What Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul Taught Me About Aging

                               Disclaimer: This image was created for editorial illustration purposes only. It does not depict a real event.

Somewhere in my 50s, it finally hit me, like watching Mike Tyson and Jake Paul play-fight in a boxing match, that happiness isn’t something you chase; it’s something you create.

No, seriously.

After watching Mike Tyson in the ring again, not chasing clout, just doing what he loves, reminded me: aging doesn’t mean sitting life out. It means choosing what matters more intentionally.

I’m not here to fight the years that have passed me by. I’m here to live the years I have ahead out loud, fully, with joy, creativity, and live a life that speaks to me. That’s the real knockout. #sorrynotsorry

Mike Tyson was 58 years old when he got into the boxing ring with Jake Paul on November 15, 2024. Jake Paul was only 27 years old, which made a 31-year age gap between the two. 

 I firmly believe that Mike Tyson and Jake Paul cooked up the greatest scheme in fight history. A fight that no one won in my opinion (although Jake got the W for landing more hits, ummm, OK).

To this day, I’m convinced that fight wasn’t real, just my observation. :)

But somehow, deep in my heart, I know both men laughed all the way to the bank. 

They came together, entertained us (the viewers), and got a little richer doing what made them happy. And you know what?

We, the viewers, were happy to see this funny fight between the Heavyweight champ Iron Mike Tyson and the world’s favorite YouTuber turned boxer, Jake Paul.

Now, this blog post isn’t about that fight. But what I observed while watching it completely shifted my perspective on aging and doing what makes you happy.

Watching Mike Tyson and Jake Paul in that ring foot-tossing around, you could see they were having fun. Clearly, they weren’t taking themselves too seriously. A blind man from Alabama could see that. #nopunintended #justametaphore 

Mike was even dancing on stage and poking fun at Jake’s punches. It was entertaining, lighthearted, and a reminder that these two men were living their lives on their terms.

That fight wasn’t about proving anything to anyone. It was about enjoying the moment. And who says you can’t make money doing what brings you happiness? Stay with me now, I’m about to say something!

At this point in my life, I’m only living for the moment right now, the mundane and the road less traveled. I’m done planning my happiness for “someday.” Moving into 2025, I’m showing up for myself every day. And honestly, you should too!

The Goal Is To Be Happy

While Strolling The Magazine Section At The Library. I Couldn’t Help ButThink To Myself (Look How Time Has Flown By) #thinkaboutit

If you’d told me in my 20s, 30s, or even my 40s that happiness wasn’t some big finish line, I would’ve laughed and then probably kept running toward a hole to hide my face in.

This is The Year I Was Born. So, Do Not Get Mad When You See Me Living My Life Out-Loud!

Back then, I thought happiness was something you earned after checking off all the boxes: that geared toward career, family, savings, you name it. But happiness was nowhere in the mix.

Oh, but darling, that is far from my truth.

In my 50s, I’ve learned something that’s completely shifted my outlook: happiness isn’t “out there.” It’s right here, in the everyday moments I choose to create.

Being happy is me being creative. I love ripping up denim in the morning while having a cup of coffee in hand, piecing together thrifted fabrics to create funky, one-of-a-kind denim bags, and making accessories out of old, janky junk.

Look how fast life has changed since the 70’s. Live your life before you become as vintage as this magazine.

There’s something nostalgic about taking something old, worn, and maybe a little “ugly” and turning it into something unique. That creative process fills me up in ways I didn’t even know I needed.

Shopping And Creating my accessories also make me happy. For years, I played down my ability to become an active crafty artist. But these days, my happiness comes from stacking necklaces and thrifting old clothes to add to my own lifestyle aesthetic.

I’ve let go of the idea that I need to “blend in” or “show up for everyone else except myself.

All jokes aside, this didn’t happen overnight. For years, I thought, “I’ll be happy when…”

When the bills are paid.

When I lose weight.
When I finally have everything under control. #girlsitdown

When my kids are grown.

News Flash: That day never came. Life doesn’t wait for you to catch up, and I got tired of waiting for happiness that always seemed just out of reach. Because I live my life as a busy bee, always doing something but enjoying something. 

So, I started small. I gave myself permission to enjoy the little things.

I surrounded myself with people who genuinely love me. And that just happens

to be my hubby (Rico), my kids, and one friend. :)

Some days, it’s as simple as going to brunch alone, and other days, it’s blasting music or talking out loud to myself while driving home. Yes, I am so DRAMATIC!

It’s in the thrift store treasure hunts, the coffee breaks, the funky outfits, and the moments I stop to enjoy where I am in this very moment.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as stepping outside to breathe in fresh air. Other times, I’m sitting on my sofa with my diary or having a heart-to-heart with my husband. My life has become simpler and quieter as I am getting older.

And sometimes, it’s just letting myself be, without trying to fix everything. And that feels so dang good. Y'all it feels good!

True happiness isn’t about having a perfect life. It’s about finding those moments of joy in the middle of an imperfect one. Truthfully, finding me has been a journey, a journey not everyone understands, but it’s mine.

Don’t get me wrong, I still have heavy days. I still worry and doubt my sense of freedom. But I’ve learned to pause, breathe, and ask myself:

“What would make me happy right now?” No, seriously, I talk to myself from time to time. :)

If I’ve learned anything as a 50-something-year-old woman with pink hair, it’s that happiness is a choice I must make for myself every single day.

So, here’s my reminder to you (and to myself): The goal isn’t to have it all together. The goal is to find your happiness, whatever that looks like.

So go where you want (travel, go sightseeing)

Eat What You Want ( Try New Foods or Just Enjoy Eating A Simple Donut) We Don’t Judge Over Here!

Last But Not Least: Wear What The FUNK You Want! Girl, go ahead, try a new style.

Do It For You! :)

Life’s too short to wait.

At this point in my life, I stand ten toes down, knowing that happiness isn’t out there: it’s right here, in the little moments I choose to create. 

So, get in your own boxing ring and fight for your happiness. You only have one Life, and Time is moving with or without you. The goal this year is to age happily. 

Hope You Enjoyed Today’s Post?

So, with that being said,” What’s one small thing you can do today that brings you happiness? Whatever it is, don’t wait, start now.

And if this spoke to you, share your happy moment in the comments or tag me on social media, I’d love to celebrate with you! Let’s make aging happy the goal, one day at a time.

See Ya Next Time Xo Tangie