Literally twice this week I was told, “You look too young to have kids that age.” A compliment for sure and I totally appreciate that because I do have kids in their twenties. It, however, makes me think about where I’m at and where I’m going even more. Time is such a precious commodity, and I don’t want to waste any more of it. I’m a middle-aged woman and am motivated.
I’ve always been one to see each day as a gift and strive to see the joy in all things. With that, I’ve made huge changes in my life, and I want to share with the goal of blessing and inspiring you.
Not only are big changes happening, but big changes are also coming in so many ways. What does one do to help make all this upheaval palatable? For me, bring it before God.
I know I can’t do this alone and while people try all they might to help, they are not my source of strength if I have my eyes, mind, spirit, and heart focused where they should be, on HIM.
PLANNING
Have you ever heard the saying, “if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans”? I’m going to talk while I use my workshop as my focal point today. First, this was taken before I planned (insert God-giggle, if you will) to make better of my workspace. back in June of 2022. I already built my workbench HERE and my dust collector hood OVER HERE.
While this may look like a hot mess, I use every bit of it for myself and my six kids. For two years I requested to build for my birthday or any reason, a large storage cart to put my wood in. I bought the plans, kept asking for a certain person to help, but in the words of Yukon Cornelius, “nothin'”. I got tired of waiting, so I saved my hard-earned pennies until I have the funds to build. By the way, I purchased the plans at the beginning of that two-year wait for $10.
Why did middle-aged me want a wood storage cart? Well, because my repurposed curbside wood and crib rail storage rack was a permanent fixture. I need a mobile unit so I can actually work on my cars (we now have 8… yes 8). Now, before you go judging me, this scene is ever-changing.
Remember this was two years ago and during that time I reworked many things in this picture alone:
- Broken Tea Cart Repaired
- Inlay Marble Table Makeover
- Filing Cabinet Makeover
- Curbside Drawers into Tiered Storage
What is more, at this time I am also having the very breath knocked out of me in more ways than one. (READ MORE HERE)
PURGE
Next, I am not a clutter-bug, but use every bit and purge all.the.time. However, I have found that being in abusive relationships my entire life lends one to hang onto things as a way of protection and preparation. After having a revelation about my family of origin a few months ago, I’ve been on the deepest, purest purge of all. It includes stuff and people. My heavenly Father values me more than I can fathom, and I don’t need people in my life to bring me down, to devalue me, and to use me.
Right after I took those photos two years ago, I gave away much lumber, cut up misfits for my fireplace scrap box, and kept what I wanted. In addition, I also sold things to help fund my endeavors. Enter in this past autumn. Realizing how my entire life has been shaped and ready/deeply needing to heal, I let go of certain dreams as a middle-aged woman.
GOODBYE CIDER DREAMS
First, that I would not get to move to the home with my children young my heart as ached for – a small country home with acreage and animals. Part of that dream was a small orchard and being able to make memories with my children. About 10 years ago, I sold prized possessions in order to be able to purchase this absolutely gorgeous antique press and fruit grinder.
Not only did the press have a story, but also this grinder had a lovely letter that came with it that told the heartwarming story of how it was used for grapes by the previous family and the uncle who was lovingly cherished.
The best part is that each of my children get a monetary gift when they purchase their first car. It’s a large sum, but not the thousands it requires these days. After this sold, the sale price was the exact amount I needed to give my daughter whom I then helped purchase her first car debt free. Best feeling ever.
FOR SALE
And so, I have one memory of making 13 gallons of cider (from that 20-gallon press) with my children. It wasn’t as glorious as I’d hoped because I was pregnant with my last and couldn’t do much. However, I kept hoping for one day… Until this year. It’s time to sell my beloved press and let go of my dream. God knew it too.
Initially, when I listed these items for sale as a set, people would offer me such offensive prices and even harass me for my asking price. They were offering me the same price as a one-gallon press!! NO. It wasn’t until a sweet gal reached out that I knew she and her husband were the only ones I would sell it to. Mendy wants it for her family to make memories with grandchildren and all. It completely breaks my heart to know those memories won’t be mine, but I know it will be put to good use on their farm orchard fruits. Not only that, but they paid the price I asked and knew it was a gem to cherish, plus I made a new friend.
What is more, if you look beside the press, you can see I finally got to build my wood cart for my middle-aged self after a two-year wait. However, that too just sold as my future is changing. I tried to sell it with very lowball offers for about six months. I wanted to, at least, make back what I invested in lumber and hardware.
A HAPPY ENDING
It’s a beauty, isn’t it? A woodworkers dream with endless storage and even an option to add a feature (that I didn’t get to) that allows you to cut 4′ x 8′ panels in a snap. To make this story relatable, I want to talk to you about it – watch below.
Now, that’s a blessing!! It’s a crazy middle-aged adventure I’m on in many ways. My mind, body, and spirit are healing. Likewise, I’ve got much work to do on me.
