Hi Friends, I trust you enjoyed last week's musing on godly discontent.In honor of National Women's Day, I want to shine a light on a person you have definitely heard of.
Julia Child: A Midlife Reinvention That Inspires Us All
When we think of Julia Child, we often picture her as the confident, joyful chef who brought French cuisine into American homes. But what many people don’t realize is that she didn’t even start cooking seriously until her late 30s—and she didn’t publish Mastering the Art of French Cooking until she was 49!
Julia once said:
“Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.”
That passion and persistence shaped her entire journey, but it didn’t come without challenges.
Julia’s Story: Reinventing Herself in Midlife
Born in 1912, Julia led an adventurous early life. She worked in advertising, volunteered during World War II, and didn’t step into a culinary school until she was 36. While living in France with her husband, she fell in love with French cooking and attended the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu cooking school—a bold move at an age when many women of her time were expected to settle into traditional roles.
But it wasn’t easy. Julia struggled in school, was the only woman in her class, and even failed her first exam at Le Cordon Bleu. Instead of quitting, she pushed forward, practicing relentlessly and refining her skills.
The Fear She Overcame: Not Being “Enough”
Despite her bubbly personality, Julia battled self-doubt. She worried she wouldn’t be taken seriously in the male-dominated world of French cuisine. At times, she felt like an outsider—an American woman learning a craft in a foreign country, surrounded by experts who had trained since childhood.
One pivotal moment came when she and her co-authors had been working on Mastering the Art of French Cooking for nearly a decade. When they finally sent the manuscript to publishers, it was rejected—more than once. Some said it was too long, too complicated, and wouldn’t sell. Julia could have given up, thinking she wasn’t good enough. But she didn’t. She reworked the book, fought for her vision, and eventually, it became a best-seller.
This was the book that changed how Americans cooked forever.
Another Lesson: Embracing Mistakes with Humor
One of Julia’s most endearing qualities was her ability to laugh at herself. She once famously dropped a potato pancake on live television, looked straight into the camera, and cheerfully said, “You can always pick it up!” Instead of pretending to be perfect, she embraced mistakes and encouraged others to keep going no matter what.
This attitude wasn’t just for show—it was how she lived. She taught us that perfection isn’t the goal; joy, curiosity, and persistence are.
Why Julia’s Story Matters for Midlife Women
Julia Child is a perfect example of how midlife isn’t the end of opportunity—it can be the beginning. She teaches us that it’s never too late to follow a new path, try something daring, and embrace life with enthusiasm.
Her story reminds us that reinvention is always possible, whether it’s launching a business, moving to a new place, starting a new relationship or simply embracing a long-held dream.
Action Step: What’s Your ‘Cordon Bleu’?
Julia didn’t let age, doubt, or fear stop her. She followed her curiosity and took action. This International Women’s Day, I encourage you to ask yourself: What is something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t pursued yet? What small step can you take today toward that dream?
It doesn’t have to be drastic—maybe it’s signing up for a class, reaching out to a mentor, or simply giving yourself permission to dream again. Whatever it is, take that first step today.
Because, like Julia, you have so much ahead of you.
Here is this weeks affirmation:
It's never too late.
Isabelle
PS: Message me for a free consult to start moving toward a more confident you
You are loved. Deeply loved. Loved beyond measure.
Until next time,
Isabelle
Call or write for a free life coaching consultation
#732-331-2246
Comments