It’s Never “Too Late”

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been”. ~ George Elliot

As I drove past a breakfast cafe with this quote in their window, it hit me how much freeing truth is held within these few words, so eloquently strung together. 

For many, accomplishments are seen in terms of a deadline. A timeframe allocated for something to be done and achieved – and this timeframe is usually intertwined with age.

I just celebrated my 52nd birthday and I created space to reflect and be proud of all I have done and acknowledge the things I haven’t. 

I also know that there is still so much time and personal drive to keep going, keep creating. My age will not be a determining factor in what I am yet to achieve, but I choose to be led by my inner voice instead. 

We allow our age to depict whether or not we showed up to our potential “too late” as if there was a guide book of when is an appropriate time to achieve what. 

Maybe it’s me, but in my own life, things didn’t always go according to this so-called “time-frame,” and I gladly choose to honor that. 

It’s my birthday wish this year, to encourage you that it’s NOT too late, and it NEVER will be. You are capable of accomplishing whatever you’d like and I’d be honored to be on this Journey with you. I know that if it wasn’t for my tenacity and strength, for the support of those dear to me, that some of these bumps along my road would have been much harder, and  maybe I would have given up or settled for an easier path. As I reflect on my story  and my Journey below, I hope it inspires you to keep writing yours.  


Old photo of Fumiko Takatsu as a little girl with a white scarf around her head.

When I was a child, I had a lot of dreams, things I wanted to try and explore when I grew up. I couldn’t wait to “grow up”! Every day filled me with excitement and curiosity for what could be and because of that, I didn’t like to sleep in. There was so much I wanted to see, to do, to achieve. I was a curious dreamer.

Graduating from University was when my search for the “purpose” of life started. While my academic accomplishments deemed me as “successful” by Japanese women standards, I could hear a small voice in my heart, “Is this it? Is this the life I was looking for when I was younger?” 

If I’m being honest and true to my heart, I couldn’t help but acknowledge that I thought my life would be much more exciting, but instead I was trapped in the “safety” of the life I had.

The hardest part of those years was the unavoidable feeling like I was missing something, but I didn’t know what. Even into my thirties, I felt that my life would stay the same, and I remained scared of accepting this as my life.


Fumiko Takatsu, a dark haired woman in mid 30s smiling for the camera.

At the age of 35, when most feel they should have their life “together,” mine so suddenly got torn apart. I went through a divorce and was in a nearly fatal car accident. 

While people around me seemed so settled in, it was as if I was just starting out. 

I was restarting on nearly everything: I had a new status as a recent divorcee, dealing with my health post-accident, and navigating life in a whole new country.

36 At the age of 36 is when I started my business of Face Yoga. Many at this age are seasoned into their carriers, and I was just embarking on the Journey of Entrepreneurship. For those not as familiar with the Face Yoga Method story, in the beginning, it went something like this…

The car accident left my face, neck and shoulders off kilter, while doctors and chiropractors on the health of my body, nobody talked about my face. But I realized, if I can regain mobility and train my body muscles through exercise, I should be able to do the same for my face. It didn’t take long for people around me to start noticing differences on my face, and I thought if i had worked for me, it would work for others. I knew that this was the key to replacing cosmetic procedures 100% naturally, but at the time I couldn’t even grasp that someday our Method would reach people worldwide. 

What is now a 20 (and counting!) women led team, started with just myself and my sister in law. We were the whole team, from the technical to the content creation, to customer service, to social media. I still remember getting that first private message from a customer and how excited I was. Today, we get thousands of messages and I still get excited to serve each and every person who inquires about how Face Yoga can work for them, but it all started from that one. 

We didn’t always have the vast Programs and physical products we have today, and again, it all started from one. In the beginning I didn’t even want to do videos as I was self conscious of my accent and presence on camera, and here I am today, countless interviews and features later, showing up on video is a part of my daily activities. 

Give yourself grace. It all starts from that one thing. The one message, the one Program, the one sale, the one day you decide you can.

