All About Love Middle Life
Hi, I'm Gina!
Hey there, welcome to Love Middle Life! I’m Gina, and I’m genuinely thrilled you’re here. Life’s tossed me a fair share of surprises, and I guarantee you’ve had your own whirlwind too.
Here at Love Middle Life, it’s all about you and me, sharing our tales and picking up some wisdom along the way. From my hometown near St. Louis to juggling life’s highs and lows, I’ve been on a rollercoaster ride just like you.
Why hang out at Love Middle Life? It’s simple—we’re all in this together. This space isn’t just about my stories; it’s about ours. It’s a cozy nook where savvy women like us gather to swap experiences, lift each other up, and find comfort knowing we’re not alone.
Let’s grab a virtual cuppa and have a chat, friend to friend. We’ll dive into the ups and downs of life after divorce, navigating work and family, and all the good, messy, real stuff. You bring your experiences, I’ll bring mine, and together, let’s make this place our safe haven in the whirlwind of middle life.
I’m thrilled you’re here to join our cozy little corner. So, pull up a chair, get comfy, and let’s start this wonderful journey together!
Love,
Gina
My Story
Welcome to Love Middle Life!
I’m thrilled to have you here on this journey with me. I’m a middle-aged Midwesterner—daughter, mom, aunt, friend—embracing this phase of life with zest.
I’m a divorced, music-loving, outdoor-seeking professional fundraiser for animal welfare, working a job I love (best job in town!) while nurturing this blog as my passion project.
Life until now has been a whirlwind of similarities and unique experiences, and I’m eager to share it all on this platform. Let’s dive into my story…
For 23 years, I navigated marriage, helped build a business, managed a bustling household, dedicated myself to motherhood, surrounded myself with friends and family, and volunteered tirelessly—balancing an array of spinning plates. Divorcing in 2013, it was a mutual understanding that my ex and I weren’t the best fit; we were young. Despite the challenges, our union gifted us three incredible kids, which I cherish every day. After a tumultuous end to another long-term relationship (marked by narcissistic abuse and betrayal), I find myself single, occasionally dating, and in the midst of crafting my next life chapter.
My story carries tragedy. In October 2020, I tragically lost my beloved adult son, Mitch, to opioid addiction. His absence weighs heavy, and I intend to share my experiences surrounding this profound loss here.
I’m a proud mother to two AMAZING daughters, Cam and Natalie—they’re my heart. We’ll delve into parenting and the journey of supporting our kids as they carve their paths, both during and after college.
Navigating midlife also involves balancing aging parents while tending to our own lives. Let’s discuss this delicate equilibrium—a shared experience among many women in our phase of life.
Prepare to meet MY TRIBE—my circle of women friends who are my heart, my rocks, my inspiration. Their perspectives on midlife topics will enrich our discussions.
About a year ago, I transitioned from suburban to city life. I now reside with my youngest daughter, Natalie, and her lively dogs, Shiloh and Nova, along with our kitty, Boo (RIP Raya). We’ll explore adjusting to life changes, blended families, health & wellness, and more.
Here at Love Middle Life, we’re dedicated to curating all kinds of stories and information specifically for women in their 40s and beyond. Alongside this blog, we have a podcast, YouTube channel, Pinterest boards, and active profiles on Instagram and Facebook. Each of these spaces is crafted to engage, inform, and inspire women navigating this exciting chapter of life.
Join us as we embark on this journey together—sharing stories, fostering discussions, and discovering the beauty and richness of this remarkable phase.
Let’s navigate this next chapter hand in hand, supporting, learning, and thriving as we embrace all that Love Middle Life has to offer!
My Beautiful Daughters
Cam
Cam is 23 and just graduated with her undergraduate degree and is figuring out ‘what’s next’ while living in Kansas City (soon to move again for a project) with the most amazing young man, JOE, Civil Engineer, dog dad to Frank, and champion clapper (true fact) …she’s contemplating grad school or a full-time job. And she is fabulous.
Natalie
Natalie is 21 and is a junior in college studying exercise science, thinking about a Physical Therapy career, working almost full-time…all while going to school full-time (online…thanks, COVID); Natalie lives with me (remember, with an energetic dog, Shiloh!). Natalie is also exploring modeling…a life-long athlete, she is a perfect choice for athletic brands. Call me and we can talk 😉 Natalie is amazing and I’m so proud!
My Beautiful Daughters
Cam
Cam is 23 and just graduated with her undergraduate degree and is figuring out ‘what’s next’ while living in Kansas City (soon to move again for a project) with the most amazing young man, JOE, Civil Engineer, dog dad to Frank, and champion clapper (true fact) …she’s contemplating grad school or a full-time job. And she is fabulous.
Natalie
Natalie is 21 and is a junior in college studying exercise science, thinking about a Physical Therapy career, working almost full-time…all while going to school full-time (online…thanks, COVID); Natalie lives with me (remember, with an energetic dog, Shiloh!). Natalie is also exploring modeling…a life-long athlete, she is a perfect choice for athletic brands. Call me and we can talk 😉 Natalie is amazing and I’m so proud!
Family Connections
My parents are still here on this planet (lucky us!). They are approaching their 80s and are the most loving people I’ve ever known.
I have an older (barely) brother, Jeff, who is married to Ann and together they have three grown kids, Hillary, Mark and Jake…the grandkid number is climbing rapidly…last count there were four!
Email me anytime at Gina@LoveMiddleLife.com. I’d love to hear from you!
xoxo,
G
My Tribe
I have a bunch of amazing friends that will be known as “My Tribe” at LoveMiddleLife.com. I think My Tribe will bring some great perspective as this blog explores all -things-50+ women face and tackle in life. I can’t wait for you to meet them!
Trina Manhardt
Kim Kossl
Laura Keller
Middle life isn’t the end — it’s the rebuild.
Middle life has a way of showing up uninvited.
It might arrive through loss, divorce, burnout, empty nesting, a health scare, a financial wake-up call — or simply that quiet, persistent feeling that the life you’re living no longer fits.
Love Middle Life exists for women standing in that space and thinking, “Okay… now what?”
This isn’t about pretending midlife is easy or putting a shiny spin on hard things. It’s about telling the truth — and then figuring out how to move forward with clarity, courage, and a little grace.
Why Heal · Rebuild · Live
HEAL
Because you don’t “move on” from loss, grief, or disappointment — you move through it. Healing doesn’t mean being fixed. It means being honest about what hurt and learning how to carry it differently.
REBUILD
Middle life is often a rebuild, whether you planned it or not — finances, identity, confidence, routines, relationships. This is the season where we stop waiting to be rescued and start choosing what comes next.
LIVE
Not someday. Not when everything is perfect. Live now — with intention, boundaries, humor, and joy that feels earned, not forced.
Who This Is For
Love Middle Life is for women 50+ who have lived some life, been knocked around a bit, and are still standing.
If you want honesty instead of platitudes, practical support instead of pressure, and permission to evolve — you’re in the right place.
A Little About Me
I’m Gina — a woman in midlife who has lived through profound loss, raised and launched kids, rebuilt financially and emotionally more than once, and learned that waiting for a savior is exhausting.
I’ve worked since I was 15. I’ve loved deeply. I’ve made mistakes — and built a life I’m proud of.
Love Middle Life isn’t about me, but it is shaped by everything I’ve lived.
What You’ll Find Here
Reflections, tools, stories, and conversations around healing after loss, rebuilding stability, identity shifts, purpose, and living fully — even while things are still imperfect.
Always practical. Always real. Never preachy.