Rediscovering Joy at 50-Something: My Life, My Style, My Way

Hey Friends, this was me at 6 A.M: Talking to myself.LOL, Please don’t judge me, it’s been a long FUNKY year. 

Ok, here is my morning chat: Is joy something you have to try and find, or something you realize you already have, but it needs to be activated?

There is much to be said about rediscovering joy in the midst of life and finding your own personal style. With so much changing every day, it feels harder and harder to keep that joy bucket overflowing. Y'all life be lifeing.

But after rereading the meaning of joy a few times this week, I finally realized it isn’t a physical thing at all. It’s an emotion tied to time, living time, and joy only grows when I accept that I deserve to be happy in my life and stylish at any age. 

According to a quick Yahoo search, joy simply means a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. Example: Tears of joy.

And honestly? That might be what’s missing for so many folks walking around mad for no reason. Sometimes the missing piece is just… finding joy. Yep. It really is that simple.

Back in the day, when my siblings and I moped around like the world was ending, my mama would yell, “Go outside and make mud pies! Find something to do before I give you something to look sad about.” Translation: chores, folding laundry, hanging clothes on the line, our version of punishment. But what she really meant was, you don’t have a reason to be sad… go find some joy. Do something

As a kid, I didn’t get it, but now? Oh, I get it.

And to be honest, 2025 has been a rough year. I’ll admit that. But when I think about the people I’ve lost and the good times we shared, I can’t help but smile. My sad tears have been turning into happy ones. It’s hard to explain, but I realize I’m still here and that alone is enough reason to lean into joy. So why not make the rest of 2025 about rediscovering it, in small and big ways, through my life and my style?

I guess you could say this is my version of journaling. I just chose to document my life here on my blog. 

And first on my list: no more excuses for not living and enjoying the fresh air I wake up to every morning. #realtalk

No more being scared of success or downplaying a struggle I’m not even struggling with anymore. People want to see growth, not a never-ending hardship story. And part of growing up is letting go of the people, places, and things holding you back. It’s not easy, but as I age, I’m realizing my joy and sanity depend on it.

Here are a few things I’m quietly doing every day: And you should too.

Put Yourself First

Stop letting folks tell you it’s better to put everybody before yourself. Ha! You’ll mess around and end up last, watching the world pass you by. Helping others is good, but putting yourself first is better. #realtalk

Make One Goal and Achieve It

A lot of bitterness comes from folks who don’t have passion, goals, or anything that lights them up. Then they take it out in traffic, at work, or on innocent people. It’s sad but true.

It’s okay to have that one dream—outside of your job, outside of bills, that keeps you excited about waking up. That one thing you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t penciled in yet.

Now, back to me and this morning’s little moment. I have decided not to make finding joy so complicated. Because honestly? Life ain’t that hard. And being happy ain’t either. Do you agree or disagree? Tell me in the comments; just keep it classy.

I’m finding more joy in taking care of my beauty and skincare now that I’m in my 50s. At this age, I believe you get what you pay for, so I’ve been treating my skin like royalty. When I was younger, a splash of water and a prayer were enough. But now? Honey, I want serums, masks, creams: I want to glow.

This morning I used my La Roche cleanser and followed it with a brightening mask. I might look funny in my picture above, but waking up early and taking care of myself feels good. It feels intentional.

This weekend, I canceled anything that pulled me away from resting and being with my family. Yes, I did. And I feel revived. I feel ready for next week.

Yesterday I stayed in, worked on ideas for my business, and baked funfetti cupcakes just because. Who knew box cakes were that good? My family tore them up faster than any expensive bakery cake I’ve brought home.

And since it was the weekend, I went ahead and cooked… dressing, mac and cheese, black-eyed peas, roast with brown gravy, jasmine rice, greens, and fiesta corn. I showed out in the kitchen, laughing with my daughters and the hubs. Who knew wearing a robe all day could 

There has been a crisp chill outside, and it has felt good, too.

That’s joy. And that’s a feeling no one can take from me or from you.

Life is filled with good things. Don’t be scared to get up, get out, and grab some. Who’s with me?

How are you finding joy in your own personal life and style?

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Until Next Time,

See Ya In A Bit!

xo Tangie