At Mayanjali Cafe & Boutique in Key West Florida 2022
Two years ago was the beginning of probably a midlife crisis but, it was also the realization that I wanted more out of life than where I was.
It's usually how most midlife surges work, you reflect on your current life, frown, and say "What in the land of the lost is this?" We in turn start to think about lost dreams, goals, lovers, and old bodies pre-kiddos and saturated fats. This in turn prompts 2 things: remain in the realm of daydreaming about what was "missed" or do something about it!
Do you remain in your head or do you dive head-first into the unknown?
Hello Unknown!
July 2021 was the month I took action and dove into the unknown. A month filled with bumps, bruises, and a whirlwind of life events. It was also the beginning of Midlife Intrigue, the YouTube channel, and the original Vlog/Blog about midlife living.
Midlife Intrigue now known as S.Nicole, was the arc of my online adventures. It was/is filled with an array of vlogs navigating the terrains of my life here in Florida. It was a period filled with outbursts, hilarity, vulnerability, and trial and error. To say the least, it was definitely all over the place which is probably why I only have 56 subscribers to this day.
My trajectory with Midlife Intrigue had no basis and was simply an outlet to release my thoughts since for one, I was not able to restart therapy and two, I actually enjoyed creating videos. A win-win if you think about it!
Life as a Midlife Influencer
Starting YouTube videos can feel daunting, especially for those of us in the 40-plus club—It's just not our style! We come from an era of pagers, AOL, and Black Planet. NOPE, I'm not touching Black Planet with a 10-foot pole—maybe another time.
Putting yourself on screen already carries a lot of pressure, and when you add vulnerability—something we mid-lifers still have trouble embracing—it becomes a whole different ball game. We're known for "not showing weakness" or the infamous "Don't let them see you sweat," and woo child, did I fail epically in that department.
However, after getting used to it, and working through my amalgam of deep-rooted trauma, it became easier and fun. I stopped caring about what my generation or any generation thought about my life because, quite frankly, they weren't in my shoes living it. I was navigating unfamiliar terrain, and to onlookers, that seemed wrong, weird, and dangerous! It was a no-fly zone, even more heavily emphasized because I am a woman.
Midlife Intrigue was a pivotal part of my story. It laid the foundation and opened up my throat chakra to voice and be heard. It reawakened the curious unicorn that had laid dormant for so long. It's where I began to break free from old beliefs and sift through the noise that wasn't my own. It was the outlet I needed to filter through and arrive in full illumination as the woman, the blogger, the mom, and the middle-aged adventurer.
Of course, I've had my moments when I wanted to quit, so I would take breaks because I didn't see the traction I desired. However, I'm glad that I started because it holds the memories of all that I've done since embarking on this quest, and I can't see myself dismantling that.
Instead, I'll find a new approach and continue to learn as I grow. I'll keep navigating this midlife village and see where the cobblestone path takes me.
And, well, as always, the journey continues! Until next time, readers!
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