Courtside Confidence: How Midlife Women Can J.U.M.P. Into Joy — Even With a Packed Schedule
- Bernadette Henry
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Introduction: A New Fan, A New Perspective
Last year, I fell in love with the WNBA. I wasn’t raised on women’s basketball. I didn’t grow up knowing player stats or season schedules. But something about seeing women at the top of their game, competing fiercely, and owning their space on the court lit a fire in me.
Fast-forward to July 25th at Barclays Center. New York Liberty vs. Las Vegas Aces.The lights. The energy. The crowd is buzzing. And me — sitting courtside before tip-off, soaking it all in.
Here’s the kicker: I made this happen in the middle of an impossible schedule. I’m a wife, mom, mental health counseling intern, case manager, graduate student, and active community member. My days are filled with deadlines, sessions, family commitments, and coursework. On paper, there was no time for a WNBA game. But that night wasn’t just about basketball — it was a living example of my J.U.M.P. philosophy in action.
The J.U.M.P. Philosophy: Journey of the Underdog Making Progress
The J.U.M.P. is about refusing to let your current reality hold you back from the life you want to create. It’s about:
Journey — honoring where you’ve been and where you’re headed.
Underdog — embracing the fact that you may not have the most resources, time, or energy, but you’re still in the fight.
Making Progress — choosing small, consistent steps forward, even when life feels overwhelming.
Attending that game was my progress step that week. It was a bold, unapologetic reminder that I can still claim joy in the middle of responsibility.
The Myth of “When Things Slow Down”
Midlife women are often told to “wait until things calm down” to focus on themselves. But here’s the truth: things rarely calm down. In our 40s, the list changes — perimenopause, aging parents, teenagers testing independence, career transitions, and yes, the body shifts that come with hormonal changes.
If we wait for a perfect gap in the schedule, we risk never stepping into the moments that make us feel alive.
That’s why I didn’t wait. I chose to J.U.M.P.
Courtside as Self-Care
For me, that night wasn’t “just a game.” It was self-care disguised as sports entertainment.
Physically, I moved my body through the city, got out of my work-home-school loop, and felt the rush of live event energy.
Mentally, I allowed myself to unplug from constant problem-solving and be fully present.
Emotionally, I reconnected with a sense of play and passion — something that can easily fade when life feels like a series of responsibilities.
What This Means for Midlife Women Navigating Body & Life Changes
1. Redefine Activity
Activity doesn’t always mean hitting the gym. It can be a spin class, a walk in the park, or yes — cheering courtside at a WNBA game. What matters is that you’re moving your body, shifting your environment, and engaging your senses.
2. Adjust for Your Body
Perimenopause, hormonal shifts, and changes in recovery time mean we have to be more intentional about rest, hydration, and pacing ourselves. That doesn’t mean slowing down your life — it means playing smart so you can keep showing up.
3. Integrate Joy With Routine
Instead of separating “fun” from “responsibility,” blend them. For example, attending a game became a networking opportunity for me and a family outing rolled into one.
How to J.U.M.P. Into Your Own Version of a Courtside Moment
J — Journey: Reflect on what you used to enjoy before life got so busy. What did you love in your 20s or 30s that you’ve put aside? Is there something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? (For me, becoming a WNBA fan in my 40s was proof that it’s never too late to start.)
U — Underdog: Accept that you may have to work harder to carve out space for yourself. The odds — and your schedule — might not be in your favor, but that doesn’t make it impossible.
M — Making: Take an actionable step this week. Buy the ticket. Sign up for the class. Reserve the time.
P — Progress: Progress is the goal, not perfection. Even if you can only get one big “me moment” a month, that’s still movement toward a balanced, fulfilled life.
Practical Tips for Staying Active & Engaged in Midlife
Schedule Fun First — Put it in the calendar before everything else fills the space.
Choose Energy-Boosting Activities — Pick things that leave you feeling better than when you started.
Listen to Your Body — Recovery is part of activity. Rest without guilt.
Mix Physical & Emotional Wellness — Try activities that move your body and feed your spirit.
Let Go of the Guilt — Remember: joy is fuel, not a distraction.
Conclusion: You’re Not Just a Spectator
Walking out of the Barclays Center that night, I realized that my “courtside moment” was bigger than the game. It was proof that I can keep reinventing myself, that I can stay active and engaged, and that joy doesn’t have an expiration date.
To my fellow midlife Queens — you’re not just watching the game of life from the stands. You’re still in play. Whether your courtside moment is in a stadium, a dance studio, or on a walking trail, claim it. Because the J.U.M.P. isn’t just about movement — it’s about momentum. And you deserve every bit of it.
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