Sarah Shahi proved she is embracing her midlife era with confidence as she showed off her incredible figure in a series of candid new photos.
The 46-year-old actress, who has appeared in The Rookie, Sex/Life and Paradise, took to Instagram to share a carousel of mirror selfies after uncovering some forgotten pieces while unpacking.
In one striking snap, the mother-of-three posed in a tiny blue patterned string bikini, showing off her toned physique as she turned sideways towards the mirror.
Sarah wore a printed off-the-shoulder crop top with the barely-there bikini bottoms, while sweeping her brunette hair into a relaxed updo and going barefoot for the casual at-home shot.
© InstagramSarah Shahi shows off her toned figure in tiny bikini
The actress appeared completely at ease as she modelled the daring two-piece, which featured delicate side ties sitting high on her hips. Sarah's latest photos appear to perfectly capture the confidence she has spoken about finding in her forties, following a period of major change in both her personal and professional life.
In another image from the carousel, Sarah showed off her abs in a striped wrap-around crop top teamed with tiny white shorts and a delicate belly chain. "Trash or stash?" she captioned the post. "Found some forgotten treasures while unpacking and now I need you to weigh in. Keep 'em or kick 'em to the curb?"
The star then reflected on how clearing out her wardrobe had taken on a deeper meaning. "Turns out editing your closet and your life aren't all that different. Keep what feels good, release what doesn't, and make some room for what's next."
© WireImageSarah Shahi embraces her midlife 'reset'
The sentiment echoes Sarah's candid comments about ageing and reinvention in an interview with Authority Magazine earlier this year.
Rather than viewing midlife as something to fear, the actress said she believes it can offer women an opportunity to rediscover themselves.
"Society worships youth and perfection," she said. "Women are told to fade quietly or stay 'forever 29.' The pressure to stay relevant, thin, and desirable can crush your spirit. But midlife is when we realize we don't owe anyone smallness."
© WireImageSarah, who shares three children with her ex-husband Steve Howey, went on to explain that one of the lesser-discussed realities of reaching midlife can be losing sight of your own identity.
"Especially for women. We spend so many years taking care of everyone else that when the noise quiets, we realize we've lost touch with ourselves," she said, adding: "It's actually quite beautiful to be in your own energy again."
Sarah Shahi on starting over after divorce
Sarah's own reset followed the breakdown of her marriage to Shameless actor Steve, whom she married in 2009. The couple, who share son William, 16, and twins Violet and Knox, 11, filed for divorce in 2020 after more than a decade of marriage.
Speaking about the experience, Sarah admitted that walking away required an enormous amount of courage.
"Getting a divorce took a superhero set of balls," she told Authority Magazine. "But it was also the beginning of 'me.' I went from being 'we' to rediscovering 'me.'"
© Getty ImagesThe actress said she began rebuilding her happiness through surprisingly small decisions, from choosing what she really wanted to eat to cancelling plans when she would rather spend the evening at home.
Sarah has since spoken openly about how becoming a mother also influenced her decision to change her life. She explained earlier this year that she considered what kind of relationship she wanted her children to see modelled at home, ultimately deciding she wanted them to see "a mother who was happy, who was thriving".
© Getty ImagesSarah Shahi's approach to staying healthy at 46
While Sarah's latest bikini photos highlight her enviably toned physique, the actress has stressed that taking care of herself in midlife is about far more than appearance.
Asked about the importance of physical health during periods of major change, she told Authority Magazine: "It's foundational, but not in a 'lose 10 pounds' way. Movement clears my mind. Taking care of your body is how you tell your soul you're listening."
And her outlook on growing older is refreshingly defiant. Sarah believes women should replace comparison with compassion as they enter a new chapter of their lives, explaining that there is no single template for what midlife should look like. "The goal isn't to have it all," she said. "It's to have yourself again."
