I’ve been reading blogs for about 5 years. I stumbled on my first one while searching for the perfect sugar cookie icing recipe. A site called Cupcakes and Cashmere had the answer! But wait a second….what is this?! A digital magazine? No? Its a “blog”??
I didn’t know what a blog was, but I was hooked. I spent 30 min reading posts that ranged from home decor ideas to style tips. In the days ahead, one blog after another was added to my daily reads. And in the years that followed I have been inspired by many lifestyle and career bloggers. Incredible women who have been willing to let the world into their lives and share everything from style inspirations to career struggles…from home decorating to travel excursions. Each evening, I make a warm cup of coffee and spend time catching up with my “virtual” friends through their blog posts. As someone who recently turned 50, I have enjoyed living a ‘younger’ life through these wonderful women.
I did, however, struggle to find such inspiration from women my own age. Those of us who have seasoned careers, who are or have been married, who may be (or soon will be) empty-nesters, and who are looking to bring more meaning to the second half of our lives. I struggled to find blogs that addressed self-care and beauty needs for older women (did I just call myself old…ugh). Or those that highlighted fashion styles that are youthful yet appropriate for women in their 50’s. The same applies to wellness, travel and career tips for women my age.
I initially wanted to start this blog as a way to connect women like me in the same manner that younger bloggers have. I admire the way so many have built a community where women support and empower one another. A community where readers allow themselves to be vulnerable, ask for advice and are given encouragement from strangers. I am inspired by this generation of women who are confident in themselves, open about their struggles, and grabbing the life they know they deserve.
Although I wanted to start a blog, I wasn’t taking that level of action in my own life. How hypocritical to try and inspire others when I wasn’t inspiring myself.
And then….about six months ago during an evening of blog reads, I saw the most beautiful photos of a vacation in Greece. This particular blogger had been sharing a daily glimpse into her trip. I caught myself visualizing a vacation in Greece, even grabbing my husband to show him photos of the amazing home she had rented. It was then that I asked myself why I wasn’t grabbing the same life I had been admiring from the lovely ladies who had been sharing themselves with so many readers. Why was I wishing I was younger so that I could experience life in the same way?
I am lucky to have a wonderful husband, three fabulous children, a career I enjoy and a home I love. Why did I feel like something was always missing? Was I afraid to try new things? Why was I using my age as an excuse preventing me from making my life more meaningful? If I’m being honest, I think I held myself back out of fear and complacency. Tell me if you can relate to these comments I told myself on a regular basis.
“I’m too tired after a long day at work to do anything, let alone exercise.”
“It’s too expensive to plan a vacation with three kids when we have college tuition to pay.”
“The house is a mess, I don’t really feel like having friends or family over.”
“Ugh. My eyes looks so old today. No amount of cream is getting rid of these wrinkles.”
“Why is my hair getting so thin??”
“I’ll just throw on sweats. I’m just hanging out at home today anyway.”
“I got home late from work. It’s too late to make a full dinner. Let’s just order something.”
“Am I the only person who cleans in this house??”
The list goes on and on, but you get the picture. Do you sense the negative undertone? The “why bother” mentality? Pretty depressing isn’t it? On that evening of blog reads and self-reflection, I finally made the personal decision to change. Not tomorrow, not next month, but on that.very.day. I made the decision to take small steps each day towards a more fulfilled and meaningful life. One of style, simple luxuries, new recipes, career tips and a few travel excursions along the way. I hope you will join me. It may take some time for me to get in the groove with my posts, but I’ll get there!
Above all, I hope to inspire you to make your own personal change. And I hope you will share your journey with me.
Here’s to ‘Life After 50’. Let’s make it wonderful.
Donna