40 At the age of 40 is when I had my daughter. 

It was also in my forties that I got so busy with motherhood and running a business that I forgot to think about “my” life. While endless devotion and love for our kids is a natural and beautiful part of motherhood, it can also make us forget about ourselves.

Staying busy made me forget what I was even searching for. Ironically, “busy” in Japanese translates to “loss of heart.”

When we received the diagnosis that our daughter had an extra chromosome that causes Down Syndrome, I was overwhelmed with fear and worry. Worry of what her life would look like and fear of being different. The years spent “wanting to fit in” made me lose myself even more.

And it took losing of heart and self, in order to realize that the more I know myself, and the more I care for myself, also makes me a better mother and a better person. I realized that when I care for my needs, I am better equipped to take care of the needs of my family. I also realized that when I give myself permission to prioritize my wellness, it gives my daughter permission to prioritize hers. And finally, my daughter has shown me that there is in fact NOTHING wrong being different.

50 Turning 50 shifted my mindset more than I expected. I realized that even though I do not have some of the answers I sought after in my twenties and thirties, that I am not unhappy with my life. I also did not have those feelings of wanting something different, or more exciting, I used to have and tried to deny. I realized that I actually wouldn’t wish to re-do any of it, that I had no desire to go back to the younger days, and that every event led up to exactly where I am meant to be. 

I was fully present, happy and content. It was as if I woke up feeling grateful to be alive, to wake up healthy and happy. I couldn’t help but think, suppose I live to a 100, I still have half a life to live! I had reached a milestone, and this milestone was all about honoring and continuing to love this human experience.


Fumiko Takatsu, a dark haired woman in early 50s smiling while looking over her shoulder.

I’m now 52 and  have realized that I’m fully responsible for all that I am and all that I have. 

I know that all of the challenges have also resulted in the wisdom I now carry and cherish. 

Every experience has enriched my life. 

While many will ask me if this number scares me, all I can say is no – it actually gives me drive. It gives me the drive to keep going and to keep dreaming. 

Writing a cookbook being one of those dreams, and I will continue to let my soul guide me moving forward. Who knows, maybe the next few years brings new takeaways and life lessons.


A blurred photo of a dark haired woman with a question mark over it.

So, what’s your story around age?

Knowing now that it is never “too late,” or “too early” will you let your future story unfold? 

How will you show up in your life realizing that it is not your age that determines your timeline, but your will and your determination? 

As George Elliot so wisely put it, “it’s never too late to be what you might have been”. Use this as your own mantra when you are battling with the timeline we all, to some extent, created in our head. 

Somehow we tend to believe that dreaming is for children and well into our adulthood we often stop dreaming all together. But this undermines our complexity as human beings. And it undermines our ability to be the creators of our life, despite our age! 

Follow your passion, your dreams, your curiosity and your inner voice. Be bold. Only you can change your life, at any age!

We welcome you to join us in our Free Face Yoga Method Community and tell us about your dreams and the revolutionary story you are yet to create.

Face Yoga Method Community - "All Ages. All Walks Of Life. All Together." Banner.

142 thoughts on “It’s Never “Too Late””

  1. Dear Fumiko,
    I’m also 52 and having had my 50th birthday gave me a new kick off too. I see the people around me in a different way. I let go what I had to let go and started to focus on me and what is important to me which didn’t turn me selfish, just enabled me to focus on people and activities that are worth and that instead of sucking my energies, fill me with more.
    Thank you for sharing the story of your life,
    Judit

  2. We are very lucky to have met you. Wish you all the shine in the soul, in the heart and in the face. Happy birthday 😀

  3. Happy Birthday! Congratulations! My best wishes for seeing your evolution as a person and the path traveled, thank you a thousand for showing it

  4. Your journey of resilience and bouncing back from what life has thrown at you is so inspiring. Our past decisions are just fodder for a better us and recrafting what did not go so well

    Happy Birthday to a phenomenal woman!

