Turning 50, Flying Over Madeira & Finding My Way Back
- Joanne Merlini
- Jul 29
- 5 min read
Standing on the edge of a 500-metre cliff in Madeira, looking out across the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, I remember thinking, "Well... there's no turning back now."
Oddly enough, that's exactly how turning 50 has felt. Sometimes life asks us to become quieter before we're ready to speak again.
After several years of building Transform to Bliss here in the Algarve, celebrating my 50th birthday, and an unforgettable experience flying high above the mountains of Madeira, I realised something had shifted.
This is a story about trust, new beginnings, coming home to myself... and why I'm so excited to reconnect with you again.
2020–2022
Connection through a screen.
It's been a while since I've sat down to write like this.
Not because I didn't want to, but because life had other plans.
If you've been part of the Transform to Bliss community for a while, you'll probably remember just how present I was online during 2020, 2021 and 2022. Like so many of us, my world shifted onto a screen. I was teaching yoga online, sharing astrology, Moon Ceremonies, Women's Circles, offering Ayurveda and coaching, workshops, writing and trying to create a little sanctuary in uncertain times.
Those years were incredibly special. They brought so many beautiful connections, and many of you reading this have been walking alongside me ever since.
Then another dream began to unfold..
2021
Opening the doors to Transform to Bliss.
In 2021, I opened the doors to Transform to Bliss here in the Algarve.
Suddenly, my attention wasn't just online anymore. I was creating a physical space where people could gather, practise yoga, learn, heal and simply be. I found myself becoming deeply rooted in this wonderful community here in Portugal, and that required something very different from me.
It asked me to be fully present.
Looking back now, I realise I wasn't stepping away from this community. I was simply tending to another part of it.
2026
Turning 50.
Now, five years later, something feels as though it's coming full circle.
This summer I turned 50.
People often ask how it feels, and honestly... I love it.
There's a freedom I wasn't expecting.
Less pressure to prove anything.
More trust.
More softness.
More courage.
It feels as though I've stopped trying to become someone and started appreciating the woman I've already become.
Madeira
Stepping off the cliff.
Marco & I celebrated this milestone by travelling to Madeira.
If you've ever been, you'll know how breathtaking it is.
One of the highlights—and definitely the thing that pushed me furthest outside my comfort zone—was flying from a 500-metre cliff, soaring high above the mountains before gliding out across the Atlantic Ocean.
Standing on the edge, harness fastened, I remember thinking...
"What am I doing?"
Every instinct wanted solid ground beneath my feet.
But the moment I let go...
Everything changed.
The silence.
The vastness.
The perspective.
Looking down at the mountains, the coastline and the endless blue ocean, I felt something shift deep inside me.
It wasn't just about flying.
It was about trust.
Trusting life.
Trusting change.
Trusting myself.
Sometimes we have to leave the familiar before we discover a completely new perspective.
As I reflected afterwards, I couldn't help noticing the beautiful synchronicity.
The Aquarius Full Moon and the North Node moving through my 3rd house of communication seemed to be whispering exactly the same message.
It's time to share again.
Not because I have all the answers.
Not because I feel I should.
But because I genuinely miss these conversations.
I've missed sitting down to write.
I've missed sharing the wisdom that lights me up, whether that's astrology, yoga, Ayurveda, seasonal living or the many little lessons life keeps offering us.
This year has also brought another beautiful addition to my work.
After completing my training in Herbal Medicine, I'm now able to offer Herbal Medicine for Natural Gynaecology based on ancient wisdom—drawing on both modern clinical understanding and ancient herbal wisdom to support women through every stage of life, from menstrual health and fertility to hormones, perimenopause, menopause and beyond.
Alongside this, I'm continuing to offer Natal Chart Readings, one of my favourite ways of helping people reconnect with themselves and navigate life's changing seasons with greater clarity and self-compassion.
When I look at everything I now offer—yoga, meditation, astrology, reiki, women's circles, moon ceremonies and herbal medicine—it doesn't feel like a collection of different modalities.
It feels like one path.
Different doorways leading us back to ourselves - to the Bliss.
As I move into this next decade, I feel ready to find a new rhythm.
One that honours the beautiful in-person community we've created here in the Algarve while also reconnecting with those of you who have been following this journey from all over the world.
So, if you've been here since the beginning, thank you.
If you've only recently found your way to Transform to Bliss, welcome.
I'm looking forward to writing more regularly again—not because I feel I have to, but because it feels like coming home.
And I have a feeling this next chapter might be the most beautiful one yet.
With love,
Joanne
If this resonates with you...
If something in this story has spoken to you, perhaps this is the perfect time for us to connect.
My work is about helping women come home to themselves—through movement, nature, ancient wisdom and a deeper understanding of who they truly are.
✨ Natal Chart Readings
Your birth chart is like a map of your soul. It offers insight into your unique gifts, challenges, life purpose and the cycles you're currently moving through. Whether you're at a crossroads, seeking clarity or simply curious about your path, a natal chart reading can bring profound understanding and reassurance.
🌿 Herbal Medicine for Natural Gynaecology
One of the newest and most exciting additions to my work is offering Herbal Medicine for Natural Gynaecology, drawing on both evidence-based practice and the ancient wisdom of herbal traditions.
Together we'll explore how herbs can gently support your body through gynaecology issues, menstrual health, fertility, perimenopause, menopause and other stages of a woman's life, creating an individual plan that's unique to you.
Consultations are available both online and here at Transform to Bliss in the Algarve.
🧘 Yoga, Moon & Women's Community
Transform to Bliss continues to be a place where we come together to move, breathe, reconnect and simply be.
Whether you join me for a yoga class, workshop, Teacher Training (spoiler - next one will be 2027) one-to-one session, ceremony or circle my intention is always the same—to create a nurturing space where you feel supported, inspired and deeply connected to yourself either with myself or one of our amazing Transform to Bliss Team.
Wherever you are on your journey, I'd love to welcome you.
A little about me...
I'm Joanne, founder of Transform to Bliss in the beautiful Algarve, Portugal.
For over 20 years I've been exploring the many ways we heal—not just physically, but emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
My work has evolved over the years, but the heart of it has always remained the same: helping people reconnect with themselves.
Today I weave together yoga, meditation, astrology, reiki and Herbal Medicine into a holistic approach that honours both ancient wisdom and modern understanding.
I believe healing isn't about fixing ourselves. It's about remembering who we are beneath the noise of everyday life.
When I'm not holding space, you'll usually find me by the ocean or in the mountains with my mat, with sisters in circle, tending to herbs, travelling with Marco, or seeking out new adventures that remind me life begins just beyond our comfort zone.
Thank you for being here and for allowing me to be part of your journey.
I hope our paths cross—whether online, here in the Algarve, or somewhere in between.
With love,
Joanne
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