# Finding your voice at midlife

> NPR correspondent Allison Aubrey explores how Gen X can reignite creativity and purpose in their next chapter.
- Title: Finding your voice at midlife · CBS News | Shortify
- Summary: NPR correspondent Allison Aubrey explores how Gen X can reignite creativity and purpose in their next chapter. Allison Aubrey's book excerpt shows how…
- Keywords: allison aubrey, your turn book, gen x, midlife, creativity, purpose, npr, news, Finding, voice, CBS News
- Source: CBS News — https://cbsnews.com/news/book-excerpt-your-turn-how-to-create-a-midlife-you-love-by-allison-aubrey
- Published: 2026-10-18T16:23:36+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: allison aubrey, your turn book, gen x, midlife, creativity, purpose, npr, news
## A sabbatical search for purpose
NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey took a sabbatical from her job as a Gen X woman juggling kids and career.
## Creativity as a bridge
One way to start a midlife reset is to make time to be creative.Creativity lets us express what's inside of us, and it can be a bridge to connection.
## A portrait that sparked curiosity
During a bluebell hike along the Potomac River, photographer Amy Wilton showed Aubrey a portrait of a woman singing onstage in Maine. The image captured transcendence, prompting Aubrey to learn more about the singer's story.
## Kristi's fiftieth birthday awakening
Kristi Kalajian works as a physician assistant in Camden, Maine, but at her fiftieth birthday, a long-dormant urge resurfaced.She had always loved R and B and wanted to sing.
## A home concert success
Kristi invited people to a friend's home with a grand piano for her first concert.The performance was a runaway success.
## A vision board turns cynicism around
At a New Year's celebration, Kristi was asked to make a vision board, something she had always considered hokey.
## The band comes together
Within a month of making her vision board, a local musician approached Kristi asking if she wanted to join a band.The musician's friend was looking for a singer with a smoky voice.
## Singing Lizzo at any age
When Kristi stepped up to sing lead on her band's rendition of Lizzo's two thousand twenty hit song About Damn Time, Aubrey saw her third-turn anthem.

> I feel complete.
## The third turn formula
According to Dr.Jeremy Nobel, a primary care doctor and poet, the formula for the third turn is simple: Be curious.Make things.Have conversations.As parenting and workloads lighten, creative spirits can come out to play.

> Be curious. Make things. Have conversations.
## Try one creative pursuit
There are many creative pursuits: painting, pottery, poetry, music, theater, culinary arts, and gardening, which Nobel calls the slowest form of performance art.Just pick one with no pressure.
## Reconnect with childhood creativity
Think back to when you found joy in making something, singing, dancing, or creating stories as a child.
## Creativity across continents
Alison Richards and three friends from England use a WhatsApp group to share creative prompts and maintain friendship across continents.
## Key takeaway

Allison Aubrey's book excerpt shows how midlife creativity can unlock purpose and joy for Gen X women through bold pursuits and community.