Facing Fear, Launching Late, and Floating Into What’s Next

How a rocket launch, a skydive, and turning 30 reminded me it’s never too late to change

The look on Gayle King’s face said it all

When I watched Gayle King board the Blue Origin rocket recently—at 70 years old, no less—I didn’t expect to feel so emotional.

But there it was: that unmistakable look on her face before launch.

Equal parts terror, awe, and determination.

She was launching into space with the first-ever all-female Blue Origin crew—a historic moment for women everywhere.

But even more powerful than the milestone itself was her reason:

She did it to conquer her lifelong fear of flying.

(I mean... I can think of easier ways, Gayle. But what a way to do it.)

Watching her go, I couldn’t help but remember a moment in my own life when fear and flight collided—literally.

That time I jumped out of a plane at 30

I was travelling around Australia when I decided to gift myself a skydive for my 30th birthday.

It felt brave. It felt wild. It felt like something a “bold” woman would do.

Until I found myself walking towards the plane, legs like jelly and brain yelling you’ve made a terrible mistake.

Then the door opened. And we jumped.

The freefall was chaos—wind roaring, stomach somewhere behind me, heart trying to escape my chest.

But once the chute opened, everything changed.

Stillness. Silence.

We just floated.

That feeling—of surrender, peace, and perspective—has stayed with me to this day. It’s also exactly what I saw on Gayle’s face when she came back down.

What fear really means in midlife

Whether it's skydiving, space travel, or something quieter like changing careers, ending relationships, or rediscovering yourself—it’s all a kind of launch.

A leap into the unknown.

A letting go of the ground beneath you.

And fear is almost always there.

Especially for women in midlife, who’ve spent decades holding it all together and are suddenly asking:

What if there’s more?

What if I choose me?

Fear doesn’t mean you’re not ready.

It means you’re standing at the edge of something real.

And no, you don’t have to be fearless

You just have to go anyway.

It’s not too late. You’re not too old.

Let’s be clear:

• Gayle King went to space at 70.

• Wally Funk? She flew at 90.

• William Shatner? Also 90.

So whether it’s starting over, speaking up, launching something, or simply letting go of what no longer fits—it’s not too late.

You’re not too old.

You’re not behind.

And you’re definitely not the only one still figuring it out.

If you’re standing on the edge of something big…

Let this be your reminder:

Fear doesn’t have to mean stop.

Sometimes it’s just the final passenger in your capsule.

The real question isn’t “How do I get rid of fear?”

It’s “Am I willing to go anyway?”

Because on the other side—after the leap, after the launch—is often a version of you that’s stronger, softer, and more you than ever before.

You just have to take the first step.