  5. Happy birthday dear Fumiko!

    Yes, it is never to late to be what you might have to been!
    I’m 46 and didn’t get that much out of my life, if you see it materialized.
    But I’m on my way to develop myself, I’m doing it since 11 years consciously and it seems to be never-ending-story but doesn’t matter; it’s worth to going this way.
    Thank you for your gift to us, thank you for beeing here and inspiring people.

    All the best Wishes to you!
    Huge Birthday-Hug from

    Jasenka

    Frankfurt at Main/Germany,
    Europe

  6. I like how you inspire people. I am at an age where I think, “yeah, I could try something, then another voice says Nah, you are too old now.”

    Now after reading your blog, I might have found the inspiration to go forth and try , because if not now, then when right?

    Thanks Fumiko!

    1. Absolutely, it is never too late! 😉 So happy to inspire this mindset for you and look forward to supporting your Journey!

  7. Sí. hay que ser valientes.! el hecho de cumplir los 50, no es tarde para soñar y cumplir un propósito de vida.! cree en tí , camba tu vda.!! sí se puede..!

    1. Hi Judith! 🙂 We understand your concern but Face Yoga will not negatively impact your face if you stop your exercises, and will not worsen your skin. We hope that helps and look forward to supporting you! Also, don’t forget that Face Yoga is a life style so even with just gained awareness you are doing great work! 🙂

  8. Zorica Milenković

    Happy Birthday and many thanks for your open and great Text… and thanks for your Motivation, for being there for yourself, your family and for us !

  9. Hmmmm, I just release a breath of satisfaction and joy reading this beautiful story of yours and learning things and receiving strength from it. Infact, you’re a strong woman and personality full of love and life ready to reach out on others.Thanks.

    1. You are so welcome and I am absolutely thrilled that you found a strong sense of joy from it! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

    1. Hi Annabel! 🙂 That’s great! We have many different courses depending on your needs! Email us at [email protected] if you need help getting started or choosing a Program that’s right for you 😉

  10. Hi, is a wonderful your spirit the fought and to make your dreams reality, congratulations for share you history of life. Thank you

  11. Dear Fumiko,

    Little did I know what amazing personality is behind Face Yoga that my friend recommended as a reply to my questions (and complaints) on my 50th birthday and ways I could improve my face lines.
    She sent me few links, most with your You Tube videos. One was a lengthy promotional video on the upcoming Bootcamp and after few days of consideration I reluctantly signed up.
    What struck me immediately was your open heart and warm soul, and your life approach towards others and yourself won me over.
    I consider myself as very disciplined, hard working woman who is neither idealizing nor scrutinizing the world around so – daily fulfilling of duties, two children, one dog and endless task of duties ==> made me just “busy” or, as you say, missing the soul of my being.
    Therefore, even though I am happy for you that you are in the phase despite the number 52 of daring and loudly kicking and “facing” the world around you, I still ask my self “Who am I?`” . I am by no means insecure and not established person, having loud voice when needed and equipped with professional tools to be established in my work.
    So who would say that behind that person, there is a humble question “Who am I?” Strange enough, I believe that your Face Yoga method is more than just a Bootcamp for the face.
    I feel it is a spiritual journey tougher with other souls and your lighting guide.
    Keep on doing what you do, as the people like me will start opening their hearts more in their deep personal questions on who they are.
    On that note, let me have a sip of hot water and cheers to your guiding heart ❤️

    Warm regards, Mariana

    1. Hi Mariana!

      What a beautiful story of reflection you shared. Thank you for opening up your heart and for continuing your search! I am thrilled to have you in the Face Yoga Method Community and cannot wait to see your story unfold 🙂

  12. I have great admiration for your self determination. Without the self will we are nothing.
    Congratulations on achieving your dreams. How wonderful that your daughter has the same self will and understanding.
    Take care

    1. Thank you so much Eliz! I hope it gives you and others the inspiration that its truly never too late to go after what you desire! 🙂

  13. I wish you all the best. You inspire so many people and I really admire the positive and happy way you see life.

    Happy birthday

    Eleni

  14. Thank you so much Fumiko. I homeschool my 4 children and I love acting so I am creating a tv series with my cellphone and my kids as actors. This with the aim of doing educative series about parenting in which taking care of ourselves plays an import roll. I also have an accent and lots of tone to recover for my face and body but I know that with constancy I will achieve it. I have a goal to achieve been totally toned for June the 2th. This day I will post my transformation video and I will go to a casting with my reel made by myself. Thank you for being an important part of my journey. I am 45! I love you and admire you!

