At an age when many people are holding tighter to what they have built, Jake Borchert chose to let it go.
What began as a bold departure in his mid-40s has evolved into a life defined by purpose, simplicity and a deep commitment to helping others rethink what is possible.
“I feel amazing, and it’s not just physically,” Jake said. “It’s mental clarity, emotional balance and just knowing I’m living in a way that actually fits who I am now.”
His statement reflects more than physical well-being. It captures a sense of clarity and direction that took years of change, uncertainty and personal growth to fully understand.
Jake’s turning point did not come with a neatly packaged plan. Instead, it emerged from a growing realization that the life he had built no longer aligned with what he wanted moving forward.
“I started questioning everything about my life,” Jake said. “The work I was doing, the systems I trusted, even the path I thought I was supposed to follow. It just didn’t add up anymore.”
He had spent years working in construction and property management, building a stable career and supporting his family. By most standards, life was on track. But, something felt off, and that feeling grew stronger over time.
Rather than ignore it, Jake made a decision that would alter the course of his life. He gave his home to his son, packed what he needed and stepped into a completely different way of living.
“I just knew I needed to make a change, even if I couldn’t explain exactly why,” he said. “It wasn’t logical. It was more of a feeling that I couldn’t ignore anymore.”
Adopting a minimalist lifestyle
That choice set him on a path that few would consider, especially later in life. He began traveling, living minimally and learning to adapt to circumstances that were often unpredictable.
When the COVID pandemic reshaped the world, Jake was already on the move. Instead of retreating, he continued forward, navigating restrictions and uncertainty while pursuing a relationship with Priska, the woman who eventually became his wife, in a relationship that would eventually lead him to Switzerland.
“We knew we wanted to be together, and that meant figuring out how to make it happen no matter what was going on in the world,” Jake said. “It didn’t feel optional. It felt like something we were meant to pursue.”
That journey, which unfolded during one of the most uncertain periods in recent history, became the foundation for his book, “A Feather in Time.” It is a story not just about travel, but of trust, resilience and the willingness to follow a path that did not come with guarantees.
Today, Jake looks back on that time as a defining chapter that reinforced what he now believes deeply.
“Clear the fear and free the dream,” he said. “That’s what it came down to for me. Once I stopped letting fear dictate my decisions, everything else started to open up.”
That mindset continues to guide how he lives and what he shares with others. Now in his early 50s, Jake has built a life that prioritizes intention over accumulation and experience over routine.
Central to that shift has been his commitment to minimalism.
“There’s a freedom in it that’s hard to explain until you experience it,” Jake said. “When you don’t have all that extra stuff, your mind is clearer and your life feels lighter.”
He explains that reducing possessions did more than simplify logistics. It cleared mental space and removed distractions that once competed for his attention.
“You’re not wasting energy thinking about what you need,” he said. “You just live.”
Alternative approaches to healing
That clarity has allowed him to focus on what matters most, including his health and well-being. After struggling with back pain, stress and unhealthy habits earlier in life, Jake began exploring alternative approaches to healing.
“I changed my diet, stopped drinking and started taking better care of myself,” he said.
Those changes were not quick fixes. They required discipline, curiosity and a willingness to question long-held assumptions about his health and lifestyle.
Over time, Jake began to feel the difference, not just physically but mentally and emotionally.
“You start by eliminating variables,” he explained. “The more you remove what’s not helping you, the better you start to feel.”
That philosophy now shapes the way he works with others. Jake has developed a holistic approach that focuses on helping people simplify their lives, improve their health and reconnect with what truly matters.
“My Lifeplus supplement line combined with coaching people to make changes to their diet has been effective in helping my clients realize the importance of self-care,” Jake explained. “I welcome the opportunity to have a conversation with people who are tired of feeling sick all the time.”
Rather than positioning himself as an expert with all the answers, he sees his role as a guide who shares what he has learned through experience.
“I’ve been through it myself,” Jake said. “I know what it’s like to feel stuck, to deal with health issues and to realize the answers you’re getting aren’t really solving the problem.”
That perspective resonates with many people, particularly those who find themselves at a crossroads later in life. For Jake, the message he learned was that It’s never too late to make a change, but it does require honesty and courage.
“If something doesn’t feel right, pay attention to that feeling,” he said. “That’s usually the first sign that something in your life needs to change.”
A new life in a new country
Travel has played a significant role in expanding that awareness. Living in different countries and engaging with people from various cultures has reshaped how Jake sees the world.
“You realize how similar people are everywhere,” he said.
Those experiences reinforced his belief that connection and understanding are more important than the differences which often divide people.
At the same time, they have deepened his appreciation for a life that is not tied to a single place or set of expectations.
Jake and his wife have continued to travel, spending time in multiple countries while building their work and exploring new opportunities. They have also begun thinking about ways to create spaces where others can step away from the pressures of daily life.
“We want to create environments where people can step away from the noise and reset,” Jake said. “A place where they can slow down, think clearly and reconnect with what really matters.”
Helping other re-imagine their lives
That vision reflects his broader sense of purpose. It is not just about living differently, but about helping others discover what is possible when they are willing to rethink their own lives.
“I want people to know they have options,” he said.
For those considering a similar path, Jake does not suggest abandoning everything overnight. Instead, he encourages thoughtful steps toward change, guided by self-awareness and a willingness to learn.
“You don’t have to do it the way I did,” he said. “My path was pretty extreme. But you can start making small changes that move you toward a life that feels more aligned.”
Looking back, Jake does not dwell on what he left behind. He sees every challenge and decision as part of the process that brought him to where he is today.
“I wouldn’t change anything,” he said.
That sense of peace may be the most telling sign of the transformation he has experienced. After years of searching, questioning and evolving, Jake has found a way of living that aligns with his values and gives him a sense of fulfillment.
For those navigating their own transitions after 50, his story offers an excellent reminder. Reinvention is not about starting over from nothing. It is about building a life that reflects who you are now.
“Life is about learning and growing,” Jake said.
And sometimes, the most meaningful growth begins when you are willing to let go.
For more information
People can connect with Jake on these platforms:
- Facebook = www.facebook.com/jake.borchardt.35
- Feather in Time Facebook group = https://www.facebook.com/groups/1458170302548572
- Instagram = www.instagram.com/jakeborchardt/
Jake’s book, “A Feather in Time,” is available on Amazon and in other bookstores. The audio version is available directly from Jake by visiting https://buy.stripe.com/bJeeVeae6fk62Kb41z1ck01.
If you order Jake’s book from a link above, Forward From 50 may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
