Stefan Monz
Co-Founder of Purajana & Pilates Lover
Discovering a fresh perspective on life after turning 50 can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and transformation. In this blog post, I share my journey of self-discovery and how I embraced new opportunities, even during challenging times like the Corona pandemic. From leaving behind a successful career to venturing into the world of well-being with Purajana, my wife and I embarked on a path that redefined our purpose and brought us closer as a couple. Join me as I explore the joys, fears, and unexpected twists that shaped my life transformation after 50.
It’s only half-time
As I reached the milestone of turning 50 amidst the challenges of the Corona pandemic, it may not have been a grand celebration, but it provided me with valuable introspection. It was an opportune moment to contemplate the next 50 years of my life. With an unwavering 'why not' attitude and a profound interest in longevity concepts, I embraced the belief that there was still an abundance of time and possibilities to create a remarkable future.
When willpower reaches its limits
Reflecting on my fulfilling life, encompassing a blissful family with my inspiring wife Sonia and our self-assured children, as well as a rewarding international career in sales, marketing, and finance, I couldn't ignore the stirring feeling within me. At the age of 50, I realized that my unyielding curiosity and unwavering willpower had propelled me thus far. Yet, I discovered that my willpower had its limits, mentally and physically, especially in an environment that no longer aligned with who I truly was. This awakening became the catalyst for an incredible journey of self-discovery, as I set out to redefine my purpose and embark on a transformative path forward.
Embracing Vulnerability
When faced with the opportunity to make a life-altering decision, I took a leap of faith. Leaving behind my stable job as an International Sales Director, I joined forces with my wife to create Purajana, our very own "think tank" dedicated to helping people lead longer, healthier lives—physically, mentally, and socially. Coming from a non-entrepreneurial background, sharing my plans sparked a mix of reactions, ranging from skepticism to silence. In that moment, vulnerability and excitement intertwined within me. But with the unwavering support of my wife, who came from a family of entrepreneurs, we mustered the courage and energy to embark on this incredible new journey.
What if Things Exceed Expectations?
Of course, I was faced with a lot of fears and doubts about our venture. Will me and Sonia function as a team – and a couple? How to deal with financial limitations (e.g. we used to spend a lot of money for travelling)? What if one of us gets injured? And, no, we didn't leap blindly into the unknown. We spent a significant amount of time & efforts in one-on-one workshops to define (on paper) our vision, mission, and goals both as a family, couple and as business partners. We did a detailed 5-years business and financial plan – with a conservative approach we can both live with. But obviously, you can’t foresee the future – so yes things can be worse than expected but hey: What if things turn out better than expected?
Transforming Setbacks into New Beginnings
Sonia's 50th birthday celebration took an unexpected turn when a mishap on the dance floor led to a knee injury. The diagnosis was painful, and surgery was necessary, with a lengthy recovery period of nine months ahead. However, thanks to the skillful surgeon, Prof. Dr. Stein from Sporthologicum, the dedicated team at Proreha, and Sonia's resilient spirit, she defied the odds. Just two weeks after surgery, Sonia, armed with crutches, taught again her first yoga class. Her remarkable recovery caught the attention of Sporthologicum, who offered us a collaboration to promote Purajana Yoga and Reformer Pilates as a complementary solution for knee-recovery patients. What began as a setback has blossomed into a tremendous opportunity for our business venture.
Heading towards a New Chapter: Embracing Life's New Possibilities after 50
As I entered the second half of my life, I found myself pondering the question, "What's the new paradigm for my life after 50?" While willpower had been the driving force behind my earlier career accomplishments, I yearned for a more intuitive approach to both life and business. However, I soon realized that transitioning to this mindset was no easy feat. It became a transformative learning process, as I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, rediscovering the importance of listening to my instincts and finding a sense of ease in my daily life.
The transformation that follows turning 50 is not an overnight occurrence. It is a continuous and evolving journey with no fixed destination. Each step brings new possibilities, and I embrace the uncertainty, knowing that there are still countless transformations awaiting me on this path. With an open mind and a willingness to grow, I eagerly embrace the chapters yet to be written in the book of my life.
