Midlife Doesn’t Have to Lead to a Crisis 

We’ve all seen the stereotypical depictions men experiencing a midlife crisis on television or in movies. Maybe they buy a new car, pursues a younger woman or even get a wild tattoo. However, women are just as likely to experience a midlife crisis as men, it just presents itself differently. 

For women it usually can occur when they are typically entering perimenopause, resulting in hormonal shifts that can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. On top of that, they are experiencing the same emotional midlife thoughts as men, including the weight of past mistakes and feeling like they are losing their purpose in life. 

So, while there is no cure for a midlife crisis, friendships are key to getting through one. 

Throughout Ontario there are a variety of women’s groups creating spaces to build friendships, empower one another and rediscover hobbies. Here are three groups doing just that. 

Nature Girl Expeditions – St. Catharines, Ont. 

Photo provided by Michelle Lucy 

Michelle Lucy started Nature Girl Expeditions during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic when many women were at their lowest. Lucy loves the outdoors and after hearing from many women in her community found that they too wanted to begin going out and exploring. 

“As someone who finds joy and strength through outdoor activities, I kept hearing from other women who wanted to do the same but felt unsafe going alone, were worried about getting lost or simply didn’t have anyone to go with,” says Lucy. “I created Nature Girl Expeditions to help women connect with each other, build confidence through outdoor adventure and experience the healing power of being in nature together.” 

Lucy says most women in the group are between the age of 40 and 65, however any women over the age of 18 is welcome to join. 

The group does a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking and kayaking. 

“When women come together in nature, they not only build physical strength, but also confidence, connection and a renewed sense of purpose,” says Lucy. “Our community creates a safe, welcoming space for women to rediscover those passions, try new adventures and realize they’re capable of more than they thought while forming lasting friendships along the way.” 

Women’s Art Association of Hamilton – Hamilton, Ont. 

Photo provided by Karen Logan 

In 1894, a group of women came together to form an association to support women in creating art. Over 100 years later, that group still exists and the Women’s Art Association of Hamilton is still encouraging women to pursue art. 

“These groups are even more important now as women continue to fight to be recognized and supported in the arts,” says Karen Logan, the president and treasurer of the association. “Now, all artists are finding fewer and fewer opportunities to exhibit our work. This is one of the key reasons women join our association.” 

The association typically hosts three in-person exhibitions as well as three online exhibitions of their members’ work a year. These exhibitions give the women an opportunity to showcase and potentially sell their art. 

Logan says another benefit of the group is the ability for the women to connect with other artists.  

“We learn from each other, but also enjoy the social interaction offered at our events,” says Logan.  

The majority of the association’s members are between 50 and 70 and were discouraged from pursuing art when they were younger. The association provides the space for these women to reconnect with their passion for art. 

“Having an organization like ours gives these ladies the opportunity to meet others who share the same interest,” says Logan. “We also encourage each other, giving the members the confidence to explore their passion for art and experience many different ideas and techniques.” 

Single Gals of Ottawa – Ottawa, Ont. 

Photo provided by Karen Strang Allen 

Single Gals of Ottawa was created after founder, Karen Strang Allen, became single and was looking to make new friends. Allen initially joined co-ed groups on the site Meetup, but found herself being hit on by men in the groups.  

“I would get hit on by these men when that wasn’t what I was looking for,” says Allen. “I decided to create my own group for only women, so women can make friends with other females without the pressures of dating.” 

Single Gals of Ottawa has a broad selection when it comes to events. The women host dinners and brunches, go skiing together and even have game nights. The group also hosts educational seminars with topics of relevance for single women, such as staying safe on first dates and avoiding toxic patterns in relationships.  

The group is open for all women over the age of 18, but Allen says the majority of the women are between the ages 45 and 65. 

“Many women lose themselves in their relationships, so when they go through a break-up or divorce, they feel lost and lonely,” says Allen. “Groups like this one allow women to make new friends, discover new interests and hobbies and reconnect with their own passions and feel alive again.” 

Interested in starting your own group? 

Say your town doesn’t have the exact club you are looking for. Don’t fret, here are some tips on starting your own. 

Lucy suggests anyone interested in starting their own group starts out small. 

“Be willing to learn new skills related to your passion,” says Lucy. “Focus on creating a safe and supportive space rather than offering something that has to be perfect.” 

Allen suggests using social media and websites like Meetup to build your group. 

“Decide the parameters for the types of events and who can join your group,” says Allen. “Invite members to suggest events and become event organizers, so you’re not doing it all yourself.” 

Lastly, listen to your members and be a welcoming host.  

Whether you are going to join a pre-existing group or start your own, don’t be afraid to try something new. Remember, it is never too late to pursue a new passion, reconnect with old hobbies and make some new friends along the way.