Finally

Finally..

Note: I originally wrote this piece back in my 40s during a season of reflection and growth. Reading it now in my 50s feels like opening a letter I once wrote to myself. It’s funny how much of it still rings true, but with even deeper meaning. Sometimes life has to age a bit before the lessons really settle in.

Open thoughts: There is no need to throw a stone or even catch one. Sometimes we just have to watch a few beautiful rocks by the seaside, along the shore, or even by the street corners. It' called the art of noticing things around you.

And Today I must admit,  I’ve finally got it. It all makes sense now.

When I was younger, I thought I knew it all; in fact, I couldn’t wait to be all grown up. Not realizing I knew nothing, and it would take a lifetime to learn just one important thing. But what’s important to one person may not be important to another. Nonetheless, life lessons will always come, good or bad, and each of us must learn from whatever crosses our path.

Being in isolation taught me three valuable things, and I had to write them down in my aging notes. So, let’s jump right into what I learned, shall we?

1. Listen to your own voice

So many times, I’ve missed opportunities because I had to ask three people what they thought. Should I do this? Should I do that? Not realizing I was only asking because I already knew what I wanted to do.

But by the time I’d asked everybody else, I forgot what I really wanted.

Over those weeks, I started making plans to do something that might just surprise me. I finally began listening to my heart and my own dreams of becoming who I was destined to become.

Along this journey, it didn’t always make sense to others, and that was okay. It was best that I worked out the kinks before sharing or asking for input. Who knew that being 40-something, I’d just be learning how to listen to the positive voices in my own head. Yep, go figure that one out. :)

2. Learn to breathe

Another thing I finally grasped was learning to breathe.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, so why was I trying to take in everything life threw my way all at once?

Isolation forced me to stop and breathe in the fresh air. I know that may sound mundane, but keep reading, it makes sense.

For years, I’d been working nonstop, yet not taking proper time for the important things.

I wished I could take a vacation every weekend with my family, but that wasn’t realistic. Our schedules always clashed, and when I was off, Rico (the hubs) had to work, and vice versa.

But that year, we sat down and planned a few mini in-and-out-of-town getaways. I wanted to take small trips that didn’t cost much but just enough to enjoy the moment. It only takes a little time, patience, and planning. #reallife

No matter how long it takes, I said I’d be sitting by a shore somewhere, inhaling fresh air and breathing in the calmness of the free world. Life is what I make of it, and I finally got that imprinted on my heart.

3. Believe in yourself

Finally, I learned how to navigate my own space on the web.

I was a late bloomer when it came to social media and writing. It took me forever to tell my bits of life the way I wanted to. I had to realize I didn’t fit the mold of everyone else, and that was perfectly fine.

My random rambles might not be everyone’s jam, but I love yapping, and I’ll keep at it as long as I have a voice.

I used to stop and start over every time I hit a hiccup, but now I know to keep going and love the process. Being social savvy is hard work, and it takes time to find your personal voice.

Once I realized I love sharing on a lifestyle blog, I hit the ground running and haven't stopped posting since. I want to spread more joy now than I ever have before.

Isolation, five years ago, slowed me down a little because I had to switch gears, but I never stopped posting on my blog or my other outlets. I may not be the youngest online, but I’m hanging in this social media space as long as I can because I still have things to share and say.

And I think people appreciate that I’m open and transparent about being 50-something and living life to the fullest.

I also believed in myself, finally, after 50-something years. #clockit

When I first started writing on my blog, Tangie Bell, I wanted everyone to read it. I told all my family and friends because I thought they were my biggest cheerleaders. I even sent links to everyone I knew.

But when I shared my posts, I got no likes or love. The minute I posted a silly photo of syrup running down my face or me playing with my kids, I got 1,000 likes. And comments, I’m not even joking.

Then one day, I went to a seminar for bloggers, and what I learned changed everything.

When you first open a business or start a blog, do not tell loved ones first. They’re family and that’s it. They’re not your loyal readers, and they don’t have to support your dream.

It was a hard pill to swallow, but true.

Once I stopped talking about my adventures with family and friends, I was finally able to write freely on my blog, even if no one I knew ever read a single post. #realtruth

Just A Quick Side Note From Me To You:

You don’t need a crowd to believe in YOU.
You just have to believe in YOURSELF.

It took me way too long to catch that and live by it.

BELIEVE IN YOU.

In Conclusion (Then and Now)

Back then, I wrote this with a heart full of hope, finally learning to live with intention.
Now, years later, I’m still living that truth  just in a deeper way that matters to me.

It’s not always possible to be happy all the time, but it is possible to be happy most of the time.

Looking back, I see how isolation opened my eyes to wanting more out of life. I’ve finally gotten it, and I keep getting it a little more every day.

These days, I’m still learning new things, trying challenges, and pushing myself past old limits. But now, I do it with a little more ease, a little more laughter, and a whole lot more gratitude.

Also, if you want to read about my outfits and other stuff, check out

Wear What The Funk You Want

Until Next Time, See Ya in a Bit!

 xo, Tangie