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Harness Your Power with The Queen Archetype in Midlife

Dena Bradford
Jul 21
6 min read

Updated: Jul 23

Introduction to the Queen Archetype

What is it about the word queen that makes us stand a little taller?

Maybe it’s the unmistakable air of authority, the calm confidence, or the way it suggests someone who knows exactly who they are—and isn’t afraid to own it. The queen archetype represents a powerful blend of maturity, wisdom, and sovereignty, which makes it particularly intriguing to explore during one of life’s most transformative stages: menopause.

Menopause can feel like a bit of a curveball—one minute you’re navigating hot flashes, and the next, you’re questioning whether it’s too late to pick up salsa dancing or finally write that memoir. But here’s the good news: it’s also the perfect time to lean into your inner queen. And yes, I promise, we’re going to have some laughs along the way because, let’s face it, ruling a kingdom—even if it’s just your living room—deserves a sense of humor.

In this article, we’ll explore the queen archetype before and after menopause, unpack what makes it so unique, and offer some real-world examples to help you embrace it. Whether you’re already wearing the metaphorical crown or still deciding if it matches your outfit, this journey into queenhood might just leave you feeling more empowered than ever.

What Sets the Queen Archetype in Midlife Apart

The queen archetype isn’t just about power or status—it’s about presence. Unlike other feminine archetypes, which might focus on youthful beauty, nurturing, or creativity, the queen archetype exudes a sense of grounded authority. She knows her worth, and she’s not here to ask for permission. Think of her as the ultimate CEO of her life.

What makes her stand out? For one, she doesn’t sweat the small stuff. While the maiden archetype might worry about saying the wrong thing or the mother archetype might be busy taking care of everyone else, the queen has learned to let go of what doesn’t serve her. She’s all about priorities, whether that means investing in relationships that matter or choosing to spend her Saturday night recharging instead of pleasing everyone else.

She’s also mastered the art of boundaries. A queen doesn’t say yes when she means no, and she doesn’t apologize for putting herself first when it’s needed. If you’ve ever seen a woman politely—but firmly—decline a commitment because she knows it will drain her, you’ve witnessed a queen in action. And let’s not forget her sense of humor. The queen archetype has lived long enough to know that laughing at life’s absurdities is sometimes the only way to stay sane.

In short, the queen archetype embodies wisdom, self-respect, and the ability to rule her world—whether that’s a bustling household, a career she loves, or simply her own peace of mind.

The Queen Archetype Before Menopause

Before menopause, the queen archetype often manifests as a growing awareness of personal power. Think of it as the pre-crown phase. This is when you start realizing that you don’t have to put up with things that drain your energy or compromise your happiness. You might still be juggling a million responsibilities—whether it’s career, kids, or community commitments—but somewhere deep down, you’re starting to sense that you’re capable of more.

The pre-menopausal queen is often busy building her empire, even if she doesn’t fully recognize it. Maybe she’s climbing the career ladder, pursuing personal goals, or just learning how to say, No, Karen, I’m not baking 300 cupcakes for the school fundraiser this year. She’s figuring out what she values most, and while she might still second-guess herself at times, her confidence is growing.

But let’s not pretend this phase is all smooth sailing. There’s also the occasional identity crisis—like when you find yourself wearing a blazer that feels way too grown-up, but somehow, it works. Or when you realize you’re now the person giving advice at parties instead of asking for it.

The queen before menopause is a work in progress, but the seeds of her sovereignty are already there. She’s laying the foundation for the woman she’s becoming, and even if she’s still finding her footing, there’s a quiet strength building beneath the surface.

The Queen Archetype After Menopause

Post-menopause is when the queen archetype truly comes into her own. This is the phase where the crown isn’t just a metaphor—it’s practically glued to your head. You’ve spent decades learning, growing, and adapting, and now you get to step into your full power with zero apologies.

What’s different after menopause? For starters, there’s an incredible sense of freedom. Without the hormonal fluctuations and societal expectations tied to youth, the post-menopausal queen often feels more comfortable in her skin than ever before. She’s less likely to tolerate nonsense—whether it’s from others or her own inner critic—and more likely to pursue what genuinely makes her happy.

This is also a time of wisdom. The post-menopausal queen has seen enough of life to know what matters and what doesn’t. She’s the friend who tells you to stop worrying about your gray hair and start planning that vacation you’ve been dreaming of. She’s the colleague who calmly handles a crisis because she’s been through worse. And she’s the woman who, when faced with an unexpected challenge, thinks, I’ve got this.

Of course, this phase isn’t without its challenges. Menopause can be frustrating and even isolating at times. But the queen archetype helps you reframe it—not as an ending, but as a powerful new chapter. It’s a chance to redefine yourself on your own terms and step fully into your role as the ruler of your life.

Leaning Into the Queen Archetype in Midlife

So, how do you lean into your queen archetype during midlife, especially when menopause has you feeling like a hot (literally) mess? Here are a few practical tips to help you channel your inner royalty:

Prioritize yourself. If your instinct is to put everyone else first, it’s time to flip the script. Queens don’t rule effectively if they’re burned out.
Set boundaries—and stick to them. Whether it’s learning to say no or carving out time for your passions, boundaries are a queen’s best friend.
Embrace your humor. Sometimes, the best way to deal with a particularly stubborn hot flash is to laugh about it.
Cultivate your inner court. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Queens know the value of a loyal inner circle.
Celebrate your wisdom. Every wrinkle, gray hair, and laugh line is a badge of honor. Wear them proudly.
Keep growing. Whether it’s learning a new skill or rediscovering an old hobby, queens never stop evolving.

By leaning into your queen archetype, you can approach midlife and menopause not with dread, but with the confidence of someone who knows her worth.

Examples of the Queen Archetype in Action During Menopause

The Sunday Reset Queen: She unapologetically spends her Sundays resting, reading, and recharging because she knows self-care isn’t selfish.
The Boundary-Setting Queen: She politely but firmly declines the neighborhood book club (even though she loves books) because she’d rather spend her evenings writing her own.
The Glamorous Queen: She wears what makes her feel fabulous, whether that’s a bold red lipstick or cozy yoga pants—because she decides what’s stylish.
The Mentor Queen: She uses her hard-earned wisdom to guide younger women, offering advice and support without judgment.
The New Adventure Queen: She signs up for pottery class at 60, proving it’s never too late to try something new.
The Resilient Queen: She navigates life’s curveballs with grace, whether it’s a career change, a health challenge, or learning how to use TikTok for her business.

Conclusion

The queen archetype isn’t just an ideal—it’s a way of life, especially during and after menopause. It’s about embracing your worth, prioritizing what truly matters, and stepping into a role that only you can define.

So, if you’re navigating midlife and feeling unsure of what’s next, remember this: the queen archetype is waiting for you to claim it. And trust me, that crown looks amazing on you.

Grab that crown.

Wear it crown proudly, make decisions unapologetically, and don’t be afraid to put yourself first.

You’ve earned it.