    1. Hi Erica! Thank you so much for sharing your life and your beautiful dreams and endeavors! I am thrilled that I can support your Journey! 🙂

  15. Fumiko, you are an inspiration to me. I am Japanese-American, born in Hawaii in 1953. That makes me a 66-year-old woman who, like you, made decisions about life that I thought were “best” (that I was supposed to choose marriage before 30, children soon after, work at a career to earn promotions and accolades etc).
    NOW I am FREE. I love my children, their spouses and my grandchildren….but there is a certain freedom that is earned by this time in life, to be free to ENJOY whatever it is you want to experience!
    I left a lucrative career in pharmaceuticals only to learn in semi-retirement that Big Pharma is Too Big and controlling, and I have found a new understanding on The Other Side: holistic, naturopathic and functional medicine vs allopathic medicine! I am happy taking care of a newly healthy body (lost 60 lbs by eliminating SAD), take time to learn new things, and rediscover my love of ART.
    Your life story is amazing, full and wonderful. Your outlook on the future makes me smile!!
    Aloha and Mahalo,
    Karen

    1. Hi Karen! WOW – what a beautiful story of growth, experience and following your heart! Thank you for sharing it with us. I am thrilled to provide inspiration for you and look forward to supporting your Journey! 🙂

    1. Hi Deanna! You’re in the right place 🙂

      At the Face Yoga Method we are all about self-care. Look through our blogs for tips and tricks on self-care, mindset, and DIY recipes among many others! 🙂

  16. Happy birthday. May you be abundantly blessed. Your emails and videos are always such a source of joy and inspiration.❤️❤️

  17. You are true inspiration. Hats off to you Fumiko. You always motivate me and I am really gratefull that I found you and following you. Thanks for everything. Xoxo
    Sonia

  18. Hi Fumiko,
    Your story was so interesting to read and most inspiring.
    I think the same way that you do, that it’s never too late, and I at 61 still have dreams that I haven’t yet achieved but still believe that I can.
    Age is no barrier to anything if you have the right mindset.
    Thanks so much for sharing your story with us.
    Kind regards,
    Denise

    1. Absolutely Denise! You will do all you set out for and I can’t wait to hear the story you will create! 🙂

  19. Danielle Gerrior

    Thanks for this it’s my Birthday too..wonderful words of wisdom to live by for sure. I feel the same way, I started the day feeling a bit down. I just turned 41 but all I kept thinking after looking at some birthday memes is “I’m going to be 50 soon!” But after all my encounters today I realize we are all on our own journey and no two people are alike, no matter what our ages are. Very young or getting older and wiser! It’s how we feel at the end of the day that matters the most! Thanks for being one of those people sent here to remind me of that. Happy Birthday!

    1. Happy birthday to you too Danielle! 🙂 I am happy you reflected and found the takeaway that age is just a number! We assign it meaning. For me, I choose to let my age determine my drive for what else I want to achieve and I hope it inspires you to know that IT’S NEVER TOO LATE and embrace your beautiful 41 years for all they are! 🙂

  20. You are really inspired me , I was married Middle 20s, Have kid after 9 years of marriage & May husband lifted me with anther women that was really hardest time in may life, raising my blessing and handsome 9 year old son alone The past 8 years, That Changing my life. I can’t believe I’m going to be 44 in October 8 wow that is so scary… how time Flash So fast.
    Thank you to you I’m started looking may face witch is I even don’t like to look may face Because of lot of stress & …. depression I love to learn from you more.
    Thank you & bless you more.
    Meme.

