Mid-Month Shorty #3

Is there an age limit to starting over? Spoiler: No. Unlearning the ‘Shoulds’ at 35

You’re reading the mid monthly Soft & Strong update. This one’s a shorty where I share 1-2 new insights or experiences on my (stumbling) journey to embracing softness as a superpower.

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# Tell me, am I a hippie now? 

This morning, the smell of freshly baked cookies sneaked under my bedroom door. I woke up late—my morning routine out the window—cursing myself for diving into my new project until the wee hours (Old pattern, lady. You know better than that). 

I followed that heavenly smell downstairs and found my housemate pulling baked oats out of the oven. Our living room, aka co-work space, was already buzzing with a few ambitious souls I've gotten to know pretty well over the last three weeks.

Lots of initial judgement, like am I too old for this co-live thing? Sharing a house with seven adults, dealing with a messy kitchen, late nights? 

Then, just the other day, one of my housemates asked, "Why was your grandma such an inspiration to you?" It took me a few moments to gather my thoughts.

She built a completely new life for herself in her forties. From being a restless and oppressed housewife to conquering the fashion industry. She inspired me because she reinvented herself when everyone thought her life was set.

By now, I should be doing the whole raising kids, living in my own house (okay, I do own a house, but I’m not living in it atm..), saving for retirement, sticking to a clear career path thing.

Should should should …. 

But the truth? I feel like I’m just starting a completely new chapter. Becoming a new version of myself, or maybe just unlearning everything I’ve been told to believe. 

A 35-year-old woman finally learning to embrace her femininity. A 35-year-old realizing self-worth is an inside job. A 35-year-old who ends up at random parties again, chatting with strangers. A 35-year-old loving life with six housemates.

Reinvention at any age. Reinvention without an expiry date. That’s the beauty of it. 

We’re never too old to learn to be authentically, unapologetically ourselves.

 

Love, Valerie

Soft is the new strong ✌️

ps. For the female impact entrepreneurs among you, I’m launching something really exciting and close to my heart. Something I so deeply wished I had when I grew my first business. Be the first to learn about over at Onemillion-women.com