Hello and Welcome!
I’m Kathy Degen, the founder and curator of Forward After The Pause.
Here, I will share stories and tips on holistic living tailored for women over 50 who want to live life fully.
About Forward After The Pause
Welcome to Forward After The Pause, where I’m dedicated to helping women over 50 live with renewed energy and purpose.
The mission is to provide inspiration and guidance so you can thrive.
Here’s how I support you:
- Embrace Holistic Living: Nurturing your physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing through practical health tips and mindfulness practices.
- Celebrate Your Individuality: Recognizing your unique strengths and life experiences as valuable assets, empowering you to reach your full potential.
- Explore New Opportunities: Supporting your journey of exploration and discovery in hobbies, careers, and travel during this exciting time of life.
This will be your go-to resource for practical tips, inspiring stories, and valuable advice on nurturing your health, managing your finances, and gaining wisdom through life experiences.
Whether you’re looking to boost your physical and mental wellbeing, secure your financial future, or deepen your understanding of life’s lessons, we want to support you every step of your way.
I UNDERSTAND WHERE YOU’RE AT…
Does your life after 50 feel like it’s on pause?
You stand before the mirror, facing a reflection that feels strangely unfamiliar.
Years of prioritizing others’ needs have left you disconnected from your own desires and identity.
Who are you beyond being a mother, spouse, or employee?
You yearn to rediscover satisfaction in your body, finances, and life overall.
You’re eager to learn how to care for your body better—nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being.
You’re keen to take charge of your finances—saving, investing, and securing your financial future.
And you’re ready to draw on your life’s wisdom—to live authentically, pursue passions, and heal old wounds.
Now, you’re poised for the next chapter.
Despite the plethora of blogs out there, most cater primarily to those in their 20s and 30s.
Forward After the Pause is tailored for those navigating life after menopause, focusing on holistic well-being, financial wisdom, and personal growth.
Here, you’ll find a wealth of resources covering everything from nutrition and holistic fitness to natural aging tips.
Dive into crucial midlife topics like managing health changes, achieving financial stability, and reigniting purpose and passion.
It’s time to press play on life once more—moving forward with momentum towards a fulfilling future.
I’m glad you’re here!
LIFESTYLE BLOGGER + vedic life coach
MEET KATHY
My name is Kathy. I’m a mother, blogger, Registered Physiotherapist, and Osteopathic Manual Practitioner.
Where has the time gone? I’m well over 50 and have been in menopause for years now!
With 30 years in healthcare, I’ve helped thousands manage chronic pain, understanding that healing involves more than just the body. Life’s every facet affects pain and recovery.
Yoga has been my passion for three decades, and I’ve been certified since 2000, realizing that true healing encompasses not just the body, but also emotions and spirit.
In 2020, I began my journey into Vedic astrology, deepening my understanding of the mind-body connection and the spiritual aspects of healing.
I thrive on learning and exploring life’s wonders. Yoga grounds me, while Vedic astrology adds a cosmic dimension to my spiritual journey.
Beyond yoga and stargazing, I adore my morning coffee and savoring a glass of wine. Cooking good food is how I show love. And connecting with others through laughter and shared stories brings me great joy!
How’d I got here
my Journey of Self-Discovery
GRADUATED FROM PHYSIOTHERAPY SCHOOL
Graduated from University, got married, and began a new chapter in a new city. I took on two jobs—one in a clinic and the other in Industrial Physiotherapy—but despite enjoying the work, something still felt off, like there was more I needed to explore within myself.
started my family
Welcomed my daughter in 1995 and kicked off a whole new adventure of being a parent. Then in 1999, my son arrived, and even more joy and excitement to this mix. Being a parent was both exciting and a wake-up call. It was the first time I realized I needed to focus on working on myself.
discovered my love of learning
Despite achieving so much, including becoming an acupuncturist, one of the first physiotherapists to specialize in pelvic floor therapy, and building my private practice, I still felt unfulfilled. I realized that my love for learning was more than just acquiring new skills—it was a deeper calling to explore who I truly was and what I really wanted out of life.
yoga teacher certification
Discovering yoga in the early 1990s was a game changer. I started taking classes to ease a tight calf muscle from running, but quickly realized my love for yoga went far beyond the physical postures. I pursued my yoga teacher certification in 2000, hoping to dive deeper into the philosophy. I even traveled to the US and Europe in search of a Guru, but still, the deeper connection I was seeking remained elusive.
Started osteopathy school
In 2002, I started osteopathy school, driven by my unhappiness as a physiotherapist. My introduction to osteopathy came when my son was treated for asthma by an osteopath—and after that, he never needed a puffer again! The program took 7.5 years, and while I loved the learning, it was incredibly stressful and took a significant toll on me.
My Mother’s passing
My mother’s passing was a pivotal moment in my life. Until then, I had been fully immersed in raising a family, going back to school, and building my private practice. But when she fell ill in January 2011, something shifted within me. It wasn’t until I started counseling that I realized I was grappling with cPTSD, a realization that would change the way I saw myself and my life moving forward.
Opened up my multi-disciplinary clinic
In 2013, I opened my multi-disciplinary clinic, thinking it was the next logical step in my career. What I didn’t realize at the time was that it was still a way of responding to my grief and trauma. I threw myself into work, trying to stay busy, but slowly, I began losing myself. It wasn’t until years later, looking back, that I realized I had experienced a nervous breakdown.
separated from my husband
I separated from my husband when my daughter left for university, and that’s when I truly fell apart. It was a dark time, a real ‘dark night of the soul,’ as my Buddhist counselor later explained to me. Although I continued to function—I ran my business, saw my patients, and supported my son—my nights were filled with grief and fear. It was in those moments that I knew I had to start figuring things out, to finally face what had been buried deep inside me for so long.
found my guru
After years of battling depression and feeling completely lost, I finally met with a Guru—what I can only describe as divine intervention. Through his guidance and the teachings of the Yoga Sutras, I began to see how I had been consumed by my emotions. Slowly, through my work with him, I started to emerge from the darkness, finding clarity and peace where there had once been only confusion and pain.
the start of the pandemic
2020 was a life-changing year for everyone, and for me, it marked a turning point. As the pandemic began, I spent a lot of time in meditation, seeking clarity and peace. This inner journey led me to start the Integral Vedic Counselling course with Dr. David Frawley, which sparked a deeper interest in Vedic wisdom. From there, I went on to study Vedic Astrology with Penny Farrow, a path that has profoundly shaped my personal and professional growth.
MY VALUES AND MISSION
My mission is to create a welcoming space where women over 50 feel truly seen and understood.
I want them to know they’re not alone as they navigate the changes in their health, finances, and sense of purpose.
Through my work, I hope to offer the tools, wisdom, and support they need to take charge of their lives and feel more aligned with who they really are.
My vision is to inspire hope and excitement for what’s ahead, helping women rediscover themselves and thrive in this new chapter.
Above all, I want to build a community where women feel connected, supported, and celebrated as they grow and share their journeys together.
Get In Touch!
Anything you are curious about? Want more about a certain topic? Contact me, I’d love to hear from you!
Thank you for stopping by!