New Year, New Me: Shifting In A New Direction!

Happy (almost) New Year!

I’ve always relished a fresh start and a new calendar year is just that. Not to say that we can’t recalibrate at any point in time. We can and we should, especially when our souls are feeling confined.

But when there’s an official new beginning right around the corner? It’s thrilling to know we can turn the page. What’s happened has happened— but what will happen next? It’s an opportunity for us to choose!

With this is mind, I’m turning the page with Shift Your Stories. It’s time for a change! After all, a wise woman once said, “Change happens. Life is change. When we stand still, we don’t grow.” —Mary V, PopUpPurge™. So yeah, if I’m going to talk the talk, I should also walk the walk, amiright?

Today, I’m sharing 3 reasons why I’m pivoting with a new purpose.

1. A New Path In The New Year Feels Right

My heart was yearning for me to make a shift.

One where I share about things other than physical decluttering. Rest assured, that will still be in the mix. I know firsthand that space clearing allows for a calmer mindset and a clearer outlook. And the science is clear about the toll household clutter takes on our mental health (one psychologist talks about that over here).

But the bigger picture for me has always been about finding Clarity….especially Midlife Clarity, at a time when I have even more freedom to choose my next step. Which opens the door to all kinds of revelations I want to share … like refining our wardrobe, examining our outlook, releasing limiting beliefs, detaching from toxic individuals, uncovering a new purpose or direction or lifestyle … just to name a few!

In fact, not only are my topics expanding; my website design is starting to reflect the change I’m embracing, too. Hop over to see the site updates made so far over here and let me know what you think!

Additional resources are in the works, as well. I’ll be featuring other Over 50 Women and their newfound midlife purposes. You’ll receive links to their videos and podcasts which provide inspired information for a strong, happy Second Half.

What’s more, part of my joy with writing comes from pairing my words with images that convey the spirit of what I’m thinking or feeling.

Selecting and playing with photo layouts…enhancing and colorizing them…this makes me happy. So no more stock photos here. Which makes my site so much more Me!

While I am not for everyone, I need to be Genuinely Me. Not an imitation or facade of Someone Else. Just like you need to be Authentically You.

It’s too tiring to be otherwise, don’t you think?

2. I got burned out in 2021...Anyone else?

It hit me this summer.

You see, over the last 5 years, I went from running a downsizing & moving business to providing in-home decluttering services. Then when I blogged and posted on social media about the emotional overlay that clutter imposes, women assumed I was a life coach. So I thought, why not? I pursued getting certified and started online coaching.

After that, because my words were having real impact, I segued into strictly writing during 2020. I published a book: PopUpPurge™ Release Midlife Clutter & Reclaim Inner Clarity. Which led to a dizzying round of promotional activities on social media and in real life.

By July, I was anxious and burned out. Turns out, putting the brakes on everything was the key to uncovering what I should truly focus on now.

3. I Decluttered The 24-7 Updates

I turned the dial down—way down!

Intel from social media, TV networks, radio, online magazines and newsletters comes in fast and furious. It can choke us if we don’t regulate the volume and frequency.

In our search for clarity and truth, we end up getting overwhelmed and stressed. We spend more time chasing information and less time processing it. The reality? It’s impossible to take it all in!

And I can easily get derailed with too much “noise”. A smart balance between time on and off “the grid” is important for everyone. But it’s beyond essential for me to reflect and reset away from people-y situations, both in real life and virtually!

So I realized I needed to reduce the incoming traffic immediately.

First, I paused my social media presence

The longer I was silent and then just MIA for a while, the more relief I felt. It freed up hours spent composing, posting, scrolling, liking and commenting … which I was shocked to realize in hindsight!

Yes, I made some genuine virtual connections with incredible women. I even met up with a few Influencers in real life. Yet I also scrolled deeper into the rabbit hole as I eagerly lapped up all the airbrushed beauty, the creative reels and gorgeous photos.

Now I did eventually miss seeing what’s out there. And as I figured out my renewed purpose, I knew I needed to set boundaries before I returned.

So now I’m dipping a toe back in again, but only as a real person (not a business) who shares about what I see From My Window. I’m not going to write daily but I will show up regularly.

I will acknowledge all comments but have strict boundaries for when I engage. Otherwise, popping on whenever I have a few minutes during the day? Can’t and won’t! That’s how I ended up being on social media All Day Long.

