Life has a funny way of making us think we're running out of time, especially when we're constantly bombarded by the fear of missing out. I've been hearing this a lot from women in my life lately. One thing I've noticed is that many of my friends, especially women my age, feel like they've missed their chance to make significant changes. But let me tell you…

It's never too late!

These sentiments are often echoed in the messages I receive from women in my DMs, seeking advice on navigating life's twists and turns. If I could share one piece of wisdom with my 35-year-old self, it would be that the journey of self-discovery and reinvention knows no age limit. It's a realization that has fueled my commitment to helping others chart their course through uncharted territories.

Finding Financial Freedom

Starting fresh often begins with knowing your financial capacity. Sit down with someone you trust, crunch the numbers, and understand your possibilities. It's never about how much you have…it's about managing what you do have.

The Allure of Van Life

The appeal of van life isn't just about the van…it's about the freedom it represents. But you don't need a van to embrace that freedom. Consider a staycation, explore a new town 45 minutes away, inject a sense of adventure without breaking the bank.

As I reflect on these experiences and conversations, I'm reminded that the questions about starting anew, financial freedom, and the allure of unconventional lifestyles are shared concerns. If I could whisper advice to my 35-year-old self through time, it would be a reassuring message that embarking on a new journey is not bound by age or circumstance. It's a testament to the enduring power of resilience, courage, and the unwavering belief that it's never too late to redefine your narrative.

Change can manifest in various forms — relationships, careers, or personal development. A powerful exercise that helped me navigate these changes is the "stop, start, and continue" approach. Here are some questions to guide you:

Highlights & Low Lights: Reflect on the past 12 months, using your calendar and camera roll to help you remember the big and the little moments that stand out.
List out your monthly highlights.
Challenges: Go deeper into the toughest aspects across five categories…Health & Wellness, Career, Money or School, Relationships, Love & Friendship, Fun & Happiness, and Purpose, Spirituality, & Meaning.
Self-Discovery: What did you learn about yourself in each of these categories?
Stop, Continue, Start: Identify what you want to stop, continue, and start this year.
Focus: Choose one thing for each category to prioritize going forward.

Consider what scares you and what excites you about making these changes. Share your journey with someone supportive. I recently did this exercise with my kids (ages 26 and 24). The cool thing is, we are all moving into the new year with a strong sense of alignment with each other, which feels amazing and empowering.

In the face of fear and uncertainty, remember, you can shift. Slowing down to reevaluate priorities is a gift in disguise. The "stop, start, and continue" exercise can be a powerful tool to guide you through this process.

Cass Wendel (Founder @girlgetafterit) led this workshop during the initial Dare events here in Montana. I have incorporated this practice into my routine every year since. So, I was delighted when I tuned into Mel Robbins' year-end podcast and discovered her insightful discussion about the very same practice.

🎙️ Listen in to Mel Robbins' Year-End Podcast!

See where the "stop, start, and continue" exercise takes you.

Sometimes, small shifts can lead to significant transformations. Shifting careers, jobs, or locations is not just about the external change but also an internal exploration. Detours in life are meant to shift your perspective. Even small changes in routine, like driving home a different way or grocery shopping backward, can create new pathways.

Remember, it's okay to step out of your routine. And if I can help inspire even a small shift in you, my efforts are worthwhile.