At age 50, Maria Leonard Olsen drank her way out of a 25-year marriage. She had, against advice, put all her eggs in the motherhood basket, willfully derailing her successful law career. As teenagers, her precious children did not need her in the hands-on way they previously had. Her husband and she had grown apart because, among other things, they failed to nurture that important relationship. She was depressed and stuck. When she turned 50, she had the distinct feeling that she was on the downward slope of her life. Actuarially speaking, she was. So when she turned 50, her gift to herself was to go on a crusade to make the most of whatever time she had left. She set out to do 50 new things that were significant, at least to her. The list spanned physical challenges, adventure travel, and lifestyle changes. Each taught her something about herself and about how she wanted to lead the next years of her life to come. This work follows the work she did to accomplish those 50 new things and shows readers how to make their own action lists – whether it be joining a knitting club or hiking the Himalayas, every item has significance for each individual and speaks to her needs and desires. The list is the match to spark the fire that will light the years after 50. Readers will hear about Maria’s adventures and the rewards of each. Accomplishing new things, learning new skills, deepening personal and spiritual relationships, and seeking out challenges will add the spice to a life that may feel repetitive, insignificant, inauthentic, or just plain boring. "An inspiring read for those who are in or have passed through middle age." ― Library Journal "Readers aged 50 and older, in particular, will be not only inspired by Olsen's experiences, but are given the tools for embarking on their own life-affirming journeys in a story that is both engrossing and inspirational; highly and especially recommended for anyone of older years who feels 'stuck' in their chosen path." -- Midwest Book Review "Olsen's book has an intriguing concept, and her account of overcoming her personal struggles is admirable.... An earnest and personal work...." -- Kirkus Reviews "50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life by Maria Leonard Olsen is a life-changing memoir for anyone who feels stuck and utterly dependent. From the very first pages, the author cautions: ''I have some trepidation over revealing so much of my own dirty laundry, but part of my quest is to be open, to have no secrets, and to live in the light.'' What follows is an incredible catharsis, a journey towards ultimate change, inner freedom, and growth. She has focused on her family and twenty-five-year old marriage that she has sacrificed everything, including putting her career into jeopardy for what didn't really make her grow. She and her husband have grown apart, she has been depressed, and stuck. Acutely aware that her life was spiraling out of control as she neared 50, Olsen made decisions that helped her recalibrate her life and aligned her priorities. This book tells the story of how she set out to rewrite the next chapter of her life. Olsen's memoir is a must-read for most adults — both men and women. In telling her story, the author lifts the veil to reveal the baggage she has carried along and that has left a negative impact on her life. As she says, ''It took me a long time to accept myself as perfectly imperfect.'' This statement was a revelation for me as I suddenly realized that most of us struggle to be perfect and we do so for the wrong reasons and the wrong people. Olsen shows readers how to take control of their lives and live it on their own terms. This is the story of someone who became addicted to alcohol to the point that she drunkenly lit her hair on fire once at a football game and by mistake and has woken up in strange places. She examines the power of meaningful relationships in this memoir, explores the wonderful experience of broadening horizons — learning and doing new things — and the insights about connecting most intimately with our deepest passions and spiritual selves. 50 After 50 is one of the most resonant memoirs you'll read this year, a book that entertains while offering timeless lessons on personal transformation, finding purpose, and living meaningfully. Buy two copies of this book — one for you and one as a gift for someone." — The Book Commentary Maria Leonard Olsen is a lawyer, journalist and author. She is the podcast host of "Becoming Your Best Version" and co-host of the Inside Out radio show on WPFW-FM, 89.3, in Washington, D.C. Maria graduated from Boston College and the University of Virginia School of Law; served in the Clinton Administration's Justice Department; fostered newborn babies awaiting adoption; and has been on several charitable boards. Maria has written for numerous publications, including *The Washington Post, Parents Magazine, Thrive Global *and *Authority Magazine,* and has a litigation p