New Chapters, New Beginnings: Midlife Reset 2024

As we bid adieu to another incredible year—umm, yes, I’m learning to add a dash of French here and there in my every day life. I’m going to Paris, you know. Well, I have yet to actually purchase tickets, but that’s not stopping me from going, lol—I can't help but admire the journey we, for the most part, have begun. It's been a rollercoaster of highs, lows, and a whole lot of introspection. And there's no better time than the present to prepare for a midlife reset in 2024.

Now, let's rewind a bit. Remember when life handed me a plot twist in the form of divorce? Well this year, I celebrated a remarkable milestone—my one-year "divorceversary.” Yes, you read that right! A whole 365 days of embracing life post-divorce, and let me tell you—I didn’t think it would—but it feels absolutely liberating. Not because I’m no longer married to my ex husband, but more so because I’ve finally stepped up and fully embraced Michell. Not Kerington\Allyn, Joel, and Blake’s mom, or Parker and Leo’s grandma, or even Todd’s former wife, but Michell.Flemming.Pulliam (daughter of the Most-High—His image, imagination, and likeness). The Michell who loves to create written mosaics (my fancy way of saying writing, ha, ha), dance to music that moves me, eat banana bread and matcha tea with milk, watch French movies (with the subtitles, of course), linger in museums (all day, e’ry day if I could), daydream, practice yoga and mindfulness, and soooo much more! And you know what? I absolutely adore her! Every. single. part. of her. And I want you to feel the same about yourself (if you're not already).

And what's the key, you ask? It's the magical ability, we as, midlife women possess—the power to hit the reset button and start over whenever we darn well please.

Think of your life as an epic novel. Sure, there may have been a chapter, or two, or three (lol) that didn't quite line up with your expectations, but the beauty lies in turning the page and starting anew. That's the essence of the midlife reset, and let me tell you, it's a story worth telling.

So let’s take a look at the art of starting over. Here are some thoughts and lessons I’ve picked up along the way.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

In the grand scheme of things, laughter is indeed the best medicine. Life can sometimes throw us an unexpected curveball, and I like to think of laughter as the perfect comeback, the ultimate "let it slide off like water on a duck's back" reaction. It's my way of saying, “So what… who cares", in the face of adversity and in spite of my flaws and shortcomings. When stuff happens, I've learned to step back, and just go with the flow. I've never been one to take life too seriously. Not in the sense that I'm silly and goofy, but more so that I don't conform to life and will never let it dictate me. In my post-divorce world, the art of laughing at myself has been my saving grace. We all have our little quirks here and there, right? So why not learn to find the humor in them, and not take yourself too seriously. Keep it lighthearted and let your laughs be the secret sauce that gets you through and a constant reminder that we can get through the ups and downs in this life.

Cheers to New Beginnings

Raise a glass, my friends! Whatever glass you like—be it a fancy wine glass, a mug, or a red Solo cup, because, honestly, in the world of celebrations, any container will do. It’s time to raise those glasses (filled with your beverage of choice) and celebrate those personal victories! Maybe, like me, you survived a divorce, or you overcame a fear, were healed of a disease, finished a big project, found joy in God's blessings or the little things in life. Whatever it is, it's your win, and it's worthy of a celebratory toast. Let each toast be a tiny victory lap for the experiences that shaped you this year. The victories—both big and small—deserve their own toast. It’s your time to shine. It’s your "I did that!" that deserves a moment in the limelight!

So here's to you, my friend—a toast to the unwritten chapters, the victories you've conquered, and the countless ones waiting to be celebrated. May your glass always be full, and may your spirit forever be ready to revel in new beginnings. Cheers to your beautiful life, your courage, and the pure joy of toasting life (and thanking God for it), no matter what the occasion.

Painting Your Midlife Masterpiece

I’d like to think of midlife as our artistic, expressive stage. It's a time to pick up new brushes, splash on some bold colors, and give ourselves a makeover. Not with makeup, per se—more like figuring out who we are and how we want to show up in our lives. We're the canvas, and we get to paint a future that's true to who we really are.

