Strong… But Tired: The Truth Behind the Blog and Social Media
This post is a diversion from our regular outfit or style tips post, what you expect from Style at a Certain Age, and me, the woman behind the platform and business. From the outside looking in, it might seem like I have it all together.
Polished photos. Daily outfit inspiration. Thoughtful blog posts. A calendar full of brand partnerships on YouTube, Instagram, and sometimes here on the blog. And yes—there is so much joy in what I do. I love this community, and I’m so proud of the platform I’ve built.
But can I be honest with you?
I’m strong… but I’m tired.
Not just the kind of tired a nap can fix.
The kind of tired that builds from years of showing up—consistently, creatively, professionally—through loss, grief, growth, and everything in between.
Why I’m Writing This Post
This post is a bit of a diversion from the usual outfit ideas and style advice you typically find here—but it’s one I felt called to write. Because Style at a Certain Age isn’t just about what we wear—it’s about how we live. It’s about helping women navigate this chapter of life with grace, strength, and beauty—and sometimes, that means talking about the harder parts too. The parts that don’t show up in a polished photo. The moments when we’re dressed and smiling, but silently carrying so much more.
Sharing this glimpse into my life isn’t about seeking sympathy—it’s about connection. If you’ve ever felt tired, unseen, or like you’re dancing backward in heels just to keep everything moving… this post is for you. You’re not alone.
Being a creator means walking the line between personal and professional every single day. It means using your voice and your story as a platform—while also being your own strategist, stylist, writer, editor, negotiator, marketer, and leader.
It’s beautiful. And it’s a lot.
Behind every Reel, blog post, and brand collaboration are:
- 6AM brainstorms
- Missed meals
- Emails at midnight
- Rounds of revisions
- Scheduling posts when you really want to curl up and cry
And behind all of that is a woman—me—still healing, still rebuilding, still longing for the shoulder she used to lean on. And if you’re struggling with grief I have several posts where I share How to Cope with Grief.
The Emotional Labor of Visibility
There’s a weight to being “seen.”
To opening up your life in a way that invites connection—but also criticism.
Sometimes feedback comes in kind, thoughtful messages that lift me up.
Other times, it’s disguised as “just my opinion,” and it cuts deeper than people realize.
But here’s what I know: being strong isn’t about pretending everything is fine.
It’s about showing up with honesty.
It’s about protecting your energy while still leading with heart.
It’s about saying, “I’m doing my best. And some days, that looks a little less perfect.”
The Legacy I Want to Leave
As I write this, I’m preparing to welcome not one—but two granddaughters into the world.
And it’s changed how I see everything.
I think about the world they’ll grow up in. The messages they’ll receive. The pressure they’ll feel. And I think about how I want to show up for them—not just as their Bebe, but as an example.
I want them to see that a woman can lead with grace and grit.
That she can be bold and soft.
That she can be stylish, strong, successful—and still honest when she’s tired.
I want them to know that strength isn’t about doing it all—it’s about knowing when to rest, when to ask for help, and when to speak your truth.
And if they ever wonder what it’s like to be a woman running a business, building a life, and carrying the unseen weight of it all, I hope someone reminds them of Ginger Rogers—who did everything Fred Astaire did… but backward, and in heels.
That quote? It says everything.
That’s the legacy I hope to leave—not just in blog posts or brand work, but in the way I live, love, and lead.
What I’ve Learned in the Quiet Moments
Here’s the thing: when you’re the one others look to, it’s not easy to admit you’re tired. But I’ve come to understand that burnout doesn’t mean I’m weak—it means I’ve been strong for too long without rest.
So when life feels heavy, I return to the small things that center me:
- Quiet mornings. No emails. No scrolling. Just me, my coffee, and my thoughts. Sometimes I journal. Sometimes I cry. But I always make space to breathe and pray.
- Simplifying wherever I can. That might mean posting less, leaning on my team more, saying no, or choosing ease over effort. It’s okay to hit pause.
- Leaning into what brings joy. That might be Oscar snuggled at my feet, planning for my soon-to-arrive granddaughters, or slipping into a well-loved linen dress on a sunny day.
Why I Still Show Up
Because I believe in this work.
Because women over 50, my daughters-in-law and granddaughters deserve to be represented—stylishly, thoughtfully, and truthfully.
Because you, my community, remind me every day that connection matters more than perfection.
And even on the days when I feel weary, I remember this:
I’m not alone.
And neither are you.
You’re Not Alone
Maybe no one has said this to you lately, so let me:
It’s okay to be tired.
It’s okay to step back.
It’s okay to not be okay all the time.
This community of women is full of strength, grace, and real life—messy, beautiful, in-progress life. And I want this space, this corner of the internet, to reflect that.
So today’s post isn’t about what to wear or how to style it.
It’s simply a reminder that we’re walking this journey together.
Have you ever felt like you had to hold it all together, even when you were running on empty? What kind of legacy are you building for the next generation? Let’s create space for real talk—and remind each other that it’s okay to be strong and tired.
With love,
Beth
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