How many “success stories” have you heard about that involve someone young? Probably a lot. How many “success stories” have you heard about that involve someone in their middle age? Probably not many!

To change that, TV writer and producer Melissa Hunter decided to show some middle-agers some love. She asked her middle-aged followers on Twitter to share their “big breaks” with her. “I want to read about a mother of 2 who published her first novel, a director who released their first studio feature at 47,” she explained.

Well, the middle-agers of Twitter delivered. These wholesome stories of people who experienced success later in life will leave you wanting to hug them.

1. This Ambitious Writer

   Just discovered this. Headed toward 52, in the 2nd sem of my creative writing MFA, after 13 years teaching kids and 15 years at an ed nonprofit. Published my first indie fiction in my 40s. On sub now with my agent. Started a business. My 3rd act, may it go till 90-something!

   — Lyn Fairchild Hawks (@FairchildHawks) June 5, 2020

2. This Adventurous Musician

   Now I’m 53- Kids are young adults. I have a VW campervan for adventures, have written a few songs of my own, and sung on TV with a choir. In Japan this week and snow skied for the first time in 30 years #nevertooold pic.twitter.com/Pf8ORSugRE

   — dramaqueen 75 (@dramaqueen75) February 10, 2020

3. This To-Be Lawyer

   I am a mother of four, I released my first full-length book at 45, and started law school this year—at 47—with four teenagers in the house. Some of us are late bloomers, but wow, when we figure it out…

   — Tracy M (@dandelionmama) January 7, 2020

4. This Photographer

   I was given a camera at age 50. I am doing my 4th show in April. I had no idea I was good at photography until I took a leap of faith and tried it. pic.twitter.com/zj3UgJERsL

   — Ariann Black (@ArianBlack) February 9, 2020

5. This Grandma With ALS

   Grandma of 4, 54 years young, Veteran, published my debut novel January 1st. My body is paralyzed from ALS, so I typed that shit with my eyes! pic.twitter.com/Whn1nBXgLz

   — Shelly Hoover, Author (@shellyhoover) January 8, 2020

6. This Artist

   I’m in my sixties… just planning my first exhibition… #nevertoolate pic.twitter.com/mfdGl0x1Qw

   — Val Allen Artist (@valallenartist) January 9, 2020

7. This Marathoner

   I turned 50 in June and ran my 14th half marathon—my fastest one ever—in November. #fitat50 #thisis50 #running #runningmom

   — Kimberly Gavagan (@KimberlyGavagan) February 8, 2020

8. This New Nurse Practitioner

   I was an engineer for 20 years with a PhD degree in biomedical engineering. At 45, I went to nursing school and became a Registered Nurse, and a nationally board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. Now I have a doctorate in nursing, teach college, & practice PT.

   — Daddee Jawnee (@JawneeDaddee) January 26, 2020

9. This Soldier

   A wife and mother of 3, I joined the @USArmy at 39 years old, graduated basic combat training at 40 and now at 50, I’m a Sgt. 1st Class active duty Soldier stationed at @FortKnoxKY pic.twitter.com/o9ufdWlJXH

   — Toni Love Walker (@ToeKneeLuv) January 17, 2020

10. This Almost Band Member

    Bought my first drum set at 49, published my first novel at 52. Waiting to get over my stage fright to join a band. 🥁

    — Linda Smolkin (@lindasmolkin) January 8, 2020

11. This Baker

    At age 40, I decided to bake part time. A year later, I have two regular spots where I sell bagels, and have turned down orders. I’m not exactly where I want to be, but I doing something I love, and I’m showing my kids how to work for their dreams.

    — Ryan Cunningham (@baking_pirate) February 11, 2020

12. This Guy Who Practices What He Preaches

    I’m about to be 45. I got sober at 40. Released my first book at 41, released two more before 44. Will graduate with a Master’s in #addiction counseling at 45. I will also achieve 5 years of #sobriety and re-release my first #book internationally. That’s just in May! #2020Vision

    — Sparkle King (@unpackedsparkle) January 17, 2020

13. This Funeral Director

    After 35+ years as a video editor I started working part-time at a local funeral home. At 60 I decided to go back to school and I will become a licensed funeral director and embalmer at 62, helping the families in my community during some the hardest days of their lives.

    — GoodScout (@GoodScout) January 19, 2020

14. This Prize Winner

    I was a chef from 22 to 43, then decided to pick up a paint brush at 43. My first portrait painting won a regional portrait prize, my second shortlisted in a major national portrait prize. I’ve been a full time artist for four years now. Age is AMAZING.

    — JimmiBuscombeArtist (@JBuscombeArtist) January 30, 2020

15. This Theater Talent

    I’m 45 and have been performing magic for 23 years. This year I’ve booked my first theater show and plan to hit the UK too! pic.twitter.com/yInrun3XRB

    — Scotty Swan /the weird show (@festivalmagic) January 19, 2020

16. This Bicycler

    Thank you for this. My partner and I bicycled about 2000km through Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Lebanon, and France over the past couple years on single speed bikes. I just turned 49. We’ve also been studying 日本語 for the past few years.

    — Megahertz Donut (@Megahertz_Donut) January 16, 2020

17. This New Teacher

    At 38 I decided to be a teacher…I am working on my masters…doctorate is next. Thanks for helping us smash the myth that people only do fabulous things in their youth. People can be amazing until the day they die if they are willing to try!

    — Abra Nichol (@abra_nichol) January 17, 2020

Do you know someone who experienced success in their middle ages?