And you can forget about the modus operandi. There are no rules when it comes to revamping our lives. Get a little messy, have some fun, and let your imagination run wild. It's not about following some step-by-step guide; it's about letting loose and creating your own thing. And when it comes to painting your future, there are no restrictions—just you being authentically and unapologetically you. What colors resonate with you? Maybe you're into magenta or have always had a thing for lime green or cobalt blue. Well, now's your chance sis. Midlife's the time to redefine it all. Throw those colors on, and create a future that feels like home to the real you.

So, let your reinvented self take the spotlight, knowing that each stroke is a part of your journey and the masterpiece you're still putting together.

Embracing the Unknown

Stepping into the unknown after a major life change is like entering a library full of books with no words. You have no idea what happens next. Yes, it can make you feel like a fish out of water, but it’s perfectly okay to not have it all figured out. Embrace the mystery of the unknown—it’s a part of the process my friend.

Life sometimes has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs and presenting us with twists and turns we couldn't have ever imagined. Take me for instance. Divorce was not on my Bingo card, but here I am. Instead of resisting the uncertainty, I figured I’d might as well embrace it. I tapped into my author skills, and decided to see my life as my own personal novel, where each page I turned revealed something new, unexpected, and exciting! And guess what? Because I’m the author… I get to write and rewrite the story as I please.

The unpredictability of life adds flavor to our experiences. It's like dancing in the rain without worrying about getting wet. Savor in the unknown. Life becomes way more alive when we can find joy in the unexpected and appreciate the beauty of uncertainty. It's about being open to new possibilities, allowing yourself to grow through the challenges, and finding strength in the midst of it all. I always say, when we open ourselves up to the possibilities of what could happen, that’s when the doors open for us to walk through to our destiny. It's all about truly letting Him order our steps. There's a certain beauty in not having every detail neatly planned out, in leaving room for surprises and spontaneous moments. I’ve learned to let go and just let life happen. And it’s been one of the best things to happen to me.

Do know that you're not alone in this life, sis. Everyone's path involves navigating uncharted territory at some point. The unknown doesn’t have to be scary at all. It’s all about perspective. Let it be where you discover the depths of your strength and the beauty of unexpected pleasures along the way.

The Power of Sisterhood

I can't stress this enough, ladies... surround yourself with a tribe that gets you, uplifts you, and dances through life's challenges by your side. Building connections with a community that truly understands and encourages you is essential in this season of our lives. I’ve found my tribe, and let me tell you… they're priceless! The power of sisterhood is unmatched, and I treasure the strength from my bond with them. We lean on one another during challenging times, share in the joy of each other's accomplishments, and move through life as a unified force. It's a bond that adds a richness and support to our shared journey. The solidarity within my circle is not just reassuring; it's a source of strength.

Supporting one another, rejoicing in our shared triumphs, and moving through life together as a united front are essential. It becomes even more enriching when you discover a tribe that shares common experiences or interests, whether it's being a single mother, navigating the empty nest phase, going through a divorce, deepening your faith, or sharing a passion for travel or some other activity. This common ground creates a unique connection, a shared language that deepens the bonds within the group. It's not just about being there for one another; it's about having a mutual understanding that adds an extra layer of connection to your journey through life together.

So as we wave goodbye to 2023, let's not just leave behind the days but take along the lessons that made us stronger, the laughter that made our days better, and the love that filled our hearts. The unwritten ventures await us, like blank pages ready to be filled with stories only we can create. So let's go head-first into the coming year with a sense of curiosity, ready to explore the unknown. There's a wealth of possibilities waiting for us, and who knows what kind of gems we'll uncover. Bottoms up to the midlife reset—a chance to hit the restart button and embrace whatever comes our way.

May the upcoming year be a collection of joy, growth, and plenty of glorious moments. Let's dance through the highs, learn from the lows, and embrace every moment of our lives in 2024 and beyond. Here's to the beauty of the unknown and the excitement of unwrapping each new day, not as a routine but as a gift (from our Father) filled with opportunities to create, discover, and appreciate.

Wishing you all a fantabulous New Year filled with God’s blessings, the promise of new beginnings, and the thrill of starting over (if need be)!!