My approach is not what SM will reward. I expect my follower/friend numbers will drop. But the ones that stay and the new ones who arrive? Those will be satisfying connections … true kindred souls. And that’s what makes my heart happy!

Second, I reduced my news sources

I became a news junkie and self-improvement maven without even realizing it.

But again, the sheer volume of resources is staggering. There’s a myriad of excellent material out there. We simply have to Make Choices.

Which, by the way, thank you for the privilege of your attention!

So yes, I pared down what is allowed in my in-box. I also have dedicated times for when I read or listen.

Because while I was out, I reveled in periods of serene silence as I went about my day. I didn’t always multitask with a podcast or news show while I drove, jogged or cleaned house. That felt good and it needs to always have a sacred slot in my day.

And I have renewed gratitude for all the blessings in my life: my home, my health, my family, my close friends and my little dogs. My days felt full though my activities were few.

It’s truly a gift to slow down every once in a while. And so is clearing space for what matters most!

The Wrap: Heading Into A New Year

Reset…revamp…recalculate…whatever you choose to call it, a new year gives us the grace to be all that we want to be.

Or at least get closer with how to get there.

My shift feels so right that I can’t believe I didn’t take this road before!

But you know how life is: We can’t see everything ahead of us. And as we make choices, there is always a twist, a turn or a even roadblock ahead.

To keep moving forward, we need to pause and pivot. Occasionally change course.

Doesn’t mean the current path was wrong. It was just the path to get to the next path!

We need the courage to trust our intuition and to take that turn when it beckons to us.

I hope you come with me!

6 thoughts on “New Year, New Me: Shifting In A New Direction!”

Jan Gordon
January 1, 2022 at 11:23 am

So great to see you back in a way that uplifts and supports you. I resonated to every word as I have been on a similar path. I cut back on posting, and time on social media, news, people that were toxic, let them go and allowed myself to have silence and just be with me. I know the difference between loneliness and solitude. Sometimes they get blurred but then I remember my intention to drill down and know me at a deeper level, let go of what drains me, and shift my life where it supports and inspires me to fill my days with family, traveling, capturing beautiful moments with my camera, meeting likeminded people and staying open to life as it reveals itself, not trying to control or make things happen. I just let myself write this comment without trying to make it perfect grammatically but just for it to be real, so freeing.
So wonderful to see your bright light on my journey, and look forward to your sharing more whenever you do. Here’s to 2022 and all that truly matters. 🌈🙋🏻

Reply
1. maryv@shiftyourstories.com
  January 1, 2022 at 11:46 am
  
  So exquisitely stated, I wouldn’t change a word, Jan! Simply adding that energy that doesn’t complement my own can really throw me off track. So I’m determined to step back from that and remind myself to continue sharing and focusing on what matters to me. All with the intention to gently encourage other women to love themselves as they journey ahead, too! Happy 2022 and all the blessings it will bring! xo
  
  Reply
Katherine
December 30, 2021 at 11:12 am

Oh, I’m so happy for you, Mary. Love your clarity, your adapting to new things, and embracing a midlife shift. Love that I can do what I love, and how I choose to do it, is right for me at this moment in time.

Reply
1. maryv@shiftyourstories.com
  December 30, 2021 at 11:24 am
  
  Permission to be ourselves and delve deeper with what makes us happy… that’s what I’m talking about! It’s the right time and it’s about time! Happy New Year, my traveling friend! xo Mary
  
  Reply
Marleah Krohne
December 30, 2021 at 10:55 am

Excellent post. I feel exactly the same concerning social media time. It can consume hours on a daily basis.
Scrolling is my no.1 downfall. My time would be better spent on Duolingo or with book in hand.
All that said, I’m laughing because I miss seeing you on social media.
— ah! The irony does not escape me!-
Happy New Year
Marleah

Reply
1. maryv@shiftyourstories.com
  December 30, 2021 at 11:26 am
  
  We are more alike than different! Already I’m breaking my own boundaries with checking in and reconnecting with IG friends today, LMAO! But it’s not making me anxious yet so I’m not stopping at the moment. Looking forward to a shared journey with you into 2022! xo Mary
  
  Reply

New Year, New Me: Shifting In A New Direction!

1. A New Path In The New Year Feels Right