Becoming Her: A New Chapter of Aging, Creating, and Fully Living

Hey friend,

Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing a few get-to-know-me posts. Not because I am documenting, but because I am someone who wants to share my life beyond simply existing. I am finally seeing my life as a Black woman outside the lens of just a dream. Everything you will read here is vital to my journey. This space is my place of peace where I document, reflect, and breathe, and I am truly thankful and grateful that you stopped by.

As I journey into finding and rediscovering myself, I hope you can find comfort in reading and spending time here with me. They say you cannot get to know a person from one post, so I will be sharing several as I go along. Check back daily because I will not be on social media as much. At this stage in my life I am seeking a slower pace in everything around me, including my business. I am taking my time to structure this out so bear with me. 

Now that I am almost in my mid-fifties, there is something scary about stepping into a new chapter in life. It is not just a shift in time; it is a shift in perspective. And a new learning curve. For me, this moment feels like something I have been working toward for a long time. This is not a chapter where I am winging things anymore. #realtalk

It is one where I pause, take a deep breath, and begin to take control of what surrounds me. I am learning to prioritize what truly matters, finding balance in my life, nurturing love, and giving myself the space to actually live. The more you read, the more you will. I am not new to this. I have been on the ground running since I was a young child.

For a long time, I lived in constant noise, the pull of rebirthing myself from my old life, learning social media, the rush to be everywhere, and the pressure to do everything.

Now I am choosing to step back from the chaos and lean into silence and purposeful living. The kind of silence where you can hear your own thoughts, feel the world around you, and notice the small moments that often pass by unnoticed. 

This is not about shutting life out; it is about letting go of what no longer serves me. Today, I am making changes.

This new chapter is about doing more of what nourishes me. I want to see more of the world, not just through the lens of a camera or strolling for hours on an app, but by truly experiencing it. I want to rediscover places in my own backyard. Somewhere along the way, I became very systematic, doing the same thing day after day, and I did not even realize how stuck I had become.

I want to embrace a slower pace where I can savor life more fully, whether that means traveling, reading, journaling, or simply being present with my family, my friends, and my husband.

At the heart of all of this is my love for creating, especially my denim bags. Those ugly yet beautiful creations tell stories of their own, and they are more than accessories to me. They are a reflection of who I am. It is more than a hobby; it is the passion that drives me and brings me joy. 

Over the years, I have fallen back in love with creating, and this chapter is about leaning deeper into that love. I have learned that aging and life are not about perfection; they are about authenticity and showing up for yourself.

It is about doing what makes me feel alive, even when it does not fit into what others believe life or aging should look like. Everything I want to see, do, and try is part of my journey, and I am happy to share that with others. I want to spend more time embracing the things that contribute to a long, happy, and joyful life.

Right now, my creative attention is overflowing with ideas and projects, and as I have grown older in years, I realize that putting things off for later no longer makes sense to me. Becoming that woman looks different for everyone, and no two people will have the same path. If they do, someone is copying, imitating, or simply living a life that is not truly their own, and that feels like a waste of time and purpose. Who wants to leave this world without doing what they truly wanted to do? #thinkaboutit

I am in a place of discovering and uncovering the things that allow me to live a soft and happy life as I get older. I know that kind of life is possible, and it begins with paying attention to what takes away from my peace and joy. I have to share this part of my writing so you can know more about this space. Everything in this world can be duplicated, but my life can’t, and that is why I am writing here and in this space.

One of the most important parts of this chapter is the love that surrounds me. My marriage of over twenty years has been filled with growth, joy, and challenges, but we have built something real. #reallovebaby

It has not always been easy, but it is deep and rooted in understanding and care. Nurturing that bond and finding new ways to appreciate one another has become a priority. The shared laughter, calm evenings, and the adventures we still take together make me grateful every day. 

Now that all of our children are grown except one, we spend a lot of time talking about what is next. As our children continue to become who they want to be, I recognize that now is the time for me to step fully into my own next chapter. 

I am also learning to accept the reality of aging. I try not to approach it with discomfort, but instead use this time to enjoy the years ahead. I spent too long fighting the passage of time, and now I am learning to make peace with it. Every experience lived, and every new gray or pink hair feels like a reminder of a life that has been full. I choose to see these changes not as losses, but as proof of growth and lived experience. And, yes, it has been scary. :) But, I am taking baby steps. 

So here I am, in the middle of a new chapter. I am not rushing through it, and I am not winging it anymore. I am choosing to savor the small moments, the quiet wins, and the simple joys. I am stepping into this season with intention, ready to do more, see more, love more, and create more. This is my time to grow and to embrace life in all of its beautiful, messy, and imperfect ways. And that is on Every FUNKY Thang, if you know you know. :)

Here is to this next chapter, to balance, growth, and finding peace in the journey.

Have you started a new chapter lately? Please jump in the comments and share.

Until next time, here’s to living life beyond existing!
Xo, Tangie Bell