Behind the Chair: Starting Over, Finding Yourself Again

There’s something really powerful about starting over—especially when you didn’t expect to.

Not in a dramatic, life-falling-apart way… but in the quiet, intentional choices you make as you grow into yourself in your 30s.

For a lot of us, growing up as millennials meant figuring things out without constant outside noise. No social media telling us what to like, how to dress, or what our lives should look like. We formed opinions on our own. We found hobbies because we actually enjoyed them, not because they were aesthetic or trending.

And now? We have the chance to come back to that.

But this time—with more clarity.

Letting Yourself Evolve

The hobbies I have now look nothing like they did in my 20s—and honestly, I’m so grateful for that.

What I’ve realized is that evolving isn’t something to resist. It’s something to lean into.

In the last few years, I’ve made a real commitment to staying true to myself. Not what’s popular. Not what everyone else is doing. Just… what feels good and real to me.

Creating Outside of Work

I’ve always loved fashion. Styling, finding pieces, sharing a good deal—it genuinely excites me.

Using platforms like LTK and Pinterest has become a creative outlet outside of the salon. It gives me something that’s mine. Something I look forward to.

Shopping and curating pieces feels like art to me—just like redecorating a space or designing landscaping with plants and flowers. It’s creative, it’s personal, and it’s something I’m constantly learning through… even when I get it wrong.

Especially when I get it wrong.

Movement, Friendship, and New Energy

One of the most unexpected joys has been yoga sculpt.

It’s not just about the workout—it’s about the connection. Going with my best friend of 27 years, recapping life, sweating together, and ending with a coffee and a little gossip… it’s become one of my favorite parts of the week.

And somewhere along the way, I realized something else:

Moving my body more and drinking less completely shifted my mindset.

Not in a restrictive way—just in a way that actually feels better.

Joe and I have made the choice to keep drinking to a minimum—mostly dinners out or occasional time with friends. Not at home, not during the week, not around our kids. It’s not about judgment—it’s just what works for us.

And truthfully, it’s been one of the most positive changes we’ve made.

Choosing Your Life on Purpose

As a family, we’ve leaned into creating memories differently.

More hiking. More biking. More being outside.

There’s something really special about showing our girls the beauty of real life—of nature, movement, and being present—instead of watching someone else live it through a screen.

We’ve also hit a phase in parenting that feels freeing. No naps. No one falling behind. Just all of us, together, doing the same things and actually enjoying them.

That didn’t happen overnight—but it’s something I don’t take for granted.

Finding Your People (At Any Age)

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this:

You can find your people at any stage of life.

Friendships don’t have to be rooted in where you came from—they can be built around who you’re becoming.

Whether it’s in a workout class, through your kids, at work, or completely unexpectedly… there is always room for new connections.

And those connections? They shape everything.

Your habits. Your hobbies. Your mindset. Even your confidence.

Who you surround yourself with matters more than we sometimes want to admit.

Redefining What Feels Good

My mornings now look completely different than they used to.

Yoga. Breakfast. Walking to school. Therapy—for my family and myself. Getting outside. Reading. Slowing down.

It’s simple—but it feels full.

I’m not against a fun night out or a weekend away. I still love those moments. But I’ve learned that balance looks different now.

Facials. Tea. Early mornings.

And somehow… I feel better at 37 than I did in high school.

The Takeaway

Starting over doesn’t have to mean everything changes.

Sometimes it just means choosing differently.

Choosing what feels good.
Choosing who you let in.
Choosing how you spend your time.
Choosing yourself—again and again.

And maybe the best part?

It’s never too late to do that.