Keeping Up With Trends May Keep You Younger

Things I Wish I Knew Sooner: Episode 5

I’ve been involved in social media since my oldest child was in fifth grade. She’s 24 now. My goal was to get ahead of it so that I knew how to navigate the apps she would be using once she got her own phone, I became the mom who knew how to post, share, and figure out whatever new thing the kids were using—then it was Instagram, Snapchat, and that horrible anonymous Yik Yak. For my age group, we navigated Facebook and ventured into social media ourselves for the first time as well. I’m sure most people my age are shocked when they see those old original posts come up and they said something for the world to read that they wouldn’t dream of doing now. But we also absolutely love that we made a scrapbook for ourselves without even knowing it.

Those were my days of being a PTA mom and, shocking, I know- I was the PTA Corresponding Secretary. I was using Constant Contact to create fun pages that brought people to our events, I administered and brought new life to the Elementary Facebook page. I was already a little more social-media-savvy than some of the people my age. I didn’t know it then, but I was already in training for Smart Second Half. 😂

I’m now managing Snapchat, an Etsy shop, TikTok, two Instagram accounts, two Facebook pages, a YouTube page, an Amazon Storefront, a ShopMY, and the newest one, LTK (coming soon). Then there’s my bookish corner- Goodreads, Libby, and NetGalley. Yes, whew, that’s a lot of accounts. Sometimes I feel like I need a social media secretary. Which, as it happens, used to be one of my PTA jobs.

My mother was older than many of my friends’ moms. She was my best friend and the best mom I could have asked for, but she wasn’t always up to date on the latest music or trends. Makeup and hair weren’t necessarily her main focus and she never once got a manicure or pedicure. I think that stayed with me. I wanted to be exactly like her, but maybe, just a little younger and more“hip”.

So I had three kids under the age of 4 by the age of 31. I’m 52, and two of my kids have full time “adult jobs”, one is a junior in college. My kids tell me I’m a. lot younger than most of their friends moms and I love hearing that . Not just because of the age, I also think it’s about my mindset. My kids can talk to me about just about everything. I’ve always liked new music and new trends, and I’ve never felt I was “too old” to enjoy them. And yes I’ve even mastered SnapChat. My daughters and I send videos all day in our “besties” group chat and I am so grateful for that. Social media has allowed the 3 of us, in 3 different places, to get a glimpse into each other’s daily lives when we normally would not. In case you're wondering, my son and I strictly text. It’s a boy thing. Boys don’t want their mom showing up as a Snapchat friend, Or at least mine doesn't. And that’s ok with me, I’m just grateful for the texts!

I watch DWTS, Love Island, Earle Meets World, and just about everything Bravo. This way when my girls talk about it, it’s a conversation I can join. And when I spotted one of my favorite places, Benny’s on the Beach, in the background one day? I couldn’t wait to call the girls with breaking news. Alix Earle and her family were just on Benny’s beach.😂

I read Verity a couple of years ago because it was the hot book and getting rave reviews. I gave it three stars because it was darker and creepier than I usually like, but those twists kept me turning the pages. I couldn’t wait to see the movie even though I don’t like thrillers. Nerd alert- one of my favrotire things is to read a book and then watch it come alive on screen. That’s my favorite kind of full book review. My take on the movie? A lot of. key things were left out, Anne Hathaway was amazing. But…wait for Netflix .

This is the spirit I’ve brought into Smart Second Half. It’s a place for the things I’m curious about now. Books, fashion trends, travel, life lessons, and figuring out what this next chapter can look like. I’m still learning the platforms, testing ideas, and occasionally asking myself which account I’m supposed to be posting on. But I like having new things to learn—and I like sharing what I discover along the way.

Maybe keeping up with trends helps keep us young because it keeps us curious and connected. I never want to be “old fashioned”. You don’t have to love every viral book, master every app, or recognize every person on a show. You just have to stay open enough to enjoy the moment when your favorite beach restaurant makes a surprise cameo on a show most people your age aren’t watching. Most of all you have to keep your sense of humor about it and not give a darn about what anybody else thinks.

And here’s something I wish I’d known sooner: I wish I’d started this website—and all the writing, pages, videos, and ideas that go with it—years ago. I already knew how to help people stay connected, how to navigate social media, and coming up with things to share. I just didn’t realize those little pieces could grow into something that belonged to ME. But I’m starting now, and the purpose of Smart Second Half is to to remind us that there’s no age limit on a new idea. There may, however, be a limit to how many passwords one person can remember.

I’m 52, I’m having fun, and I’m not ready to feel old. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to catch up with DWTS and remember which account I need to post this on.