Today we’d like to introduce you to Maricia Johns.
Hi Maricia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
There was a moment when the phrase “aged out” hit me in a way I never expected.
Years ago, I was flipping through one of my favorite magazines—the kind I eagerly waited to arrive every month. It had always been filled with articles that felt relevant, inspiring, and written with me in mind. But on that particular day, I turned every page and realized something had changed. There wasn’t a single story that spoke to where I was in life. As a woman of a certain age, I suddenly realized I was no longer the audience.
Curious, I picked up some of my other longtime favorites, hoping it was just a fluke. It wasn’t. Nearly all of them were stuck in a time that had passed. They no longer reflected my interests, my lifestyle, or my priorities. The fashion wasn’t for me. The family dynamics no longer matched my reality. My career was evolving, my financial goals had shifted, and I was thinking about travel, new experiences, purpose, and what this next chapter could become. Yet the stories I wanted to read simply weren’t there.
I knew I couldn’t be the only woman feeling this way.
There were adventures I still wanted to take, places I longed to explore, dreams I refused to let go of, and plenty of fun still waiting to be had. So, instead of waiting for someone else to tell those stories, I decided to tell them myself.
That’s how “thisisyourbestyear” was born.
It exists to remind women of a certain age that life doesn’t stop because you’ve reached a certain birthday. In many ways, it’s just getting started. You are never too old to chase a dream, reinvent yourself, try something new, or simply become more of who you were always meant to be.
Because you’re never too old to do you.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Life has a way of reminding us that no journey is without its challenges. No matter how carefully we plan, there always seems to be a detour along the way.
Not long after launching thisisyourbestyear, my life took an unexpected turn when I became a caregiver. I quickly discovered there is no handbook for caregiving. There are no step-by-step instructions. You simply learn as you go, adapting each day to new circumstances while doing the very best you can.
During that season, my blog became more than a place to write—it became my journal. It gave me space to process what I was experiencing, reflect on the lessons I was learning, and connect with others walking a similar path. Through sharing my story, I found a community of caregivers who understood the joys, struggles, heartbreaks, and victories that come with caring for someone you love. Their stories encouraged me just as much as I hoped mine encouraged them.
There have been many other twists and turns along the way, but one challenge I never imagined having is not being able to attend every event I’m invited to because of prior commitments. While I wish I could say yes to everything, I’ve come to see those invitations as a blessing. They remind me that my work is valued, my voice is being heard, and what I do matters.
Even when life takes an unexpected detour, I believe it can still lead us exactly where we’re meant to be.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
“thisisyourbestyear” doesn’t focus on just one topic because life doesn’t happen in just one category.
We like to say that if you are a woman of a certain age, will one day be a woman of a certain age, or know a woman of a certain age, then “thisisyourbestyear” is for you.
I think of “thisisyourbestyear” as the general practitioner of lifestyle blogs. We want to be a trusted resource that introduces our readers to experiences, ideas, and opportunities they might enjoy while also helping them navigate the more serious aspects of life. One day we may be talking about travel, books, or a great event to attend; the next we may be discussing caregiving, health concerns, insurance, financial planning, or how to have better conversations with your doctor.
Our goal is simple: to inform, encourage, and remind women that this stage of life is not about slowing down—it’s about living well. We hope our readers will join us on this journey and discover that aging can be a season filled with purpose, adventure, wisdom, laughter, and yes, a little bit of gold. Because the best years aren’t behind us—they’re the ones we’re living now.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Aging isn’t the closing chapter—it’s where life often becomes its richest, brightest, and most golden.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thisisyourbestyear.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisyourbestyear/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisisyourbestyear/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariciajohns
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCelcj2W7_O0vea-tZ9F_LCA
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisyourbestyear/video/7565287896417144095
