Halfway to 90: Lessons on Building Meaningful Relationships at Any Age
This week I’m going to take a small detour from the Show Up framework to talk about a little epiphany I had recently. Over the weekend I turned 45. I celebrated by throwing a “halfway to 90” party. It was a blast and a bit like a wedding reception on steroids because guests just kept coming the whole night. The next day, as I took some time to relive the festivities, it became crystal clear that the work I’ve been doing has taken root and blossomed. Every person there, every introduction, every conversation, was the result of the relationships I’ve been nurturing, the crazy ideas I’ve brought to life, and the opportunities I’ve created by doing both. It was the very manifestation of my taking action and showing up.
Over the past year, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on what it takes to build these connections. Even for someone who enjoys meeting people, there are moments that feel awkward or uncertain. There’s a nervousness that comes with reaching out, starting something new, or stepping into a space where you don’t know anyone. And if you’ve been on this journey with me, you know that working through that discomfort has been part of the process of growing the supportive, reliable network of people I can count on.
Relationships aren’t something that happen by chance. They are built through consistent effort, intentional outreach, and creating opportunities for people to gather and engage. Sometimes it’s as simple as starting a small group or joining an event you’ve been curious about but hesitant to attend. Each step adds up, creating connections that make life richer and less lonely. Taken together, these intentional actions are what I think of as social wealth, the meaningful relationships and support systems that help you feel truly seen.
When you understand that just like financial wealth, building social wealth is intentional and cumulative, it becomes clear that anyone can grow the relationships that matter. Most people are seeking connection too, and even small, intentional actions can make a real difference. Over time, these steps grow into a circle of people and experiences that continue to support, challenge, and enrich your life
This week, make one move toward strengthening the relationships in your life: Join a social event you’ve been thinking about, start a casual gathering, or reach out to someone you’ve been meaning to reconnect with. You don’t need to be perfect at connecting; taking the step is what matters.
Belonging and connection aren’t accidental. They are built through intention, consistent showing up, and celebrating the relationships you’ve cultivated along the way. Social wealth is the proof of that effort: the network of people and opportunities you’ve intentionally built, the support you can rely on, and the resources that help you take action and move forward not just on special occasions, but every day.
Let’s Keep Building Together
If this post spoke to you, imagine what could happen if you had the clarity, confidence, and self-awareness to show up for yourself every day. That’s the foundation for every relationship you build—from personal to professional.
In my coaching, I help you uncover your relationship values, shift the beliefs that hold you back, and step into conversations with more ease and confidence. When you start showing up for yourself with intention, everything else—connection, opportunity, support—begins to fall into place.
If you’re ready to stop second-guessing and start showing up in a way that transforms your relationships, I’d love to walk alongside you.
Or, if you’re just getting started, grab my free People-Powered Progress Pack — a workbook packed with exercises to help you map your network, spark meaningful conversations, and start showing up in ways that create real momentum.
Deciding is the start. Showing up is the work. Let’s turn intention into progress — together.
