role does self-compassion play in navigating a midlife crisis?

Self-compassion is the foundation for navigating any major life change. Without it, we tend to judge ourselves, focus on our failures, and get stuck in the rut of regret. When I committed to walking every day, it wasn’t about following a schedule or plan. It was about showing up for myself, even when I didn’t feel like it. Or when it was cold out. Or when I had to work late. I just had to do it, and I acknowledged all of those times I didn’t want to go, but then reminded myself why I should. That small act of grace taught me to be kinder to myself, which made it easier to embrace change and take risks without fear of judgment.

How important is physical health when navigating life changes in midlife?

Physical health and mental health are deeply connected, and neglecting one impacts the other. For me, walking was more than exercise — it was a meditative, grounding ritual that helped me process emotions and clear my mind. Physical health doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym for hours; even small movements like stretching or a short walk can build momentum and boost your mood. Prioritizing your body’s well-being helps you feel more capable of tackling life’s changes.

How can someone maintain the momentum and positive changes made during a midlife reset for the long term?

Consistency is key. Build sustainable habits rather than focusing on quick fixes. For me, those daily walks became non-negotiable. I went regardless of the time of day I had available, the weather, my stress level, and whatever excuses I had. That consistency spilled over into other areas of my life, like writing and self-care. It’s also important to reflect regularly on why you started — remind yourself of the transformation you’ve already experienced! Then set new goals to keep evolving. Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth, and don’t be afraid to adjust your path as your priorities shift.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Readers can follow my journey and work through Resilient Stories, a platform dedicated to sharing narratives of resilience and transformation. You can also connect with me on Medium, where I write regularly about personal growth, storytelling, and navigating life’s challenges.

Additionally, follow Resilient Stories on social media to stay inspired and learn more about upcoming projects.

This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!

About the Interviewer: Shawna Robins is an international best-selling author of two books — Powerful Sleep — Rest Deeply, Repair Your Brain and Restore Your Life, and Irresistibly Healthy — Simple Strategies to Feel Vibrant, Alive, Healthy and Full of Energy Again. Shawna is the founder and CEO of Third Spark, an online wellness hub for women over 40 who want to reignite their sleep, reset healthier habits and respark their lives. Shawna is a sleep expert, hormone health expert, and a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBHWC). She has been featured on many podcasts including Dr. Mindy Pelz’s “The Resetter Podcast” and in Authority Magazine, Thrive Global, and The Huffington Post. A free download of her latest book can be found at www.thirdsparkhealth.com/powerful-sleep/ You can follow her on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.