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

There’s something scary about stepping into a new chapter in life. It's not just about a shift in time, it’s about a shift in perspective. For me, this moment feels like something I’ve been building up to. It’s not the kind of chapter where I’m “winging it” anymore. It’s the one where I take a deep breath, pause, and take control of everything around me. I’m learning to prioritize what really matters: balance in my life, love, and the space I give myself to truly live.

For so long, I’ve lived with the noise of social media, the constant rush, and the need to be everywhere and do everything. But now,

I’m choosing to step back from the chaos and embrace the quiet. The kind of quiet where you can really hear your own personal thoughts, feel the world around you, and notice the small moments that pass you by in the blink of an eye. This isn’t about shutting things out, but about letting go of the things that don’t serve me anymore. Today, I am making some changes.

This new chapter is about doing more of what nourishes me. I want to see more of the world, maybe not through the lens of a camera, but by genuinely experiencing it. To find joy in the places around my city and afar, I haven’t explored or  rediscovered anything new around my own territory. I’ve become systematic by doing the same thing day in and day out. 

I want to embrace a slower pace where I can savor life more fully, whether that’s through travel, reading, journaling, or just spending time in the moment with my family, friends, and my husband.

At the heart of all of this is my passion for creating, my denim bags, those imperfect, beautiful creative creations that tell stories of their own are more than just accessories. They’re a reflection of who I am. Its more than a hobby, it’s the passion that drives me and makes me happy. 

Over the years, I’ve fallen back in love with the art of creating, and this chapter is about diving deeper into that. I’ve learned that aging and  life isn’t about perfection; it’s about authenticity, it’s about showing up for yourself. 

It’s about doing what makes me feel alive, even if it doesn’t fit into what other people  think is the way I should age with life.  All the things I want to see, do, try are a part  of my journey, and I’m happy to share that with others. 

I want to spend more time embracing those things that generate long life in being happy and full of joy. 

As of today my  creative attention is overflowing with so many things and new ideas for projects. And, as I've grown older in numbers, I do realize putting things off till later is absurd. 

Becoming that woman looks different for everyone and no two people will have the same written plan. And if they do, someone is a copy-cat, imposter, or just a plan ole’ clone. And in my opinion that is a waste of life and time. Who wants to die not doing what they actually wanted to do in life. I am in a place of discovering and uncovering all the things that allows me to live a soft and happy life. I know that is possible and it starts with paying attention to what is taking away from me living the circle of life.

The most important part of this new chapter is the love that surrounds me. My marriage of over 20 years has been a constant source of growth, joy, and sometimes challenge, but we’ve built something real. It’s not always easy, but it’s a love that’s grown deeper, more rooted in understanding and care. 

Nurturing this bond, taking the time to appreciate each other in new ways has become a priority. The shared laughter, the quiet evenings, and the adventures we still embark on together make me grateful every single day. 

Now, that all our children are grown except one, we are often talking about things centered around what’s next in our life. As our kids morph into who they want to become, now is the time for me to morph into my new chapter era.

And, yes, I’m learning to accept the reality of aging. It’s a journey that I try hard sometimes not to make myself uncomfortable, but rather use that time to enjoy the many years left ahead. I’ve spent too many years fighting the passage of time, but now, I’m finding peace in it. Every day is a reminder of experiences lived, and every new gray (ok pink ) hair is a badge of honor. I’m choosing to embrace these changes, not as losses but as a celebration of life’s richness and complexity into my own story.

So here I am, in the midst of this beautiful new chapter. It’s not about rushing through,it’s about savoring the small moments, the quiet victories, the simple joys. I’m not winging it this time. I’m walking into this with intention, ready to do more, see more, and love more. This is my time to create, grow, and embrace the fullness of life in all its beautiful, messy, imperfect glory. And that’s on Every FUNKY Thang!. (lol if you know you know)

Here’s to this next chapter: to balance, to growth, and to finding peace in the journey.

Have You Started A New Chapter Lately? Please jump in the comments and let us know

Until Next Time,

Xo Tangie Bell