    1. Hi Meme! Thank you for sharing your story with us. I believe that all of those experiences have led to a even more stronger and brighter you and I hope that you took away the message that IT’S NEVER TOO LATE for whatever it is you wish to create moving forward! 🙂

    1. Hi Kathy! Absolutely 🙂 We have many different Programs to choose for your needs and even freebies so you can try Face Yoga and see how it works for you. Email us at [email protected] if you need support selecting a Program to meet your needs or for the free book!

  21. Happy Birthday, Fumiko!
    Wish you happiness, joy, peace and ease! May all your dreams come true!
    You are the role model! Keep leading others towards achieving their dreams!
    My dream is my own business and helping others to thrive and feel themselves free from suffering and happy.
    I had a very challenging time that led me to meditation, yoga and then face yoga. This changed me a lot, and must importantly, this changed my view of myself. I appreciate the way I am and I am thankful to people I met and who led me to where I am and who I am now. And I know there will be more wonderful people on my way.

    1. HI Ekaterina! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us and I am absolutely thrilled to have inspired you. Keep following your heart 🙂

  22. Hi Fumiko,first of all I want to say Happy Birthday and thanks for sharing your story,what story,isn´t it?But everyone has something to tell,as mine,in short words,tell you I am 62 years old and have 3 children,but the youngest in his 34,is an autist boy,who demands a lot of work.I have been trying to live the better way I can,working out,yoga and now zumba classes.The secret is to use our energy to enjoy the great opportunity to develop our inner power.I could take a look at you page but I hope I had more time to follow you because I really liked the way you teach us,full of energy,despite the natural beauty!Congratulations on your page and thanks for the attention for all your followers.I would say,the age doesn´t matter when the soul is fullfield with joy and love!Kisses from Brazil

    1. Hello Lise! Very wise words and takeaways and I absolutely agree! Age is just a number 🙂 Thank you for sharing and for opening up your story for us to hear and learn from also 🙂

  23. Gracias por siempre motivarme
    Amo tu ebook q es lo único q hay en español
    Bendiciones por tu generosidad gracias x compartir
    Dios te bendiga

  24. Happy birthday Fumiko!! I am a young 81 years old and am doing your Bootcamp plus three Jumpstarts. At this age, improvements are slow. (One must realize how many years you have been doing the wrong things for your body and face.) However, I am not discouraged and I do believe in the Face Yoga method. I wish I had been aware of it 10 years ago. Thank you for all that you are doing to help women improve themselves.

  25. So generous of you to share that with everyone, Fumiko. I will also be 52 this year and feel and agree with what you are saying. I am still dancing professionally at the age of 52!! Very unusual but possible. Put the number aside, bite the bullet and just go for it.
    Thank you for your genuine generosity and care for all that come into contact with you.
    I wish you all the best and continued success and fulfilment in your life.
    Many thanks
    Emma

  26. So generous of you to share that with everyone, Fumiko. I will also be 52 this year and feel and agree with what you are saying. I am still dancing professionally at the age of 52!! Very unusual but possible. Put the number aside, bite the bullet and just go for it.
    Thank you for your genuine generosity and care for all that come into contact with you.
    I wish you all the best and continued success and fullfillment in your life.
    Many thanks
    Emma

  27. I worked in field of education until the age of 76 and am still living and learning two months from 80.
    I did not think my face could change but IT IS THANKS TO YOUR TEACHING. I purchased the e book.

  28. You are very inspiring Fumiko. When I first saw you teaching face yoga, I was attracted to your youthful look and your drive to help more women look their best. I bought the program you were promoting at that time but I did it only a few times and did not follow through. When you emailed me again, I was so happy to do the facial and eye yoga again which I hope I could do consistently this time.
    More power and success to you. Wishing to see more women get to their desire of natural beauty and youthfulness.
    Thank you ~ Lou Pulkkinen

  29. Hello FUMIKO YOU HAVE A VERY EMOCIAL AND INSPIRING STORY. IM TURNING 55 THIS MONTH AND I’VE BEEN FOLLOWING YOUR PROGRAM SINCE I WAS LIVING IN London. But only now that I’m in Brazil (back to my country) I’ve started doing some faces routine. I know that I’m far away from an expected result but I’m caring on with hope . I wish you a very happy birthday. And thank you very much for your support.

