Midlife Shaman: Maria da Silva
Friendships after 50 aren’t failing when they shift—they’re evolving, reflecting the wisdom, life changes, and personal growth that come with this powerful stage of life.
At this beautiful stage of life, we understand more than ever that friendships, like the seasons, shift and evolve. Some relationships span decades; others walk with us only for a chapter. Both are gifts.
Friendships are living things. They ebb and flow with our geography, our life stage, and our energy. This is not a failure — it is natural, healthy, and wise.
Embracing the Natural Shift in Friendships After 50:
Think back: the women you shared weekends with in your twenties, the fellow mothers you bonded with over playdates, the colleagues who made your career journey lighter. Some of these connections may have gently faded. Others may have ended abruptly. Each one played a role in shaping the woman you are today.
For women over 55, there is immense power in releasing the idea that friendships must last forever to have been meaningful. Some were perfect for a season. Some will be with you for a lifetime. All deserve gratitude, not guilt.
Here’s an empowering action you can take today:
- Bless the friendships that have passed. Hold a small personal ritual — light a candle, write their name on a piece of paper, and thank them for the joy they brought.
- Forgive any stumbles — theirs or yours.
- Focus on the friendships before you now. The women crossing your path today are not here by accident. They bring new lessons, new laughter, new light.
You are not losing friends; you are gathering wisdom. Every goodbye makes space for a new hello.
Live in the now. Open your heart to fresh connections. Be the friend you wish to have. And always, when the time comes, release with love — knowing your life is a beautiful, ever-unfolding tapestry of connection
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About the Author:
Maria da Silva is a practicing shaman, writer and traveler who lives in Plymouth, Massachusetts and travels frequently to her home islands of the Azores. The founder of Wise Shaman Within, she is bringing peace, healing, and light to the world one client and one workshop at a time. Maria provides individual client sessions and also facilitates workshops in both the USA and Portugal. Visit her website: Wise Shaman Within.
Hi Maria – that was a great article with great practical steps to help transitioning after you lose a friend later in life. 😊
Elizabeth Duncan-Hawker
Maria is so on it… and I know you know so much about friends and the importance of making new friends… always.
Thank you for taking the time to read in comment. I appreciate it very much! Wishing you fabulous friendships!!
Really loved this article ~ it was deeply relatable and full of insight. It helped me reflect on where I am in my own life and how to navigate “ the natural shifts “ in my friendships from not only the past but the present as well. Thank You Maria !