Feeling Lost in Midlife? Reconnect with Yourself Through the 100 Dreams Exercise

I’ve noticed a common theme among the women I consult with. Many arrive feeling flat, disconnected, or adrift in their own lives. They often say:

* “I don’t know what I want anymore, I'm lost”
* “I feel stuck but don’t know how to move forward.”
* “Life just feels…meh.”

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Midlife is a time of huge transition—our bodies, roles, and priorities shift. It’s no wonder so many of us lose touch with what lights us up.

But here’s the good news: that spark is still inside you. Sometimes, it just needs a little invitation to come out again. That’s where the 100 Dreams Exercise comes in.

The idea is simple, yet powerful:
 Write down 100 dreams, goals, or experiences, you’d love to have in your lifetime.

They don’t all have to be big, life-changing events. In fact, they shouldn’t be. Some may be simple pleasures (learning to paint with watercolours, taking a dance class), while others might be big, bold dreams (travelling through Europe, writing a book, running a marathon).

Why 100? Because it stretches you. Most people can quickly jot down 10 or 20. After that, you have to dig deeper, beyond the obvious goals, into the hidden desires you might have buried under years of responsibilities.

This is where the magic happens.

Why It Works

* Clarity: Writing your dreams down makes them visible. What once felt foggy suddenly takes shape.
* Energy: “Energy goes where attention flows.” The more you think about your dreams, the more likely you are to create them.
* Direction: When life feels directionless, your list becomes a personal compass.
* Joy: Even just imagining these dreams lifts your mood and reminds you what excites you.

How to Get Started

1. Set aside quiet time. Grab a notebook or open a new document on your computer. Put your phone away and make space for reflection.
2. Start broad. Think of categories like:

* Travel (places you’d love to see)
* Personal growth (courses, skills, languages)
* Health & fitness goals
* Creative pursuits (writing, painting, dance)
* Relationships (people you want to reconnect with, family traditions to create)
* Service (causes you’d love to support)
3. Don’t judge. Let your pen flow, serious, silly, or somewhere in between. If it matters to you, it belongs on the list.
4. Come back often. It’s rare to write all 100 in one go. Add to your list whenever inspiration strikes.
5. Make it visible. Post your list somewhere you’ll see it often, like on your fridge or in your journal.
6. Celebrate progress. Tick items off as you achieve them, it’s incredibly motivating!

Journal Prompts for the 100 Dreams Exercise

When you first sit down with a blank page, it can feel overwhelming to come up with 100 dreams. These prompts are here to gently guide your imagination and help you rediscover what matters most to you in this stage of life.

• When do I feel most alive?

• What did I love doing as a child or teenager that I’ve forgotten about?

• If money and responsibilities weren’t an issue, how would I spend my days?

• What kind of woman do I want to be remembered as?

• Which parts of myself have I hidden or silenced that I’d like to reclaim?

• What are five places I’ve always dreamed of visiting—and why?

• What type of travel excites me most: adventure, relaxation, culture, or nature?

• If I could live anywhere, where would it be?

• Who would I love to travel with, and what would we do together?

• What skill or hobby have I always wanted to try?

• If I could learn an instrument, which one would it be?

• What creative project (book, painting, craft) is calling my name?

• Is there a language or subject I’ve always wanted to study?

• What kind of class or workshop would feel fun and inspiring to join?

• Which relationships do I want to nurture more deeply?

• Who from my past would I love to reconnect with?

• What traditions or rituals do I want to create with my family or friends?

• How do I want to give back to my community or a cause I care about?

• What kind of social circle energises me most?

• How do I want to feel in my body 5 years from now?

• What kind of movement brings me joy?

• If I could try one new wellness practice, what would it be?

• What kind of home environment makes me feel safe, creative, and inspired?

• Are there any renovations or dream spaces I’d love to create?

• If I could design my perfect day, what would it look like from start to finish?

• What would simplify my life and create more space for joy?

• What legacy do I want to leave behind?

• What story have I always wanted to tell—through writing, speaking, or sharing?

• If I had the courage to take one bold leap, what would it be?

• What’s one dream that feels “too big”… but still lights me up when I think about it?

• Which dreams make me smile just by writing them down?

Taking It a Step Further

Some women I work with take their top dreams and turn them into a vision board, a visual reminder that keeps their goals alive and evolving. Others choose one or two items from their list each season to actively pursue.

Remember: this isn’t about doing everything all at once. It’s about giving yourself permission to dream again, and to reconnect with what makes you feel alive.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been feeling lost or flat, the 100 Dreams Exercise can be a beautiful way to come home to yourself. Midlife doesn’t have to feel like the end of something, it can be the exciting beginning of a brand-new chapter.

So grab a pen, start your list, and let yourself dream bigger than you have in years. You might just surprise yourself with what’s still waiting inside.

Ready to rediscover your spark?  Start your list today. Or, if you’d like support in bringing those health related dreams to life, book a Menopause Strategy Call with me and let’s explore how we can make them happen together.