Next, I have another area of my workshop that I also had been requesting help on for years. I could have done it all myself before, but never had the time. NOW is the time. In my next post I’m sharing more on that – stay tuned!
Finally, it’s time for you to talk to me. Tell me about how you see your life changing, how God is working, how your life story is unfolding. When we share, we uplift and relate to those around us.
SHARE
Last, after leaving some comment love below, I invite you to pin and share my middle-aged and motivated story. Let’s inspire and bring joy to others, shall we?
Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter as my next chapter unfolds with this hot mess HERE.
Until next time!
While you’re at it, check out these other inspirational posts like my middle-aged and motivated:
Thank you for sharing your stories. God is good, and you are an inspiration!
Yes! He sure is.
I’m so happy to see you blossoming in your “new” life! May God lead you to the happiest of places!!! 🥰
It’s hard and I’m learning and am thankful for knowledge.
try some ginger tea with honey and lemon for the cold/flu…works for me every time.
Oh yes. Already did my things. Feeling almost normal today after the sun is shining.
Larissa you are amazing. You are such an inspiration. I so enjoy your posts. I know it’s not easy to let go of our dreams but with faith and knowing not mater what God has a plan.
You are so sweet, Ally, I’m just hoping to be real and let others know troubles come and go. Yes, stinkin’ hard, but I’m trusting.
Larissa, I can feel your positivity and strength growing with each blog. I am so very happy for you to see your healing. You are an inspiration for us all.
I had to laugh when I read the God giggle comment. When I can feel God leading me in one direction and I am being resistant and saying, “But God, can we talk about this?”, I can almost hear God laughing in the background. I’m sure He has quite a laugh after some of my conversations over 72 years! Thank you for sharing your struggles and your successes. It is a powerful message. Bless you, my friend.
Your words mean much, Gayle. I think I’m on that same train you’ve been on! haha. Yes, struggles for sure and seeing the “wins” along the way. I’m ready for a bigger picture to be able to look back on and see the way He led.
Down sizing is not fun!
Getting older is not for sissies.
No joke! 🙁 At the same time, it’s also freeing. Free to choose, free to be me in every facet. I’m choosing that freedom.
You are Right… tough times Do come and go.
I’m happy you are striving for happiness and peace.
Take the wins as they come. You Do deserve them.
Thanks for sharing.
They sure do. Thank you so much. My pleasure to share.
Larissa, I’ve been following your blog for quite a few years now. You are amazing! With everything you’ve been through, you are still smiling. Sending you virtual hugs.
Hugs received! Thank you so much, Sherrin. I’m so glad you’re along for the ride.
Larissa, thank you for sharing as you journey forward. I think it’s so helpful to know that others also struggle but there can be hope as life marches on. I’ve been through personal struggles with family, and wondered how relationships would ever be mended but it’s during those times, especially, that “letting go and let God” makes all the differnece. That was almost a decade ago. Relationships have mended and we share many wonderful family get-togethers. I feel blessed every day.
I have a wall hanging that says, “Be not afraid of going slowly. Be afraid only of standing still.” It was (And still is) a good reminder for me many days.
Love the “God giggles”. I’m gonna remember that the next time I start to say, “so I was thinking….”
BTW, Great mobile wood storage container.
My pleasure to share as God is leading me to share my journey. Many reach out privately to tell me that my sharing is helping them. That makes all of this worthwhile. I’m glad God has a sense of humor. 😉 Hugs to you, Joanne.
Oh Larissa, you look so pretty with your beautiful wavy Bob cut!! I LOVE it!! This post hit me square btwn the eyes. 53.5 and motivated but sick of waiting on certain dreams like you that I have recently accepted and let go of. I don’t understand why they were born of our hearts yet never came to pass but sometimes we cause our dream to seem as tho it’s a part of HIS plan for our lives but isn’t. So I TOTALLY get how you feel!! I too have begged and asked over and over and…. LOL a lot more overs!!! Yet nothing has been done but then I just brushed it off as that’s not their dream and they care nothing for my vision or dream so that’s been a hard “Ah ha moment” for me as well!! I pray you have a glorious, beyond blessed and anointed renewal of your hearts desires!! You can and will continue to do ALL things through Jesus our Lord bc he assured us that NOTHING is impossible with him!! I’m praying for you and please keep me in your prayers also! That we BOTH follow after a deeper relationship. Value ourselves more and that what HIS plan for our lives are, the dreams we begin to dream again come to full fruition during our middle age and beyond years!! Keep up the good work!
Blessings & Friendship Always,
Erica
I wish I could hug ya, Erica. Yes, I do believe He will give me the desires of my heart and that He has spared me from more abuse by not giving me it when I thought I needed it. I still dream of a country property, but I just won’t be raising my children on it. One day… Prayers for you too.