  30. Thank you for this! So inspiring . It left me feeling empowered and excited about the future
    It came to me at such a right time.
    THANK YOU for being such an inspiration!

  31. This is so Well sais, life long learning about yourself and creating your better life, dreams are there to fulfill if possible and there are more ways to reach what is important to you!

    1. So glad it resonated for you Angelie! 🙂 Good luck with all you will do and I look forward to supporting your Journey! 🙂

  32. Happy belated birthday Fumiko. Your story is an inspiration not to let the negatively put us down. To be strong and be the best we can be. With God beside us, nothing is impossible!

  33. Well done! Happy Birthday Fumiko! Your light shines brightly and touches us all. I appreciate the beautiful and courageous support you freely give to women in their ‘prime’. It keeps me seeking to find my best self as I’m 59 and staring at 60 next year.

  34. Vera Victoria Jacobsen

    I just love your thoughts and share
    your philosophy of life!
    I respect your opinions and the way You lead your great task to
    helping other women to better self confidence and better lives!

    1. Thank you Vera! I am so glad you found inspiration in my story and I look forward to supporting you further 🙂

  35. Chidimma Maynard

    I am 62 and going strong I love my life and pray and asked for 80 more. Everyones life journey is different. Like you I am still serving people to their benifit and I enjoy doing this. Happy to have met you and I admire what you do keep on saving peoples lives. My eye area is now looking a bit different and I intend to use your method to fix it. Thank you for sharing your experience.

  36. Jenevieve Baker

    Thank you so much your story is touching. I too have been through some challenges but through prayer, faith, and and courage I have made it thus far, and still looking forward for great things

  37. THank You Fumiko. I needed to hear your message this morning. At age 64, I’ve been thinking my life if over. “Busy” in English = getting things done. “Busy” in Japanese =

    Loss Of Heart

    I want my heart back. As you say, it’s my choice.

    THank you for reminding me and leading the way forward.

    kh

  38. Esmeralda Vargas

    Happy birthday Fumiko. You are my inspiration. I’m 61 years old still working in my self. One day I will should you my big change .
    You are the best. Love you now and forever.❤

  39. Happy Birthday, Fumiko! You are such a kind, inspiring soul. You bring wisdom, grace and hope to us all. Keep up your phenomenal work. It is an honor to be a member of the Face Yoga Method community!

  40. Thank you, this is inspiring. I particularly like this question: “How will you show up in your life realizing that it is not your age that determines your timeline, but your will and your determination?” This is a wakeup call! The years will pass so we might as well make them count!!

    1. Ah absolutely! 🙂 SO glad it resonated for you! Thanks for sharing and best of luck in all you will do 🙂

  41. Thanks Fumiko for sharing your history with us,I am 45 and I have never felt old until the last months I have felt overwhelmed about my appearance,thankfully I found you!. Your dedication and the way you explain your classes makes me feel much more motivated.
    Thank you so much.

  42. Jane-Ann Davies

    Fumiko,
    Firstly many Happy Returns of the day to you!
    You are nothing short of a living inspiration,
    making us all feel that anything is truly possible.
    I turned 64 in August and finally gained the strength to extricate myself from a 36 year verbally abusive relationship…after 10 miscarriages I thank God for my two blessed boys, now 25 and nearly 23!
    I became a Face Yogi and purchased the Neck and Ebook, in order to sort out my Turkey neck ( I believe that over your side of the pond you call it Gobble Wobble?),as finally our home is up for sale, hopefully enabling me to not only find myself again under numerous layers of my onion façade, but also possibly gain some self esteem and confidence…basically learning to love myself again !!
    Thank you for all that you have done for so very many of us xx

    1. Thank you so much for sharing your story! You are full of wisdom and strength and we can all learn from both your struggles and your joy! Looking forward to the continuation of your Journey! 🙂

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