Aging Notes #15: Getting Happy And Doing What You Want!
Oh Please Read Me Today:)
I’m just going to get right to the point. Are you doing what makes you happy? I asked myself this the other day, and it really made me stop and think. Of course, I’m not expecting you to answer me directly, but it’s a question worth asking yourself—especially as we get older and start reevaluating what truly matters. And I mean genuinely what matters, not what others tell us should matter.
Think about it: Can you name one person who would prioritize your dream of success over their own? Parents don’t count—most would sacrifice their careers in a heartbeat to see their children thrive. But what about a co-worker? Would they tell you about a $50,000 promotion if it meant you could apply too?
If Beyoncé needed just one center-stage dancer, would you encourage your friend to audition, knowing deep down that you wanted it just as badly? Ouch! I know the church people are rolling their eyes right about now. #sheselfish
This is the conversation no one wants to have. We’re conditioned to put others first, to suppress our desires for the sake of being “selfless.” Talking openly about what we truly want? That’s often seen as selfish. #girlbye
But I can’t move forward with my blog until I say this: It’s time to get happy doing what YOU want—no apologies, no stress, no waiting for permission. Strap in, go all in, and chase the thing that sets your soul on fire.
The world doesn’t need more uninspired copycats—it needs people boldly living in their true gifts. Whether your happiness comes from sharing your life, creating art, fashion, travel, dancing, starting over, or building a business, do it. Take up space. Own your place in this world.
(Just do it.)
Make space and do the things you want. My story is no different from yours, except I have strapped up to get up and do what the FUNK I want.
Here’s the thing: I launched my social platform not that long ago, but in reality, I’ve been around the social media scene since back in the day when all we had was Myspace. (Can you believe that?!)
So yeah, I guess I’m a little outdated, as the younger generation likes to say. Fast forward to today, and it’s like a whole new world of social platforms—Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and the list goes on. It’s hard to keep up.
And here’s the thing. When you log onto any of these platforms, you’re met with the latest fashion trends, the latest selfies, and the pressure to be a part of the "Instagram influencer" club. Don’t get me wrong, I love fashion. I mean, I’m a hairstylist—I’m all about style. But there’s so much more to life than just chasing the "perfect" look or jumping on the bandwagon of what’s trending.
So, I had to ask myself—why am I doing this? What do I want from all of this? Is it for likes? For validation? Or is it to share what truly makes me come alive? The more I thought about it, the more I realized that the answers were far more complex than I ever imagined. And honestly, it’s kind of humbling to admit that even in this age of constant self-expression, sometimes we’re more concerned with how we’re perceived than how we actually feel.
For me, it’s about doing the things that truly bring me happiness and fulfillment, and yes, sometimes that’s sharing a life post, a style post or two because, let’s face it, I’m an upcycle girl at heart, and I have to show off my journal dresses and ugly denim bags.
But I also want to talk about the things that are often forgotten—the stuff that really matters. Family friends, not worrying about my hair for a day (or a week), sipping coffee without a care in the world, and saying goodbye to makeup every now and then. There’s’ freedom in that.
I think back to a time when my happiness wasn’t dictated by how well I could compete with the next person. Social Media (Stats To Be Exact). It’s hard to live in the moment and create slowly without having to dish out something new every 24 hours ( but that’s another subject.
When was the last time you took a moment to just breathe and feel the sun on your skin? Or to simply exist in a moment without the pressure of "performing" for anyone else? That’s the kind of life I want to lead now—one that’s real and raw and unapologetically mine. Living in my own true story.
So, I’ve decided to shift the focus of my platform. I’ll still share my life and style moments, but I’ll also share the other things in life that bring me joy and peace. The stuff that reminds me of who I really am, not just who I’m supposed to be, according to the internet.
What’s more important than chasing likes and followers? Chasing your own happiness. I’m talking about real, unfiltered, unapologetic happiness that doesn’t depend on validation from anyone else. When you stop trying to make the world happy and start focusing on what makes YOU happy, everything changes—your energy shifts. Your vibe attracts those who get it. And that kind of happiness? It’s contagious.
But it takes time to get there. It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle of societal expectations. But let me tell you something—there’s no age limit on happiness, no expiration date on starting over. It’s never too late to choose joy, to take a step back, and to focus on what really matters. So, I ask you—have you taken that step? Or are you just going through the motions of someone else’s idea of success and happiness?
If you’re always trying to make the world happy, when do you ever get to experience true happiness yourself? The kind that’s not dependent on how many followers you have or whether your outfit is on trend. The kind that comes from within—when you finally stop seeking external validation and start owning your worth, just as you are.
So here’s my message to you: Are you living for someone else’s approval or your own? Are you chasing what’s trendy or what fills you up from the inside out? I’ve learned that happiness is an inside job. It’s not found in likes, comments, or followers. It’s in the quiet moments, the small joys, and in embracing who you are—flaws and all. As, I am getting older in life I am seeking only those things that matter before the clock on the wall of living life stops ticking. #thinkaboutit
Just A Friendly Nudge, when you do the things that make you happy, you’re not only improving your own life—you’re spreading that joy to others just by being yourself. Because when you’re truly happy, the world feels it, and they’ll want a piece of that, too.
Are you happy? Or are you just doing what you think you’re supposed to do? It’s a tough question, but one that’s worth answering. Because your happiness is worth it. And you deserve to choose it.
Final Funky Notes: Social Media is where most people lurk but over here on Funky Grunge Boutique Extra, the goal is to build a community. There will be post , events, and stuff that will only be exclusive to this newsletter/blog. Exclusive groups, vlogs and other content will not make social media. So join the FUNK! I’m just saying this ain’t no plain blog. :)
Until Next Time, Do What The FUNK You Want, And That’s On Every FUNKY thang!
Tangie Bell Content Creator, Podcaster & Online Boutique Owner